Department of Environmental Quality Coverage

NC Department of Environmental Quality has nearly 1 in 5 jobs unfilled

Nearly one in five NCDEQ positions are vacant, limiting the agency's ability to protect the state's water, air and soil.

Critical staffing shortage at NC Department of Environmental Quality

Nearly one in five NCDEQ positions are vacant, limiting the agency's ability to protect the state's water, air, and soil. Lack of funding is a major factor, with some DEQ salaries as much as $15,000 below the industry average.

Liz McLaughlin, WRAL News

Climate in Crisis: Teer Quarry has contamination concerns

The Department of Environmental Quality found toxic chemicals, including carcinogen 1,4-dioxane, have been found in groundwater near Teer Quarry.

Contamination concerns at Teer Quarry, a future drinking water supply for Durham

The Department of Environmental Quality found toxic chemicals, including carcinogen 1,4-dioxane, have been found in groundwater near Teer Quarry.

Liz McLaughlin, WRAL Climate Change Reporter

Hog farm cited for dozens of environmental violations

Environmental advocates are calling for more transparency and oversight of hog-waste digesters after a system on a Wayne County farm erupted May 30, flooding the area with millions of gallons of gray, greasy, foamy waste.

'Disgusting': Environmental groups call for more oversight after hog waste system erupts

Environmental advocates are calling for more transparency and oversight of hog-waste digesters after a system on a Wayne County farm erupted May 30, flooding the area with millions of gallons of gray, greasy, foamy waste.

Laura Leslie, WRAL capitol bureau chief

One fish per day: Overfishing prompts limits on NC flounder

Overfishing has caused a decline in the flounder population, prompting state regulators to impose limits on recreational fishing.

Liz McLaughlin, WRAL reporter

Colonial Pipeline spill 30 times bigger than previously thought

In documents submitted to the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality last week, Colonial estimates 2 million gallons were spilled. The spill could have started as much as 18 days before it was initially discovered in August 2020.

Liz McLaughlin, WRAL climate change reporter

Former NC commerce, environmental secretary John Skvarla dies

Skvarla led North Carolina's Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of Commerce during former Gov. Pat McCrory's tenure.

Bryan Anderson, WRAL state government reporter

EPA sets stricter standards for GenX, other 'forever chemicals' in NC drinking water

The EPA today announced new stricter health standards for GenX and two other so-called "forever chemicals" that are polluting North Carolina's drinking water. Those new standards could lead to cleaner, safer water in your home and across the country.

Laura Leslie, WRAL capitol bureau chief

State panel working to improve appeal of electric vehicles

What would it take to get you into a zero-emission vehicle? That's what a team of state leaders are working to find out.

Laura Leslie, WRAL Capitol Bureau chief

North Carolina schools to receive 5 electric school buses

North Carolina is spending millions to replace old school buses with cleaner-emitting models. They'll also reduce reliance on fast-rising diesel fuel.

Emily Walkenhorst, WRAL education reporter

DRAUGHON DRAWS: Pipeline pressure

Friday, June 4, 2021 -- Capitol Broadcasting Company's editorial cartoonist.

Senate votes on DEQ nominee

The NC Senate is expected to reject Gov. Cooper's appointee to head the Department of Environmental Quality, Dionne Delli-Gatti.

NC Republicans shoot down governor's choice for environment secretary

After an angry debate, a key Senate committee voted on party lines Wednesday to reject Gov. Roy Cooper's nomination of Dionne Delli-Gatti as secretary of the Dept. of Environmental Quality.

Travis Fain, WRAL Statehouse Reporter, and Laura Leslie, WRAL Capitol Bureau Chief

NC fines Chemours over improper treatment systems along Cape Fear River

North Carolina regulators fined The Chemours Co. nearly $200,000 on Wednesday for failing to properly construct and install water treatment measures at its Fayetteville Works plant on the Cape Fear River, the Fayetteville Observer reported.

TOM EARNHARDT: Measuring time, remembering little things, reflecting on new appreciations

Sunday, March 21, 2021 -- Looking back, we will all recall the separation from others and the use of masks around close friends and even family. ... Reflect on the notes written and received, the courage of our children, the support of a spouse or partner, the warmth of friends, and the kindness of strangers. ... I will remember important people and moments, but I will also savor the unexpected gifts from nature. ... A dazzling sunrise in a winter forest covered with frost and rare Tar Heel orchids on the hottest day of summer. ... Diminutive endangered woodpeckers that showed up just as I packed my camera equipment and swans that finally flew over the moon.

Cooper picks Environmental Defense Fund leader as next DEQ secretary

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper has again picked a veteran leader from the Environmental Defense Fund to become his environment secretary.

Editorial: N.C.'s Regan is Biden's good pick to restore and revive EPA

Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020 -- In the days since President-elect Joseph Biden announced Michael Regan's pick to lead the EPA, he has been described as both "a consensus builder" as well as a "fierce protector of the environment." He has demonstrated that those are NOT mutually exclusive and is just what will be needed to reinvigorate the EPA.

EPA nominee was 'fierce protector' of NC's environment

President-elect Joe Biden on Thursday offered the leadership of the Environmental Protection Agency to Michael Regan, a North Carolina regulator who has made a name pursuing cleanups of industrial toxins and helping low-income and minority communities hit hardest by pollution.

Biden picks North Carolina environmental chief to lead EPA

President-elect Joe Biden on Thursday offered the leadership of the Environmental Protection Agency to Michael Regan, a North Carolina regulator who has made a name pursuing cleanups of industrial toxins and helping low-income and minority communities hit hardest by pollution.

By ELLEN KNICKMEYER and GARY D. ROBERTSON, Associated Press

TOM EARNHARDT: Wishing all a 'sleuth,' a 'scurry,' and a 'raft' this Thanksgiving

Sunday, Nov. 22, 2020 -- Each year, and especially around Thanksgiving, I am buoyed by the abundance around us in nature. As trees shed most of their leaves, and clear winter air arrives, there is much to see and celebrate in Tar Heel skies, forests, and waters. It's a time to rejoice in the deliciousness of descriptive "group terms" found in the English language. Many of the collective nouns referring to birds, mammals, fish and insects have evolved over hundreds of years.

TOM EARNHARDT: Trees hold up the sky

Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020 -- During difficult times, trees -- nature's pillars -- keep the sky from falling. Not only do they hold up the sky, but more than any other living things, trees define our sense of place and provide much needed equilibrium. Their shapes, bark, leaves, smells, and colors tell us where we are in North Carolina.

TOM EARNHARDT: The patience of Hugh Morton

Sunday, Aug, 16, 2020 -- Hugh Morton solved problems in the same way he took photographs in the natural world. His best images started with a vision and a plan to achieve it. Knowing what he wanted, Morton pursued his objectives with determination, technical expertise, and of course, patience.

TOM EARNHARDT: Listening for words of wonder

Sunday, Aug. 2, 2020 -- There are ways to measure and assess curiosity, but to the best of my knowledge it can't be taught. I am convinced, however, curiosity can be nurtured and supported. For many years, I watched my own children and other young people stimulated and challenged by the natural world. Nothing elicits questions and fosters curiosity more than time in wild places.