An American robin hatchling instinctively responds to sound by opening up as another struggles to emerge from its shell in a nest in a tree on a lawn in Newport. Photo: Mark Hibbs
The Buzz on Pollinator Week
This week, June 18-24, is National Pollinator Week, which recognizes the benefits provided by bees, birds, butterflies, bats and beetles. But many pollinator populations are in decline because of factors including habitat loss, weather extremes, climate change and pesticide misuse. Photo: Mark Hibbs
River Advocates Celebrate Dam Removal
The removal of a longstanding dam on the Neuse River in Raleigh is already having positive effects, advocates say, and a celebration set for Saturday offers a chance to see the changes firsthand.
Panel to Advise DEQ on Environmental Justice
An advisory board introduced Wednesday at DEQ headquarters in Raleigh is tasked with guiding the agency’s decision making to ensure disadvantaged and minority populations’ interests are considered.
Blue Tubes Installed in Emerald Isle
Ricky Lanier, left, and Jerry Talton of Emerald Isle’s parks and recreation department install a receptacle for plastic bags called a Blue Tube at the town’s western beach access Wednesday as Kristin Gibson, an AmeriCorps coastal community engagement specialist working with the North Carolina Coastal Federation, and Sabrina Hylton, director of guest services at Emerald Isle Realty, look on. BlueTubes sponsored by Emerald Isle Realty were placed at the town’s two beach accesses and hold clean, used plastic bags. Visitors can grab a bag, pick up trash and throw it away. Photo: Mark Hibbs
Holden Beach Calls ‘Time Out’ on Groin Plan
Holden Beach commissioners voted Wednesday to put on hold all work toward getting permits for a terminal groin and seek a 30-day extension of the public comment period on the project’s environmental study.
Wells Test Positive for Emerging Compounds
Twenty-six private drinking water wells in the unincorporated Atlantic community in Carteret County have tested positive for compounds in the same chemical family as GenX, and the Navy is asking more airfield neighbors to allow their water to be sampled.
Officials: Passenger Ferry Will Boost Tourism
The state’s first passenger-only ferry under construction near Swansboro is part of a plan to boost Ocracoke Island tourism, which has flagged as a result of long waits and travel times for vehicle ferries from Hatteras.
Judge Vacates Mining Firm’s Discharge Permit
After a six-year battle by the community and conservation groups, a judge has vacated a state water quality permit that would have allowed dumping of 12 million gallons of wastewater a day into Blounts Creek.
Dick Bierly: The Business of Environmentalism
He’s a retired corporate executive who moved to the beach and became a coastal environmental activist, meet Dick Bierly.
Cooper Vows to Lead Offshore Drilling Fight
Gov. Roy Cooper, during an appearance Thursday at Fort Macon State Park, said the state’s environment and “robust coastal economy” are not worth the risks from offshore oil drilling and exploration.
One of Two Plans for Park Shows Boat Ramp
A design firm has presented two development plans for 290 acres of newly acquired land at Hammocks Beach State Park, one set with and one without a controversial boat launch area.
Myers: Modernize Endangered Species Act
State wildlife director Gordon Myers testified before a Senate committee Wednesday, saying states need more flexibility, authority in enforcing the Endangered Species Act.
Military to Resume Cleanup of Wood Island
Military officials are set to begin this month another cleanup of potentially explosive material from Wood Island, a former bombing target just off Emerald Isle in Bogue Sound.
Business Group Calls For Atlantic Seismic Ban
A group of business leaders that included officials from the Carteret County and Outer Banks chambers of commerce went to Washington, D.C., this week to urge President Obama to ban seismic testing in Atlantic offshore waters.
Electric Car Chargers Slated for Eastern NC
A legal settlement with Duke Energy led to a $1.5 million program to install electric vehicle chargers in N.C., which many think will be good for business in the eastern part of the state.
