County commissioners during last week’s work session continued examining proposed development on riverfront property across from downtown Wilmington, currently being considered by nearby Leland for annexation.
Sand from dredging expands eroded island habitat for terns
A recent dredge project has turned back years of erosion for a dredge spoil island near the federal channel in the Cape Fear River that supports colonies of royal terns and sandwich terns.
Topsail Island towns float plan to reduce plastic pollution
Topsail Beach officials are drafting what could be the state’s first ban on unencapsulated polystyrene for floating dock repair and construction, part of a Topsail Island-wide anti-pollution initiative.
Some N. Topsail Beach owners want Surf City annexation
A group of property owners in the Phase 5 area of North Topsail Beach’s beach nourishment plan says it wants out and to be annexed by neighboring Surf City.
Federal dollars now available for North Carolina waterways
Millions of dollars in federal spending are set to be put to use clearing shoaling in North Carolina’s inlets, harbors and channels. First in a new special reporting series.
Still no answers from sampling of PFAS-laden foam
A statewide investigation of foam containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in areas including Brunswick County beaches has yet to identify the potential sources.
UNCW event examines history of environmental injustice
Student-led People of Scientific and Equitable Achievement hosted the panel discussion.
UNCW lab may hold answers to algal bloom questions
Catharina Alves-de Souza, director of the University of North Carolina Wilmington Algal Resources Collection, was recently awarded a National Science Foundation grant to help in identifying microalgae species.
NC Supreme Court: Environmental grants can continue
The 6-0 decision means millions of dollars that Smithfield Foods pays as the result of a 25-year deal with the state nearly 22 years ago may continue to be administered through the state’s Environmental Enhancement Grant program.
Community races against time to restore dilapidated church
Half of the $1 million needed has been raised to restore the mid-1800s Reaves Chapel, which has fallen into disrepair over the last 15 years since a congregation last worshipped within its walls.
Officials tout economic boom from offshore wind industry
Offshore wind manufacturing could bring an estimated $140 billion and tens of thousands of new jobs to North Carolina by 2035, if steps are taken now, say those who spoke during the first meeting last week of a state Commerce Department task force.
Questions remain following offshore wind energy event
Brunswick County officials, residents and interest groups who were initially wary of offshore wind development here said visual representations of turbines presented last week in Southport did little to change their minds.
Project to gauge how well storm drain traps catch litter
Cape Fear River Watch’s 80% Project is employing traps in a handful of stormwater drains in Wilmington and Leland to reduce the amount of litter that reaches the river and, ultimately, the ocean.
New Hanover County commissioners table zoning request
The proposal is opposed by a coalition of nonprofit groups concerned about cultural and natural resources and environmental justice issues.
Groups: New Hanover development request ‘sheer folly’
Approval of the requested development ordinance text amendment could clear the way for construction of high-rise condominiums on a flood-prone 8-acre parcel near the Battleship North Carolina that a coalition of six organizations says would destroy habitat and areas of historic and cultural significance.
Lower Neuse River adapted, recovered from Florence: Study
A recent study looked at the effects of 2018’s Hurricane Florence on the Neuse River’s physical landscape and the Neuse estuary.
