The state Division of Coastal Management will hold public hearings in each of North Carolina’s oceanfront counties to gather comments on a proposal to repeal the High Hazard Flood Area of Environmental Concern, or AEC.
On flood insurance rate maps, the High Hazard Flood AEC are land areas subject to flooding, high waves and heavy water currents during a major storm.
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The N.C. Coastal Resources Commission is proposing to repeal the High Hazard Flood AEC because its current rules parallel the N.C. building code and national and local flood prevention standards, making the commission’s standards no longer necessary.
The hearings are scheduled for the following dates and locations:
- April 28, 5 p.m. – Corolla Public Library, 1123 Ocean Trail, Corolla
- April 30, 1:15 p.m. – Dare Co. Administration Bldg., Board of Commissioners Meeting Room, 954 Marshall C. Collins Dr., Manteo
- May 11, 5 p.m. – N.C. Division of Coastal Management office, 400 Commerce Ave., Morehead City
- May 12, 3 p.m. – Oak Island Town Hall, 4601 E. Oak Island Dr., Oak Island
- May 12, 7 p.m. – New Hanover County Government Center, 230 Government Center Dr., Wilmington
- May 14, 3 p.m. – Surf City Town Hall, 214 N. New River Dr., Surf City
- May 14, 5 p.m. – Onslow County Public Library, 1330 Highway 210, Sneads Ferry
- May 19, 1 p.m. – Ocracoke Volunteer Fire Department, 822 Irvin Garrish Hwy, Ocracoke
The High Hazard Flood AEC is part of the state’s Ocean Hazard System. Areas of environmental concern are designated by the commission and are defined by the Coastal Area Management Act as areas of natural importance that may be susceptible to erosion or flooding; or may have environmental, social, economic, or aesthetic values that make it valuable to the state. The commission classifies areas as AECs to protect them from incompatible development that may cause irreversible damage to property, public health, or the environment.
