The Division of Air Quality (DAQ) works with the state's citizens to protect and improve outdoor, or ambient, air quality in North Carolina for the health, benefit and economic well-being of all. The DAQ does not deal with indoor air pollution issues, workplace safety, second-hand smoke, asbestos, mold contamination, radon, and radiation protection.
The Division of Coastal Management works to protect, conserve and manage North Carolina's coastal resources through an integrated program of planning, permitting, education and research. DCM carries out the state's Coastal Area Management Act, the Dredge and Fill Law and the federal Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 in the 20 coastal counties, using rules and policies of the N.C. Coastal Resources Commission, known as the CRC.
Click here to go to the Division of Coastal Management forms.
The Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service serves to protect and improve North Carolina's environment and economy through: providing customer-focused assistance; facilitating a greater understanding of environmental permitting and compliance; encouraging wider adoption of sustainable practices; promoting increased recycling and reduced waste disposal and; reducing impacts from resource consumption.
The Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs' mission is twofold. It encourages, supports and promotes environmental education programs, facilities and resources throughout North Carolina. Second, Public Affairs staff coordinate the department's communications and outreach efforts through media/citizen relations, publication production, special events and public information programs and initiatives.
Click here to go to the Environmental Education and Public Affairs forms.
The Division of Energy, Mineral and Land Resources promotes the wise use and protection of North Carolina's land and geologic resources. Within the division, the Land Quality Section programs regulate and provide technical assistance related to mining, energy exploration and production, dam safety and sedimentation control; the N.C. Geological Survey performs scientific investigations, provides technical assistance and maps the state’s geological resources; and the division as a whole supports public education in the earth sciences.
Click here to go to the Division of Energy, Mineral and Land Resources forms.
The Division of Marine Fisheries is dedicated to ensuring sustainable marine and estuarine fisheries and habitats for the benefit and health of the people of North Carolina. The division is organized into nine sections: Fisheries Management, Marine Patrol, Resource Enhancement, Public Affairs, Administrative Services, Maintenance Services, License and Statistics, Habitat Protection and Information Technology.
The Office of Conservation, Planning and Community Affairs works to develop and implement a comprehensive approach to guide statewide natural resource conservation.
Click here to go to the Office of Conservation, Planning and Community Affairs forms.
The Division of Waste Management regulates solid waste disposal, hazardous waste management, underground storage tanks and Superfund cleanups. They also provide technical assistance to businesses, industries, local governments and citizens to help reduce and better manage wastes. Their mission is to prevent the harmful release of waste to the environment and clean up existing contamination.
The Division of Water Resources Water Quality Programs section protects and enhances North Carolina's surface waters and groundwater resources for the citizens of North Carolina and future generations. The agency issues pollution control permits, monitors permit compliance, evaluates environmental quality and carries out enforcement actions for violations of environmental regulations.
The Division of Water Resources administers programs for river basin management, water supply assistance, water conservation, and water resources development. The Division conducts special studies on instream flow needs and serves as the state liaison with federal agencies on major resources related projects.
The Clean Water Management Trust Fund issues grants to local governments, state agencies and conservation nonprofits to help finance projects that specifically address water pollution problems. Projects funded (1) enhance or restore degraded waters, (2) protect unpolluted water, and/or (3) contribute toward a network of riparian buffers and greenways for environmental, educational, and recreational benefits.
Click here to go to the Clean Water Management Trust Fund forms.
The Natural Heritage Trust Fund provides supplemental funding to select state agencies for the acquisition and protection of important natural areas, to preserve the state's ecological diversity and cultural heritage, and to inventory the natural heritage resources of the state.
The N.C. Ecosystem Enhancement Program is an initiative that restores and protects wetlands and waterways for future generations while offsetting unavoidable environmental damage from economic development.
Click here to go to the N.C. Ecosystem Enhancement Program forms.
The N.C. Wildlife Resource Commission conserves and sustains the state's fish and wildlife resources through research, scientific management, wise use, and public input. The Commission is the regulatory agency responsible for the enforcement of North Carolina fishing, hunting, trapping and boating laws.
Click here to go to the N.C. Wildlife Resource Commission forms.