DEQ DENIES FENCE BUFFER PERMIT!  The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Division of Water Resources (Division) has denied a buffer authorization request by the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority (RDUAA) for a proposed enhanced security perimeter fence. A buffer authorization would allow for impacts within a North Carolina protected riparian buffer. The denial includes the following: 

"Please be aware that you have no authorization under Title 15A NCAC 02B .0233 (now 15A NCAC 02B .0714), the Neuse River Buffer Rules for this activity and any work done within the waters of the state or regulated Riparian Buffers may be a violation of the North Carolina General Statues and Administrative Code." 

As the recent RDU AID task force report suggested, Umstead State Park is a beloved recreational asset of the region.  We're hopeful RDU AA will be more sensitive to their neighboring park in future initiatives.

Read DEQ's denial letter here and the press release here.