The much-debated dune ordinance Topsail Beach adopted a year ago is once again under review with the town planning board determining how much sand, if any, may be removed from a property in order to build.
Archives
McCrory Urges Prompt Permitting for Seismic
Gov. Pat McCrory has sent a letter to Interior Secretary Sally Jewell urging quick processing of permit applications submitted by companies that seek to conduct seismic tests to explore oil and natural gas resources off the state’s coast.
The Ocean: Calming a Stormy Mind
Whether it’s the smell of the sea or the rhythmic lapping of waves upon the shore, science has long known the calming effect the ocean has on the human mind, the “blue mind” as one scientist calls it.
Early-Season Fish Kill Seen at Neuse River site
A fish kill affecting larger species such as flounder and horseshoe crabs was reported this week in the Neuse River near New Bern.
Could Seismic Tests Harm Fish?
Opposition to the use of air guns to test for oil and natural gas deposits in the Atlantic Ocean has focused on whales and other marine mammals. Attention now shifts to fish.
Senate Measure Cuts Pier Manager’s Job
Dare County officials oppose a measure in the Senate version of the state budget eliminating the position of Jennette’s Pier manager, and others say the move is political payback.
Coastal Sketch: Brooke Breen
As an experienced wildlife rehabilitator, the new executive director of the Outer Banks Wildlife Shelter in Carteret County knows time is of the essence.
Recycling Scrapped, New Rules Capped
The North Carolina Senate approved a measure Monday that eliminates an electronics-recycling program and adds new thresholds and scrutiny for future environmental regulations.
Of Lifesaving, Life Taking and Ghosts
The Kitty Hawk Lifesaving Station now serves tourists as a dining hot spot on the Outer Banks. No one much remembers its past except for maybe the ghost that roams its rooms.
Legislators Urge Halt in Seismic Permitting
Four North Carolina representatives are among 55 members of Congress who have signed a letter urging President Obama to end consideration of permit applications for seismic testing in the Atlantic Ocean.
Coastal Sketch: Oyster Ladies of Ocracoke
Two Ocracoke women plow the waters of Pamlico Sound at their Devil Shoals Oyster Farm for the tasty bivalve that they sell to local restaurants.
New Day Finally Dawns for Living Shorelines
More natural methods of erosion control should be easier to permit under a new proposal by the Army Corps of Engineers.
Town Shows Off Simple Stormwater Solutions
Oak Island’s efforts to deal with stormwater problems, such as pollution and flooding, were showcased during a recent tour for officials from other towns and members of the public.
Sunset Beach Council Votes to Hire Lobbyist
The Sunset Beach Town Council voted Monday to hire a lobbyist to fight Senate Bill 875, which would de-annex three areas of town under development.
Webe Talkin’ Sumthin’ ‘Bout Golla
The mayor of Navassa begins the North Carolina Coastal Federation’s summer Speaker Series with a talk about the Gullah culture of the coast.
Nags Head Board Delays Action on Street
Nags Head commissioners voted to delay a plan to close a portion of Seagull Drive, an oceanfront street badly damaged by storms in 2009 that remains a pricey maintenance problem for the Outer Banks town.
