NC DEQ Press Releases

Coastal Resources Commission Meets April 15-16

The North Carolina Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) will hold its regular meeting on April 15-16, 2026, at the Town of Ocean Isle Beach, 111 Causeway Drive. A field trip to Ocean Isle Beach Terminal Groin is scheduled for 3 p.m. on April 15, with the full commission meeting beginning at 9 a.m. on April 16. An in-person public comment period is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on April 16.

Advisory Flood Maps Released for Five Eastern NC River Basins

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Flood Resiliency Blueprint has released improved flood mapping and risk data for five river basins in Eastern North Carolina. New non-regulatory advisory flood maps are now available in the Flood Resiliency Blueprint Tool for the Neuse, Lumber, Tar-Pamlico, White Oak and Cape Fear river basins. The maps, developed in partnership with NC Emergency Management's Floodplain Mapping Program, aim to help local governments and communities make informed decisions about flood resilience.

15 Counties Extreme Drought, Precipitation Deficit 10 Inches

The North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council reports 15 counties now in extreme drought (D3 conditions), with precipitation totals nearly 10 inches below normal over the past six months. Counties in extreme drought are advised to follow their Water Shortage Response Plans, report weekly water use online, and adhere to conservation measures. The N.C. Forest Service has issued a statewide burn ban and canceled all burning permits effective March 28.

State Water Infrastructure Authority Meeting April 15-16 Hendersonville

The NC DEQ announces the State Water Infrastructure Authority will meet April 15-16, 2026 in Hendersonville, NC and via Webex. The authority is an independent body responsible for awarding federal and state funding for water and wastewater infrastructure projects and developing the state water infrastructure master plan. Public attendance is available in person or online.

N.C. Coastal Resources Commission Meeting April 15-16

The N.C. Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) will hold its full commission meeting on April 16, 2026 at 9 a.m. at the Town of Ocean Isle Beach, 111 Causeway Drive, Ocean Isle Beach, NC. A public comment period is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on April 16. The CRC establishes policies for the N.C. Coastal Management Program and adopts rules for CAMA and the N.C. Dredge and Fill Act.