The Coastal Resources Commission, despite objections, got busy Wednesday on the legislature’s mandate to loosen rules governing sandbags on N.C. beaches.
Just a ‘Misunderstanding,’ State Says
State environmental officials responded this week to EPA’s warning about limiting people’s rights to challenge permits by noting that it’s all a “misunderstanding.”
EPA Warns State on Permit Cases
An EPA official has warned the N.C. environmental secretary that actions to limit the public’s right to challenge pollution permits will prompt the agency to step in.
Groups Block Ocean Isle Permit Application
State regulators bowed Thursday to environmental groups protesting their decision to accept Ocean Isle Beach’s incomplete permit application for a terminal groin.
Groups Say Seismic Survey Study Obsolete
Environmental groups are urging federal regulators to consider new research on the effects of planned seismic surveys off the East Coast on marine mammals.
Effort to Secure Federal Help Begins
Now that FEMA officials have seen the beach damage at North Topsail Beach from the recent storm, the process for the town’s request for assistance has started.
Groups Blast Town’s Terminal Groin
The National Audubon Society says Holden Beach’s planned terminal groin will harm birds and wildlife and fail to stop erosion but town officials disagree.
Pelican Award Winner: Patti Fowler
Patti Fowler will be retiring soon after a career spent protecting coastal waters. The N.C. Coastal Federation gave her its highest award for her tireless efforts over three decades.
‘Citizen Scientists’ Join Groundwater Study
Volunteer “citizen scientists” are helping in an ECU study to determine the relationship between sea-level rise and the groundwater table on Bogue Banks.
Derelict Boats Are Subject of Survey
The survey is designed to assess the extent of abandoned and derelict boats in N.C. coastal waterways. They can be hazards to navigation and ticking environmental time bombs, but no one does much about them.
Towns Vote to Oppose Offshore Drilling
Two Carteret County towns this week joined the growing list of N.C. communities taking official positions opposed to offshore drilling and seismic blasting.
Economic Promises and the Push to Drill
Energy independence, lower fuel prices and jobs are the big three reasons cited for Atlantic offshore drilling but do the promises match the market reality?
Panel: Seismic Effects Still Unclear
Scientists who spoke at the recent N.C. Coastal Federation forum on offshore oil say more research is needed on seismic surveying’s effects on marine mammals.
Agency Seeks Comments on Seismic Permits
The National Marine Fisheries Service is taking the unusual step of allowing public review and comment on permits to harass marine mammals with seismic tests.
Federation to Present Annual Awards
The N.C. Coastal Federation today will present its annual Pelican Awards recognizing work to protect the N.C. coast, including efforts to save Hofmann Forest.
Forum: Offshore Oil and the N.C. Coast
The N.C. Coastal Federation will host experts and area residents for a forum, Shaping our Economic Future: Offshore Drilling in N.C., July 31 in New Bern.
