In North Carolina, the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (“DENR”) is the state agency that works to protect fish, wildlife, and wilderness areas. The DENR was established pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143B-279.1. The DENR’s activities range from providing safe drinking water and enjoyable outdoor recreation experiences. The DENR also offers technical assistance to businesses, farmers, local governments, and the public. It encourages responsible behavior with respect to the environment through education programs provided at DENR facilities and through the state’s school system. The DENR may acquire real and personal property that is found desirable and necessary for the performance of the duties and functions of the DENR. The DENR makes investigations of the natural resources of the state and takes measures which is best suited to promote the conservation and development of natural resources. It is also responsible for forest maintenance, forest fire prevention, reforestation, and the protection of lands and water supplies. It also has responsibility for the care of state forests and parks, and other recreational areas now owned or to be acquired by the state[i].
The following are the eight divisions of the DENR:
Division of Water Quality-It issues permits, monitors permit compliance, evaluates water quality and is the state’s enforcement agency for violators of water and groundwater quality wastewater and water treatment plants through technical aid and financing.
The Division of Air Quality – It regulates the quality of the air in North Carolina through technical assistance to industries and enforcement of state and federal air pollution standards. The division issues permits, establishes ambient air quality standards, monitors the air quality of the state, and operates a vehicle inspection/maintenance program.
The Division of Waste Management- It regulates the management of hazardous and solid wastes in North Carolina. It also evaluates uncontrolled hazardous waste sites.
The Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance- It offers technical assistance and grants for businesses, industries and governments with a focus on reduce, reuse, and recycle. Its staff also provide permit information and assistance on cost-effective ways to meet environmental regulations, particularly for small businesses.
The Division of Coastal Management- It is responsible for the environmental health of 20 coastal counties, works closely with local governments to strengthen the relationship between tourism and the environment. It regulates development, helps plan for future growth, and manages the state’s coastal reserves.
The Division of Land Resources – It guards the state’s mineral and land resources through programs to monitor dam safety, regulate mining and reclaim abandoned mines.
The Division of Water Resources -It directs the hydrologists and scientists of the division to catalogue water supply, plan for its future use, carry out extensive water conservation programs, and take any environmental steps necessary to keep water pure and usable.
The Division of Environmental Health-It monitors environmental hazards to health. Its programs also involve public water supplies, shellfish sanitation, control of pests, and technical assistance for those who treat the state’s wastewater. The division also confronts the environmental concerns and hazards that follow the splitting of the atom, with a radiation surveillance and control program that licenses, regulates, and monitors radiation hazards to North Carolinians and their environment.
The aforementioned divisions encourage the preservation of resources and display nature’s gifts for the public’s enjoyment. Together, they work for the protection of entire ecosystems while opening nature to recreation and education about the environment.
N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources
[i] N.C. Gen. Stat. § 113-8.
