North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) is an agency of the government of North Carolina that focuses on the preservation and protection of natural resources and public health. The Department is headed by the Secretary of Environmental Quality, who is appointed by the Governor of North Carolina and is a member of the North Carolina Cabinet. The Department of Environmental Quality was formed in 2015 and it was preceded by the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources, which was formed in 1971 by the North Carolina Executive Reorganization Act.[1][2][3][4]

North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
Agency overview
Formed2015
Preceding agency
  • Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (established 1971)
JurisdictionState of North Carolina
Headquarters217 West Jones Street, Raleigh, North Carolina
Employees1,519
Agency executive
Parent agencyGovernor of North Carolina
Websitedeq.nc.gov/about

History

The Department was originally established as the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources by the North Carolina Reorganization Act of 1971.[4]

Divisions

Current Divisions of the NCDEQ include:[3]

  • Air Quality
  • Coastal Management
  • Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources
  • Environmental Assistance and Customer Service
  • Environmental Education and Public Affairs
  • Marine Fisheries
  • Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs
  • Mitigation Services
  • Waste Management
  • Water Infrastructure
  • Water Resources
  • Financial Services
  • General Counsel
  • Human Resources
  • Stewardship Program

Secretaries

The Secretaries of the Department of Environmental Quality have included:

As the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources, the Secretaries included the following:[3]

  • John E. Skvarla, III, 2013 - 2014
  • Dee A. Freeman, 2009 - 2013
  • William G. Ross, Jr., 2001 - 2009
  • William E. Holman, 1999 - 2001
  • Wayne McDevitt, 1997 - 1999
  • Jonathan B. Howes, 1993 - 1997
  • William W. Cobey, Jr., 1989 - 1993
  • S. Thomas Rhodes, 1985 - 1988
  • James A. Summer, 1984 - 1985
  • Joseph W. Grimsley, 1981 - 1983
  • Howard N. Lee, 1977 - 1981
  • George W. Little, 1976 - 1977
  • James E. Harrington, 1973 - 1976
  • Charles W. Bradshaw, Jr., 1971 - 1973
  • Roy G. Sowers, 1971

Marine Patrol

The North Carolina Marine Patrol is part of the Division of Marine Fisheries. The mission of the Marine Patrol is to "ensure sustainable marine and estuarine fisheries for the benefit of the people of North Carolina". The patrol have jurisdiction over the coastal waters of the state, up to three miles offshore, and up to 200 miles offshore in respect of some federally-regulated species.[6] Carter Witten was appointed colonel of the Marine Patrol in February 2019.[7][8]

The Marine Patrol are responsible for ensuring compliance with state rules and regulations relating to fisheries and fishing. The work of the Patrol is divided into three districts (Northern, Central and Southern) and an aviation section.[9] Officers are responsible for regulating and inspecting commercial and recreational fishermen, and also provide a general patrol service on waterways, piers, and beaches in coastal areas. The Patrol are also responsible for providing inspection services through the fish supply chain, including wholesalers and restaurants.[6]

References
  1. "DENR has a new name - N.C. Dept. of Environmental Quality". N.C. Dept. of Environmental Quality. September 21, 2015. Retrieved October 3, 2015.
  2. "About the Department of Environmental Quality". DEQ.nc.gov. Retrieved October 6, 2019.
  3. Lewis, J.D. "NC Department of Environmental Quality". carolana.com. Retrieved December 6, 2019.
  4. "Statute, Chapter 143B, Article 7" (PDF). ncleg.net. Retrieved December 6, 2019.
  5. "Secretary - Donald R. van der Vaart". N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources. State of North Carolina, USA. Retrieved 15 October 2015.
  6. "NCDEQ - NCDMF - Marine Patrol". portal.ncdenr.org. Retrieved 18 December 2020.
  7. "NC DEQ: Carter Witten named to lead N.C. Marine Patrol". deq.nc.gov. 4 February 2019. Retrieved 18 December 2020.
  8. "Witten Takes Marine Patrol Command". Island Free Press. 11 February 2019. Retrieved 18 December 2020.
  9. "NCDEQ - NCMP Districts and Contacts". portal.ncdenr.org. Retrieved 18 December 2020.
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