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Poop, Pee and Microbes: The Complicated Ecology of Pit Latrines

Department of Civil Construction and Environmental Engineering

a person wearing a bright yellow vest fills a sampling jar with water from a flooded street

Jun 2, 2025

Study Finds Coastal Flooding More Frequent Than Previously Thought

Flooding in coastal communities is happening far more often than previously thought, according to a new study from North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The study also found major flaws with the widely used approach of using marine water level data to capture instances of flooding. “Government agencies… 
four industrial smokestacks are belching huge clouds of smoke, silhouetted against the skyline

May 20, 2025

Even Without Feds, States Can Take Meaningful Action on Climate Change

In the absence of an ambitious federal climate strategy, a new study shows state-led action can make a significant difference in reducing carbon emissions and addressing climate change. 
steam billows out of a black metal pot that rests on a stone oven. there is an open fire in the oven.

May 12, 2025

What Are the Tradeoffs When People Have to Choose Between Clean Air and Clean Water?

A new study suggests that, while health risks from the resulting air pollution are real, the benefits associated with boiling water generally outweigh those risks. 
time lapse photograph shows traffic going through a roundabout at night

Jan 27, 2025

Can Self-Driving Cars Navigate Roundabouts?

Roundabouts improve traffic safety. But they rely on the judgement of drivers. Can autonomous vehicles navigate roundabouts safely? 
Campus gateway sign reading NC State University

Nov 20, 2024

Garden Produce Grown Near Fayetteville Works Fluorochemical Plant Contains GenX, Other PFAS

New study indicates that diet, in addition to drinking water, can be an important human exposure pathway for PFAS. 
a large wave is cresting beneath a blue sky

Oct 9, 2024

New Tool Aims to Boost Ocean-Based Renewable Energy

Researchers have created a new modeling tool that can be used to help develop marine hydrokinetic energy projects. 
a roaring river rushes by a road. half of the road has been washed away by the river

Oct 8, 2024

How Can You Tell Whether a Road is Safe After a Flood?

How do you test the safety of roads, dams and bridges? And what do engineers have to consider when rebuilding roadways? These experts have answers. 
a multi-lane highway is blocked with mud and debris

Oct 7, 2024

How Has Flooding from Helene Affected Transportation in Western NC?

We had questions about how Hurricane Helene has affected roadways and traffic in western North Carolina. So we talked to an expert. 
Traffic light sign under water

Oct 3, 2024

How Do You Restore Power After a Flood?

A brief overview of what needs to be done to safely restore power after a flood. 
a row of windmills is silhouetted against a sunrise

Sep 30, 2024

Model Projects Energy Storage Needs for Fossil Fuel-Free Energy System

The model offers policymakers critical information for long-term energy system planning. 
factory smokestacks spew smoke against the backdrop of a blue sky

Sep 18, 2024

Study Outlines Cost-Effective Paths to Eliminating Greenhouse Gas Production

A new study lays out a wide range of options available to cost-effectively eliminate greenhouse gas production from the U.S. energy system by 2050. 
photo of an industrial landscape with large smokestacks billowing white clouds

Jun 5, 2024

Climate Change Will Make Air Pollution Worse. Here’s How.

The study finds climate change is likely to make upward spikes of ozone at ground level worse by 2050. 
photo shows pedestrians and cars moving through a busy intersection in a city

Mar 12, 2024

New Traffic Signal Would Improve Travel Time for Both Pedestrians and Vehicles

Adding a fourth light to traffic signals would shorten wait times at street corners for pedestrians, as well as improve traffic flow for both autonomous vehicles and human drivers. 

Feb 27, 2024

Podcast: Sanitation (or, what do we do with all this poop?)

Francis de los Reyes talks about sanitation practices and challenges. 
a small brick building with five wooden doors that open directly into a tidy, dirt courtyard.

Oct 31, 2023

Poop, Pee and Microbes: The Complicated Ecology of Pit Latrines

The findings are relevant for efforts to both improve public health and reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with global climate change.