Elevated selenium levels were found in Sutton Lake before Hurricane Florence flooded Duke Energy’s coal ash pond. Now researchers plan to study the breach’s long-term effects.
Sutton Spill: Debate Over Data Continues
Duke Energy says its sampling of the Cape Fear River shows no significant harm resulted from the Sutton Plant coal ash spill, but others contend the utility’s own results and state standards raise red flags.
Sutton Spill Damage: Answers Lie Below
Activists sounded the alarm about the recent Cape Fear River coal ash spill as Duke Energy downplayed the damage, but researchers say determining the true extent of contamination requires digging deeper.
Storm Debris: Officials Urge Proper Disposal
Amid all the debris lining streets and shorelines along the North Carolina coast is a possible health hazard if not disposed of properly, officials warn.
Deal Reached on Sunset Beach Dredging
After about two years of discussions, the Sunset Beach Town Council appears to be heeding environmental concerns and advancing plans to dredge only a portion of Jinks Creek.
Hampstead Developer Gets Planners’ OK
Pender County commissioners are set to consider a rezoning request related to a proposed 49-lot residential development in Hampstead after the developer agreed to changes and the planning board recommended approval.
Corps to Consider Removing Locks, Dams
The Corps of Engineers is set to study what to do with the old navigational locks and dams on the Cape Fear River, such as demolish them or let the state or local governments take ownership.
Craft Brewers Go to 11 in Charitable Giving
Jud and Amber Watkins of Wrightsville Beach Brewery created a line of “give-back beers” to help meet their founding goals of supporting nonprofits with 11 percent of proceeds.
A Look Back: Holden Beach’s (Un)Done Deal
For years, Holden Beach was determined to build a terminal groin to deal with its serious erosion problems, but the pricey plan was scuttled after property owners looked closer.
Topsail Beach Board Upholds Building Permit
Topsail Beach’s board of adjustment has denied a building permit challenge by nearby property owners who say that construction on the oceanfront would put their land at greater risk of flooding.
With State Funding, Is Bird Island Fight Over?
Conservationists are claiming victory in their long fight to preserve the undeveloped stretch at the south end of Sunset Beach known as Bird Island, but the state’s deal with developers is still pending.
Panel Proposes Redrawn Inlet Hazard Areas
The Coastal Resources Commission Science Panel, after more than a decade of study, is ready to present its recommended boundaries defining inlet hazard areas on N.C. beaches, setting the stage for new development rules.
Festival Celebrates Jazz, Coastal History
The ninth annual Ocean City Jazz Festival, July 7-8 on Topsail Island, was created to draw people of all walks of life together through music and promote the beach community’s African-American history.
Board Denies Freeman Park Owners’ Appeal
The Carolina Beach Board of Adjustment this week denied an appeal by Freeman Park property owners to dismiss violations for erecting a post and rope barrier in the public right of way.
Blueprint Employs Oysters’ Restorative Ability
In the final installment of our special report on the Lower Cape Fear River Blueprint for restoring and protecting the river’s coastal area, oysters play an important role.
Blueprint: Water Quality, Living Shorelines
In the second installment of our series on the Lower Cape Fear River Blueprint, we explain the plan’s goals and strategies for protecting the river’s vulnerable natural resources.
