One advocate calls the mostly unrealized Croatan Regional Bicycle and Trails Plan “a critical step” in creating a true multimodal transportation system.
Pender revises zoning ‘to properly regulate’ solar farms
Commissioners amended zoning text Dec. 5, less than a week after a California-based solar company filed a lawsuit against the county for turning down its request for a permit.
Spineless specimens may hold clues for coastal researchers
The non-molluscan invertebrates collection at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences could unlock mysteries of the coastal environment and help better gauge the effects of climate change and pollution.
GenX study finds Chemours-specific chemicals in residents
Though GenX was not found in the blood samples of 1,020 residents in Wilmington, Fayetteville and Pittsboro who participated in the 2020-2021 GenX exposure study, three PFAS unique to the Chemours Fayetteville Works facility were in the blood of nearly all.
Draft wind energy areas off NC coast may be downsized
The recently announced draft offshore wind energy areas, including two off the northern North Carolina coast, may be scaled back before being finalized early next year.
Process of updating inlet hazard area rules to be continued
A rule approved in September deleted an exception that would allow homes of up to 2,000 square feet to be built in areas where the new erosion rate-based setbacks would prevent construction of new houses.
Corps reinstates seasonal dredging window at state ports
The Army Corps of Engineers’ action follows a federal judge’s ruling that the agreement with the state to eliminate the restrictions on hopper dredging meant to protect federally listed species was illegal.
Understaffed environmental agency ‘stretched to the limit’
With nearly 20% of N.C. Department of Environmental Quality jobs unfilled and hundreds of staff set to retire, cracks are revealed in permitting, regulatory functions.
Wildlife Commission, private firm vie for Southport tract
The state agency and the corporation are interested in the parcel near Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point for different reasons.
Dock debris following Ian ‘worst we’ve seen,’ crews say
Environmental stewards contend that the debris contracted commercial fishers are removing makes the case that North Carolina needs to reinstate building codes for residential docks and piers.
Corps policy has caused nonfederal dredging costs to soar
The Army Corps of Engineers says its five-year-old rule blocking local governments, marinas and private entities from using its dredged material disposal sites will remain.
Division pulls new inlet hazard area development rules
Changes to other coastal management rules had removed a key provision while the recently approved shoreline development rules were still being considered.
Growers will need approval to build floating structures
The Coastal Resources Commission will require shellfish farmers to go through the variance process to build floating structures in their lease areas.
‘Absolute gall’: Chemours’ expansion plan angers residents
As plant officials offered assurances Wednesday that the move would not increase emissions, people who live in the lower Cape Fear region vented their anger during an open house in Leland.
Coastal management staff to draft revised septic setbacks
The Coastal Resources Commission Thursday directed Division of Coastal Management staff to craft proposed amendments to address issues associated with houses on the public beach as a result of erosion.
Appeals court says fisheries lawsuit can move forward
The three-judge appellate court on Tuesday unanimously affirmed a 2021 ruling that denied the state’s request to dismiss the lawsuit.
