N.C. DENR News Releases

Recycling Programs Grow in North Carolina; Catawba County Leads State in Per Capita Recycling Rate

Diana Kees

RALEIGH – Expanding recycling efforts in North Carolina contributed to last year’s historic drop in its per capita disposal rate, and state environmental officials today recognized Catawba County for its leadership in recycling, as shown in the state’s annual rankings of county per capita recycling rates.

Catawba County earned the top spot in the state recycling rankings, according to data compiled in the 2010-2011 North Carolina Solid Waste and Materials Management Report. Its recycling rate of more than 729 pounds per capita can in large part be attributed to the Catawba County Regional EcoComplex and Resource Recovery Facility, an innovative and interactive network of companies and operations that tries to match waste streams with the need for materials in the manufacturing of new products and energy sources. The on-site use of discarded materials in turn helps Catawba County achieve higher rates of recycling.

“Catawba County and its municipalities set a strong example for other North Carolina communities in the implementation of programs and policies that encourage waste reduction and recycling,” said Rob Taylor, Local Government Assistance team leader for the Division of Environmental Assistance and Outreach. “They do an outstanding job of recovering both traditional recyclables in curbside and drop-off programs, but also other materials like wood and pallets at the County’s innovative EcoComplex.”

Municipal and county recycling programs across the state continue to play an important role in diverting materials from landfills and delivering them to North Carolina’s recycling economy. The 2010-2011 report and analysis of solid waste management indicates that North Carolinians threw away less per capita than at any time in nearly 20 years, largely due to continuing recycling efforts as well as economic conditions.

“One of Gov. Bev Perdue’s top priorities has been and continues to be investing in our economic future and creating jobs,” said Secretary Dee Freeman of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources. “The growth we’re seeing in public recycling programs such as in Catawba County, brings the welcome news of more materials to North Carolina manufacturers who rely on recycled commodities as their raw materials.”

Features of note related to public recycling efforts during fiscal year 2010-11 include:

· Continued growth in the recovery of traditional recyclable materials. Local government programs collected a record tonnage of traditional recyclable materials like newspapers, magazines, cardboard, junk mail, aluminum and steel cans and plastic and glass bottles and jars. This occurred in spite of a weak consumer economy, a trend towards decreased weight of packaging, and the continued decrease in the circulation and size of newspapers.

Plastic bottle recovery in particular has experienced significant growth since the state’s disposal ban became effective on Oct. 1, 2009, increasing 22 percent in FY 2009-10 and 23.4 percent in FY 2010-11.

· Increases in the number of curbside recycling programs and the number of citizens with access to recycling collection. During FY 2010-11 the number of publically operated curbside recycling programs grew for the third year in a row, climbing to 283 total programs from 259 in 2010 and 214 programs in 2009.

· Significant growth in local government electronics recycling programs. The number of local governments operating an electronics recycling program has more than doubled in the past five years and will continue to grow in response to the state’s electronics disposal ban and as the demand for the metals and plastics in discarded electronics continues to rise. In FY 2010-11 local governments recycled more than 7,400 tons of electronics including more than 3,000 tons of televisions, a threefold increase over the amount in the previous year.

One way the state measures the overall success of recycling in North Carolina is through its annual ranking of per capita annual recycling rates for each North Carolina county. The total recycling tonnage shown includes materials collected and managed by county programs plus the municipal programs within the county. Yard waste, tires and some special wastes are excluded from the tonnage totals to allow for consistent comparisons from year-to-year.

Access to recycling markets and the commitment of local leaders to waste reduction and recycling both remain important factors in recycling program performance, but the rankings demonstrate success is being achieved by a wide range of communities from mountains to coast and from large populations to small. For more information about public recycling programs in North Carolina, contact Rob Taylor with the Division of Environmental Assistance and Outreach at 919-707-8139.

Rank	County Name	Total Tonnage	Population	Per Capita Recovery (lbs.)
1	CATAWBA COUNTY	56,396.63	154,654	729.33
2	PITT COUNTY	41,769.83	169,378	493.21
3	DARE COUNTY	6,135.43	33,886	362.12
4	ORANGE COUNTY	18,006.10	134,325	268.10
5	SWAIN COUNTY	1,862.13	14,020	265.64
6	MACON COUNTY	4,487.21	33,946	264.37
7	WATAUGA COUNTY	6,352.21	51,326	247.52
8	GUILFORD COUNTY	52,147.91	490,371	212.69
9	BUNCOMBE COUNTY	23,795.90	239,179	198.98
10	BRUNSWICK COUNTY	10,706.41	108,176	197.94
11	MECKLENBURG COUNTY	89,474.39	923,944	193.68
12	CURRITUCK COUNTY	2,186.15	23,559	185.59
13	NEW HANOVER COUNTY	18,530.63	203,439	182.17
14	HAYWOOD COUNTY	5,386.78	59,148	182.15
15	SAMPSON COUNTY	5,490.39	63,481	172.98
16	CAMDEN COUNTY	864.36	10,000	172.87
17	IREDELL COUNTY	13,821.25	160,107	172.65
18	ALEXANDER COUNTY	2,936.47	37,254	157.65
19	CRAVEN COUNTY	7,850.48	104,147	150.76
20	ALLEGHANY COUNTY	811.70	11,171	145.32
21	WAKE COUNTY	61,095.61	907,314	134.67
22	HENDERSON COUNTY	7,058.48	107,177	131.72
23	MADISON COUNTY	1,352.56	20,795	130.09
24	ASHE COUNTY	1,774.45	27,378	129.63
25	JACKSON COUNTY	2,615.89	40,480	129.24
26	MOORE COUNTY	5,582.80	88,594	126.03
27	TRANSYLVANIA COUNTY	2,041.31	33,189	123.01
28	DURHAM COUNTY	16,392.88	268,925	121.91
29	HYDE COUNTY	350.16	5,783	121.10
30	DUPLIN COUNTY	3,300.11	58,729	112.38
31	BEAUFORT COUNTY	2,605.41	47,929	108.72
32	ONSLOW COUNTY	10,021.90	185,304	108.17
33	CABARRUS COUNTY	9,573.68	179,025	106.95
34	PASQUOTANK COUNTY	2,159.27	40,605	106.35
35	DAVIE COUNTY	2,198.78	41,378	106.28
36	PENDER COUNTY	2,785.11	52,504	106.09
37	POLK COUNTY	1,087.46	20,588	105.64
38	MITCHELL COUNTY	820.68	15,588	105.30
39	CHATHAM COUNTY	3,304.35	63,870	103.47
40	PAMLICO COUNTY	659.64	13,136	100.43
41	CHOWAN COUNTY	733.65	14,762	99.40
42	FORSYTH COUNTY	17,260.86	351,798	98.13
43	CARTERET COUNTY	3,258.46	66,712	97.69
44	PERQUIMANS COUNTY	647.55	13,486	96.03
45	CUMBERLAND COUNTY	14,698.44	326,673	89.99
46	NASH COUNTY	4,290.12	96,215	89.18
47	GRANVILLE COUNTY	2,616.03	60,547	86.41
48	BURKE COUNTY	3,738.78	91,008	82.16
49	LINCOLN COUNTY	3,222.85	78,684	81.92
50	WAYNE COUNTY	4,946.62	122,893	80.50
51	SCOTLAND COUNTY	1,429.08	36,098	79.18
52	MCDOWELL COUNTY	1,779.40	45,031	79.03
53	ALAMANCE COUNTY	5,431.16	151,745	71.58
54	UNION COUNTY	7,223.99	202,592	71.32
55	PERSON COUNTY	1,405.95	39,585	71.03
56	HARNETT COUNTY	4,068.04	115,579	70.39
57	WILSON COUNTY	2,860.20	81,643	70.07
58	YANCEY COUNTY	620.96	17,802	69.76
59	LEE COUNTY	2,024.29	58,059	69.73
60	CLAY COUNTY	368.99	10,622	69.48
61	GATES COUNTY	416.40	12,214	68.18
62	ROCKINGHAM COUNTY	3,188.19	93,764	68.00
63	AVERY COUNTY	587.82	17,812	66.00
64	CLEVELAND COUNTY	3,230.24	98,249	65.76
65	LENOIR COUNTY	1,895.33	59,493	63.72
66	DAVIDSON COUNTY	4,982.87	163,488	60.96
67	YADKIN COUNTY	1,164.68	38,451	60.58
68	WASHINGTON COUNTY	399.50	13,224	60.42
69	MONTGOMERY COUNTY	823.79	27,992	58.86
70	GASTON COUNTY	6,063.25	206,384	58.76
71	BLADEN COUNTY	998.90	35,243	56.69
72	FRANKLIN COUNTY	1,697.16	60,978	55.66
73	MARTIN COUNTY	673.89	24,498	55.02
74	ROWAN COUNTY	3,684.80	138,651	53.15
75	SURRY COUNTY	1,945.86	73,791	52.74
76	RANDOLPH COUNTY	3,702.33	142,127	52.10
77	RUTHERFORD COUNTY	1,758.59	68,006	51.72
78	CALDWELL COUNTY	2,031.35	83,176	48.84
79	HERTFORD COUNTY	562.57	24,822	45.33
80	WILKES COUNTY	1,522.59	69,419	43.87
81	VANCE COUNTY	881.48	45,477	38.77
82	JOHNSTON COUNTY	3,269.19	170,151	38.43
83	HOKE COUNTY	861.88	47,376	36.38
84	STANLY COUNTY	1,098.25	60,714	36.18
85	TYRRELL COUNTY	79.15	4,390	36.06
86	WARREN COUNTY	373.77	21,031	35.54
87	STOKES COUNTY	818.53	47,478	34.48
88	RICHMOND COUNTY	781.30	46,600	33.53
89	GRAHAM COUNTY	148.77	8,888	33.48
90	EDGECOMBE COUNTY	938.35	56,681	33.11
91	CHEROKEE COUNTY	438.94	27,527	31.89
92	ANSON COUNTY	372.97	26,973	27.66
93	GREENE COUNTY	218.89	21,277	20.58
94	CASWELL COUNTY	199.94	23,676	16.89
95	NORTHAMPTON COUNTY	131.74	22,111	11.92
96	BERTIE COUNTY	121.78	21,267	11.45
97	JONES COUNTY	55.19	10,159	10.87
98	COLUMBUS COUNTY	255.31	58,204	8.77
99	ROBESON COUNTY	458.04	134,502	6.81
100	HALIFAX COUNTY	139.50	54,627	5.11

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Seats Still Available for Coastal Recreational Fishing License Grant Program Symposium

Patricia Smith

MOREHEAD CITY – Seats are still available for a symposium that will showcase projects funded in the first five years of the Coastal Recreational Fishing License Grant Program.

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries and N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will host the event May 31 at the New Bern Riverfront Convention Center, 203 South Front St., New Bern.

The symposium is free and open to the public. However, pre-registration is required. Sign up by visiting the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries’ website athttp://portal.ncdenr.org/web/mf//crfl-symposium-registration-form. The registration deadline has been extended to May 25.

The symposium will feature presentations from grant recipients for numerous projects, including:

· An N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries program to collect recreational fishing data;

· An N.C. State University study of the movement and mortality of spotted seatrout;

· A University of North Carolina at Wilmington project that tested the use of text messaging to submit catch and effort fishing reports from a wireless phone; and

· The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s construction of several boating access sites.

There will also be exhibits of some of the educational projects funded by the grant program.

A full agenda is available on the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries’ website athttp://portal.ncdenr.org/c/document_library/get_file?uuid=a3d31ec8-c3ce-4952-8276-04b76bdb2da2&groupId=38337.

The grant program was established in 2007 to fund for projects that aim to manage, protect, restore, develop, cultivate and enhance the marine resources of the state. The program receives revenues from the sale of Coastal Recreational Fishing Licenses.

In the five years since its inception, the grant program has awarded approximately $21 million to 68 projects.

For more information, contact grant program coordinator Tiffany Frazier at 252-808-8004 orTiffany.Frazier@ncdenr.gov.

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State Environmental Agency to Make Recycling Announcement in Newton

Diana Kees

RALEIGH – Secretary Dee Freeman of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources will make a special recycling announcement on Monday in Newton as part of the department’s roll-out of its annual county recycling rankings.

Where: PalletOne Facility, located in the Catawba County Regional EcoComplex and Resource Recovery Facility, 2815 Woodtech Dr., Newton (Highway 321, exit 37 to Highway 10 West, 1.5 mile turn left on Hickory-Lincolnton Highway, ¾ mile turn left on Rocky Ford Rd, ¾ mile turn left on Wood Tech Drive).

When: Monday, May 21; 11 a.m.

Who: Secretary Dee Freeman; Kitty Barnes, chairwoman of the Catawba County Commission; Barry Edwards, director of Catawba's department of utilities and engineering; Larry Draughn, associate regional manager of PalletOne; and Scott Mouw, Community and Business Assistance Section chief, Division of Environmental Assistance and Outreach.

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North Carolina to Prohibit Menhaden Purse Seine Fishery in State Waters

Patricia Smith

MOREHEAD CITY – North Carolina will soon prohibit certain menhaden purse seine fishing operations in state waters.

The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission voted last week to prohibit the use of purse seines deployed from a mother ship for the harvest of menhaden within the state’s three-mile jurisdiction. The action mirrors a draft bill approved by a legislative study committee on marine fisheries issues.

“This is a conservation measure we think needs to be put in place,” said commission Chairman Rob Bizzell.

Commission members said they were concerned about the amount of bycatch associated with large purse seine fishing operations, and the conflicts that arise with other fishing sectors.

The measure does not prohibit smaller purse seine operations that do not use multiple vessels.

The commission asked Division of Marine Fisheries Director Louis Daniel to implement the closure by proclamation. Daniel said he plans to issue the proclamationin the next two weeks.

In other business, the commission:

Voted to ask the division to develop a suite of potential management options for the protection of Atlantic sturgeon, which was listed as a federally endangered species April 6. The proposed management options will likely impact both large mesh and small mesh gill net fishing in the Albemarle, Croatan and Roanoke sounds. The proposed management measures will be reviewed by advisory committees before coming before the commission in August. The commission also agreed by consensus to write a letter to North Carolina’s congressional delegation outlining its concerns with the National Marine Fisheries Service’s decision to list Atlantic sturgeon as an endangered species.
Voted to send the draft American Shad Sustainable Fishery Management Plan to the Regional and Finfish advisory committees for comment. The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission will require any state without an approved sustainable fishery plan for shad to close its fishery by Jan. 1, 2013. The ASMFC Shad and River Herring Management Board approved North Carolina’s draft plan May 1. The draft plan calls for a Feb. 20 to April 11 commercial season and a five-fish recreational bag limit in the Cape Fear River; a March 1 to April 15 commercial season in all waters except the Cape Fear River; and a one-fish recreational bag limit in joint and coastal waters of the Roanoke and Neuse river systemsto complement Wildlife Resources Commission regulations in inland waters.
Voted to begin the rulemaking process to create a seed oyster management area in Possum Bay and Swan Point at the mouth of the New River.
Voted to write a letter to the National Park Service opposing the Hatteras beach closures.
Agreed by consensus to ask the division to investigate if further regulations are needed in the conch fishery.

For more information on the meeting, contact Nancy Fish in the Marine Fisheries Commission Office at 252-808-8025 or Nancy.Fish@ncdenr.gov.

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Fisheries Commission Extends Flounder Gill Net Closure; Decreases Yardage Limit in Carteret County Waters

Patricia Smith

MOREHEAD CITY – New restrictions on large mesh gill nets will go into effect Sunday in Carteret County waters to further protect threatened and endangered sea turtles and prevent overfishing of Bogue Sound.

The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission voted last week to continue a closure in the southern part of Core Sound, Back Sound, The Straits and North River to the use of set large mesh gill nets during the summer and fall. These waters closed May 13 to set nets with 4- to 6 ½-inch stretched mesh, but had originally been slated to reopen June 4.

The commission also voted to reduce the yardage limit on large mesh gill nets set from 2,000 yards to 1,000 yards in waters between North River and the N.C. 58 bridge to Emerald Isle.

The commission took this action to reduce interactions with sea turtles as the state continues to pursue a statewide Incidental Take Permit for large mesh gill nets under Section 10 of the federal Endangered Species Act. These permits allow for takes of endangered species that occur incidentally to an otherwise lawful activity under limitations specified in each permit. The commission and the division hope that active management of this identified hotspot for interactions will be viewed favorably by NMFS.

The southern part of Core Sound, Back Sound, the Straits and North River account for 53 percent of the sea turtle interactions the state had documented since implementing a large mesh gill net observer program in 2010.

The observer program was instituted as part of an agreement to settle a lawsuit filed against the state by the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center.

Daniel issued a proclamation today to implement the new management measures. For specific information on the closure lines and the gill net yardage restrictions, see Proclamation M-23-12 on the division’s website at http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/mf/proclamations.

The commission agreed by consensus to write a letter to the NMFS, copying the N.C. Congressional delegation, expressing frustration with the ITP process, the lack of a stock assessment for sea turtles; and problems with nesting data used to determine sea turtle population status.

For more information, contact Protected Resources Section Chief Chris Batsavage at 252-808-8009 or Chris.Batsavage@ncdenr.gov.

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Public Hearing Scheduled to Gather Input on Changes to Groundwater Standards

Susan Massengale

RALEIGH – The state Division of Water Quality and Environmental Management Commission will hold a public hearing later this month to gather input on three proposed options to change the groundwater standard for 1,1-dichloroethylene – changes that could impact the way the division establishes water quality standards in the future.

The public hearing will be held on May 23 in Raleigh in the Archdale Building Ground Floor Hearing Room, located at 512 N. Salisbury St. The hearing will begin at 6:30 p.m.; registration for speakers will begin at 6 p.m. Written comments can also be submitted to: Sandra Moore, Water Quality Planning Section, 1617 Mail Service Center, Raleigh NC 27699-1617, or by email to sandra.moore@ncdenr.gov. The comment period ends July 2, 2012.

A chemical compound used in the production of vinyl chloride and semiconductors, 1,1-dichloroethylene has a state groundwater quality standard of 7 micrograms per liter (as a frame of reference, one microgram per liter is similar to one second of time in 32 years). Recent research has determined that the current standard is more stringent than is needed for the protection of human health. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has updated its Integrated Risk Information System – or IRIS – at www.epa.gov/IRIS/ to reflect the new research. Use of the new data yields a human health protective standard at 350 micrograms per liter.

However, under North Carolina groundwater quality standards regulations, DWQ and the EMC must use the most stringent assessment of health risk as published in several resources, including the EPA’s maximum contaminant level or MCL. Currently, USEPA’s MCL for 1,1-dichloroethylene is 7 micrograms per liter.While USEPA has stated that the less stringent level is protective of human health, it has not changed the MCL due to competing workload priorities, the administrative costs associated with rule-making and the burden on states and the regulated community to implement any regulatory change that resulted.

Therefore, the Division of Water Quality is proposing three options for changing the standard, to reduce the burden for manufacturers while still being protective of human health.

Option 1: A change in the 1,1-dichloroethylene standard from 7 micrograms per liter to 350 micrograms per liter is proposed in order to incorporate the most recent U.S EPA health effects information as published in the Integrated Risk Management System at http://www.epa.gov/IRIS/.
Option 2: A change in the criteria used to establish a standard is proposed in order to allow the EMC to establish a standard less stringent than the federal maximum contaminant level when the MCL is not established using the most recent USEPA IRIS health effects information.
Option 3: A change in the rules governing variances to allow the Environmental Management Commission to issue a statewide variance to the rules and clarify the existing variance requirements.

In addition, the EMC is seeking public input on proposals that allow flexibility in implementing the current regulations for establishing groundwater quality standards. All proposals must maintain or achieve appropriate water quality and public health standards. If a proposal generates a substantial change from existing rules additional rule-making may be required prior to adoption.

For more information, including a summary of the options and the proposed rule changes, visit the DWQ website at http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/wq/groundwaterrulesrevisions.

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Commercial, Recreational Landings Decrease Slightly

Patricia Smith

MOREHEAD CITY – North Carolina commercial and recreational fish and shellfish harvests decreased slightly in 2011.

The commercial harvest decreased by about 6 percent to 67.5 million pounds, according to landings reports collected by the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries’ Trip Ticket Program. This harvest had an estimated dockside value of $72.8 million.

Recreational landings dropped about 3 percent to 13.2 million pounds, according to division Marine Recreational Information Program estimates.

“The decrease in landings corresponds to a decrease in effort,” said Louis Daniel, director of the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries. “Commercial trips were down by 11 percent and recreational trips were down by 17 percent in 2011.”

Commercial Landings

As usual, blue crab topped the state’s commercial harvest, both in pounds and value. Fishermen landed 30 million pounds of blue crab, with a dockside value of $21 million in 2011.

Shrimp took the No. 2 spot, followed by Atlantic croaker at No. 3. Commercial fishermen landed 5.1 million pounds of shrimp, which had an estimated dockside value of $11 million. Fishermen landed 5 million pounds of croaker, valued at $3.1 million.

Commercial fishermen landed 3.5 million pounds of menhaden in 2011, a 172 percent jump from 2010, pushing menhaden to No. 4 in the top commercial species list. The increase was due to a demand for bait in the crab pot fishery. Menhaden dropped out of the list of top five commercial species after the last menhaden reduction factory in the state closed in 2005. The 2011 menhaden landings had an estimated dockside value of $334,299.

Summer flounder rounded out the top five commercial species landed in 2011. Commercial fishermen landed 2.9 million pounds of summer flounder valued at $6 million.

Recreational Landings

Dolphinfish continued to top the list of recreational fish harvested. Anglers landed 3.5 million pounds of dolphinfish in 2011, a 7.6 percent increase from the previous year.

Striped bass jumped from the No. 4 slot in 2010 to No. 2 last year, due to high landings in the ocean fishery in January and February 2011. Cooler water temperatures caused the fished to migrate into North Carolina waters in 2011, something that does not happen in warmer winters. Anglers caught 2 million pounds of striped bass in 2011, up 350 percent from 2010.

Bluefish, yellowfin tuna and Spanish mackerel rounded out the top five recreational species landed in 2011. Anglers landed 993,543 pounds of bluefish (up 4.4 percent), 811,673 pounds of yellowfin tuna (down 1.5 percent) and 470,647 pounds of Spanish mackerel (down 17 percent).

Catches of cobia were down 70 percent, as were porgies and amberjacks landings.

For more information about commercial landings statistics, contact Alan Bianchi, Commercial Statistics Program manager, at 252-808-8092 or Alan.Bianchi@ncdenr.gov. For information about recreational landings, contact Doug Mumford, Recreational Statistics Program manager, at 252-948-3876 or Doug.Mumford@ncdner.gov.

A full landings report can be found on the division website at http://portal.ncdenr.org/c/document_library/get_file?uuid=4ab51737-3cfa-4e90-b3c8-e7886c9fcb2c&groupId=38337.

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Water Quality Swimming Alert Issued for Ocean-Side Site in Brunswick County

Erin Bryan-Millush or JD Potts

MOREHEAD CITY – State recreational water quality officials today are notifying the public that initial testing at an ocean-side site in Brunswick County showed levels of bacteria exceeding the state and Environmental Protection Agency’s recreational water quality swimming standards.

State officials will test the site again today, and the results of the sampling will dictate further action. If the new samples also show elevated bacteria counts, state officials will post a swimming advisory sign and issue a swimming advisory.

The alert affects waters at the Caswell Beach public access off Caswell Beach Road in Caswell Beach. Samples collected yesterday show test results of 271 enterococci per 100 milliliters of water, which exceeds the state and federal single-sample standard of 104 enterococci per 100 milliliters of water for Tier 1 high usage sites. Swimming areas are classified based on recreational use and are referred to as tiers.

The N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program tests water quality at ocean and sound beaches in accordance with federal and state laws.

Enterococci, the bacteria group used for testing, are found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals. While it does not cause illness, scientific studies indicate that enterococci may indicate the presence of other disease-causing organisms. People swimming or playing in waters with bacteria levels higher than the standards have an increased risk of developing gastrointestinal illness or skin infections.

State officials sample 240 sites throughout the coastal region, most of them on a weekly basis from April to October. Testing continues on a reduced schedule during the rest of the year, when the waters are colder.

To find out more about North Carolina’s beach water quality, visit the N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program website at: http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/mf/recreational-water-quality or on Twitter.com @ncrecprgm.

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Davidson is new superintendent of Raven Rock State Park

Charlie Peek

RALEIGH – Jeffery Davidson Jr., a veteran park ranger, has been promoted to superintendent of Raven Rock State Park in Harnett County, according to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation.

He succeeds Kristen Woodruff, who accepted a position as superintendent of Singletary Lake State Park.

A superintendent is the chief of operations and administration at a state park or state recreation area with wide-ranging responsibilities for staffing, training, law enforcement, visitor services, natural resource protection and environmental education.

A native of Asheboro, Davidson graduated in 2005 from Campbell University with a bachelor’s degree in biology. He worked with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Oklahoma, as a researcher for North Carolina State University and as a seasonal employee at Raven Rock State Park before becoming a full-time ranger at Lumber River State Park in 2008. He was also an environmental science instructor at Campbell University.

As a ranger at Lumber River, Davidson managed operations at the Chalk Banks access area and was the state park’s volunteer coordinator. He holds certifications in environmental education and intermediate law enforcement and is a kayak/canoe program leader.

“Jeffery has extensive experience, not only in park operations, but natural resource management and education, which are the core components of our mission,” said Lewis Ledford, state parks director. “He’ll be a valuable leader at Raven Rock State Park, which is gaining in popularity with its new visitor center and improved trails systems.”

Raven Rock State Park was established in 1969, and now encompasses 4,694 acres. It reported visitation of 152,665 in 2011.

(EDITORS: A jpeg image of Davidson is available on our websitewww.ncparks.gov linked from this media release under “News”.)

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New Federal Ozone Designations Show Air Improvements in North Carolina

Tom Mather

RALEIGH - Air quality improvements in North Carolina over the past decade are borne out in the latest "non-attainment" designations for ozone that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced on Tuesday.

The new EPA designations for areas not meeting the federal air quality standard for ozone included only the Charlotte metropolitan area, down from seven regions across the state that exceeded the standard in the early 2000s. The Charlotte non-attainment area includes all of Mecklenburg and parts of Cabarrus, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Rowan and Union counties. (See map http://www.ncair.org/planning/ozone/o3boundary/Final_Nonattainment_Area.png)

“We still have some work to do in the Charlotte area, but we believe that programs underway will help bring that area into compliance with the ozone standard soon,” said Sheila Holman, director of the N.C. Division of Air Quality. “Ozone levels have steadily declined across the state over the past decade due to stricter standards that resulted in lower emissions from power plants, other industry and motor vehicles.”

Ozone is North Carolina's most widespread air quality problem, particularly during the warmer months. A highly reactive form of oxygen, ozone can be unhealthy to breathe – particularly for children, people with respiratory problems or heart disease, and even healthy adults who work or exercise outdoors. Ozone also can damage trees and crops.

Ten years ago, more than 30 counties across the state faced nonattainment designations by the EPA for ozone – including the Charlotte, Fayetteville, Hickory, Rocky Mount, Triad and Triangle metro areas as well as high-altitudes in the Great Smokies and Blue Ridge mountains. At that time, more than half of the state’s residents lived in counties that periodically exceeded the ozone standard.

Nonattainment designations can have important implications for public health and air pollution control as well as industrial growth, development and highways. States and local governments need to develop plans for improving air quality in non-attainment areas and can face additional restrictions and federal review for highway projects. New industries wishing to locate in non-attainment areas or existing industries planning to expand often need to add more expensive control equipment, which can hamper industrial growth.

North Carolina responded to those threats through a series of measures aimed at reducing ozone-forming emissions. In 2002, the General Assembly enacted the Clean Smokestacks Act, which required the state’s 14 coal-fired power plants to reduce their emissions by three-fourths over the following decade. The legislature also expanded the state’s emissions testing program for cars and trucks from nine to 48 counties, and the EPA adopted more stringent controls for industrial plants, motor vehicle engines and fuels.

The DAQ and local air programs also worked with EPA to develop an air quality forecasting system to help citizens better protect their health and to comply with clean air standards. Air quality forecasts focus on the pollutant likely to reach the highest level on a given day, which could be ozone or particle pollution. The color-coded forecasts show whether air quality is likely to be good (green), moderate (yellow), unhealthy for sensitive groups (orange), or unhealthy (red). On Code Orange and Red days, the forecasts also suggest things people can do to protect their health and reduce air pollution.

The Charlotte area’s success in complying with the ozone standard will be due in part to individual actions as well as new technological controls on industry and cleaner vehicles being purchased.

“I urge all citizens to help us reduce air pollution through simple actions such driving less, taking their lunch to work or school and adjusting the thermostats in their houses,” Holman said. “This is particularly important on days when air quality is Code Orange or worse.”

State and local air quality programs issue air quality forecasts for ozone from April through October in the Asheville, Charlotte, Fayetteville, Hickory, Triad, Triangle and Rocky Mount metropolitan areas. Forecasts are issued for particle pollution year-round for all of the metro areas except Rocky Mount.

DAQ Meteorologists issue the air quality forecasts at 3 p.m. every day for the following day. In the Triad, forecasts are issued by the Forsyth County Environmental Affairs Department. Citizens can obtain air quality information and forecasts by visiting the DAQ’s website at www.ncair.org.

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State Environmental Agency Funds Investments in Recycling Businesses

Matt Todd

RALEIGH – In its latest round of grants to North Carolina recycling businesses, the N.C. Division of Environmental Assistance and Outreach has awarded about $800,000 in grant funding, leveraging a pledged investment from the selected grantees in cash match of more than $3.5 million.

A focus of the 2012 Recycling Business Development grant round was on proposals that addressed construction and demolition (C&D) waste recycling, and food waste collection and composting. The grants ranged from $2,800 to $40,000 – and if all the projects are successful, will create more than 270,000 tons of additional recycling capacity in North Carolina.

Grant awards came through DEAO’s Recycling Business Assistance Center, with funding from the state Solid Waste Management Trust Fund. This trust fund is supported by partial proceeds from a fee on the sale of new tires, a tax on virgin newsprint and an advanced disposal fee on white goods (appliances), and provides funding for a range of solid waste management activities.

“The additional market capacity created by these grants helps to expand local government recycling programs and enhance cost-effective recycling opportunities for citizens, businesses and industries across the state,” said Matt Todd, an industrial specialist in DEAO’s Recycling Business Assistance Center.

Overall, DEAO received 72 proposals requesting $2.3 million in funds. Some highlighted projects include:

AAA Hauling of NC in Fayetteville received a grant of $40,000 for the purchase of mobile material handling equipment to more efficiently move incoming loads of C&D and sorted material.
Antique Reclaimed Lumber in Nebo received $23,000 to purchase equipment and expand the processing capabilities at its existing wood reclamation facility.
Barnhill Contracting in Tarboro received a $25,000 grant to install a recycling bin, conveyor and other components to produce asphalt mixes using recycled shingles at its Rocky Mount asphalt plant.
Gallins Family Farm in Winston-Salem received a $38,700 grant to expand its food waste collection and composting operation with the addition of collection containers, a collection truck modification to include a dump cylinder, and the purchase of a bucket loader.
Green Recycling Solutions in Maysville received a $40,000 grant to purchase recycling equipment and rolling stock to assist in the development of its C&D processing facility.
Todco Inc. in Lexington received a $40,000 grant to set up a C&D recycling facility to process materials from Davidson County and surrounding areas.

A full list of projects that received grants can be found online athttp://portal.ncdenr.org/web/deao/2012-rbac-grant-winners. For more information please contact Matt Todd with the Recycling Business Assistance Center at 919-707-8137 ormatthew.todd@ncdenr.gov.

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State employee receives national award for water resource protection

Susan Massengale

RALEIGH – Jay Sauber, chief of the state Division of Water Quality’s Environmental Sciences Section, was today named the first recipient of the Barry Alan Long Award by the National Water Quality Monitoring Council.

The Barry Alan Long Award was established to honor an individual who has demonstrated exceptional perseverance, positive spirit and significant contributions to water resource protection. This is the first year the award has been presented. The council that presented the award provides a national forum for water quality monitoring, assessment and reporting.

“We at DWQ (the N.C. Division of Water Quality) are very pleased that Jay is getting this well-deserved recognition from the National Water Quality Monitoring Council,” said Chuck Wakild, the division’s director. “Jay’s work, both at the state and national levels, has contributed to a deeper understanding of how water bodies adapt to natural and human activities – important factors in determining productive management strategies.”

For more than 35 years, Sauber worked to develop and implement scientifically-based water quality assessment tools for use in managing water resources in North Carolina. He coordinated the state’s contribution to the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Lakes Monitoring Initiative in the 1980s and continues to support that effort. He has also made important contributions to the development of lake monitoring and protection strategies in North Carolina.

Sauber acquired the funding necessary to design and put in place the state’s random Ambient Monitoring System, which for six years has helped capture, in a scientifically supported way, a clearer and more robust picture of the overall health of the state’s water resources.

Sauber has also been a key partner in the collaborative efforts between the state and the University of North Carolina for the Neuse River Estuary Modeling and Monitoring Project. The project provides space and time-sensitive monitoring and assessment of water quality conditions in the state’s largest estuary system. The result is a scientifically supported understanding of the nutrient dynamics and environmental conditions that can lead to fluctuations in dissolved oxygen levels, algal blooms, fish kills and other issues important to the public interest and the state’s management of this critical resource.

The Environmental Sciences Section that Sauber directs collects physical and chemical data from more than 300 sites each month through its ambient monitoring program. The section also collaborates with coalitions of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit holders to conduct physical and chemical monitoring on a watershed scale. Today, seven coalitions monitor 250 sites that complement the state’s other monitoring programs and reduce costs for permittees.

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DENR Executive Team Changes in Place Starting Today

Diana Kees

RALEIGH – The retirement of Manly Wilder, chief deputy secretary at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, has brought changes to DENR’s executive leadership team, effective today.

As announced earlier this year, Mary Penny Thompson, DENR’s general counsel and assistant secretary for Information Technology, succeeds Wilder as the chief deputy secretary. Responsibilities of the department’s chief deputy secretary include coordinating the agency's budget and management functions with its programmatic activities, and providing oversight to the department’s administrative divisions. The duties of the assistant secretary for Information Technology – a position that has been abolished – have been absorbed by the chief deputy secretary.

Upon Thompson’s promotion to chief deputy secretary, Secretary Dee Freeman has hired William “Bill” Cary as the department’s new general counsel, overseeing all legal matters for DENR. Cary comes to DENR from the Greensboro law firm Brooks, Pierce, McLendon, Humphrey, & Leonard, where he has spent his entire career. Cary earned a bachelor’s degree, law degree and master’s of business administration from the University of Virginia. He lives in Greensboro with his wife, Linda.

“Bill Cary is an experienced North Carolina attorney who brings with him significant experience in environmental law,”said Dee Freeman, secretary of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources. “He has represented private, public and government clients on environmental issues as well as legal matters related to labor, employment and construction, and I look forward to working with him in this new capacity.”

In addition to these staff changes, Assistant Secretary for Natural Resources David Knight will now provide oversight to the N.C. Zoological Park, N.C. Aquariums Division and the Museum of Natural Sciences.

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State Environmental Agency Issues Final Report on Hydraulic Fracturing

Diana Kees

RALEIGH - Hydraulic fracturing can be done safely in North Carolina only if the General Assembly adopts state-specific regulatory standards and invests sufficient resources in compliance and enforcement prior to issuance of any permits for the practice, according to a report issued today by the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources. The report also notes the need for additional research on North Carolina's geology and hydrogeology to identify conditions under which hydraulic fracturing can be done without putting the state’s water resources at risk.

The report issues the department’s findings following an eight-month study of the potential environmental, social and economic impacts of shale gas exploration and development in North Carolina. This study was directed by Session Law 2011-276, which required DENR to study the issue of oil and gas exploration in the state and to specifically focus on the use of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing to extract shale gas. DENR issued a draft report in March and held three public meetings to receive comment on the draft; written comments were accepted through April 2. The final report to the General Assembly is due May 1.

After reviewing other studies and experiences in oil and gas-producing states, DENR concludes that information available to date suggests that hydraulic fracturing can be done safely as long as the right protections are in place. Hydraulic fracturing can only be done safely in North Carolina if the state adopts regulatory standards specifically adapted to conditions in North Carolina and invests sufficient resources in compliance and enforcement. Those protective measures should be in place before the state changes statutes and rules that currently prohibit horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing.

As part of the report, DENR developed a set of initial recommendations in consultation with the Department of Commerce in the event the General Assembly acts to allow horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing in North Carolina. The recommendations, which have been revised from the draft report in March based on public comment, include:

Provide funding for any continued work on the development of a state regulatory program for the natural gas industry.
Address the distribution of revenues from oil and gas excise taxes and fees to support the oil and gas regulatory program, fund environmental initiatives and support local governments impacted by the industry.
Collect baseline environmental quality data including groundwater, surface water and air quality information.
Require oil and gas operators to operate in compliance with a DENR-approved Water and Wastewater Management Plan, which should place limits on water withdrawals and prohibit withdrawals during times of drought and periods of low flows.
Develop a state stormwater regulatory program for oil and gas drilling sites.
Require full disclosure of hydraulic fracturing chemicals and constituents to regulatory agencies and to local government emergency response officials prior to drilling. The state should encourage the industry to fully disclose the same information to the public and require public disclosure of hydraulic fracturing chemicals and constituents with the exception of trade secrets already protected under state law.
Prohibit the use of diesel fuel in hydraulic fracturing fluids.
Develop specific transportation, storage and disposal standards for management of oil and gas wastes.
Develop a modern oil and gas regulatory program, taking into consideration the processes involved in hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling technologies, and long-term prevention of physical or economic waste in developing oil and gas resources.
Enhance existing oil and gas well construction standards to address the additional pressures of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing.
Develop setback requirements and identify areas (such as floodplains) where oil and gas exploration and production activities should be prohibited.
Close the gaps in regulatory authority over the siting, construction and operation of gathering pipelines.
Identify a source of funding for repair of roads damaged by truck traffic and heavy equipment.
Keep the environmental permitting program for oil and gas activities in DENR where it will benefit from the expertise of state geological staff and the ability to coordinate air, land and water permitting.
Improve data management capabilities and develop an e-permitting program that is easily accessible by the public.
Ensure that sate agencies, local first responders and industry are prepared to respond to a well blowout, chemical spill or other emergency.
Clarify the extent of local government regulatory authority over oil and gas exploration and production activities.
Address the natural gas industry’s liability for environmental contamination caused by exploration and development, particularly for groundwater contamination.
Provide additional opportunities for public participation in the development of detailed standards to govern gas exploration and development.
Complete additional research on:
- closed-loop systems and the potential for prohibiting open wastewater pits;
- the ability of the air toxics program to protect landowners who lease their land for natural gas extraction and production activities;
- air emissions from hydraulic fracturing operations;
- the shale gas resource; and
- groundwater resources in the Triassic basins.

These recommendations do not take into account information from the N.C. Department of Justice’s section of the report on consumer protection, because DENR had not received that section of the report in time for preparation of the recommendations and final report. For information on consumer protection related to shale gas exploration and production, please contact Noelle Talley at NCDOJ at 919-716-6484.

DENR’s report can be found online on a website created to provide an overview of the shale gas issue; describe current regulations associated with shale gas exploration; and provide the study results. This website can be found by visiting DENR’s home page – www.ncdenr.gov – and clicking on the “Shale Gas” tab near the center of the page.

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State Environmental Officials Take Additional Steps to Address Mercury Pollution in Waterways

Susan Massengale

RALEIGH – Officials with the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources have developed a draft strategy to take additional steps to reduce the amount of mercury in North Carolina waterways and invite public comment on the proposal.

DENR’s divisions of Water and Air Quality will lead two public meetings next month to gather input on the department’s proposed statewide mercury management strategy for waterbodies. The first meeting is scheduled for May 14 from 12:30-2:30 p.m. at the Western Piedmont Council of Governments, 1880 2^nd Ave. NW in Hickory. The second meeting is scheduled for May 23 from 1-3 p.m. at the Craven Cooperative Extension Building at 300 Industrial Drive in New Bern. DENR plans to present the draft strategy to the Environmental Management Commission in July.

Mercury occurs naturally in the environment, but human activity has increased the amount of mercury in the air, in soils and in surface waters. Worldwide, air emissions from fossil fuel combustion, mining and smelting and solid waste incineration represent the primary source of mercury later found in the water. Air-borne mercury can be directly deposited on a water body or be deposited on land and washed into rivers, lakes and streams in stormwater runoff. Humans are exposed to mercury primarily by consuming fish that contain methylmercury – an organic form of the metal that is found in lakes and rivers worldwide. In North Carolina, methylmercury has been found in fish caught in water bodies from the far western part of the state to the Lumber River basin and the lower Cape Fear River in the east. However, higher levels of mercury found in some large predator fish - such as largemouth bass, walleye, chain pickerel and bowfin - have prompted the Department of Health and Human Services to issue a statewide mercury fish consumption advisory for children under 15 and for women who may be pregnant or may become pregnant.

The federal Clean Water Act requires the state to develop a total maximum daily load, or TMDL, for a pollutant that causes water quality impairment in a water body within the state. Development of the mercury TMDL is the first step toward reducing in-state contributions to mercury impairment in state waters. The TMDL describes the causes of the mercury impairment and the amount of reduction in mercury loading that would be required to ensure that the affected water bodies meet water quality standards. In this case, the TMDL document estimates that 98 percent of the mercury loading in water bodies comes from air emissions (mostly from out-of-state sources) rather than wastewater discharges, so the direct impact on water quality permit holders in the state will be minimal. The TMDL will be subject to approval by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The second part of the plan is a water quality permitting strategy for those entities with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) wastewater permits based on the TMDL. Since wastewater dischargers represent only 2 percent of the mercury loading, the permitting strategy does not place significant new demands on municipal and industrial dischargers; instead, the water quality permitting strategy focuses on ensuring that those permitted discharges do not create localized mercury problems.

Air emissions will not be subject to the water quality permitting strategy. North Carolina’s coal-fired power plants have substantially reduced their air emissions of mercury as a result of controls required under the 2002 Clean Smokestacks Act. Further reductions from utilities and other industrial sources are expected under new EPA requirements that limit toxic air emissions from electric power plants and industrial boilers. In combination, these actions are expected to reduce total mercury emissions by 70 percent and deposition-prone mercury emissions by 81 percent in North Carolina.

To build on these significant steps, the Division of Air Quality has developed a list of options for achieving additional reductions in mercury air emissions that will be presented at the public meetings in May. The public is invited to comment on these options or suggest additional ones. The options include:

· Filing a legal petition aimed at seeking reductions in mercury air emissions from sources outside North Carolina (in-state sources are estimated to cover only 16 percent of mercury emissions);

· Establishing a statewide emissions reduction credit program for mercury reductions;

· Setting a cap on statewide mercury emissions with a cap-and-trade program for existing and new facilities to allow for future growth;

· Establishing case-by-case evaluations of control technologies at any new or modified existing facilities that would result in increased mercury emissions; and

· Creating a mercury mitigation fund that would provide grants for projects with low to zero mercury emissions.

For more information, please visithttp://portal.ncdenr.org/web/wq/ps/mtu/tmdl/tmdls/mercury, or contact Kathy Stecker at the Division of Water Quality at 919-807-6331 orkathy.stecker@ncdenr.gov; or Tom Mather at the Division of Air Quality at 919-707-8446 ortom.mather@ncdenr.gov.

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MEDIA ADVISORY: Ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Little Alamance Creek stream enhancement project

Tad Boggs

WHAT: Ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Little Alamance Creek stream enhancement project

WHEN: 10 a.m. May 2

WHERE: Burlington City Park, 1419 Overbrook Road, Burlington (location is directly behind the Jaycee shelter, near the Softball Hall of Fame on Overbrook)

RALEIGH – City of Burlington and state officials on May 2 will mark the completion of an urban stream-enhancement project in Burlington’s City Park that is designed to improve water quality, help manage floodwaters and restore aquatic habitat in Little Alamance Creek.

Participants at the ribbon-cutting are scheduled to include Burlington Mayor Ronnie Wall, N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources Assistant Secretary David Knight, Burlington Recreation Director Tony Laws and Ethan Brodnick, environmental specialist for the Stormwater Division of the city’s Water Resources Department. After brief remarks on the project, a ribbon cutting and walking tour of the project site will follow.

The 2,600-linear-foot stream enhancement is a collaboration between the city of Burlington and the N.C. Ecosystem Enhancement Program, a state initiative under the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources that compensates for unavoidable environmental damage to streams and wetlands in North Carolina from transportation-infrastructure improvements and other economic development. The program, known as EEP, funded the project and oversaw the design and construction phases of the operation.

Construction began on the project in November 2011 and concluded in April.

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Wilkerson is new superintendent of Cliffs of the Neuse State Park

Charlie Peek

RALEIGH – Edward Wilkerson, a veteran park ranger, has been promoted to superintendent of Cliffs of the Neuse State Park in Wayne County, according to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation.

A native of Richmond, Va., Wilkerson graduated in 1990 from East Carolina University with a bachelor’s degree in English and economics. He also holds an applied sciences degree in forest management technology from Wayne Technical College. He served as assistant county forest ranger for the N.C. Forest Service in Halifax County before joining the state parks system in 2005 as a ranger at Medoc Mountain State Park. He has also served as acting superintendent at the park.

Wilkerson holds certifications in environmental education, intermediate law enforcement and prescribed burning.

“Edward has the well-rounded experience in all aspects of state park operations that the division seeks in a park superintendent,” said Lewis Ledford, state parks director. “This will be valuable both to him and to Cliffs of the Neuse State Park as it continues to grow and develop.”

Cliffs of the Neuse State Park was established in 1945, and now encompasses 892 acres. It reported visitation of 166,674 in 2011.

(EDITORS: A jpeg image of Wilkerson is available on our websitewww.ncparks.gov linked from this media release under “News”).

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Kerr Lake State Recreation Area will dedicate expanded boating/fishing facilities

Charlie Peek

RALEIGH – An expanded 8.5-acre boating access and tournament event area will be dedicated May 4 at the Nutbush Bridge access of Kerr Lake State Recreation Area, according to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation. The public ceremony will be at 4 p.m. at the recreation site in Vance County.

The project at the site of a former camping area includes four new ramps, courtesy docks, a 600-square-foot restroom facility and parking areas for 165 vehicles, including 135spaces for boat trailers and five fully-accessible spaces. Separate docking and event space is set aside for events such as fishing tournaments, which are popular at the 50,000-acre lake.

“Kerr Lake not only provides recreation but is an important venue for sporting events, both of which contribute significantly to the local economy,” said Lewis Ledford, state parks director. “These new facilities at Nutbush Bridge will further define Kerr Lake as a sporting and recreation destination. And, it represents our commitment to this state recreation area that drew 1.2 million visitors last year.”

The project was supported by the N.C. Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, the major funding source for state parks capital projects and land acquisition. Since its creation in 1994, the trust fund has provided a little more than $20 million for improvements at Kerr Lake State Recreation Area. Boat access is available at each of the eight recreation sites, and more than 600 individual campsites are available through the park’s reservations system.

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State awards 18 counties $41.5 million for clean water projects

Jamie Kritzer

RALEIGH – State water quality officials have awarded $41.5 million in low-interest loans from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund to pay for wastewater and stormwater projects in 18 North Carolina counties.

Twice a year, the Clean Water State Revolving Fund program provides low-interest loans, which are currently set at 2 percent, to local governments in support of clean water infrastructure. Funding is made available by federal capitalization grants, state matching funds and repayment of loans. The revolving fund has operated for more than 20 years in North Carolina.

The awards announced Monday total $41,599,655 and will be used to help finance 23 projects. The counties where awards were received are: Alamance, Brunswick, Cabarrus, Caldwell, Catawba, Cherokee, Cumberland, Edgecombe, Gaston, Haywood, Jones, Lenoir, Martin, Orange, Rockingham, Stanly, Vance and Yadkin.

Among those receiving low-interest loans this funding cycle is the town of Andrews. The town’s Main Street sewer line has clay pipe, some too small for today’s standards, and brick manholes. Line collapses have caused sink holes and sewer back-ups. Half of the $492,300 the town was awarded qualifies for principal forgiveness, which refers to money the town is not required to pay back. The loan will be used to install 1,400 feet of pipe of the proper size and improved durability.

Residents in Cabarrus Acres near Midland are suffering from failing septic systems that contribute pollution to the Rocky River. The town was awarded $1.2 million in low-interest loans for 7,000 feet of sewer line and a pump station that will send Cabarrus Acres’ wastewater to the Cabarrus County Water and Sewer District for treatment.

Eden will use its award to rehabilitate the Tanyard Branch Outfall, an area plagued with sewer system overflows. The $2.5 million award, which includes $1 million in principal forgiveness, will fund replacement of 6,000 feet of clay pipe and rehabilitation of an additional 11,000 feet of pipe.

In total, six communities received principal forgiveness as part of their loans. Principal forgiveness is only provided when specifically allowed under federal appropriations law. The 2011 federal budget provided a maximum of about $8 million in principal forgiveness. The final Intended Use Plan for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund provided that principal forgiveness be available in the September 2011 and March 2012 funding rounds.

Project awards are not final until all funding program requirements have been met and the Local Government Commission approves the recipient’s financial qualifications.

For more information about the revolving fund and this cycle’s award recipients, please visit the state Division of Water Quality’s website athttp://portal.ncdenr.org/web/wq/ifs/news.

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MEDIA ADVISORY: State drought meeting set for April 26

Sarah M. Young

WHAT: N.C. Drought Management Advisory Council’s annual meeting

WHEN: 9-11 a.m. April 26

WHERE: Gov. James G. Martin Building, North Carolina State Fairgrounds, 1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh

RALEIGH – The N.C. Drought Management Advisory Council will use its annual meeting April 26 to discuss the drought and dry conditions North Carolina is experiencing and what we can expect in the coming weeks.

The 9 a.m. meeting will be at the Gov. James G. Martin Building at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds in Raleigh.

The council will discuss the drought and dry conditions in North Carolina as it relates to streams, rivers, lakes, agriculture and wildfire activity. The council will provide North Carolina’s short-term climate outlook.

The council is made up of experts on drought, climate, water and forest resources, geology, agriculture and water conservation.

This is the first in-person meeting for the council in 2012. A subgroup of the drought council conducts a conference call each week to discuss the impact of rainfall and come up with a recommendation for the U.S. Drought Monitor.

The U.S. Drought Monitor uses that advice to generate a map depicting areas experiencing drought, abnormally dry and normal conditions. The drought map is released every Thursday and posted to the state’s official drought website atwww.ncdrought.org.

To watch the presentations and listen to the meeting live, go tohttps://denr.ncgovconnect.com/dwr/.

If you have questions about the meeting, please contactDonna Jackson, chairwoman of the N.C. Drought Management Advisory Council, at 919-707-9035, or atdonna.jackson@ncdenr.gov.

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Hall is new superintendent of Lake Waccamaw State Park

Charlie Peek

RALEIGH – Toby Hall, a veteran park ranger, has been promoted to superintendent of Lake Waccamaw State Park in Columbus County, according to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation. He succeeds Chris Helms, who accepted the position of superintendent at Carolina Beach State Park.

Hall has served 10 years as a ranger at Lake Waccamaw. A native of Ashland, Maine, he graduated from the University of Maine in 1998 with a bachelor’s degree in parks and recreation management. He worked as a seasonal law enforcement ranger at Acadia and Grand Canyon national parks. He joined the staff at Lake Waccamaw in 1999, leaving from 2004-07 to serve as a wildlife enforcement officer in Robeson County. He holds certifications in environmental education and advanced law enforcement.

“Toby brings a wealth of experience to the supervision of Lake Waccamaw State Park,” said Lewis Ledford, state parks director. “He knows the region and its natural resources quite well and the community knows him. His commitment and leadership skills contributed to Lake Waccamaw being named Park of the Year in 2011.”

Established in 1976, Lake Waccamaw State Park encompasses 2,159 acres and reported visitation of 86,068 in 2011.

(EDITORS: A jpeg image of Hall is available on our websitewww.ncparks.gov linked from this media release under “News”).

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State agency invites public to celebrate Earth Day 2012 at events statewide

Jamie Kritzer

RALEIGH – People are invited to join the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources as the state agency celebrates the planet on and around Earth Day, April 22.

The following list includes just some of the events DENR will be involved with this Earth Day, whichwas founded in 1970 toinspire awareness and appreciation for the environment.

Piedmont

· During the fifth annual Planet Earth Celebration, the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh will open its new wing, the Nature Research Center, with a 24-hour grand opening starting at 5 p.m. April 20. The celebration is expected to bring thousands of visitors to the museum’s new research center at 121 West Jones St. Admission is free. More information can be found athttp://naturalsciences.org/programs-events/grandopening.

· Join us for “The Party for the Planet” at the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro. The zoo and its partners will host a tree seedling giveaway, a can/bottle exchange, a puppet parade and exhibitors, including Asheboro Recycling and NC Green Power.

· The N.C. Air Awareness Program in the Piedmont Triad will host an exhibit at Earth Day fairs in Kernersville on April 18 and UNC-Greensboro on April 19. The program, a joint effort between the N.C. Division of Air Quality and local governments, educates people on air issues.

Coastal

· Staff with the state divisions of Coastal Management and Marine Fisheries will participate in the Cape Fear Earth Day from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. April 21 at Hugh McRae Park in Wilmington. More information is atwww.wilmingtonearthday.com/.

· Come to the N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher to celebrate your health and plant the seed for eco-conscious living at the 5K Race for the Planet on April 22. Registration can be completed online atwww.ncaquariums.com/fort-fisher at 7 a.m. with the race starting at 8 a.m. Race entry is $30. More North Carolina aquariums events are atwww.ncaquariums.com.

· Jennette’s Pier’s biggest event this spring is the Earth Fair OBX, an Earth Day celebration from 1-4 p.m. April 22 in Nags Head. We expect more than 30 area groups will attend to let folks know how they keep the Outer Banks “clean and green.” Learn more,http://www.jennettespier.net/.

Mountains

· Staff with the N.C. Air Awareness Program will bring the Energy Cycle – which generates electricity that powers light bulbs when people pedal it – to the Henderson County BBQ Festival at Hendersonville High School on April 21 and the Earth Day celebration at Haywood Community College in Waynesville on April 24. More air awareness programs are atwww.facebook.com/pages/NC-Air-Awarenss/113577105337148.

· Come celebrate Earth Day the New River Way starting at 11 a.m. April 22 with a live music picnic, state park ranger-led environmental activities and organizations promoting earth-friendly products and information. All events will be at New River State Park’s Highway 221 Access Area.

· Join a park ranger at Chimney Rock State Park’s Hickory Nut Falls trailhead at 3 p.m. April 22. Along the way, we’ll discuss plants, animals and ecosystems you can find throughout Hickory Nut Gorge. The hike concludes at the base of 440-foot Hickory Nut Falls.

Find more Earth Day events athttp://web.eenorthcarolina.org/core/event/calendar.aspx orhttp://www.earthday.org/.

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Forum to Address Challenges of Nutrients in Waterways Scheduled in May

Susan Massengale

RALEIGH – North Carolina environmental officials are inviting people to a May forum in Durham on more effective and economically sound solutions to the water quality problems caused by nutrient pollution.

The North Carolina Forum on Nutrient Over-Enrichment: The Science, Economics and Options for Proactive Public Policy

is scheduled for May 29-30 at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel and Convention Center in Durham. The event is being hosted by the state Environmental Management Commission and the N.C. Division of Water Quality.

The forum will provide state and local leaders, managers and planners with a well-balanced review of the science, regulatory issues, economic considerations and other policy issues related to nutrient over-enrichment and options for avoiding impairments to surface waters.

More information about the forum, including the agenda and registration information, is available at:http://www.ncsu.edu/mckimmon/cpe/opd/NCFONOE/index.html. Reduced registration costs are available for those who register before May 1.

Nutrients – primarily nitrogen and phosphorus – are present naturally in streams, rivers and estuaries. They support the growth of algae and other aquatic plants that provide an important food resource for fish and other aquatic life.

However, human activity has contributed to excessive levels of nutrients reaching the waterways. Wastewater from towns and industries, failing sewage systems, runoff from row crop agriculture and animal operations, and over-fertilization have contributed excessive amounts of nutrients that harm the environment. Excessive nutrients lead to algal blooms, which can reduce oxygen available for fish and contribute to fish kills, and cause taste and odor problems for drinking water and nuisance problems for boating and swimming.

To reduce excessive nutrients, many communities have put in place stormwater controls for roads, parking lots and other developed areas. They’ve also maintained vegetative areas next to streams and lakes, improved wastewater treatment and reduced development density.

While those measures provide some protections, continuing problems withalgal blooms, fish kills and augmented treatment requirements for drinking water are evidence that more must be done to protect the state’s aquatic resources.

The Environmental Protection Agency has strongly encouraged states to adopt numeric water quality standards for nitrogen and phosphorus thus potentially impacting the management of wastewater dischargers, local government ordinances, and agricultural and stormwater management rules and regulations.

During the forum, speakers from across the Environmental Protection Agency, state environmental agencies, the regulated community and research institutes and universities will discuss the science, the economics, and alternative approaches to numeric nutrient standards in North Carolina.

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MEDIA ADVISORY: Three northern coastal reserve sites to hold advisory meetings in April

Michele Walker

RALEIGH – Local Advisory Committees for the Currituck Banks component of the N. C. National Estuarine Research Reserve, Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve and Buxton Woods Coastal Reserve will meet April 23-24. The meetings are open to the public.

· The Buxton Woods Local Advisory Committee will meet from 1-3 p.m. April 23 at the Buxton Fire Department, N.C. Highway 12, west of the Lighthouse Road intersection in Buxton.

· The Currituck Banks Local Advisory Committee will meet from 9:30-11:30 a.m. April 24 at the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education, Currituck Heritage Park, 1160 Village Lane, Corolla.

· The Kitty Hawk Woods Local Advisory Committee will meet from 3-5 p.m. April 24 at the Kitty Hawk Town Hall,101 Veterans Memorial Drive, Kitty Hawk.

The committees consist of local residents, partners and leaders who provide the state Division of Coastal Management’s Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve staff with guidance and feedback regarding management of the reserve sites.

The N.C. Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve Program protects natural areas for education, research and compatible recreation. Since its creation in 1989, the program has preserved more than 41,000 acres of unique coastal environments at 10 sites on the coast.

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N.C. Coastal Resources Commission will meet April 19 in Beaufort

Michele Walker

RALEIGH – The N.C. Coastal Resources Commission will meet at 1 p.m. April 19 at the NOAA/NCNERR Administration Building, 101 Pivers Island Road, in Beaufort. The meeting is open to the public.

The following are some of the items on the CRC’s agenda:

Addendum to the N.C. Sea-Level Rise Assessment Report – The science panel’s chairwoman Dr. Marjory Overton will present the panel’s response to recent comments regarding its 2010 sea level rise study.
Land Use Plan Implementation Report–The commission will hear a report on land use plan implementation for the town of Oak Island.
Contested Case/Variance Request– The CRC will hear will hear arguments in a contested case regarding the denial of CAMA Major Permit applications for boat slips on three existing piers in Carteret County, and will consider one request for a variance from the commission’s rules.
Public Input and Comment –Members of the public may comment on any issue not on the agenda at 3 p.m.

The Coastal Resources Advisory Council, a group that provides the CRC with local government perspectives and technical advice, will meet at 10 a.m. in the NOAA/NCNERR Administration Building auditorium.

A full meeting agenda is posted on the N.C. Division of Coastal Management’s website at www.nccoastalmanagement.net.

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Hanging Rock State Park begins trail improvement project

Charlie Peek

RALEIGH – Hanging Rock State Park launched a project April 3 to re-route and upgrade a section of the popular Tory’s Den Trail near the park’s western boundary, according to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation. The existing trail will not be closed during the project.

Hanging Rock State Park is in Stokes County about 30 miles northwest of Winston-Salem.

A section of Tory’s Den Trail of just over one mile also serves as part of the Sauratown Loop Trail for both hikers and equestrians, which continues beyond the park boundary onto private property. This section is being re-routed with a wider corridor, a more gentle grade and it will incorporate features to shed stormwater runoff and reduce erosion, which can pollute streams and damage trees and native plants.

The trail project should be completed in late April through a contract with YRU Contracting of Cambridge, Idaho. State park staff will also construct a necessary bridge. The project is supported through the N.C. Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, the principal funding source for state parks capital projects and land acquisition. In recent years, the trust fund has supported improvement projects of the Moore’s Wall Loop, Window Falls and Lower Cascades trails as well as major maintenance of historical CCC structures in the park.

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Fort Macon State Park reenactments and cannonade to highlight 150th anniversary of battle

Charlie Peek

RALEIGH – Reenactments of the Civil War battle and capture of Fort Macon and a spectacular night cannonade will dramatize the 150^th anniversary of the event this month at Fort Macon State Park, according to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation.

Rangers, Friends of Fort Macon volunteers and more than 200 re-enactors will be involved in the principal two-day event April 21-22, which will also feature living history demonstrations of Federal and Confederate troops, musket firings, drills, Civil War music and children’s activities. Reenactments of the bombardment and surrender of Fort Macon will be repeated at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. April 21 and 2 p.m. April 22.

“Fort Macon is North Carolina’s second-oldest state park, but its dramatic history, dating to 1834, is also interwoven into that of the North Carolina coast and the state as a whole,” said Lewis Ledford, state parks director. “It’s fitting that we celebrate not only this contribution to our shared history but Fort Macon State Park’s contributions to protection of our coastal resources and the region’s economy.”

The Fort Macon event is similar to other observances that are being held throughout the country between 2011-15 to mark the sesquicentennial of the Civil War. It will be one of the largest sesquicentennial events in North Carolina and the largest reenactment in the state park’s history.

The observances will continue at 4 p.m. on April 25 – the actual anniversary of the 1862 bombardment – when the state park holds a remembrance of the men of both sides who fought and died in the siege of Fort Macon. At 10 a.m. April 26, a Confederate flag will be lowered and a United States flag raised exactly 150 years from the time these actions took place in 1862 when Federal forces formally took possession of Fort Macon.

The siege of Fort Macon began on March 23, 1862, with the first demand by the Federal forces of Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside for the surrender of the fort held by Confederate forces of Col. Moses J. White. White refused, forcing Burnside’s forces to begin a siege that culminated on April 25 in a bombardment by Federal artillery positioned in the sand dunes about three-quarters of a mile away, supported by U.S. Navy gunboats offshore. The 11-hour bombardment ended with the fort heavily damaged and in danger of being destroyed by the explosion of its own gunpowder magazines. Col. White had no choice but to surrender the fort the following morning. Federal troops occupied the fort for the rest of the war.

Re-enactors will portray members of both Federal and Confederate regiments with the 1^st North Carolina Volunteers/11^th Regiment acting as host unit. Staff of North Carolina Historic Sites will aid in the artillery cannonade, along with personnel from Fort Fisher State Historic Site and Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site. Other sponsors include Atlantic Beach, Morehead City, the Morehead City Marlins, and the Beaufort Historical Association.

Scout groups will offer light refreshments, soft drinks and bottled water for sale, but visitors should be aware that no significant food concessions are available at the state park. Parking will be limited and a shuttle bus will provide transportation from the bathhouse parking area to the fort. Visitors planning to view the reenactments should arrive in the designated viewing area at least 30 minutes beforehand.

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Morrow Mountain State Park will dedicate new boathouse April 15

Charlie Peek

RALEIGH – A new recreational boathouse that provides opportunities for visitors to explore Lake Tillery by canoe and paddleboat, will be dedicated April 15 at Morrow Mountain State Park, according to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation. The public ceremony will be at 2 p.m. at the park in Stanly County.

The 986-square-foot boathouse replaces a structure built in the early 1950s that was structurally weakened by shoreline erosion and closed in 2010. It offers paddleboat slips and a storage area for canoes, both of which can be rented by visitors, as well as all-season restrooms and a concession stand.

“Morrow Mountain State Park has a distinguished history dating to Civilian Conservation Corps efforts in the 1930s, and its facilities on Lake Tillery have always served an important role in providing recreation to the community,” said Lewis Ledford, state parks director. “While North Carolina has been aggressive in developing new state parks recently, it is important that we care for and improve our established parks with projects such as this.”

The structure incorporates recycled stone used in the original boathouse and stone stored elsewhere in the park that was quarried onsite in the 1930s by workers with the Civilian Conservation Corps and combined with red cedar and plank siding. The $1.1 million project funded by the N.C. Parks and Recreation Trust Fund also includes shoreline stabilization to prevent erosion and a new courtesy dock at the public boat launch. The designer was Smith Sinnett Architecture of Raleigh and general contractor was Kearey Builders Inc. of Statesville.

Established in 1939, Morrow Mountain encompasses 4,496 acres in Stanly County. The park reported visitation of 449,439 in 2011.

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Swimming Advisory Lifted for Sound-Side Site in New Hanover County

Erin Bryan-Millush or J.D. Potts

MOREHEAD CITY – State recreational water quality officials today lifted a water quality swimming advisory for sound-side swimming area in New Hanover County.

This was the first swimming advisory issued in 2012 by state recreational water quality officials.

The advisory was lifted because water testing shows that bacteria levels have dropped below the state and Environmental Protection Agency’s standards set for swimming and water play.

The advisory was posted at the public beach access leading to Banks Channel off Waynick Boulevard between Taylor and Bellamy Streets in Wrightsville Beach on April 3. Test results showed the site had exceeded 104 enterococci per 100 milliliters of water for high usage sites. The site now shows bacteria levels below the state and federal recreational water quality standards.

The sign advising against swimming, skiing or otherwise coming into contact with the water has been removed.

Enterococci, the name for the group of bacteria used for testing, are found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals. While the bacteria group’s presence does not cause illness itself, scientific studies indicate that the presence of enterococci is closely correlated to the presence of other organisms that may cause illness. People swimming or playing in waters with bacteria levels higher than the standards have an increased risk of developing gastrointestinal illness.

Coastal recreational waters in North Carolina are generally clean. However, it is important to continue monitoring them, so the public can be informed of any localized problems. The N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program samples 240 sampling sites in coastal waters of the state, most of them on a weekly basis from April through October.

For more information about the program, visit its website at:http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/mf/recreational-water-quality or on Twitter.com @ncrecprgm.

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Reminder - Fishermen Should Take Note that Atlantic Sturgeon will be Listed as an Endangered Species

Nancy Fish

MOREHEAD CITY – North Carolina fishermen should be aware that Atlantic sturgeon will be listed as a federally endangered species effective April 6.

The National Marine Fisheries Service has published a final rule in the Federal Register listing four distinct population segments of Atlantic sturgeon as endangered and another as threatened. To read the final rule, go to: http://www.nero.noaa.gov/nero/regs/frdoc/12/12AtlSturgeonFR_SER.pdf.

The Carolina and South Atlantic population segments, both of which are prevalent in North Carolina waters, will be listed as endangered.

It has been illegal to harvest Atlantic sturgeon in North Carolina coastal waters since 1991, so the immediate implications of the listing are unclear. However, the potential exists for the listing to impact both commercial and recreational fisheries.

The Endangered Species Act prohibits the take of listed species. The term “take” includes harassing, harming, pursuing, wounding, killing, trapping, capturing, or collecting the listed species. Fishermen should avoid interactions with these fish.

A National Marine Fisheries Service Status Review of Atlantic Sturgeon concluded that Atlantic sturgeon are caught as bycatch in various commercial fisheries along the entire U.S. Atlantic Coast within inland, coastal and federal waters. The final listing decision stated that based on available bycatch data, sturgeon are primarily caught in waters less than 50 meters deep by commercial and recreational fisheries using trawl and gill net gear.

The division, along with most other East Coast states, opposed this listing as unnecessary based on its review of available scientific data. These data show that Atlantic sturgeon stocks are improving coast-wide, partially as a result of the moratorium on harvest. However, once the listing takes effect, it will have the force of law and fishermen will be subject to federal fines and penalties if they interact with the fish.

The division is exploring all avenues to address this issue, and plans to draft a request for an incidental take permit under Section 10 of the Endangered Species Act. These permits allow for takes of endangered species that occur incidentally to an otherwise lawful activity under limitations specified in each permit.

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Beach Water Quality Swimming Advisory Issued for Sound-Side Site in New Hanover County

Erin Bryan-Millush or J.D. Potts

MOREHEAD CITY – North Carolina’s first advisory against swimming in 2012 was posted today at a sound-side site in New Hanover County, where state environmental health officials found bacteria levels in the water that exceed the state and Environmental Protection Agency’s recreational water quality standards.

The advisory affects the public beach access in Banks Channel off Waynick Boulevard between Taylor and Bellamy Streets in Wrightsville Beach. Test results taken on April 2 indicate levels that exceed the state and federal action levels of 104 enterococci per 100 milliliters for Tier 1 high usage sites. Swimming areas are classified based on recreational use and are referred to as tiers.

The N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program tests water quality at ocean and sound beaches in accordance with federal and state laws. Enterococci, the bacteria group used for testing, are found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals. While it does not cause illness, scientific studies indicate that enterococci may indicate the presence of other disease-causing organisms. People swimming or playing in waters with bacteria levels higher than the action level have an increased risk of developing gastrointestinal illness or skin infections.

This advisory is not a beach closing, and the advisory does not affect the entire Wrightsville Beach area. Swimming advisories affect water within 200 feet of the sign. The sign posted reads as follows:

ATTENTION

SWIMMING IN THIS AREA IS NOT RECOMMENDED. BACTERIA TESTING INDICATES

LEVELS OF CONTAMINATION THAT MAY BE HAZARDOUS TO YOUR
HEALTH. THIS ADVISORY AFFECTS WATERS WITHIN 200’ OF THIS SIGN.

OFFICE OF THE STATE HEALTH DIRECTOR

State recreational water quality officials sample 240 sites throughout the coastal region, most of them on a weekly basis, from April to October. Testing continues on a reduced schedule during the rest of the year, when the waters are colder.

To find out more about North Carolina’s beach water quality, visit the N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program’s website at:http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/mf/recreational-water-quality or on Twitter.com @ncrecprgm.

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N.C. Coastal Reserve extends application deadline for membership on local advisory committees

Michele Walker

WILMINGTON – The N.C. Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve has extended the application deadline for community members wanting to serve on the local advisory committees for its 10 reserve sites.

The new deadline for membership applications is April 10. It had been March 31.

Interested applicants should obtain a copy of the reserve program’s Local Advisory Committee operating procedures, which outlines the roles and responsibilities of members and describes the selection process. The operating procedures document, application, and list of open LAC positions are available online athttp://www.nccoastalreserve.net/Resources/-Accepting-Applications-for-LACs/203.aspx. Applicants may also request a copy by calling 252-838-0886. Applications should be submitted to the individual site manager. Staff will contact applicants once appointments are made by the secretary of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

The committees meet between one and three times per year, and consist of local residents, partners and leaders who provide the Division of Coastal Management’s Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve staff with guidance and feedback regarding management of the reserve sites.

The N.C. Coastal Reserve Program has preserved more than 41,000 acres of maritime forests, marshes and other coastal habitat for education, research and traditional recreational uses. North Carolina has 10 reserve sites, including four sites designated as part of the National Estuarine Research Reserve.

The 10 reserve sites are: Currituck Banks, Rachel Carson, Masonboro Island, Zeke’s Island, Kitty Hawk Woods, Emily and Richardson Preyer Buckridge, Buxton Woods, Permuda Island, Bald Head Woods and Bird Island.

The Buckridge, Permuda Island and Bird Island reserves are establishing new local advisory committees this year, joining the existing LACs at the other seven reserves.

Visitwww.nccoastalreserve.net to learn more about the reserve program and download the operating procedures and application.

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DENR Launches Online Permit Tracking System

Edythe McKinney

RALEIGH – The Department of Environmental and Natural Resources today introduced its Environmental Permit Application Tracking system as a next step in efforts to improve its customer service and permitting process.

The Division of Environmental Assistance and Outreach (DEAO), through its Environmental Assistance Center, launched the first phase of the permit application tracking system this week; the system can be accessed online through the department’s home page,www.ncdenr.gov, or athttp://portal.ncdenr.org/web/deao/permit-tracker. The tracking system will allow applicants and the public to check the status of pending environmental permit applications and/or plan approvals. The system is designed to allow interested parties to search for pending applications by location, permit type, facility name, permit number and in other ways, to track the review process and view application milestones from the date the application is received until a final decision is made.

The first phase of this online system includes information from 25 separate permits, including Air Quality permits (Small, Synthetic minor and Title V major permits); Water Quality permits (NPDES Wastewater, State Stormwater, Collection Systems and Gravity Sewer Extensions); and Water Resources capacity use permits.

“The goal of this online system is to provide easily accessible, near real-time information on environmental permits and other requirements,” said DEAO Director Edythe McKinney. “Our focus on the first phase of this system is on permits that generate a high level of public interest, including water and air quality permits. We hope our customers see this as a positive step in improved and expedited service, and look forward to receiving feedback on this initiative as we work to expand and improve the system in the future.”

The permit application tracker system is an outgrowth of the department’s permits improvement efforts, spurred through a long-standing goal of the department’s strategic plan to improve the regulatory process and deliver better customer service. An internal workgroup and DENR customers have cited technological improvements as a necessary step to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the permitting process, and recommendations from a series of customer listening sessions last fall reinforced the need for technological improvements and better communication with customers. The permit tracking system is designed to provide quicker, more accessible information on the permit processing times.

The permit tracking application is one of several initiatives put together by the Environmental Assistance Center, which was formed last year to focus on the needs of those customers who are frequently affected by environmental rules but lack the expertise and money needed to hire someone to guide them through the regulatory, permitting and compliance process.

Staff with the Environmental Assistance Center also launched two surveys last fall to gather feedback from staff and customers about ways to improve services and processes, in addition to conducting listening sessions across the state to gather feedback on the ways to improve customer service. A report summarizing results from the survey and listening sessions can be found on the DEAO website,www.ncenvironmentalassistance.org, and clicking on the “Listening Sessions” tab near the center of the page. The feedback contained within the report will form the basis of an agenda for improvement actions, including future opportunities for customer and staff feedback. Next fall, DENR will release an update on the improvements that have been undertaken and completed in response to the report’s recommendations.

For more information on the permit tracking system and customer service report, please contact Edythe McKinney at 919-707-8111 orEdythe.mckinney@ncdenr.gov.

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State Environmental Agency Issues Draft Report on Hydraulic Fracturing; Public Meetings Scheduled fo

Diana Kees

RALEIGH - Hydraulic fracturing can be done safely in North Carolina as long as the right protections are in place prior to issuance of any permits for the practice, according to a draft report issued today by the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources. The report also notes the need for more information on groundwater resources in the area where drilling for shale gas may occur before making final decisions on environmental standards.

The report issues the department’s findings following a study of the potential environmental, social and economic impacts of shale gas exploration and development in North Carolina. This study was directed by Session Law 2011-276, which required DENR to study the issue of oil and gas exploration in the state and to specifically focus on the use of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing to extract shale gas. The draft report was issued today ahead of two public meetings scheduled for later this month. The final report to the General Assembly is due May 1.

After reviewing other studies and experiences in oil and gas-producing states, the draft report concludes that hydraulic fracturing can be done safely as long as the right protections are in place, prior to issuing any permits for hydraulic fracturing in North Carolina. As part of the draft report, DENR developed a set of initial recommendations in consultation with the Department of Commerce in the event the General Assembly acts to allow horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing in North Carolina. The recommendations include:

Collection of baseline data, including groundwater, surface water and air.
Requirement that oil and gas operators prepare and have a DENR-approved Water Management Plan and limit water withdrawals to 20 percent of the lowest stream flow that would be expected to occur for seven continuous days once in 10 years, or the 7Q10 stream flow.
Enhancement of existing oil and gas well construction standards to address the additional pressures of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing.
Development of an oil and gas waste management regulatory program, as well as the development of a state stormwater regulatory program for oil and gas drilling sites.
Development of setback requirements and identification of areas (such as floodplains) where oil and gas exploration and production activities should be prohibited.
Development of specific standards for management of oil and gas wastes.
Requirement of full disclosure of hydraulic fracturing chemicals and constituents to regulatory agencies. And, with the exception of trade secrets, requirement of public disclosure of hydraulic fracturing chemicals and constituents.
Prohibition of the use of diesel fuel in hydraulic fracturing fluids
Assurance that state agencies, local first responders and industry are prepared to respond to a well blowout, chemical spill or other emergency.
Development of a modern oil and gas regulatory program, taking into consideration the processes involved in hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling technologies, and long-term prevention of physical or economic waste in developing oil and gas resources.
Location of the environmental permitting program for oil and gas activities in DENR where air, land and water quality permitting and enforcement expertise is located.
Determination of the distribution of revenues from oil and gas excise taxes and fees to support the oil and gas regulatory program, fund environmental initiatives and support local governments impacted by the industry.
Identification of a source of funding for repair of roads damaged by truck traffic and heavy equipment.
Clarification of the extent of local government regulatory authority over oil and gas exploration and production activities.
Completion of additional research on impacts to local governments and local infrastructure; and additional research into potential economic impacts.
Determination of the liability related to environmental contamination from the industry, particularly for groundwater contamination.

Findings from this draft report will be presented first in a public meeting to be held at the Wicker Center in Sanford on March 20, 2012, from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. The second public meeting has been scheduled for March 27, 2012, and will take place in the auditorium of East Chapel Hill High School in Chapel Hill from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Both meetings will also be streamed live online at https://its.ncgovconnect.com/denr_shale_gas/.

The same information will be presented at both meetings, and public comments will be accepted at both meetings as well as via mail and email. Written comments on the draft report will be accepted through April 1, in addition to any feedback received at the two public meetings. Written comments can be sent via email to Shale_gas_comments@ncdenr.gov; or through the mail to NCDENR, attn: Trina Ozer, 1601 MSC, Raleigh, NC 27699.

The draft report can be found online on a website that NCDENR created to provide an overview of the shale gas issue; describe current regulations associated with shale gas exploration; explain how the department will study the issue (and provide study results when complete); and guide the public in how to receive updates on the study, as well as how to provide comment on the issue. This website can be found by visiting DENR’s home page – www.ncdenr.gov – and clicking on the “Shale Gas” tab near the center of the page, and then clicking on the "DENR Study" link on the left side of the page.

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Fuquay-Varina's John Deere Turf Care Recognized for Outstanding Environmental Efforts

Diana Kees

RALEIGH – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources today recognized John Deere Turf Care in Fuquay-Varina as a 2011 Environmental Steward.

The state’s Environmental Stewardship Initiative, designed to promote and encourage superior environmental performance by North Carolina’s regulated community, began in 2002. An “Environmental Steward” is an organization that has demonstrated environmental leadership through its commitment to exemplary environmental performance beyond what is required by regulation. As an Environmental Steward, the organization commits to reporting annually on its environmental performance.

The award recognizes John Deere Turf Care’s superior environmental performance, commitment to continued reduction of its environmental impact and demonstrated commitment to exceed compliance. The facility is one of only 16 facilities in the state that have achieved this recognition.

“John Deere Turf Care shows an obvious commitment to efficiency, waste reduction and innovation,” said DENR Secretary Dee Freeman. “For example, the company requires all its suppliers to use only reusable containers instead of cardboard, and sends out its final products with either no packaging or on returnable metal racks so as to avoid waste.”

A 10-member advisory board appointed by Secretary Freeman provides program direction and implementation and recommended the John Deere Turf Care facility be selected as an Environmental Steward. Advisory board membership consists of individuals from industry, industry trade groups, environmental and citizen nongovernmental organizations, government, academia and small business.

Reasons cited by the advisory board in its recognition of the facility include:

Integration of environmental management into core business operations through lean practices, driving environmental awareness through efficiency improvement programs;
Its compliance history and commitment to continual improvement, including packaging reductions for both incoming parts from suppliers and outgoing finished products;
Its commitment to continue solid waste reduction after already reducing it per ton of product by more than 90 percent;
Its commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by reducing energy usage; and
Its water reduction efforts, particularly during its recent expansion.

“John Deere is committed to those linked to the land,” said Marc Howze, factory manager for John Deere Turf Care. “Our commitment extends to the things important to both our customers and to us: environmental sustainability, safety, personal and professional development and community. These words are reflected in the work that we perform every day.

“The role of our programs goes well beyond legislated functions. We believe that we have the responsibility to design and manufacture equipment that brings more efficiency and value to our customers while minimizing our impact on the environment. Our operations demonstrate this through waste minimization, cleaner emissions and more efficient water use.”

The ESI program has two additional levels of participation and recognition: Environmental Partner and Rising Environmental Steward. The Environmental Partner level is designed for adoption by a broad range of organizations that are interested in beginning the process of developing a systematic approach to improving their environmental performance. Partners must demonstrate a commitment to maintain compliance, commit to establishing an environmental management system and set environmental performance goals. The Environmental Rising Steward level is recommended to organizations that have a mature EMS in place and have set site-specific measurable environmental performance goals.

For more detailed information or to apply for the program, please visit the Environmental Stewardship Initiative Web site at http://www.ncesi.org or contact Angela Barger or Julie Woosleywith the N.C. Division of Environmental Assistance and Outreach at 919-707-8100 or esi@ncdenr.gov.

2011 Advisory Workgroup Members

Jennifer Adams Corning Inc. – Wilmington Optical Fiber Facility

Dr. Robert Bruck - North Carolina State University

Stephen Jenkins - Engineered Sintered Components

Brian Kasher - Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools

Kim Killian GKN - Precision Forming

Edythe McKinney (chair) - Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources

Dan Miller - Fleet Readiness Center East

Ray Price - Smithfield Packing - Wilson

Robin Smith - N.C. League of Conservation Voters

Steve Street - Hickory Manufacturing and Technology Center, Corning Cable Systems - LLC

Danny Yount - ASMO North America

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MEDIA ADVISORY: Rachel Carson Reserve Local Advisory Committee to meet March 21

Michele Walker

WHAT: Local Advisory Committee Meeting for the Rachel Carson Reserve

WHEN: Wednesday, March 21

WHERE: NCNERR Classroom, NOAA Administration Building, 101 Pivers Island Rd., Beaufort, N.C.

RALEIGH – The Local Advisory Committee for the Rachel Carson component of the N.C. National Estuarine Research Reserve will meet at 9 a.m. March 21 in the NCNERR classroom at the NOAA Administration Building, 101 Pivers Island Rd., Beaufort, N.C.

The meeting is open to the public.

The committee of local residents, partners and leaders provide the N.C. Division of Coastal Management’s Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve staff with guidance and feedback regarding management of the reserve.

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Marine Fisheries to Host Operation Medicine Drop

Patricia Smith

MOREHEAD CITY – The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries wants people to keep our fish off drugs.

The division will host Operation Medicine Drop events in Morehead City and Wilmington and participate in a third event in Manteo, hosted by the Dare County Sheriff’s Office in partnership with N.C. Sea Grant and the N.C. Aquarium on Roanoke Island.

The events will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 22 at the following locations:

N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries Headquarters 3441 Arendell St. Morehead City	N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources Wilmington Regional Office 127 Cardinal Dr. Wilmington
N.C. Aquarium on Roanoke Island 374 Airport Road Manteo

The public is invited to bring their unused or expired prescription and over-the-counter medications to these events and drop them off with qualified personnel who will ensure these drugs are safely incinerated. Law enforcement will be on hand to supervise the collection.

This method of disposal will keep these medications out of the hands of children, out of the hands of drug addicts and out of our coastal waters.

There is growing concern that flushing prescription drugs down the toilet may impact our coastal environment.

The sewage treatment and septic systems that receive wastewater from homes are designed to remove bacteria and viruses, but not chemicals. Medicines – pain killers, antibiotics, birth control and mood stabilizers – that go down the drain are turning up in rivers, lakes, streams and wells across the country.

Researchers are still studying what effect this may have on environmental and human health, but evidence suggests it is not good for marine life.

Some drugs can alter molting, growth, mating, reproduction and development of fish, shellfish and crustaceans. Drugs with hormones can alter sex organs so that they are malformed, exhibit both male and female reproductive organs, or produce more females than males.

Antidepressants can deter growth and reproduction and affect fish behavior, resulting in fish that are lethargic and more vulnerable to predators. Scientists have documented negative effects on American oysters, grass shrimp, rainbow trout, small mouth bass and other species.

– More—

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Moreover, constant additions of antibiotics into our waterways can result in antibiotic resistant bacteria, making medicines used to treat infections less effective. Also, many lakes and rivers are used as human drinking water supplies.

Operation Medicine Drop is a partnership of Safe Kids North Carolina, the Riverkeepers of North Carolina, Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of North Carolina and local law enforcement agencies working together to encourage the public to safely dispose of unused and unwanted medication.

The events are being held in conjunction with National Poison Prevention Week. Since 1999, 5,717 North Carolinians have lost their lives from unintentional poisonings. Non-fatal poisonings are especially common in children under the age of 5. More information is available at www.ncsafekids.org.

For more information on the division’s Morehead City event, contact Christine Jensen at 252-808-8068 or Christine.Jensen@ncdenr.gov. For information on the Wilmington event, contact Anne Deaton at 910-796-7315 or Anne.Deaton@ncdenr.gov.

For information about the Manteo event, contact Capt. Jeff Deringer, Dare County Sheriff's Office, at 252-475-9176 or jeff.deringer@darenc.com or Sara Mirabilio, N.C. Sea Grant, at 252-475-3663 or saram@csi.northcarolina.edu

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Fishermen Should Take Note that Atlantic Sturgeon will be Listed as an Endangered Species

Patricia Smith

MOREHEAD CITY – North Carolina fishermen should be aware that Atlantic sturgeon will be listed as a federally endangered species effective April 6.

The National Marine Fisheries Service has published a final rule in the Federal Register listing four distinct population segments of Atlantic sturgeon as endangered and another as threatened. To read the final rule, go to:http://www.nero.noaa.gov/nero/regs/frdoc/12/12AtlSturgeonFR_SER.pdf.

The Carolina and South Atlantic population segments, both of which are prevalent in North Carolina waters, will be listed as endangered.

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Marine Fisheries Commission Chooses Draft Management Measures for Blue Crab

Patricia Smith

MOREHEAD CITY – The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission took steps toward the future management of the blue crab fishery, but elected not to try to define a commercial fisherman.

These two decisions were among several issues discussed at the commission’s meeting last week.

The commission selected preferred management actions for Amendment 2 to the N.C. Blue Crab Fishery Management Plan. The draft plan now goes to the secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and to the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations for review and comment.

A 2011 Division of Marine Fisheries Blue Crab Stock Assessment determined that the stock is not overfished, but it is unknown if overfishing is occurring.

As approved for review, the draft amendment proposes adoption of adaptive stock management measures. Under these measures, stricter regulations would be implemented in the blue crab fishery if certain biological triggers are met for three consecutive years. These adaptive management measures use several biological surveys and sampling programs to determine the relative abundance of adult crabs in the population and various production indictors for the stock each year.

Other preferred management alternatives in the draft amendment include:

· Opening eight non-pot areas (long haul areas) in the Pungo River to the use of pots, but keeps the Long Point non-pot area in Pamlico River closed to the use of pots;

· Using the type of bait instead of pot mesh size to define escape ring requirements in a crab pot;

· Adopting the no trawl line along the Outer Banks in Pamlico Sound as the new boundary line where closure of escape rings to take small mature females is allowed;

· Clarifying existing crab dredging rules so they are easier for the public to understand and to match harvest and enforcement practices;

· Correcting an error in the peeler trawl exception rule;

· Incorporating the Pamlico Sound crab trawling proclamation into rule and retaining proclamation authority to restrict crab trawl mesh size;

· Codifying an existing proclamation that closes the lower Broad Creek area (Neuse River) to crab pots June 1 through Nov. 30;

· Establishing proclamation authority for requiring terrapin excluder devices in crab pots that will not be used until criteria for the excluder devices is developed and approved by the commission.

The commission also voted not to make any changes in regards to recommendations from a Committee to Define a Commercial Fisherman.

The committee had recommended changing the eligibility requirements for renewing a Standard Commercial Fishing License by requiring license holders with no commercial landings to document 12 days of commercial fishing activity within a future three year period.

--More--

The committee also recommended developing an apprenticeship program as a qualification for obtaining a Standard Commercial Fishing License through the state’s eligibility pool and eliminating the $25 commercial shellfish license.

In other business, the commission:

· Agreed to start the rulemaking process to require high-volume finfish dealers to file trip tickets electronically. The requirement would apply to fish dealers that average landing 50,000 pounds or more of finfish over three years. Electronic reporting allows the division to process landing data faster and make timelier management decisions.

· Received a presentation on the division’s five-year review of the Shrimp Fishery Management Plan. The division has decided that no changes in management strategies are needed, therefore it will proceed with a revision of the plan. A revision is an abbreviated fisheries management plan process that involves updating the information in the plan, but does not involve setting up an advisory committee. The division anticipates bringing the revised plan to the commission for approval at its August meeting.

· Gave final approval to a Spotted Seatrout Fishery Management Plan. The plan includes short-term and long-term measures to address overfishing in the spotted seatrout fishery. The short-term measures have already been implemented by proclamation. The long-term measures will go into place in February 2014 unless additional data becomes available before then that indicates reductions are not necessary. The long-term measures will reduce the daily recreational bag limit to three fish per person, implement a Dec. 15 through Jan. 31 recreational closure, reduce the commercial trip limit to 25 fish and eliminate commercial closures.

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Lake James State Park opens new hiking trail at Paddyâ€™s Creek Area

Charlie Peek

RALEIGH – A new, 3.6-mile hiking trail has opened in the Paddy’s Creek Area of Lake James State Park in Burke and McDowell counties, according to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation.

The Mill’s Creek Trail loop begins and ends at the parking area serving the new picnic grounds and swim beach in the Paddy’s Creek Area. The addition of the Mill’s Creek Trail brings the total to six miles of hiking trails within the Paddy’s Creek Area that opened in September 2010. There are currently three other trails covering 2.5 miles in that area.

The park will offer a guided hike of Mill’s Creek Trail at 10 a.m. March 10. Hikers should meet at the Paddy’s Creek Area office.

Lake James State Park continues to develop recreation opportunities at the Paddy’s Creek Area, created from 2,915 acres acquired in 2005 from Crescent Resources Inc. For more information about the trail, contact the park office at 828-584-7728.

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Air Permit Issued for Proposed Cement Plant near Wilmington

Tom Mather

RALEIGH - A proposed cement manufacturing plant near Wilmington received an air quality permit today with strict limits for mercury and other air pollutants. The air permit is the first in a series of environmental permits that Carolinas-Titan Cement Co. would need for the facility in northern New Hanover County.

The N.C. Division of Air Quality (DAQ) issued an air permit that sets emissions limits based on all applicable state and federal air quality standards. The standards applied to the permit are more stringent than those in effect when the facility was first proposed in 2008. The project still must receive environmental permits from other state and federal agencies and the issuance of an air permit does not commit the state to issue any of the remaining permits.

“This permit ensures that the Titan plant will require state-of-the art air pollution controls to protect public health and the environment,” DAQ Director Sheila Holman said. “Air emissions would be much lower than expected when the facility was first proposed.”

Titan initially applied for the air permit to construct and operate a Portland cement manufacturing plant at 6411 Ideal Cement Road in Castle Hayne in April 2008, but the permitting decision was drawn out due to changes in federal air quality regulations that required Titan to modify its permit application and a court order that stopped review of the permit application for a number of months. Since the permitting process began, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has adopted more stringent limits on a number of air pollutants that would be emitted by the facility.

The new permit requires the facility to meet stricter EPA regulations for sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, greenhouse gases, mercury and other hazardous air pollutants. Compared to the first draft air permit that went to public notice in 2009, the new permit would reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by 18 percent, reduce sulfur dioxide emissions by 70 percent, reduce particle pollution by 62 percent and reduce mercury emissions by 82 percent.

Under the air permit, Carolinas Cement is required to comply with current state and federal rules for controlling carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, visible emissions, volatile organic compounds, greenhouse gases, mercury and other hazardous air pollutants. The plant must use state-of-the-art air pollution control devices, including bag filters, a scrubber and selective non-catalytic reduction system and carbon injection. Other permit conditions require the facility operators to:

Monitor and inspect air pollution control equipment on a set schedule;
Conduct periodic stack testing of emissions from the kiln system;
Operate continuous emission monitors for carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, total hydrocarbons and visible emissions; and
Comply with state limits on air toxics.

The division held public hearings on a previous draft permit for the facility in September 2009, but the application was placed on hold due to a court decision. The court determined that Titan would need to conduct a full environmental impact study before receiving any permits because it planned to accept state and local economic incentives. The company later declined the incentives and DAQ resumed processing of the application in January 2011.

DAQ released a revised draft air permit in August 2011 and held public hearings on the new draft in September 2011. The draft permit was open for public review and comment until Oct. 31, 2011.

A draft air quality permit allows for public comment and review of DAQ's findings before the division decides whether to issue the permit as written; issue the permit with modifications; or deny the permit. The final permit issued by DAQ includes a number of modifications in response to comments, which are outlined in the permit documents.

By law, the DAQ must review permits for compliance with air quality regulations. The division has no authority over zoning, land use or where a company decides to locate a facility. Local governments are responsible for regulating land use. If the facility receives all applicable permits and is constructed, it would be the state's only cement manufacturing plant. Carolinas Cement Co. has maintained a plant at the site for many years, but kiln operations ceased at the facility in 1982.

The air permit may be viewed online at http://www.ncair.org/permits/TV_permits/ or at the following locations: DAQ Wilmington Regional Office, 127 Cardinal Drive Extension, Wilmington, 910-796-7215; and the DAQ Central Office, Permits Section, Green Square, 217 W. Jones St., Raleigh, 919-707-8400.

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N.C. Coastal Reserve accepting applications for membership on local advisory committees

Michele Walker

WILMINGTON – The N.C. Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve will be accepting applications in March for community members to serve on the local advisory committees for its 10 reserve sites.

The committees meet between one and three times a year, and consist of local residents, partners and leaders who provide the Division of Coastal Management’s Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve staff with guidance and feedback regarding management of the reserve sites.

Local advisory committee membership represents reserve program areas, partners and user groups in order to provide diverse perspectives on management and planning practices and program implementation at reserve sites. Membership is comprised of community members and organizations, relevant governmental agencies and non-governmental partner organizations. Available committee positions vary for each site. See the attached list for available positions for community members and organizations. Governmental agencies and non-governmental partner organizations appointments will be handled through a separate process.

Interested applicants should obtain a copy of the reserve program’s Local Advisory Committee operating procedures, which outline the roles and responsibilities of members and describe the selection process. The operating procedures document, application, and list of open LAC positions are available online at http://www.nccoastalreserve.net/Resources/-Accepting-Applications-for-LACs/203.aspx. Applicants may also request a copy by calling 252-838-0886. The application period is March 1- 31. Applications should be submitted to the individual site manager. Staff will contact applicants once appointments are made by the Secretary of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

The Buckridge, Permuda Island and Bird Island reserves are establishing new local advisory committees this year, joining the existing LACs at the other seven reserves.

Visit www.nccoastalreserve.net to learn more about the reserve program and download the operating procedures and application.

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Nonprofit Report: Formal Standards, Technical Criteria, New Regulatory Program Needed if State Deci

Diana Kees

RALEIGH - In the event that shale gas exploration and production is permitted in North Carolina, formal standards and technical criteria should be developed as part of an oil and gas regulatory program, according to a report put together by a nonprofit organization asked by state environmental officials to review the state's readiness. The request for review was made as part of a legislatively mandated study of oil and gas exploration in North Carolina.

State Review of Oil & Natural Gas Environmental Regulations Inc. (STRONGER), a nonprofit organization whose board is comprised of state, industry and public interest representatives, conducted a review of the environmental regulatory programs of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources against national guidelines developed by STRONGER. The review was conducted last fall by a stakeholder review team consisting of two representatives of the public interest, two representatives from the oil and gas industry, a state representative and official observers.

STRONGER’s report concluded that DENR has mature environmental programs and has staff with significant experience in their various disciplines related to air quality, water quality, water resources, waste management and land resources. While the state’s environmental programs are strong, the programs have not been developed in anticipation of regulating oil and gas exploration and production activities. The STRONGER report recommends that the state develop formal standards and technical criteria for exploration and development activities if North Carolina establishes an oil and gas regulatory program. Specific standards are needed to ensure that state environmental staff, the industry and the public are aware of regulatory expectations and to focus permit review on the impacts of oil and gas development.

Session Law 2011-276 directed the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to study the issue of oil and gas exploration in the state and to specifically focus on the use of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing to extract shale gas. DENR staff is currently in the midst of this study, and the draft report on this study will be completed and posted on DENR’s website in mid-March. Findings from the draft report will be presented at two public meetings, scheduled for March 20 and March 27, and public comments will be accepted at both meetings as well as via mail and email.

To learn more about the shale gas issue and the legislative study, an NCDENR website provides an overview of the issue; describes current regulations associated with shale gas exploration; explains how the department is studying the issue (and will provide study results when complete); guides the public in how to receive updates on the study, and will provide information on how to comment on the draft report once it is available. This website can be found by visiting DENR’s home page – www.ncdenr.gov – and clicking on the “Shale Gas” tab near the center of the page. A link to the STRONGER report can be found on the “Public Input/Contact” page of this site.

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North Carolina state parks reservations service to be interrupted

Charlie Peek

RALEIGH – The North Carolina state parks system will suspend its reservations system March 7-21 in order to complete a major upgrade of the Internet- and call center-based service, according to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation.

All reservations made before March 7 for that time period will be honored, and individual state parks will be able to reserve campsites, picnic shelters and other amenities for visitors on a walk-in basis. The call center and online reservations network will be fully functional again March 21. As always, visitors can camp without an advance reservation if a site is available when they arrive.

The upgrade of software and operation systems will increase the efficiency of the service and for visitors, will offer interactive campground maps online and provide photographs of campsites, picnic shelters, vacation cabins, meeting facilities and other amenities that can be reserved.

The state parks’ reservations system has been popular since it was introduced in 2009, with 68,240 reservations recorded in 2011, a year in which total visitation in the state parks reached a record 14.2 million. The state parks system partnered with Active Network to offer the system for 3,000 campsites and other visitor facilities in 39 state parks and state recreation areas. The system is supported solely by a $3 surcharge for each reservation or night’s stay.

In 2011, 330,455 visitors made use of the system. State recreation areas at Jordan Lake, Falls Lake and Kerr Lake were the most popular destinations for visitors making reservations, followed by Hanging Rock, Carolina Beach and Stone Mountain state parks.

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MEDIA ADVISORY: Three southern reserve sites to hold local advisory committee meetings in March and April

Michele Walker

RALEIGH – Local advisory committees for the Masonboro Island and Zeke’s Island components of the N. C. National Estuarine Research Reserve and the Bald Head Woods Coastal Reserve will meet in March and April. The meetings are open to the public.

· The Masonboro Island Local Advisory Committee will meet at 6 p.m. March 5 in the Habitat Conference Room of the UNCW Center for Marine Science, 5600 Marvin K. Moss Lane, Wilmington.

· The Bald Head Woods Local Advisory Committee will meet at 10 a.m. March 8 at the Bald Head Island Conservancy, 700 Federal Road, Bald Head Island.

· The Zeke’s Island Local Advisory Committee will meet at 3 p.m. April 3 in the classroom of the Fort Fisher Recreation Area, 1000 Loggerhead Road, Kure Beach.

The committees consist of local residents, partners and leaders who provide the Division of Coastal Management’s Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve staff with guidance and feedback regarding management of the reserve sites.

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Thompson to Become DENR's Chief Deputy Secretary in May

Diana Kees

RALEIGH – Mary Penny Thompson has been named as the chief deputy secretary of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources and will begin her duties May 1.

Thompson will succeed Manly Wilder, who has served in that capacity since 2009, and who will retire effective April 30. Wilder’s retirement comes after a 43-year career working in federal and state government that includes his most recent service in DENR. Responsibilities of the department’s chief deputy secretary include coordinating the agency's budget and management functions with its programmatic activities.

“Mary Penny Thompson’s commitment to North Carolina’s environment and natural resources, along with her exemplary legal and managerial experience with the department, make her an obvious choice for this important position,” said Dee Freeman, secretary of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources. “Her talents and abilities have proven to be an asset to the department over the last eight years. She will help us successfully meet the challenges and opportunitiesthat lie ahead.”

“I look forward to helping Secretary Freeman lead the department through the coming year in this new role,” said Thompson. “I am fortunate to have a job that allows me to keep in touch with North Carolina’s natural resources, and to connect with coworkers and the public who work so hard to make this state great.”

Since 2009, Thompson has served a dual role at DENR, as assistant secretary for information technology and its general counsel. She has served as DENR’s general counsel since her appointment in 2005, overseeing all legal matters for the department. Thompson began her work with DENR as assistant general counsel in February 2004. Prior to joining the department, she served in the Attorney General’s Office, litigating and providing advice on coastal, water, land, soil and water conservation and licensing board issues.

Thompson obtained her bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from N.C. State University, and her law degree from Tulane University Law School, which included a specialty in environmental law. Although born into a military family that resided in Alabama, Illinois, Germany and California, Thompson found her permanent home in North Carolina in 1979. She currently lives in Raleigh.

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The Natural Heritage Trust Fund meets Feb. 26-27 to make land conservation funding decisions

Jamie Kritzer

RALEIGH – Board members with the North Carolina Natural Heritage Trust Fund will meet in Raleigh starting Sunday to decide which important natural areas should be acquired and protected with unused funds from a project that did not come to fruition.

The board’s business meeting will be Feb. 26 at the Wildlife Resources Commission Headquarters, 1751 Varsity Drive, Raleigh. On Feb. 27, the board will host its awards meeting at the new N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ headquarters, 217 West Jones St.

The agenda for both meetings can be found at the trust fund’s website, www.ncnhtf.org. The two-day meeting is open to the public.

During the awards meeting, board members will review grant applications for the spring 2012 grant cycle and then decide which projects should receive money from the land conservation trust fund.

The Natural Heritage Trust Fund is one of North Carolina’s four funding mechanisms used to conserve environmentally valuable land in North Carolina. The trust fund is supported by 25 percent of the state’s portion of the tax on real estate deed transfers and a portion of the fees for personalized license plates. These sources typically generate about $12 million a year. Since its creation in 1987, the trust fund has contributed more than $328 million to support the conservation of more than 298,000 acres.

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MEDIA ADVISORY: N.C. Coastal Reserve, others to host â€œMasonboro CafÃ©sâ€� in Wilmington and Carolina

Michele Walker

WILMINGTON – Staff of the N.C. Division of Coastal Management and representatives from Friends of the Reserve’s local FOR Masonboro Island group will hold free, informal “Masonboro CafÃ©” events in Wilmington and Carolina Beach during the next few months.

Participants can join reserve staff for a casual discussion about the Masonboro Island Reserve, speak with staff and volunteers involved with protecting the island and its inhabitants, and learn about available volunteer opportunities.

Location:Surf House Carolina Beach,604 N. Lake Park Blvd., Carolina Beach

Dates: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Feb. 20 and April 16

Location:Surf House,250 Racine Dr., Suite 1, Wilmington

Dates: 5:30-7:30 p.m. March 19 and May 21

The Masonboro Island Reserve is one of 10 sites in the N.C. Division of Coastal Management’s Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve Program, which protects natural areas for education, research and compatible recreation. Since its creation in 1989, the program has preserved more than 41,000 acres of unique coastal environments at 10 sites along the coast.

Friends of the Reserve, or FOR, support the work of the coastal reserve program at the Masonboro Island Reserve in Wilmington.

For more information, please contact Stewardship Coordinator and Southern Sites Manager Hope Sutton at 910-962-2998 or e-mail her atsuttonh@uncw.edu.

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Comments sought on list of impaired waters slated for improvement plans

Susan Massengale

RALEIGH – The state is seeking comments on its 2012 list of North Carolina’s rivers, streams, lakes and estuaries with impaired water quality and will use those comments to develop strategies for decreasing pollution in the affected waters.

Similar to the results of previous assessments, the 2012 list shows that about one-third of the waters assessed in the Tar Heel State have at least one impairment due to factors such as stormwater runoff.

While limited resources don’t permit monitoring of all waters in North Carolina, the state agency assesses primarily those waters where problems have existed in the past or where problems may exist based on proximity to human activities from towns, farms and development. A waterway is considered impaired when it doesn’t meet water quality standards or doesn’t support designated uses such as swimming, shellfish harvesting or drinking water supply.

People have until midnight March 12 to provide comments about the waters on the list, other waters they believe need to be included or those waterways they believe should be removed from the list. The list was published this week and can be found on the division’s website athttp://portal.ncdenr.org/web/wq/ps/mtu.

Every two years, the N.C. Division of Water Quality is required by the federal Clean Water Act to produce the 303(d) list of impaired waters for which a plan is to be developed. The plan identifies the sources of the pollution and the Total Maximum Daily Load, which is the amount of pollution a waterway can tolerate before it becomes impaired. The plan also includes an analysis to determine how much pollution should be reduced to protect the stream’s water quality and ensure that its designated uses are supported.

A number of factors contribute to impaired waterways, including bacteria, chemicals, sediment and stormwater that carries oil, grease and other pollutants from roads and other impervious surfaces.

For the 2012 draft water quality assessment, data were collected from 2006-2010 by several local, state and federal government agencies as well as university and discharger coalition monitoring programs. More than 5,000 assessments were completed in named North Carolina streams, reservoirs and estuaries. The 2012 assessment shows that 1,100 of the 3,300 reservoirs, streams and rivers assessed do not meet water quality standards or support designated uses.

The state agency uses the list to produce a plan for reducing pollution, but the list is also used by local governments and environmental groups to target watersheds for water quality improvements. In some cases, the N.C. Division of Water Quality can allocate federal grant money to aid local groups in the implementation of improved pollutant control practices.

To comment on the 2012 list, send written comments to: Jennifer Everett; N.C. Division of Water Quality Planning Section; 1617 Mail Service Center; Raleigh, NC 27699-1617 or e-mail Everett atjennifer.everett@ncdenr.gov.

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Loans Available for Clean Water Infrastructure Improvements

Susan Massengale

RALEIGH – Local governments in North Carolina have until March 1 to apply with the state for the latest round of low-interest loans intended to pay for improvements to wastewater treatment plants and other environmentally beneficial projects.

The N.C. Division of Water Quality makes low-interest loans available twice a year through its Clean Water State Revolving Fund. The loans help local municipalities and counties pay for such things as wetland and stream restoration, stormwater management, and improvements to publicly-owned infrastructure such as wastewater treatment plants and sewer collection systems.

The deadline for applications each year is March 1 and Sept. 1. The state agency reports that at least $100 million is available for projects during the current round. The Clean Water State Revolving Fund, which is administered by the N.C. Division of Water Quality, is made up of funds from the federal government and a 17 percent state match.

The clean water fund also provides opportunities for municipalities and other government units to receive a special zero-percent interest rate on “green” projects such as stormwater management structures and systems that capture and reuse rainwater. In addition, certain small government units may be eligible for forgiveness of half of the principal of the loan.

The awards for the current round of funding will be announced around the end of March.

Recent projects funded through the program include a wastewater treatment plant upgrade in Jackson County, improvements to the wastewater system efficiency in Pender and Gaston counties, reclaimed water improvements in Raleigh and a stream restoration in Mecklenburg County.

Local governments who wish to apply for loans through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund should review application and guidance information on the Division of Water Quality’s website at:http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/wq/ifs/fap/cwsrf.

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Hanging Rock State Park to Conduct Prescribed Burn

Charlie Peek

RALEIGH – Hanging Rock State Park will conduct a limited prescribed burn this month in conjunction with a N.C. Forest Service prescribed burn adjacent to Mountain Road.

The exact date of the burn will depend on weather conditions, according to Park Superintendent Dave Cook. Hanging Rock State Park is in Stokes County about 30 milesnorth of Winston-Salem.

An eight-acre area of the park will be burned to remove fallen Virginia pines and other shrubby vegetation, promote new plant growth for wildlife browsing and maintain the overall natural community by improving soil nutrients.

Prescribed burns also limit the amount of dead wood and natural fuels on the forest floor, making it easier to fight wildfires. This helps protect neighboring landowners should lightning, arson or carelessness spark a wildfire.

Prescribed burns routinely begin in the late morning and end by late afternoon of the same day, allowing adequate time for cleanup before dark. For further information, contact the park office at 336-593-8480.

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State Agencies Launch Program to Recognize Green Travel-Related Businesses

Tom Rhodes

RALEIGH – The N.C. Division of Environmental Assistance and Outreach, in partnership with the Center for Sustainable Tourism at East Carolina University, have launched the NC GreenTravel Initiative, a program that recognizes state travel-related businesses that employ healthy environmental practices.

“This program is a way to spotlight North Carolina’s commitment to sustainable practices and recognize businesses that have integrated greener practices into their daily routine,” said Edythe McKinney, director of the Division of Environmental Assistance and Outreach. “Hopefully those who visit businesses recognized as NC GreenTravel sites will see how conservation and waste reduction can be integrated into their home or business.”

According to many business analysts, using sustainable practices in the tourism industry brings environmental benefits and can also help businesses save money through reduced energy and water use, and reduction of waste. In addition, it can generate more income for those “green” businesses that cater to the growing sector of the public who are interested in purchasing environmentally friendly products and services.

While several other states have created programs to certify “green” hotels, North Carolina’s NC GreenTravel Initiative goes a step beyond by awarding special recognition to hotels, restaurants, museums, parks, attractions and other tourism-related businesses for their environmental sustainability accomplishments.

Businesses seeking recognition by the NC GreenTravel Initiative can submit an online application. The application features categories related to recycling, energy management, water conservation and other sustainable actions, along with an associated score. Once the points are tallied, the business is awarded recognition on one of three levels based on its overall score.

Applicants that are recognized by the NC GreenTravel Initiative will receive a wall certificate and door decal identifying them as members of the NC GreenTravel community. They will also be listed as a sustainable travel business on the NC GreenTravel website at www.ncgreentravel.org/.

For information about the program, contact Tom Rhodes, NC GreenTravel program coordinator, at tom.rhodes@ncdenr.gov or 919-707-8140; or Alex Naar, director of sustainable tourism outreach at East Carolina University, at naara@ecu.edu or 252-737-1346.

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North Carolina's Disposal Rate Drops to Historic Low Due to Economy, Increased Recycling

Cathy Akroyd

RALEIGH - North Carolinians threw away less per capita in 2010-2011 than at any time in nearly 20 years, according to the state’s latest report and analysis of solid waste management.

The 2010-2011 North Carolina Solid Waste and Materials Management Report indicates a historic drop in the state per capita disposal rate, which fell below one ton per person for the first time since fiscal year 1991-92. Continuing recycling efforts and decreased statewide construction contributed to this development. For 2010-11, the state per capita disposal rate was .99 tons; the previous rate, also historically low, was 1.07 tons per capita.

“Our data shows yet again that the state’s disposal rate is influenced heavily by the economy,” said Dexter Matthews, director of the state Division of Waste Management. “We are pleased to note that continually expanding state recycling efforts are also contributing to the reduction reflected in this report.”

The report is produced annually by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in a joint effort with the departments of Administration and Transportation. Information for the report was compiled from 644 local government annual reports and from 370 solid waste management facilities.

The report also found that:

The amount of electronic equipment collected by counties and cities increased by 63 percent between FY 2009-10 and 2010-11; a state electronic management program was established by the General Assembly in 2010. Electronic materials collected by local programs has nearly doubled since 2008-09, rising from .84 to 1.55 pounds per capita.
The number of local curbside recycling programs reached a record high of 283 in 2010-11, serving more than 1.68 million households across the state.
Reported prices for recyclable materials were extremely strong in 2010-11 before declining slightly at the end of the fiscal year, indicating healthy market demand for recovered commodities.

“North Carolina continues to make tremendous strides in the recovery of recyclable materials, which helps create jobs and feed a growing recycling economy,” said Scott Mouw, chief of the Community and Business Assistance section in the Division of Environmental Assistance and Outreach. “We still have room for improvement, but we are on the right path. The public should feel proud of its contribution to our state’s prosperity through the simple, everyday practice of recycling.”

The report recommends that state environmental officials increase focus on recycling and the diversion of large solid waste management streams – such as food and wood wastes – to ensure that landfill capacity is available as the state’s population increases and the economic recovery strengthens. The report also calls on state officials to work toward expanding the collection of plastic bottles and other recyclables to ensure to meet the capacity of the state’s growing recycling markets.

The report is available online at http://bit.ly/AwSGnu. For questions about solid waste disposal, please contact Cathy Akroyd at 919-707-8234 or cathy.akroyd@ncdenr.gov. For questions regarding recycling, please contact Scott Mouw at 919-707-8114 or scott.mouw@ncdenr.gov.

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Jordan Lake State Recreation Area will conduct prescribed burn

Charlie Peek

RALEIGH – The N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation will conduct a prescribed burn at Jordan Lake State Recreation Area in February when conditions are suitable, according to Park Superintendent Shederick Mole.

The burn will be conducted in cooperation with the N.C. Forest Service at the Vista Point access on a date to be determined. A 155-acre area will be affected from near the public entrance to the RV campsites and shoreline. The public will not be allowed to enter this area during the burn event.

Prescribed burns are used as a resource management tool by the state parks system. Some plant communities and animal species rely on periodic fire for their existence. The prescribed burn also will reduce the amount of potential wildfire fuel. The prescribed burn will help protect the park’s resources and neighboring landowners if lightning, arson or carelessness sparks a wildfire.

In order to minimize smoke and assure the fire is controlled, the low-intensity, prescribed burn will only be carried out under strictly defined weather conditions of a fire management plan. On the selected day, the burn will begin in the late morning and will likely end by mid-afternoon.

On the day when the fire is to begin, an alert will be posted on the Jordan Lake State Recreation Area page of the division’s website,www.ncparks.gov. For further information, call the park office at 919-362-0586.

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Pearson is new superintendent at Stone Mountain State Park

Charlie Peek

RALEIGH -Janet Pearson, a veteran state park superintendent and ranger, has been named superintendent of Stone Mountain State Park in Wilkes and Alleghany counties, according to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation. She succeeds Edward Farr, who retired in 2011.

Pearson is a native of the Pilot Mountain area and a 2000 graduate of Western Carolina University with a bachelor’s degree in parks and recreation management. She worked in seasonal positions for the state parks system and as an interpreter for the Horne Creek Living Historical Farm before becoming a fulltime ranger at Pilot Mountain in 2000. In January 2010, she became the first superintendent of the developing Carvers Creek State Park in Cumberland County. She holds certifications in environmental education and intermediate law enforcement.

“With her background in northwestern North Carolina and administrative experience in guiding the development of Carvers Creek StatePark, Janet brings strong skills to this position,” said Lewis Ledford, state parks director. “Stone Mountain will continue to be one of the most popular state parks in the region, with ever-growing demands to balance outdoor recreation with wise natural resource protection.”

Established in 1969, Stone Mountain State Park encompasses 14,210 acres and reported 440,612 visitors in 2011.

(EDITORS: A jpeg image of Pearson is available on our website www.ncparks.gov under “News”.)

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High Point's Thomas Built Buses Inc. Recognized For Outstanding Environmental Efforts

Diana Kees

RALEIGH - The N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources today recognized High Point’s Thomas Built Buses Inc. as a 2011 Environmental Steward.

The award recognizes Thomas Built Buses’ superior environmental performance, commitment to continued reduction of its environmental impact and demonstrated commitment to exceed compliance. The facility joins only 15 other facilities in the state who have achieved this recognition.

“Companies like Thomas Built Buses show that industrial success and environmental stewardship can go hand-in-hand,” said DENR Secretary Dee Freeman. “It is commendable that even after the company achieved its goal to send no waste to the landfill, it is reaching even further to reduce the amount of non-recyclable trash sent to a waste-to-energy facility, through employee awareness and education and materials substitution.”

A 10-member advisory board appointed by Secretary Freeman provides program direction and implementation and recommended the recognition of the Thomas Built Buses facility. Advisory board membership consists of individuals from industry, industry trade groups, environmental and citizen nongovernmental organizations, government, academia and small business. (Advisory board members are listed below.)

Reasons cited by the advisory board in its recognition of the facility include:

Integration of environmental management into core business operations through multiple processes for internal communication of environmental issues, lean practices, and driving environmental awareness through efficiency improvement and awards programs;
Its compliance history and commitment to continual improvement including creative partnerships to bring technology such as a solar array to the community;
The facility’s commitment to continue to reduce waste even after achieving its zero waste-to-landfill goal through a waste-to-energy plan;
The facility’s 24 percent decrease in energy usage over the last five years; and
The facility’s 42 percent decrease in its water consumption over the last five years.

“We are genuinely honored to be recognized as an Environmental Steward,” said Kelley Platt, president and CEO of Thomas Built Buses. “And, while we welcome the opportunity to celebrate this achievement, our commitment to environmental stewardship is more than just one moment in time. For all of us at Thomas Built Buses, this is an ongoing commitment that is part of our culture, part of the way we think and the way we do business.”

The ESI program has two additional levels of participation and recognition: Environmental Partner and Rising Environmental Steward. The Environmental Partner level is designed for adoption by a broad range of organizations that are interested in beginning the process of developing a systematic approach to improving their environmental performance. Partners must demonstrate a commitment to maintain compliance, commit to establishing an environmental management system and set environmental performance goals. The Environmental Rising Steward level is recommended to organizations that have a matureEMS in place and have set site-specific measurable environmental performance goals.

For more detailed information or to apply for the program, please visit the Environmental Stewardship Initiative Web site at http://www.ncesi.org or contact Angela Barger or Julie Woosley with the N.C. Division of Environmental Assistance and Outreach at 919-707-8100 or esi@ncdenr.gov.

2011 Advisory Workgroup Members

Jennifer Adams Corning Inc. – Wilmington Optical Fiber Facility

Dr. Robert Bruck - North Carolina State University

Stephen Jenkins - Engineered Sintered Components

Brian Kasher - Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools

Kim Killian GKN - Precision Forming

Edythe McKinney (chair) Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources

Dan Miller - Fleet Readiness Center East

Ray Price - Smithfield Packing - Wilson

Robin Smith - N.C. League of Conservation Voters

Steve Street - Hickory Manufacturing and Technology Center, Corning Cable Systems - LLC

Danny Yount - ASMO North America

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Thomas Built Buses Inc. To Be Recognized for Outstanding Environmental Efforts

Diana Kees

RALEIGH –The N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources will recognize High Point's Thomas Built Buses Inc. as one of the state's 16 Environmental Stewards on Wednesday, as part of the department's Environmental Stewardship Initiative.

NCDENR Secretary Dee Freeman will recognize the company’s commitment to superior environmental performance and continuous improvement in a 10 a.m. award ceremony on Feb. 8. Freeman will join Thomas Built Buses president and CEO Kelley Platt for the ceremony, which will be held at the company’s Saf-T-Liner^® C2 school bus manufacturing facility located at 1013 Callahan Street in Archdale.

DENR’s Environmental Stewardship Initiative was established in 2002. The ESI is a voluntary program designed to promote and encourage superior environmental performance and encourage business, industry, government agencies and nonprofits to develop and implement programs that use pollution prevention and other innovative approaches to meet and go beyond their regulatory requirements.

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Martin is new superintendent of Mayo River State Park

Charlie Peek

RALEIGH – Keith Martin, a veteran park ranger, has been named superintendent of Mayo River State Park in Rockingham County, according to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation. Martin succeeds Fred Watkins who accepted another assignment in 2011.

Martin has been a ranger at Pilot Mountain State Park since 1993. A native of Winston-Salem, he earned a bachelor’s degree in parks and recreation management from Western Carolina University in 1990. He previously worked as a law enforcement ranger for the National Park Service on the Blue Ridge Parkway and as an epidemiologist with the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources before joining the state parks system. He holds certifications in environmental education and as a law enforcement instructor.

“Keith bring with him excellent experiences in all phases of state park management as well as a love and deep knowledge of central North Carolina’s resources and history,” said Lewis Ledford, state parks director. “His talents will be invaluable as we continue to develop and expand one of our newest state parks at Mayo River.”

(EDITORS: A jpeg image of Martin is available on our websitewww.ncparks.gov linked from this media release under “News”.)

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Southern Pines, Raleigh recognized by state for environmental programs

Jamie Kritzer

RALEIGH – State officials this week recognized two Piedmont municipalities as having this year’s best local programs aimed at limiting the environmental impacts caused by sedimentation and erosion at construction sites and road projects.

Southern Pines and Raleigh received the 2012 awards for Small and Large Local Soil Erosion Programs, respectively, at an awards ceremony Wednesday in Clemmons.

“Southern Pines and Raleigh have established programs that other sedimentation and erosion control programs should model themselves after,” said Jim Simons, director of the N.C. Division of Land Resources. “Having well-trained staff who can visit sites regularly is the best way to address problems quickly and prevent or minimize pollution, protect our drinking water and reduce the financial impacts that come with costly cleanups.”

Sedimentation occurs from the erosion or depositing of soil and other materials into the water, principally from construction sites and road maintenance, and represents one of the most significant pollution problems in North Carolina.

Local sedimentation and erosion control programs have sprouted up across North Carolina in recent years in part as a response to the state’s growth. Today, 52 towns, cities and counties have programs with trained staff who make regular construction site visits and help contractors put in place measures to limit sedimentation such as silt fencing and the construction of berms that direct runoff from construction sites into catch basins rather than nearby streams.

Staff members with the N.C. Division of Land Resources selected this year’s winners based on the strength of the towns’ local ordinances, consistency of review and enforcement and the effectiveness of program implementation. Representatives from the division and members of the North Carolina Sedimentation and Erosion Control Commission presented the awards Wednesday night at the Village Inn Hotel and Conference Center in Clemmons.

For photos of winners from Southern Pines and Raleigh, please see the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Facebook page,http://www.facebook.com/ncdenr.

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Trail improvements planned at Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area

Charlie Peek

RALEIGH – Construction to improve the Summit Trail at Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area in Durham County will begin Feb. 6, according to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation.

The trail and all park facilities will remain open during the construction period and available to the public, but vehicles and construction equipment may be traveling on parts of the 0.6-mile trail in backcountry areas of the park. Other trails in the state natural area will be unaffected. The project is expected to be completed in approximately two weeks.

For further information on the project, contact officials at Eno River State Park at 919-383-1686.

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N.C. Coastal Resources Commission will meet Feb. 8-9 in Nags Head

Michele Walker

RALEIGH – The N.C. Coastal Resources Commission, or CRC, will meet Feb. 8-9 in the Oceanview Hall at Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head.

The meeting will begin at 3 p.m. Feb. 8 and at 8:30 a.m. Feb. 9. The meeting is open to the public.

The following are some of the main items on the Coastal Resources Commission’s agenda:

· Science Panel Guidance for Assessing Terminal Groin Adverse Impacts – Staff with the state Division of Coastal Management, or DCM, will review guidance from the commission’s Science Panel on Coastal Hazards for assessing adverse impacts from terminal groins.

· Governor's Scientific Advisory Panel on Offshore Energy–Gary Perry, Kitty Hawk’s Mayor Pro Tem, will present an overview of recommendations from the governor’s offshore energy advisory panel.

· Reassessment of Sandbag Enforcement Priorities – DCM staff will present a current assessment of non-compliant sandbag structures.

· Sea Level Rise Policy – Draft for Public Hearing – DCM staff will review the Coastal Resources Commission’s current draft policy on sea level rise, and request that it be approved for public hearing.

· Science Panel Response to Sea Level Rise Study Comments – Science panel chair Dr. Marjory Overton will present the panel’s response to recent comments regarding its 2010 sea level rise study.

· Fiscal Analysis Approvals– DCM staff will present fiscal analyses of two proposed rules (15A NCAC 7H .0304(1)(a) AEC Within Ocean Hazard Areas and 15A NCAC 7M .1300 Sea-Level Rise Policy) for approval by the CRC.

· Variance Requests– The CRC will consider three requests for variances from the commission’s rules.

· Public Input and Comment –Members of the public may comment on any issue not on the agenda at 11:45 a.m. Feb. 9.

The state Coastal Resources Commission adopts the rules and policies used by the N.C. Division of Coastal Management to protect, conserve and manage North Carolina's coastal resources.

The Coastal Resources Advisory Council, a group that provides the CRC with local government perspectives and technical advice, will meet at 1 p.m. Feb. 8 at Jennette’s Pier. A full meeting agenda is posted on the N.C. Division of Coastal Management’s website atwww.nccoastalmanagement.net.

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Prescribed burn planned at Crowders Mountain State Park

Charlie Peek

RALEIGH – The N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation will conduct a prescribed burn in the Linwood Access area of Crowders Mountain State Park in Gaston County, according to Park Superintendent Larry Hyde.

The burn will be conducted on a date yet to be chosen in February or March, and some areas of the park will be closed to the public during the event. When park staff members determine when the fire is to begin, an alert will be posted on the Crowders Mountain State Park page of the division’s website,www.ncparks.gov.

Prescribed burns are used as a resource management tool by the state parks system. Some plant communities and animal species rely on periodic fire for their existence. For thousands of years, lightning ignited the fires necessary to maintain the habitats of these species. But in the last century, fire suppression, road construction and development have disrupted the natural fire cycles.

The prescribed burn will also reduce the amount of potential wildfire fuel in an area on Crowders Mountain with high potential for lightning strikes and wildfires. The prescribed burn will help protect the park’s resources and neighboring landowners if lightning, arson or carelessness spark a wildfire.

The low-intensity, prescribed burn will be conducted in cooperation with the N.C. Forest Service. In order to minimize smoke and assure the fire is controlled, the prescribed burn will only be carried out under strictly defined weather conditions of a fire management plan.

On the selected day, the burn will begin in the late morning and will end by late afternoon. Follow-up operations could last for several days. Until the park staff determines the area is safe for visitors, all areas on or around the Crowders Mountain summit will be closed to the public, including the Linwood Access parking area and trailhead, Tower Trail, Crowders Trail (Linwood section only), Backside Trail and Rock Top Trail.

For further information, call the park office at (704) 853-5375.

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Hanging Rock State Park will conduct prescribed burn

Charlie Peek

RALEIGH – Hanging Rock State Park will conduct a limited prescribed burn this winter or early spring. The exact date of the burn will depend on weather conditions, according to Park Superintendent Dave Cook.

A 2.5-acre area of the park contains Schweinitz sunflower, a species federally listed as endangered and which needs regular fire cycles to survive. The park’s objectives are to remove competing Virginia pines and other shrubby vegetation shading the sunflowers and to maintain the overall natural community by stimulating the presence of soil nutrients.

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Division of Water Quality Programs Move to New Location

Susan Masssengale

RALEIGH – Two programs of the state Division of Water Quality have moved their main offices to the state government plaza in downtown Raleigh.

The Aquifer Protection Section and the Infrastructure Finance Section have moved from their previous location on Capital Boulevard in Raleigh to the Archdale Building, where most of the division is located. The physical address for the building is 512 N. Salisbury Street.

In addition to the new location, the Infrastructure Finance Section has a new name and a new central number - 919-707-9160. The section was formerly known as Construction Grants and Loans. The section’s mailing address remains the same – 1633 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1633.

The Infrastructure Finance Section administers state and federal funding programs for publicly owned wastewater treatment facilities infrastructure, stormwater management and other environmentally sustainable, or green, clean water infrastructure. In addition, the section issues sewer extension permits and authorizations for construction. It also issues certification for water pollution structures that qualify for special taxation consideration.

The new central phone number for the Aquifer Protection Section is 919-807-6464. The mailing address – 1636 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1636 – remains the same.

With the central office in downtown Raleigh and in each of DWQ’s seven regional offices, the Aquifer Protection Section focuses on the protection and enhancement of the state’s groundwater – the primary source of drinking water for approximately half of North Carolina’s residents. To protect this important resource, the section:

Implements permitting and compliance for wastewater applied to land, whether it is from municipal, industrial or animal feeding operation treatment systems. Permitting and compliance for wastewater treated for reuse is also regulated by the section.
Permits the construction injection wells such as those used for home heating and cooling.
Permits construction of wells for monitoring groundwater quality and for extracting or treating contaminated groundwater.
Performs groundwater planning and research to better understand the interaction of groundwater and surface water, and groundwater with geological formations. This work helps to better characterize and anticipate potential threats to groundwater and surface water quality and to human health.

Files for the two sections have also moved and are housed in the main file room in the basement of the Archdale Building. Those wishing to do a file review should call the sections’ main numbers for further information.

To learn more about the Division of Water Quality and its work to protect and enhance the state’s surface water and groundwater resources, visit the division's website at: www.ncwaterquality.org.

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Public Meetings Set on Boundary Designations for Ozone Non-Attainment Areas

Tom Mather

RALEIGH – Citizens can learn about, ask questions and comment on the potential boundaries for ozone non-attainment areas during public meetings scheduled for next Wednesday in the Charlotte metropolitan area.

Non-attainment areas are regions that do not meet federal air quality standards for pollutants such as ozone, and the Charlotte metro area is the only part of North Carolina currently under consideration for designation. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets non-attainment boundaries based on recommendations from the states, and the designations can have important implications for growth and development. Two meetings are scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 18: 1 p.m., Hal Marshall Center, 700 N. Tryon St., Charlotte; and 5:30 p.m., Cornelius Town Hall, 21445 Catawba Avenue, Cornelius.

At the meetings, the N.C. Division of Air Quality (DAQ) is seeking input to help refine North Carolina's recommendations on non-attainment area boundaries for the 8-hour ozone standard, which the EPA has lowered from 0.08 to 0.075 parts per million (ppm) measured over 8 hours. DAQ staff will present information on air monitoring, motor vehicle use, population density, air quality modeling and other factors used in determining non-attainment areas.

The EPA initially adopted the new ozone standard in March 2008, and North Carolina submitted recommendations for non-attainment boundaries in March 2009 based on information available at that time. The EPA later postponed the designation process while it considered whether to strengthen the ozone standard. However, it decided in September 2011 to keep the 2008 standard and restarted the designation process. Meanwhile, air monitoring data showed improvements in ozone levels across the state, leading DAQ to scale back its earlier recommendations to include only the Charlotte metropolitan area.

Ozone, the main component in smog, is unhealthy to breathe and can damage trees and crops. Ozone is formed when nitrogen oxides (NOx) react with hydrocarbons in the air on hot, sunny days with little wind. The main sources of the pollutants that cause ozone are cars and trucks, coal-fired power plants and other industry. At one time, a number of North Carolina counties exceeded the ozone standard, but levels have declined due to lower emissions of ozone-forming pollutants. Currently, the only monitors exceeding the standard are located in Mecklenburg and Rowan counties.

States must develop air quality plans for reducing ozone in non-attainment areas. These plans include specific proposals for curbing ozone, such as measures to reduce emissions from cars, trucks and industries and power plants. The designations also give the EPA the authority to review proposed highway projects and long-range transportation plans.

In setting boundaries for non-attainment areas, the EPA typically includes all of the counties in the same metropolitan area where violating monitors are located and considers other factors such as commuting patterns, emissions sources and population growth. In the Charlotte area, that could include all or parts Cabarrus, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan and Union counties.

Based on inputs from the meetings next week, DAQ may recommend excluding rural portions of those counties. States must submit recommended changes to the EPA by Feb. 29, and the agency is expected to announce designations by May 31.

North Carolina has taken substantial steps to reduce ozone and other key air quality problems. In 2002, the legislature passed the Clean Smokestacks Act, which required coal-fired power plants to reduce their NOx and sulfur dioxide emissions by about three-fourths over the following decade. The legislature also passed bills that enhanced and expanded the auto emissions testing program from nine to 48 counties. More information about air issues can be found at: www.ncair.org .

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Record-level attendance at North Carolina State Parks continued in 2011

Charlie Peek

RALEIGH – Visitation at North Carolina's state parks and state recreation areas continued at a record level in 2011, with 14.25 million visits, matching the all-time record set in 2009 and posting a slight increase from 14.19 visits in 2010, according to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation.

Among 39 state parks and state recreation areas, 15 reported increases in attendance in 2011. Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Dare County reported the highest attendance at 1.32 million visits, down slightly from 1.47 million last year.

“State parks make a strong contribution to North Carolina’s tourism economy as well as to the economies of local communities in which they’re located,” said Lewis Ledford, director of the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation. “Their continued record attendance reflects the value that North Carolinians and visitors to this state place on outdoor recreation and our natural resources. In addition, families continue to benefit from the affordable recreation and education opportunities in these special places.”

A 2008 economic study revealed that travelers spend an average of $23.56 a day to enjoy the state parks. The analysis by North Carolina State University’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management estimated the state parks system’s total annual economic impact at more than $400 million. The complete study can be found atwww.ncparks.gov/news/media_room.

During the past 25 years, the state parks system has seen a dramatic 102 percent increase in visitation. In 1986, 7 million people visited state parks and state recreation areas.

Several state parks that reported higher attendance in 2011 were able to offer new amenities to visitors. A new 700-foot swim beach and picnic area at Lake James State Park opened for its first full season, and the park experienced a 70 percent jump in visitation. Improvements at other state parks contributed to increased visitation, including a renovated marina at Carolina Beach State Park, a new equestrian trail network at Medoc Mountain State Park and a number of hiking trail projects, including a volunteer-built summit trail at Elk Knob State Park.

The state parks system manages more than 215,000 acres within state parks, state recreation areas and a system of state natural areas dedicated to conservation of rare resources. Through its New Parks for a New Century initiative, six new state parks have been added to the system since 2003.

Parks with significant increases in visitation include Dismal Swamp State Park in Camden County (34 percent), Elk Knob State Park in Watauga County (50 percent), Jones Lake State Park in Bladen County (26 percent), Kerr Lake State Recreation Area in Vance County (24 percent) and Medoc Mountain State Park in Halifax County (31 percent). State park visitation is often affected by weather events. For instance, Hurricane Irene in August closed Goose Creek State Park for several weeks and other eastern and Piedmont parks briefly.

(EDITORS: Complete 2011 attendance records are available on the websitewww.ncparks.gov linked to this release under “News”).

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State environmental officials to seek comment on plan for drinking water projects

Sarah M. Young

RALEIGH – State environmental officials will meet next week to receive public comments on their plan for how to help North Carolina municipalities fund this year’s most pressing drinking water projects.

People are invited to attend the 2:30 p.m. Jan. 17 public hearing in the Coastal Plain Room (Room 1107) of the new Environment and Natural Resources Building, 217 West Jones St., Raleigh.

The annual public hearing is a routine step that officials with the state’s public water supply section use to determine where to direct money from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. The fund comes from the Environmental Protection Agency and a 20 percent required state match. The federal government will contribute to the fund about $24.6 million contingent on the state’s match of $4.9 million.

During the public hearing, the state will seek comments on the plan, which is proposed for federal approval. The plan includes requirements for the types of projects to be funded, how projects are prioritized and other criteria for allocating the money. The proposed intended use plan can be viewed athttp://www.ncwater.org/pws/srf/Pages/federal_reports.htm.

Congress in 1996 created the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund to help public water systems finance the cost of infrastructure needed to protect public health and comply with the Safe Drinking Water Act.

People who wish to speak during the hearing should sign-in at 2 p.m. Spoken comments should be limited to three minutes. Written comments may be provided at the public hearing or mailed to Vincent Tomaino at 1634 MSC, Raleigh, NC, 27699-1634, or emailed tovincent.tomaino@ncdenr.gov. Written comments will be received until Jan. 17.

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Hidden Cove Boat Access at Lake James State Park closed

Charlie Peek

RALEIGH – The Hidden Cove Boat Access at Lake James State Park has been closed due to low water levels connected with a planned hydro station outage by Duke Energy Corp., according to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation.

Duke Energy expects to maintain Lake James within a normal operating range of 92-100 feet during the next 30 days, but lake levels are too low to safely launch craft at Hidden Cove and could recede further if the region experiences reduced precipitation. The state park’s Canal Bridge Boat Access nearby on N.C. 126 will remain open throughout the project.

“Hidden Cove has the shallowest boat ramps on the lake,” said Park Superintendent Sean McElhone. “The current water depth at the boat ramps is already less than 20 inches, which is not adequate for most recreational watercraft, and we expect those levels to remain unsafe throughout the project. Our intent is to reopen the boat access as soon as it is safe for use.”

The status of the park’s boat ramps is publicized on the Lake James State Park page of the websitewww.ncparks.gov. For more information, call the park office at (828) 584-7728 or Duke Energy Lake Services at (800) 443-5193.

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State Report Assesses State's Environmental Quality, Discusses Emerging Challenges

Diana Kees

RALEIGH – Environmental indicators show significant improvement in air and water quality in North Carolina, according to the 2011 State of the Environment Report released today by the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

The report, a science-based review of the state’s air, water and land resources, evaluates the quality of the state’s environment; describes DENR’s efforts to protect the state’s natural resources; and identifies current and emerging issues.

“I believe, as does Gov. Perdue, that a clean environment is a vital player in a thriving economy,” said DENR Secretary Dee Freeman. “For years, North Carolina’s bountiful natural resources have attracted new residents, new companies and visitors, and this report outlines the steps DENR and its partners have taken and will continue to take to maintain clean air, clean water and abundant natural resources for the health, enjoyment and recreation of all.”

Highlights of the report include:

Air quality has improved substantially since the 1980s. With the cooperation of business and industry, significant steps have been taken to reduce ozone and particle pollution, with additional reductions expected as industries and motor vehicles work to meet more stringent federal air quality standards.
The majority of the state’s lakes, streams and rivers have good water quality, and support fisheries and fish habitats, provide drinking water and allow a number of recreational uses. However, about 40 percent of the state’s waters are impaired by such pollutants as mercury, bacteria and large amounts of sediment; in some areas, excess nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus have threatened water quality in both rivers and water supply reservoirs.
The state has made significant progress in addressing nutrient pollution; management strategies for the Neuse and Tar-Pamlico river basins have successfully reduced fish kills and algal blooms. Similar strategies have been developed for the Falls Lake and Jordan Lake water supply reservoirs.
In the area of water supply or quantity, water shortage response plans have been developed to improve the state’s drought response; groundwater data collection has increased; aquifers have started to recover in the Central Coastal Plain; and water supply models are being developed for most of the 17 major river basins.
The state continues to make progress in cleaning up contaminated properties and in helping to provide alternative water supply where drinking water wells have been contaminated.
After a decade of strong growth, the rate of land conservation has declined since 2009. However, the state continues to work on protection of key parcels, focusing on acquiring lands critical for water quality protection, wildlife habitat, recreation, agriculture and military activities.

Some emerging issues that DENR faces include the completion of a legislatively mandated state study to identify issues associated with oil and gas exploration in the state, focusing on the use of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing to extract shale gas; the potential impacts of climate change in North Carolina; new federal air quality standards, which will require additional program resources at the state level; rapid population growth and development in some parts of the state, which put additional stress on water bodies and other sensitive natural areas, and can make attainment of new, stricter air quality standards an ongoing challenge; water supply and the allocation of water resources between competing water users; and department-wide program impacts brought about by the recent recession and resulting state fiscal constraints.

The report can be found by visiting DENR’s home page – www.ncdenr.gov – and clicking on the “State of the Environment” tab near the center of the page.

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New environmental restoration projects announced for Albemarle-Pamlico region

Jim Hawhee

RALEIGH – The Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Program announced grant awards totaling $136,141 today for three projects aimed at improving the Albemarle-Pamlico ecosystem, which covers parts of northeastern North Carolina and southeastern Virginia.

All three projects support APNEP’s mission to identify, protect and restore the natural resources of the Albemarle-Pamlico estuarine system. Details about each project follow.

· Building on previous work with APNEP, researchers from the University of North Carolina’s Institute of Marine Sciences will create oyster reefs in North Carolina’s low-salinity tidal creeks using lost crab pots. Fishermen lose hundreds of crab pots each year in coastal waters, where they are recovered by the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries. Using the $45,361 grant, the pots will be recycled, reshaped and placed in estuarine waters to provide prime oyster habitat and eliminate unintended bycatch. The project also will serve as a rich source of data to guide and improve oyster restoration efforts in and around the Albemarle-Pamlico estuary.

· The North Carolina Coastal Federation was awarded $16,280 to naturally restore and protect the eroding estuarine shoreline at Jockey’s Ridge State Park. By planting marsh grass and creating oyster reef barriers, the project will improve water quality, improve fish habitat and protect this National Natural Landmark site, which receives 1.2 million visitors per year.

· Using a $74,500 grant from APNEP, The Nature Conservancy will undertake large-scale hydrological restoration projects at Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge and the Great Dismal Swamp. By restoring the flow of water to lands previously drained by agricultural ditching, native ecosystems will be enhanced while reducing the risk of large, peat-fueled wildfires such as last year’s 45,000-acre Pains Bay Fire. These properties are among the largest forested areas in the eastern United States and provide important freshwater flows to the sounds. They also support several globally-rare natural communities, two federally endangered species and a rich diversity of wetland-dependent wildlife.

“We’re proud to support each of these projects, which will enhance the health of our regional ecosystem and improve water quality in the sounds,” said Bill Crowell, director of the Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Program. “In addition, the strong research and monitoring aspects of these projects provide an excellent learning opportunity for natural resource managers while ensuring accountability of public funds.”

Estuaries are areas where river and ocean waters mix, supporting a rich array of terrestrial and aquatic life. The Albemarle-Pamlico estuarine system provides coastal storm protection and a key nursery area for many coastal fish and shellfish, which support the region’s fishing and tourism industries.

For more information, seewww.apnep.org, or contact Jim Hawhee, APNEP’s community specialist, at (919) 733-0121 orjim.hawhee@ncdenr.gov.

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Smoke from Carteret County Landfill Fires May Pose Health Concerns

Tom Mather

RALEIGH – People who live near two smoldering landfill fires in Carteret County should take precautions to avoid breathing the smoke, state air quality officials said today.

Both landfill fires have been contained and are each less than two acres. However, smoke from the fires could contain harmful levels of pollutants that can pose health hazards for people who are sensitive to air pollution. Sensitive groups include children, older adults, people with heart or respiratory problems, and people who exercise or work outdoors.

The primary pollutants of concern are carbon monoxide and fine particles. Both pollutantscan be unhealthy to breathe, and smoke exposure also may cause coughing and eye, nose and throat irritation.

"People who live near this fire should stay inside as much as possible and avoid strenuous outdoor activities," said Dr. J.T. Garrett, public health director for Carteret County. "Nearby residents, particularly sensitive groups, should consult their physicians if they experience symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, weakness, sleepiness, persistent coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest pains, confusion or disorientation."

The fires are at landfills off Miller Farm Road in Morehead City and Herring-Smith Road in Newport. Both landfills are used to dispose of debris from hurricanes and land clearing activities. While the fires have been contained, state and local firefighters are having trouble putting out the fires because of difficulty in reaching the burning material, which is buried under layers of dirt and debris. Similar fires at other landfills have sometimes burned for weeks.

For those reasons, field inspectors with the state Division of Waste Management have been on-scene advising firefighters on techniques to smother the fire. One technique being used at the Miller Farm Road fire involves using an excavator to expose hot spots and then dousing those areas with water, said Ray Williams, a field inspector with the division’s solid waste section.

"We are closely monitoring this situation," said Sheila Holman, director of the state Division of Air Quality. "Residents should exercise particular caution if they live or work in areas that are directly within the smoke plume from the fire."

For more information about the landfills, contact Jamie Kritzer, public information officer with the state Department of Environment and Natural Resources at (919) 707-8602. For more information about air quality issues, contact Tom Mather, public information officer with the N.C. Division of Air Quality, at (919) 218-0441 or visit the division’s website atwww.ncair.org

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Equestrian Trails at Morrow Mountain State Park to close for construction

Charlie Peek

RALEIGH – Morrow Mountain State Park will close its equestrian trails for several months in 2012 to allow for rehabilitation of hazardous trail sections, and the park will implement an inclement weather closure system for its 16-mile equestrian trail network upon completion of the project, according to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation.

Three sections of bridle trail totaling nearly two miles – that are unstable and cannot be properly maintained – will be rerouted, and 0.87 miles of trail will be added. Also, two trailheads will be consolidated into one trail access point for all equestrians. Construction may begin as early as mid-February. Morrow Mountain State Park is in Stanly County.

The trail network will remain closed during construction and for several weeks afterward, depending on weather conditions, so that the trail surface can properly compact and harden.

Under a new inclement weather closure system, the bridle trail network will be closed during rain and snow events and will remain closed following inclement weather until park staff can determine that use will not damage the trail surface or the park’s natural resources. Trails may also be closed on short notice for repair and maintenance. Notice of trail status will be posted on the Morrow Mountain State Park page of the division’s website,www.ncparks.gov.

Temporary closures for equestrian and mountain biking trails are an evolving management practice designed to protect natural resources and reduce the cost of long-term trail maintenance. The technique is being implemented at several state parks. Decisions on closing and reopening trails are made by park staff based on local conditions.

“We realize that there is more demand than ever for equestrian opportunities, so taking good care of the facilities we have in the state parks is critical,” said Park Superintendent Jason Gwinn. “We want to partner with the equestrian community to keep our trails in good shape and sustainable over time in order to protect this recreation resource.”

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Morrow Mountain State Park Will Conduct Prescribed Burn

Charlie Peek

RALEIGH – The N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation will conduct a prescribed burn at Morrow Mountain State Park in Stanly County between Jan. 4 and Jan. 13, when conditions are suitable, according to Park Superintendent Jason Gwinn.

The burn will be conducted on 600 acres near the park’s northern boundary and adjoining Alcoa property. Some areas of the park, including portions of the Fall Mountain Trail and the bridle trail, will be closed to the public during the event.

Prescribed burns are used as a resource management tool by the state parks system. Some plant communities and animal species rely on periodic fire for their existence. The prescribed burn will also reduce the amount of potential wildfire fuel. The prescribed burn will help protect the park’s resources and neighboring landowners if lightning, arson or carelessness sparks a wildfire.

The low-intensity, prescribed burn will be conducted in cooperation with the North Carolina Forest Service. In order to minimize smoke and assure the fire is controlled, the prescribed burn will only be carried out under strictly defined weather conditions of a fire management plan. On the selected day, the burn will begin in the late morning and will end by late afternoon.

On the day when the fire is to begin, an alert will be posted on the Morrow Mountain State Park page of the division’s website,www.ncparks.gov. For further information, call the park office at (704) 982-4402.

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North Carolina state parks offering First Day Hikes on Jan. 1

Charlie Peek

RALEIGH – State parks in North Carolina are creating a new tradition for New Year’s Day by offering First Day Hikes on trails across the state, according to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation.

First Day Hikes guided by rangers and volunteers will be held at 28 state parks. All state parks and state recreation areas will be open on the holiday with cold-weather recreation opportunities as well as warm visitor centers with exhibit halls presenting cultural and natural history.

“Connecting with the outdoors brings a sense of rejuvenation that’s especially appropriate on New Year’s Day, and state parks are the perfect place for that experience,” said Lewis Ledford, state parks director. “We would hope that exploring our natural areas on Jan. 1 will become a tradition for every citizen.”

Detailed information about scheduled hikes in North Carolina’s state parks can be found under “Education” on the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation website, www.ncparks.gov.

First Day Hikes are being promoted in North Carolina in concert with a national effort by America’s State Parks and the National Association of State Park Directors. News about hiking opportunities in all 50 states along with tips on winter hiking can be found on the America’s State Parks website, www.americasstateparks.org. The effort promotes a healthy lifestyle as well as appreciation of natural resources.

“Studies have proven that getting outdoors is one good way to relax and recharge the body, mind and spirit,” said Phil McKnelly, NASPD executive director. “We hope that hiking along a trail in a state park will become part of an individual’s or family’s regular exercise routine.”

(EDITORS: High-resolution jpeg artwork promoting First Day Hikes in North Carolina State Parks is available on the website, www.ncparks.gov linked to this media release.)

DENR Schedules March Meetings to Receive Comment on its Upcoming Shale Gas Study Draft Report

Diana Kees

RALEIGH - State environmental officials have scheduled two public meetings for March to discuss the as-yet unwritten draft report that will conclude a legislatively mandated study of the potential environmental, economic and social impacts of shale gas exploration and development in North Carolina.

The draft report will be made available on DENR’s website in early March, and findings from the report will be presented first in a public meeting to be held at the Wicker Center in Sanford on March 20, 2012, from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. The second public meeting has been scheduled for March 27, 2012, and will take place in the auditorium of East Chapel Hill High School in Chapel Hill from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. The same information will be presented at both meetings, and public comments will be accepted at both meetings as well as via mail and email.

More detailed information about the meetings will be provided at a date closer to when the meetings will take place. To learn more about the shale gas issue and the legislative study, an NCDENR website provides an overview of the issue; describes current regulations associated with shale gas exploration; explains how the department is studying the issue (and will provide study results when complete); guides the public in how to receive updates on the study, and will provide information on how to comment on the draft report once it is available. This website can be found by visiting DENR’s home page – www.ncdenr.gov – and clicking on the “Shale Gas” tab near the center of the page.

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Wilder New Superintendent at Mount Mitchell State Park

Charlie Peek

RALEIGH –Bryan Wilder, a veteran state park ranger, has been promoted to superintendent of Mount Mitchell State Park in Yancey County, according to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation. He succeeds Jack Bradley, who retired as superintendent earlier this year.

A native of Kentucky, Wilder is a 1996 graduate of Morehead State University with a bachelor’s degree in environmental science and geography.

Wilder worked with the soil conservation district in Clintwood, Va., with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and as a math and science teacher in Dickenson County, Va., before joining North Carolina’s state parks system in 2005 as a ranger at Mount Mitchell State Park. He holds certifications in environmental education and intermediate law enforcement and is an American Red Cross instructor.

“Bryan is well-versed in the unique challenges presented at Mount Mitchell, the oldest state park in our system and one of the oldest in the nation. His range of experience will help ensure the park’s leadership in conservation and tourism development,” said Lewis Ledford, state parks director.

Mount Mitchell State Park opened in 1916, and now encompasses 1,996 acres. It reported visitation of 345,450 in 2010.

(EDITORS: A jpeg image of Wilder is available on our website, www.ncparks.gov linked from this release under “News”.)

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2011: Improvements seen in ozone levels, recycling and customer service

Jamie Kritzer

RALEIGH – To assist reporters with year in review stories, the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources has put together its list of the top agency accomplishments for 2011.

Helping people recover after Irene

When Hurricane Irene devastated the coast in August, staff worked quickly to help North Carolinians recover. The Division of Coastal Management issued hundreds of emergency permits for rebuilding docks, piers, boathouses, bulkheads and other structures. Other staff worked withstate transportation officials developing a strategy for repairing inlet breaches that the hurricane opened on Hatteras Island and Pea Island. Also, staff worked with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to ensure temporary FEMA trailers for hurricane victims would be placed consistent with Coastal Resources Commission rules.

The N.C. Marine Patrol helped local law enforcement agencies in Tyrrell County distribute supplies and conducted vessel security patrols around Ocracoke Island.The Division of Marine Fisheries closed all coastal waters to shellfish harvesting and issued a precautionary swimming advisory on the coast.Staff memberscollected and analyzed water samples and lifted the swimming advisory for all ocean beaches in time for Labor Day weekend. Others in the Division of Marine Fisheries worked with prisoners in the Department of Correction to remove nearly 5,000 automobile, truck, bus and aircraft tires from Bogue Banks beaches. The tires washed up from offshore artificial reef sites due to hurricanes Irene and Katia. DENR worked with the state Department of Transportation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to remove heavy shoaling from state transportation ferry channels caused by Hurricane Irene.

The N.C. Division of Water Quality worked with operators at more than 40wastewater treatment plants to restore service at facilities that lost power or were overwhelmed by floodwaters from Hurricane Irene. The division’s regional inspection crews worked with plant operators to find risks to surface water resources and locate structural damage.

After the storm, the N.C. Division of Water Resources communicated with 562 public water systems and determined that 58 of those systems were unable to serve water due to plant damage or the loss of power or water pressure. Staff in the state agency provided technical assistance to those systems, as needed, until water service could be restored.

New customer service program to help public with environmental permits

The department in May created a program with existing staff to help guide small businesses, landowners and residents through the state’s environmental regulatory, permitting and compliance process. The Environmental Assistance Center offers one point of contact to guide applicants through the permitting system, designates technical staff to answer regulatory questions and guides people on ways they can reduce waste and save money. In the fall, the department hosted listening sessions to learn more about the types of assistance people need and to generate ideas for better customer service. Future phases of the program will address regulatory deadlines, customer feedback and environmental and resource priorities.

Agency’s new headquarters building saves money, energy and water

About 600 Raleigh-based employees this fall moved into the Environment and Natural Resources building, part of downtown Raleigh’s Green Square Complex. This complex is Raleigh’s first set of state government buildings constructed to meet the nation’s highest building standards in environmental design, and includes features that conserve energy, reduce water usage and save money. Those features include more windows than a typical office building, and systems that capture and treat rainwater so it can be reused flushing toilets and serving as makeup water in the building’s mechanical systems. The building consolidates most of the agency’s Raleigh-based employees into two buildings in downtown Raleigh. The complex also includes the Nature Research Center, a wing of the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences due to open next spring.

Protecting the quality and supply of the state’s water

Using money from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, the Division of Water Quality funded $132 million in infrastructure improvement projects in North Carolina. These funds helped pay for expansions, repairs and improvements of wastewater treatment facilities in Statesville, Moyock, Lumberton, Newport, Hendersonville and a host of other North Carolina communities. As part of its mission, the division administers state and federal funding programs for publicly-owned wastewater treatment facilities.

More North Carolina communities than ever now have backup plans in place in case of water shortages, thanks to the efforts of staff members in the N.C. Division of Water Resources. As of Nov. 28, the state agency had approved water shortage plans for 533 public water systems, a figure equal to 96 percent of the systems required by state law to have plans. Water shortage response plans require communities to devise a backup method of providing water to residents and businesses if there is a water shortage. The record-breaking drought of 2007-08 prompted state legislators to enact a law that aims to prevent towns and cities from running out of water during crises. Today, more neighboring communities have connected their water supplies to ensure residents will continue to have water. As an example, interconnections allowed 16 public water systems to continue operating after Hurricane Irene eliminated power to adjacent systems.

The state Division of Water Resources completed river basin plans for the Neuse and Cape Fear River basins, which serve roughly 3.15 million people in North Carolina. The river basin plans identify problems and solutions over a 50-year period based on the expected impacts and pressures associated with population and economic growth. The state agency is working on plans for the Tar and Broad river basins, and eventually will draft plans for all 17 of the state’s major river basins.

North Carolina’s Brownfields program produced a record-breaking number of agreements in which entrepreneurs and local governments chose to redevelop environmentally-contaminated property. The program’s success has grown as it has become more well-known among developers and lenders for its proven track record of facilitating these agreements. The program inked 31 agreements this year, more than in any year since it started in 1997. Brownfields are abandoned, idled or underused properties where environmental contamination hinders redevelopment due to concerns about environmental liability. The Brownfields Property Reuse Act removes barriers to redevelopment by protecting prospective developers from liability for contamination they did not cause in return for making the site safe for their proposed reuse. State law also provides a brownfields property tax incentive that allows prospective developers to recover funds spent on assessments and cleanup.

TheN.C. Ecosystem Enhancement Program continued its perfect record of supplying compensatory mitigation for the N.C. Department of Transportation to offset unavoidable environmental damage from transportation infrastructure improvements. Since 2003, EEP has helped move forward more than $8 billion in NCDOT projects without delays due to a lack of mitigation.

Protecting air quality

North Carolina in 2011 recorded the second-lowest annual ozone levels since the state began monitoring air quality in the early 1970s. Statewide, ozone levels exceeded the Environmental Protection Agency’s ozone standard of 0.075 parts per million on 26 days – the same number as in 2010 – compared to about 50 days per year on average during the past 10 years. The lowest year on record was 2009, when weather conditions were much more favorable for air quality and only six days exceeded the ozone standard. Ozone levels continue to decline in the state due to ongoing implementation of emissions control programs, resulting in improved air quality and better protection of public health.

The summer of 2011 was memorable because of the effect several large wildfires had on air quality in North Carolina. To keep people informed and protect the public’s health, the Division of Air Quality issued dozens of special particle pollution forecasts for areas affected by smoke from the large wildfires and developed a visibility guide to help people relate smoke levels to the severity of the pollution.

Protecting land resources

Uncertainty about the location of the boundary between North and South Carolina has been nearly continuous since the first surveys almost 300 years ago. In 2011, staff with the Geodetic Surveys in North and South Carolina worked together to resurvey the boundaries near Polk and Gaston counties, Lake Wylie, Mecklenburg and Union counties, and Union and Scotland counties. Precise boundaries are an important determination for states, municipalities and utilities to understand fire, tax and school district lines.

Protecting the coastal environment and fisheries

The Division of Coastal Management saved the state $250,000 by using its own staff and Geographic Information Systems technology to develop long-term average annual oceanfront erosion rates. The division had to hire a private contractor for about $250,000 to complete previous updates of the erosion rates, but improvements in GIS technology enabled the division to perform the update in-house for the first time. The division uses the erosion rates to determine setback distances for oceanfront development in North Carolina.

The division also completed the final report of the state’s first comprehensive Beach and Inlet Management Plan. The plan uses a systematic management strategy for oceanfront beaches and active tidal inlets to protect the value of the state’s coastal resources. The document provides management strategies for coastal areas and regional planning for projects such as beach nourishment and inlet dredging.

The division launched the new North Carolina Clean Boater program to encourage boaters to protect the environment. The program, part of the agency’s Clean Marina Program, encourages boaters to sign a pledge to protect coastal water by taking steps such as stowing trash so it doesn’t blow overboard, recycling fishing line and reducing the amount of waste boaters discard. Boaters who commit to the program received a Clean Boater sticker for their vessels.

A team led by the Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Program completed the state’s first map of submerged aquatic vegetation, which are underwater grasses that produce dissolved oxygen, food and shelter for fish. Mapping the underwater grasses helps scientists and managers better understand how well conservation efforts are working because the extent of vegetation reflects the amount of pollution in coastal waters. Protecting the habitat is important to North Carolina’s $1.75 billion fishing industry. The map identified 138,741 acres of aquatic vegetation.

The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission adopted strategic habitat areas for the Pamlico Sound system. Strategic habitat areas are locations of individual fish habitats or systems of habitats that provide exceptional habitat functions or that are at risk due to imminent threats, vulnerability or rarity. The N.C. Coastal Habitat Protection Plan recommends identifying and prioritizing such areas for protection, enhancement and restoration.

The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission adopted a supplement to the state’s Southern Flounder Fishery Management Plan to end overfishing in the recreational sector by increasing the recreational size limit to 15 inches and decreasing the bag limit to six fish per day.Further restrictionsin the commercial fishery were not needed because regulations implemented to protect sea turtles were projected to result in the needed harvest reduction.The commission also tentatively adopted a Spotted Seatrout Fishery Management Plan and an amendment to the state’s Estuarine Striped Bass Fishery Management Plan. Both will come back for final approval in 2012.

Studying alternative energy possibilities in North Carolina

As directed by the N.C. General Assembly, the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources started its study of the potential environmental and economic impacts of oil and shale gas exploration and development in North Carolina. The N.C. Geological Survey has concluded that a commercially viable reserve of natural gas may underlie parts of Lee, Chatham and Moore counties. A number of factors, including increased interest in non-conventional energy sources and access to existing natural gas pipelines in the area could make this potential reserve a target for exploration and development.Modern technology, such as horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing, has enabled the extraction of shale gas in similar formations in other states. The department’s study is due to the General Assembly by May.

Improving North Carolina’s recycling efforts, creating jobs

A department study completed in 2011 revealed that North Carolina’s recycling industry has generated more than 15,000

jobs in addition to reducing tons of waste from going to landfills. The study also concluded that recycling of construction waste and plastic bottles has risen sharply, and commercial composters are processing hundreds of thousands of tons of organic materials. The study’s major findings are that local government recycling programs have built a solid track record of capturing recyclable commodities from the waste stream and have recently started a new period of expansion.

In partnership with state Department of Transportation and the Carolina Asphalt Pavement Association, the N.C. divisions of Waste Management and Environmental Assistance and Outreach established rules for the recycling of roofing shingles into road pavement. The potential recycling of up to 260,000 tons of shingles each year could create up to 325 jobs statewide and save more than $24 million in road-building costs.

Using grants and technical assistance, the Division of Environmental Assistance and Outreach helped municipal curbside recycling programs reach a record high of 1.62 million households served in 2011. The program also helped create 224,592 tons of additional recycling capacity and 134 jobs at 29 separate recycling companies.

The DENR Environmental Stewardship Initiative, which helps organizations reduce their environmental impacts and recognizes groups that maintain this commitment, welcomed 10 new members this year, and approved two new Stewards and one Rising Steward. Members reported annual savings of nearly 600 billion British Thermal Units of energy and 42 million gallons of water and kept more than 10,000 tons of solid waste out of the landfill last year. Total cost savings realized by members in the last year exceeded $3.2 million.

In 2011, engineers in the department’s Waste Reduction Partners worked with 108 public sector organizations providing energy audits and management assistance. The partners played a key role in helping 33 organizations implement $4.8 million in energy saving projects funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.Waste Reduction Partners includes retired engineers, architects and scientists who provide North Carolina businesses and institutions with waste and energy reduction assessments and technical assistance, typically at no cost to clients.

Educating the public and creating more opportunities for recreation

Few things do a better job of showcasing North Carolina’s coastal and fishing heritage than the new Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head, which the North Carolina Aquariums opened in May. The 1,000-foot fishing pier, paid for with state and private funds, includes a pier house with a tackle shop, an educational classroom and a multi-purpose room. The pier, which was built from concrete to withstand heavy wind from storms, serves as an example of environmentally-friendly design with three wind turbines that power the facility as well as solar panels, geothermal heating and cooling and a plumbing system that operates with reused water. These features and others helped the pier meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards, the nation’s highest building standards in environmental design. The new facility replaces the original pier, which was nearly destroyed by a 2003 hurricane.

State-run aquariums helped educate people about the impacts of climate change on coastal North Carolina. The aquarium at Fort Fisher sponsored a team of students through Coastal America to travel to Washington D.C. to present the impacts of climate change in the Cape Fear region. The Fort Fisher staff also provided marine mammal and climate change outreach in an interactive theater to more than 3,000 people from five North Carolina counties and Charleston, S.C. At Pine Knoll Shores, aquarists hosted a seminar on climate change with components for teachers and the public. The Pine Knoll Shores aquarium also staged programs on how climate change affects marine mammals.

The North Carolina Aquariums at Pine Knoll Shores and Roanoke Island were busy in 2011 saving sea turtles and educating people about them. The Roanoke Island aquarium used its own staff and materials to design and open a new exhibit called “Operation: Sea Turtle Rescue.” Staff at the Roanoke Island aquarium rehabilitated 25 sea turtles and released them back to the sea. At Pine Knoll Shores, staff launched the first Sea Turtle Celebration Day and upgraded the Sea Turtle Nursery exhibit to showcase the aquarium’s role in sea turtle conservation. The Pine Knoll Shores aquarium also cared for 150 loggerhead hatchlings and seven cold-stunned green turtles.

Visitor centers and exhibit halls that opened at Cliffs of Neuse, Merchants Millpond and Raven Rock state parks earned gold ratings from the U.S. Green Building Council through its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program. The facilities offer features such as water-saving fixtures, geothermal heating systems and extensive use of natural lighting.

The North Carolina Zoo, working with the Land Trust for Central North Carolina and the N.C. Natural Heritage Trust Fund, acquired a 113-acre tract in Montgomery County containing the largest old growth longleaf pine forest in central North Carolina. The property at the Asheboro zoo will be used as a nature preserve and hiking area.

A herpetologist with the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences helped discover a new species, known as the vampire flying frog.Dr. Bryan Stuart, the museum’s curator of herpetology,Australian Museum scientist Dr. Jodi Rowley and their colleagues made the discovery in Vietnam. Thisunusual frog has adapted for life in trees, using webbed fingers and toes for moving from great heights and gliding. It takes its name from the strange black “fangs” it displays as a tadpole. The discovery received international press coverage.

The state Division of Parks and Recreation and its partners introduced a free mobile phone application loaded with information about North Carolina’s state parks. The downloadable Pocket Range Mobile Tour Guide for Apple iPod and iPhone and Android smartphones allows visitors to plan and explore state parks with details about park locations, trails, facilities, reservations, events and news alerts. Also, an upgraded “pro” version for iPod and iPhone offers GPS-aided navigation of state parks and storage of detailed topographic maps and enhanced interactive features.

Awards and recognitions

A botanist with DENR’s Natural Heritage Program was honored when a plant was named for him. Bruce Sorrie, the Sandhills inventory specialist with the natural heritage program, earned that distinction in September. Dr. L.L. Gaddy named for Sorrie a new species of plant, endemic to the Sandhills, called the Hexastylis Sorriei, or Sandhills Heartleaf. The honor came a few months after the publication of Sorrie’s book“A Field Guide to Wildflowers of the Sandhills Region: North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.”

Staff members with the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources were honored in November with three of the 2011 Governor’s Awards for Excellence, the highest honor state employees can receive in North Carolina for dedicated service to the state. Gov. Bev Perdue honored Lewis Ledford, director of the state Division of Parks and Recreation, Alvin Braswell, deputy director for operations at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences, and the North Carolina Zoo. The three awards marked the most any single organization received at this year’s ceremony.

State water quality and transportation officials earned a national award for developing new mapping software that saves money and protects the environment during road work. Staff members with the state Division of Water Quality and Department of Transportation were honored by the Federal Highway Administration with Environmental Excellence Awards during the International Conference on Ecology and Transportation in Seattle. The two North Carolina agencies developed GIS-based models that produce more accurate maps of stream and wetlands statewide. The computer models can predict where streams begin and where wetlands are located. State transportation officials say the maps will enable them to plan road construction projects that avoid or limit environmental impacts, and reduce costs and time associated with the projects.

The Federal Highway Administration also recognized the Division of Water Quality with an Excellence in Ecosystem, Habitat and Wildlife Award for developing a tool that will become the state and federal standard for wetland assessments and play an important role in protecting wetlands in the future.

Misty Buchanan, the inventory manager for the N.C. Natural Heritage Program, was named a National Recovery Champion by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for her work detailing the number, distribution, status and health of threatened and endangered plant populations.

Photographs of some of this year’s accomplishments can be found on the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Flickr page,http://www.flickr.com/photos/ncdenr/sets/72157628394023577/.

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Emergency meeting called for N.C. Natural Heritage Trust Fund Board

Lisa Riegel

RALEIGH – The board members for the North Carolina Natural Heritage Trust Fund have scheduled an emergency meeting for 2:30 p.m. Wednesday to discuss plans to reallocate unused funds from a project that did not come to fruition.

No monetary awards will be made during tomorrow’s meeting.

At the meeting, the board will set deadlines for parties applying for the funds and schedule a separate meeting to make awards from the unused money. An agenda for tomorrow’s meeting is posted on the trust fund board’s website, www.ncnhtf.org.

Tomorrow’s meeting will be held via conference call and is open to the public. The call-in number for the meeting is (919) 571-4162.

The Natural Heritage Trust Fund is one of the state’s four funding mechanisms used to conserve environmentally valuable land in North Carolina. The trust fund is supported by 25 percent of the state’s portion of the tax on real estate deed transfers and a portion of the fees for personalized license plates. These sources now generate about $12 million each year. Since its creation in 1987, the trust fund has contributed more than $328 million to support the conservation of more than 298,000 acres.

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State Environmental Officials Revise Scope of N.C. Shale Gas Study Based on Public Comment

Diana Kees

RALEIGH – Following a public comment period in early fall, the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources has revised the outline for a study of the potential environmental and economic impacts of shale gas exploration and development in North Carolina.

Session Law 2011-276 directed DENR to study the issue of oil and gas exploration in the state and to specifically focus on the use of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing to extract shale gas. An internal DENR working group, including staff from the divisions of Air Quality, Water Quality, Land Resources, Water Resources and Waste Management, put together a draft plan for the study. The public was invited to provide comments on this draft outline during a public comment period and at a public meeting held in October to gather input from the public on any additional issues the study needs to address. The changes made to the outline over the last few weeks and reflected in the new plan of study include both additions suggested by the public and additional detail developed by DENR and other study participants.

Changes made included:

Adding a section specifically dealing with recommendations to the study, to address comments received that the study should add a consideration of whether or not hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, should be permitted under state law. This section will also include recommendations for baseline data collection and any further research necessary;
Adding subsections on potential public health impacts in various sections of the study;
Adding a section on the potential impacts to the existing local economy (for instance, agriculture and tourism) based on public comments;
Expanding the section on stormwater management to include potential impacts of oil and gas production to surface waters;
Expanding the air quality section to examine flaring and greenhouse gas emissions; and
Adding a section on potential impacts to North Carolina energy consumers.

The revised plan of study has been added to an NCDENR website that provides an overview of the shale gas issue; describe current regulations associated with shale gas exploration; explain how the department will study the issue (and provide study results when complete); and guide the public in how to receive updates on the study, as well as how to provide comment on the issue. This website can be found by visiting DENR’s home page – http://www.ncdenr.gov – and clicking on the “Shale Gas” tab near the center of the page.

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Lake Waccamaw State Park is the North Carolina 2011 Park of the Year

Charlie Peek

RALEIGH – Lake Waccamaw State Park in Columbus County has been named the North Carolina 2011 Park of the Year by the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation.

The park was chosen for its “exemplary contribution to the North Carolina state parks mission of stewardship, public service and education,” through initiatives in environmental education, community partnerships and special events planning.

“Each of our state parks strives to further our mission and be a valued member of its community, but Lake Waccamaw State Park went above and beyond with its hard work in 2011,” said Lewis Ledford, director of the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation. “In these times when state budgets are stressed and state parks attendance remains at record levels, the effort by the staff at Lake Waccamaw is especially commendable.”

The park has been heavily involved in community events such as the anti-litter campaign Big Sweep, a summer science enrichment camp, water quality monitoring, the Waccamaw River Paddle Trail initiative and the Take-the-Lake Personal Endurance Event. During the year, it also increased its interpretive programming and the acreage of prescribed burns for natural resource management.

The state parks system began choosing a Park of the Year in 2010 with nominations from each of four districts. Each of 35 state parks and four state recreation areas submits an annual report that is objectively scored on progress in recreation, natural resource protection, sustainability, public safety and environmental education. Final judging is by senior and district administrators. To honor the Park of the Year, a medallion is attached to a hiking staff that is passed to the current award recipient each year. South Mountains State Park in Burke County captured the first-ever award in 2010.

Lake Waccamaw State Park has a five-person staff that was under the direction of Superintendent Chris Helms until recently. In October, Helms was named superintendent at Carolina Beach State Park and his replacement has not been named. Lake Waccamaw State Park encompasses 2,159 acres including the bay lake for which it is named and reported 89,534 visitors in 2010.

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Pilot Mountain State Park Will Conduct Prescribed Burn

Charlie Peek

RALEIGH –The N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation will conduct a prescribed burn at Pilot Mountain State Park in Surry County between mid-December and mid-January, when conditions are suitable, according to Park Superintendent Matt Windsor.

The burn will be conducted in upper elevations of the park’s mountain section. The public will not be allowed to enter this mountain section during the burn event, although the river section and corridor trail will remain open.

Prescribed burns are used as a resource management tool by the state parks system. Some plant communities and animal species rely on periodic fire for their existence. The prescribed burn will also reduce the amount of potential wildfire fuel. The prescribed burn will help protect the park’s resources and neighboring landowners if lightning, arson or carelessness sparks a wildfire.

On the day when the fire is to begin, safety signs will be posted on area roadways to alert motorists and an alert will be posted on the Pilot Mountain State Park page of the division’s website,www.ncparks.gov. For further information, call the park office at (336) 325-2355.

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Meeting scheduled to garner public feedback on draft of estuary plan

Jim Hawhee

RALEIGH – The Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Program has scheduled another meeting in Carteret County for people to provide feedback on the program’s draft management plan for the estuary.

The meeting is scheduled for the NOAA Laboratory, 101 Pivers Island Road in Beaufort from 4-6 p.m. Dec. 19. This is the eighth public meeting on this plan and the second meeting in Carteret County.

The proposed plan would guide the management of the East Coast’s second largest estuary between 2012 and 2022. Protection and management of the Albemarle-Pamlico estuary is important, as the estuary supports one of the nation’s richest varieties of terrestrial and aquatic life. Rivers from 85 counties in northeastern North Carolina and southeastern Virginia drain into the estuary.

The draft management plan can be found online atwww.apnep.org. Comments can be submitted through an online form or by email tojim.hawhee@ncdenr.gov. The open comment period will extend through Jan. 17, 2012.

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N.C. Coastal Resources Commission Science Panel to meet Dec. 9 in New Bern

Michele Walker

RALEIGH – The N.C. Coastal Resources Commission’s Science Panel on Coastal Hazards will meet Dec. 9 in New Bern.

The panel, which provides scientific advice to the state Coastal Resources Commission, will meet from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. in the conference room of the New Bern-Craven County Public Library, 400 Johnson Street, New Bern. The meeting is open to the public.

The group’s agenda includes:

· A discussion of the permitting process for terminal groins, and the issues associated with monitoring these structures for any adverse impacts.

· An update from a science panel subcommittee charged with responding to public comments received regarding the panel’s 2010 report on sea level rise in North Carolina.

· Potential expansion of the science panel membership.

Created by the CRC in 1997, the 13-member science panel is composed of coastal engineers and geologists.

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State environmental agency receives three Governor's Awards for Excellence

Jamie Kritzer

RALEIGH – Staff with the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources were honored Tuesday with three of the 2011 Governor’s Awards for Excellence, the highest honor state employees can receive in North Carolina for dedicated service to the state.

Gov. Bev Perdue honored Lewis Ledford, director of the state Division of Parks and Recreation, and Alvin Braswell, deputy director for operations at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences, and the North Carolina Zoo. The three awards marked the most any single organization received at this year’s ceremony, which was held at the North Carolina Museum of History.

“Day in and day out, Lewis, Alvin and the staff at the North Carolina Zoo go above and beyond the call of duty,” said Dee Freeman, secretary of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources. “These awards not only honor those individuals for their outstanding efforts, but are further evidence of the devotion the entire staff in the department have to serve the citizens of North Carolina.”

The award, created in 1982 by Gov. Jim Hunt, honors state employees for outstanding achievements in one of five areas –Human Relations, Innovations, Outstanding State Government Service, Public Service, and Safety and Heroism. Tuesday’s ceremony recognized 12 recipients. Ledford and Braswell received awards for Outstanding State Government Service while the North Carolina Zoo was recognized for Innovations. David Jones, the zoo’s director, accepted the award Tuesday.

Ledford, a 35-year veteran of the state parks system, began his career as an entry-level park ranger and assumed the director’s post in 2003. As director, he has been instrumental in developing partnerships with conservation organizations, landowners and government agencies that have helped make North Carolina’s parks system one of the nation’s best. During his tenure, the state parks system has grown by more than 40,000 acres and created new state natural areas and seven new state parks. Those include two North Carolina icons at Chimney Rock and Grandfather Mountain. The award also recognized Ledford for developing an economic analysis of the state parks, creating a central reservations system as well as a new mobile phone application for visitors and putting in place sustainable building practices at numerous new facilities.

Braswell’s career includes 37 years with the state Museum of Natural Sciences. He started in 1974 as a research curator and has co-authored a major text book,Reptiles of North Carolina.Braswell later directed the museum’s research laboratory and in 2007 was named to his current position overseeing security, visitor services, personnel and facility operations at all three museum facilities in Raleigh. For the past three years, he has served as the project manager for construction of the museum’s new 80,000-square-foot wing, the Nature Research Center, which is due to open next spring.

The North Carolina Zoo was honored for its innovative conservation efforts, which are central to the zoo’s mission. Those innovations include developing ways to protect the park’s resources with a recycling drop-off and a composting site that has saved more than $160,000 each year, mostly in fees that would’ve ordinarily gone to dispose of waste at the landfill. The zoo has also started programs to use organic instead of chemical fertilizers, monitor water quality to prevent pollution, and reduce energy usage by installing solar panels in three picnic areas.

Photos of the department’s award recipients taken during Tuesday’s ceremony are on the agency’s Flickr page at:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ncdenr/sets/72157628209322021/ .

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Prescribed Burn Planned At Crowders Mountain State Park

Charlie Peek

RALEIGH – The N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation will conduct a prescribed burn in the Linwood Access area of Crowders Mountain State Park in Gaston County, according to the park’s Superintendent Larry Hyde.

The burn will be conducted on a date yet to be chosen between Dec. 5 and Dec. 15, and some areas of the park will be closed to the public during the event. When park staff members determine a time to start the fire, an alert will be posted on the Crowders Mountain State Park page of the division’s website,www.ncparks.gov.

The prescribed burn also will reduce the amount of potential wildfire fuel in an area on Crowders Mountain with high potential for lightning strikes and wildfires. The prescribed burn will help protect the park’s resources and neighboring landowners if lightning, arson or carelessness spark a wildfire.

The low-intensity, prescribed burn will be conducted in cooperation with the N.C. Division of Forest Resources. In order to minimize smoke and assure the fire is controlled, the prescribed burn will only be carried out under the strictly defined weather conditions of a fire management plan.

For further information, call the park office at (704) 853-5375.

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Equestrian trails at Raven Rock State Park closed in inclement weather

Charlie Peek

RALEIGH – Raven Rock State Park in Harnett County has implemented an inclement weather closure system for its network of equestrian trails, according to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation.

The eight-mile network of trails will be closed during rain and snow events and will remain closed following inclement weather until park staff can determine that use will not damage the trail surface or the park’s natural resources. Trails may also be closed on short notice for repairs and maintenance. Notice of trail status will be posted on the Raven Rock State Park page of the division’s website, www.ncparks.gov.

The state parks system in October completed an extensive rehabilitation of the equestrian trail network at Raven Rock. A series of projects by contractors and park staff over five years stabilized the trails with a permeable hard surface, improved drainage and rerouted some trail segments. The contracts totaling $350,000 were funded by the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund.

“We realize that there is more demand than ever for equestrian opportunities, so taking good care of the facilities we have in the state parks is critical,” said Acting Park Superintendent Janet Pearson. “We want to partner with the equestrian community to keep our trails in good shape and sustainable over time in order to protect this recreation resource.”

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Buxton Woods Coastal Reserve Site Reopened to Visitors

Michele Walker

RALEIGH – The Buxton Woods Coastal Reserve on Hatteras Island has been reopened to visitors following a cleanup of damage from Hurricane Irene.

Some areas of the reserve site required clearing by staff members with the state Division of Coastal Management and Wildlife Resources Commission, and are now available for visitor use.

“The staff of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission was a tremendous help in clearing downed trees and other debris from the Buxton Woods Reserve and other reserve sites damaged by Hurricane Irene,” said Rebecca Ellin, manager of the N.C. Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve Program. “We are grateful for their assistance in getting our sites cleared and reopened to the public.”

The Buxton Woods Coastal Reserve is one of 10 components of the N.C. Division of Coastal Management’s Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve, which protects coastal lands, waters and marshes for research, education and compatible traditional uses.

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Public comments sought on management plan for one of nation's richest estuaries

Jim Hawhee

RALEIGH – Staff with the Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Program have scheduled several meetings in North Carolina and Virginia so people can provide their feedback on the draft management plan for the estuary.

The proposed plan would guide management of the East Coast’s second largest estuary between 2012 and 2022. Protection and management of the Albemarle-Pamlico estuary is important, as the estuary supports one of the nation’s richest varieties of terrestrial and aquatic life. Rivers from 85 counties in northeastern North Carolina and southeastern Virginia drain into the estuary.

At each meeting, program staff members will offer an overview of the plan before providing an opportunity for comments and discussion. The meetings will be held on the following schedule:

6-8 p.m. Nov. 21

Neuseway Education and Training Center, 401 West Caswell Street
Kinston, N.C.

6-8 p.m. Nov. 22

N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Washington Regional Office
943 Washington Square Mall
Washington, N.C.

6-8 p.m. Nov. 29
Pasquotank-Camden Library, 100 East Colonial Avenue
Elizabeth City, N.C.

6-8 p.m. Nov. 30, Washington County Cooperative Extension Center
128 East Water Street
Plymouth, N.C.

4-6 p.m. Dec. 6
Archdale Building Ground Floor Hearing Room, 512 North Salisbury Street
Raleigh, N.C.

4-6 p.m. Dec. 7
Ruth Camp Campbell Memorial Library, 280 North College Drive
Franklin, Va.

The draft management plan is available online atwww.apnep.org. In addition to the meetings, comments can be submitted through an online form or by email tojim.hawhee@ncdenr.gov. The open comment period will extend until 5 p.m. Jan. 17, 2012.

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Wakild Named Director of State Division of Water Quality

Susan Masssengale

RALEIGH – Charles "Chuck" Wakild of Wrightsville Beach has been named as director of the N.C. Division of Water Quality and will begin his duties on Jan. 1.

Wakild, the division’s current deputy director, replaces Coleen H. Sullins, who will retire effective Dec. 31. DWQ is responsible for all aspects of water quality protection including rules development, standards setting, monitoring, planning, permitting and compliance activities.

“Chuck has a breadth of experience that will serve him well in this very challenging position,” said Dee Freeman, secretary of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources. “He understands the importance of protecting the state's water quality, while also having knowledge of the practical concerns of business and industry in the regulated community.”

Wakild has worked at DENR for a total of 21 years; from 1971 – 1990, he held a variety of leadership positions, including deputy director of air, water and groundwater programs; regional supervisor; and chief of the Water Quality Section. Following a stint in the private sector, where he worked at Federal Paperboard Company and Progress Energy, he returned to the division in 2006, serving first as the DWQ supervisor in the Raleigh Regional Office and since 2007 as the division’s deputy director.

Wakild, a native of Michigan, has an MBA from UNC-Wilmington; a master's degree in environmental engineering from the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Public Health; and a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Michigan State University.

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State Study Shows Strong Momentum in Recycling

Scott Mouw

RALEIGH –Recycling not only means less garbage, it means more jobs and a host of other benefits to the economy, according to a study that the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources released today, America Recycles Day.

More than 15,000 North Carolinians are now employed in the recycling industry, part of Gov. Bev Perdue’s top priority of creating jobs. The recycling of materials such as construction waste and plastic bottles has risen sharply, and commercial composters are processing hundreds of thousands of tons. Carpet and shingles now can be recycled in locations across the state as manufacturers seek an increasing array of recycled goods for their raw materials.

More recyclable commodities are moving away from the waste stream and into the stream of commerce, according to the DENR study, released as Gov. Perdue declared America Recycles Day in North Carolina.

Increased recycling is suppressing the amount of waste going to landfills, helping to reverse the growth in disposed tonnage over the last two decades and helping to sustain the drop in disposal that occurred with the 2008 recession.

A combination of effective policies, active recycling business growth, expansion of items that are recyclable, and momentum in local government recycling programs is helping both to reduce dependence on landfills and to provide much-needed commodities to North Carolina material processors and manufacturers.

“The opportunities continue to present themselves to make recycling both a core environmental and economic policy of the state,” said DENR Secretary Dee Freeman. “It is a proven green job and green business creator and it delivers a wide range of environmental benefits. We can expect more growth ahead in the recovery of key commodities.”

The study's major findings include:

Local government recycling programs have built a solid track record of capturing recyclable commodities from the waste stream and have recently begun a new period of expansion. The number of households receiving curbside recycling service has reached a record high of 1.62 million.
Recent policy measures designed to divert recyclable commodities from landfills are showing strong signs of success. The state’s plastic bottle recycling rate has increased by almost 50 percent since the disposal ban was passed in 2005.
Recycling is steadily contributing to job creation and business growth in North Carolina, while providing valuable materials to in-state processors and manufacturers. More than 15,000 North Carolinians are employed by the recycling industry across the state.
Even as the construction economy struggles in North Carolina, private construction and demolition facilities are increasing their recycling efforts. An all-time high of 112,315 tons of construction waste at private facilities was recycled in 2010.
Composting is an active area of recycling expansion and can be expected to contribute increasingly to the state’s waste reduction efforts. Commercial composters processed more than 220,000 tons of organic materials in 2010.
Additional materials are becoming recyclable as collectors, processors and end-users boost their appetite for a wider range of recovered products and commodities. Materials such as shingles, carpet and non-bottle plastic containers are now recyclable in many parts of the state.

“North Carolinians should be proud of their efforts to increase recycling,” said Scott Mouw, recycling program supervisor in DENR's Division of Environmental Assistance and Outreach. “We are turning liabilities into assets as we divert more resources from landfills through community recycling programs, recycling businesses, and commodity end-users.”

Despite the momentum achieved in the past few years, some challenges lie ahead to increased recycling including expansion of recycling services to more work and away-from-home settings, improving the market value for materials such as construction wastes, and expanding the capture of organic materials for composting and energy generation.

A copy of the study can be found online under the “News” tab at www.ncenvironmentalassistance.org. Governor Perdue’s America Recycles Day Proclamation can be found at http://www.governor.state.nc.us/NewsItems/ProclamationDetail.aspx?newsItemID=2142. For more information, contact Scott Mouw at (919) 707-8114 or scott.mouw@ncdenr.gov.

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MEDIA ADVISORY: State of the Sounds Symposium to be held in New Bern

Jim Hawhee

WHAT: Media are invited to“The State of the Sounds: Charting a new course” symposium in which experts will discuss environmental science and management issues in the Albemarle-Pamlico region.

The symposium will introduce the public to new initiatives from the Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Program, or APNEP, a state and federal program that supports ecosystem-based management of an estuary in parts of North Carolina and Virginia.

The symposium will offer a preview of APNEP’s upcoming “State of the Sounds” assessment. Presenters will highlight environmental trends in the region and inform participants of on-going restoration and protection efforts.

Protection of the estuary is important to the economy and environment in North Carolina and Virginia, as the estuary supports one of the nation’s richest varieties of terrestrial and aquatic life.

WHEN: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.Nov. 17

WHERE: New Bern Riverfront Convention Center, 203 South Front Street, New Bern.

WHO: The symposiumwill be hosted by the Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Program, N.C. Sea Grant, and the N.C. Coastal Resources, Law, and Policy Center.

Notable speakers include Dr. Nancy White, founding director of the UNC Coastal Studies Institute; David Knight, assistant secretary in the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources; Dr. Bill Crowell, director of the Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Program; Dr. Kirk Havens, director of the Coastal Watersheds Program at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science; and Tony Reevy, senior associate director at the UNC Institute for the Environment.

For more information, contact Jim.Hawhee@ncdenr.gov or (919) 707-8632.

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MEDIA ADVISORY: Meetings on northern coastal reserve sites rescheduled

Michele Walker

RALEIGH – The meetings of the local advisory committees for the Currituck Banks component of the N. C. National Estuarine Research Reserve, Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve and Buxton Woods Coastal Reserve have been rescheduled to Dec. 12 and 13.

The meetings were originally scheduled for Nov. 15 and 16.

The meetings, which are open to the public, will now be held at the following dates and locations:

· The Buxton Woods Local Advisory Committee will meet from 3-5 p.m. Dec. 12 at the Buxton Fire Department, N.C. Hwy. 12, west of the Lighthouse Road intersection in Buxton, N.C.

· The Currituck Banks Local Advisory Committee will meet from 9-11 a.m. Dec. 13, at the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education, Currituck Heritage Park, 1160 Village Lane, Corolla, N.C.

· The Kitty Hawk Woods Local Advisory Committee will meet from 3-5 p.m. Dec. 13, at the Kitty Hawk Town Hall,101 Veterans Memorial Drive, Kitty Hawk, N.C.

The committees consist of local residents, partners and leaders who provide the N.C. Division of Coastal Management’s Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve staff with guidance and feedback on the management of the reserve sites.

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State Awards More than $66 Million in Low-interest Loans for Wastewater Improvements

Susan Massengale

RALEIGH – Recent funding from the Division of Water Quality's Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund will add protection to Bogue Sound, upgrade Lumberton's wastewater collection system and enable Newport to serve more customers through its wastewater treatment system.

A total of 27 projects recently received low-interest loans from the Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund. This program makes funding available twice yearly to local governments to help fund wastewater treatment, stormwater management and water pollution controls employing green technologies. The funds are made available at one-half the market interest rate for a period of 20 years. Eighteen communities across 16 counties received funding in the most recent loan cycle.

“A robust infrastructure allows a town to encourage business development and to provide for its citizens,” said Coleen Sullins, director of the N.C. Division of Water Quality. “These loans help towns to revitalize their treatment systems and, thereby, support and protect the economic, social and environmental needs of their communities.”

The following is a description of the projects that received low-interest loans:

Pine Knoll Shores was awarded $362,100 to install stormwater controls that will help reduce flooding during heavy storms. Currently, the east end of town floods so badly during strong rainstorms that some septic systems fail. The untreated wastewater poses a potential threat to human health and the health of Bogue Sound. The project will allow the town to redirect floodwaters to provide irrigation on a nearby golf course.

Parts of Lumberton’s collection system were built so long ago that they combine sewage collection and stormwater collection in the same line – an illegal practice in North Carolina these days. During the past several years, the city has been working to separate these systems. City officials should be able to finish that project with the help of the $2 million awarded during this round of funding.

The Cape Fear Public Utility Authority received loans for five sewer rehabilitation projects that will make significant improvements in the sewage collection system infrastructure.

Newport needs to improve its wastewater treatment process and increase capacity. The loan award of $6.3 million will allow them to construct a new facility adjacent to the current site, but on higher ground that is out of the flood plain. Some of the treatment processes of the old plant will be incorporated in the new system. The result will be better wastewater treatment and increased capacity for the town.

The next round of Clean Water State Revolving Fund loans will be awarded next March. Local governments who wish to apply should visit the Division of Water Quality website (http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/wq/cgls/fap/apps ) for additional information, application forms and directions.

A full list of this cycle’s recipients for wastewater, stormwater and green technologies is available on the N.C. Division of Water Quality’s website at:http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/wq/cgls/news .

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MEDIA ADVISORY: Three of North Carolina's northern coastal reserve sites to hold Local Advisory Comm

Michele Walker

· The Buxton Woods Local Advisory Committee will meet from 3-5 p.m. Nov. 15, at the Buxton Fire Department, Highway 12, west of the Lighthouse Road intersection in Buxton.

· The Currituck Banks Local Advisory Committee will meet from 9-11 a.m. Nov. 16, at the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education, Currituck Heritage Park, 1160 Village Lane, Corolla.

· The Kitty Hawk Woods Local Advisory Committee will meet from 3-5 p.m. Nov. 16, at the Kitty Hawk Town Hall,101 Veterans Memorial Drive, Kitty Hawk.

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MEDIA ADVISORY: Three southern reserve sites to hold Local Advisory Committee meetings in November

Michele Walker

RALEIGH – Local Advisory Committees for the Masonboro Island and Zeke’s Island components of the N. C. National Estuarine Research Reserve and the Bald Head Woods Coastal Reserve will meet in November. The meetings are open to the public.

· The Masonboro Island Local Advisory Committee will meet from 6-8 p.m. Nov. 7 in the Habitat Conference Room of the UNCW Center for Marine Science, 5600 Marvin K. Moss Lane, Wilmington.

· The Zeke’s Island Local Advisory Committee will meet from 10 a.m. – Noon Nov. 8 in the meeting room of the Fort Fisher Recreation Area, 1000 Loggerhead Road, Kure Beach.

· The Bald Head Woods Local Advisory Committee will meet from 2-4 p.m. Nov. 8, at the Bald Head Island Conservancy, 700 Federal Road, Bald Head Island.

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MEDIA ADVISORY: Rachel Carson Reserve Local Advisory Committee to meet Nov. 9

Michele Walker

WHAT: Local Advisory Committee Meeting for the Rachel Carson Reserve

WHEN: 9-11 a.m. Nov. 9

WHERE: NCNERR Classroom, NOAA Administration Building, 101 Pivers Island Rd., Beaufort, N.C.

RALEIGH – The Local Advisory Committee for the Rachel Carson component of the N.C. National Estuarine Research Reserve will meet at 9 a.m. Nov. 9 in the NCNERR classroom at the NOAA Administration Building, 101 Pivers Island Rd., Beaufort, N.C. The meeting is open to the public.

The committee of local residents, partners and leaders provide the Division of Coastal Management’s Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve staff with guidance and feedback regarding management of the reserve.

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ATTN REPORTERS: DENR PIO contact information changing as Raleigh-area staff begins move

Diana Kees

RALEIGH – Telephone numbers for some Raleigh-based staff of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – including public information officers – are changing as staff begins to move into the new Environment and Natural Resources Building in downtown Raleigh.

Yesterday, the Raleigh-based staff of DENR’s divisions of Air Quality, Environmental Assistance and Outreach and Waste Management moved into the new building at 217 W. Jones St. On Nov. 7, employees of DENR’s administrative divisions, including the Secretary’s Office, will move into the new building, bringing about 640 of the department’s employees into the department’s new headquarters building. By next spring, the agency’s other Raleigh-based employees will be stationed at the Archdale Building only a few blocks away.

The new contact information for public information officers who moved yesterday is as follows (email addresses will remain the same):

· Air Quality: Tom Mather, (919) 707-8446

· Waste Management: Cathy Akroyd, (919) 707-8234

Starting Nov. 7, contact information for DENR’s Office of Public Affairs will be as follows:

· Diana Kees, (919) 707-8626

· Jamie Kritzer, (919) 707-8602

· Coastal Management: Michele Walker, (919) 707-8604

The Environment and Natural Resources Building will help consolidate DENR’s central office staff into two state-owned facilities, rather than in five locations scattered throughout Raleigh. The Environment and Natural Resources Building is part of Green Square, the first state government complex in Raleigh constructed to meet the nation’s highest building standards in environmental design: Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED. Green Square also includes the Nature Research Center, a new wing of the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences, which is set to open next spring.

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MEETING LOCATION CHANGED: Outside Review of NC's Oil and Gas Regulatory Programs Underway

Diana Kees

RALEIGH – A nonprofit organization asked by state environmental officials to review the state’s oil and gas regulatory programs as part of a legislatively mandated study of oil and gas exploration in North Carolina began its public review of these programs today in Raleigh.

State Review of Oil & Natural Gas Environmental Regulations, Inc. (STRONGER), a nonprofit organization whose board is comprised of state, industry and public interest representatives, is conducting a review of the environmental regulatory programs of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources against national guidelines developed by STRONGER. The review is being conducted by a stakeholder review team, which consists of a representative of the public, a representative from the oil and gas industry, a state representative and official observers.

The review began today, and will continue Oct. 25 at 8 a.m. in Conference Room Three on the 14^th floor of the Archdale Building, 512 N. Salisbury St. in Raleigh. The team will continue to meet throughout the rest of the week in the Archdale Building until the review is completed.

The public is invited to observe STRONGER’s review process from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. each day. Although STRONGER does not take public comments during these sessions, the STRONGER review team will collect written comments on the review process at the end of each session. At 2 p.m. each day, the STRONGER review panel will go into an executive session involving only the panel members.

A report containing the review team findings and recommendations will be developed by early February 2012 and made available to interested parties. Additional information about STRONGER, the guidelines and reports of prior state reviews can be found at www.strongerinc.org, or by calling/emailing Ben Grunewald at (405) 516-4972 or bgrunewald@gwpc.org.

Session Law 2011-276 directed DENR to study the potential environmental and economic impacts of shale gas exploration and development in North Carolina. DENR held an initial public meeting on Oct. 10 to receive input on its draft plan of study, and will schedule two more public meetings next year before presenting a final report to the General Assembly in early May.

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Outside Review of North Carolina's Oil and Gas Regulatory Programs to Take Place Next Week

Diana Kees

RALEIGH – A nonprofit organization asked by state environmental officials to review the state’s oil and gas regulatory programs as part of a legislatively mandated study of oil and gas exploration in North Carolina will begin its public review of these programs next week in Raleigh.

State Review of Oil & Natural Gas Environmental Regulations, Inc. (STRONGER), a nonprofit organization whose board is comprised of state, industry and public interest representatives, will conduct a review of the environmental regulatory programs of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources against national guidelines developed by STRONGER. The review will be conducted by a stakeholder review team, which consists of a representative of the public, a representative from the oil and gas industry, a state representative and official observers.

The review will begin on Oct. 24 at 8 a.m. in Room H120 of 2728 Capital Boulevard in Raleigh; it will continue on Oct. 25 in room 2115 of the Dobbs Building at 430 N. Salisbury Street in Raleigh. The team will continue to meet throughout the rest of the week in the Dobbs Building until the review is completed.

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