Research has shown that living shorelines can better withstand storms and require less maintenance than bulkheads. They can also be about as expensive to build.
Living Shorelines: Better Than Bulkheads
In this the first of three parts, we explore the building evidence that more natural methods of controlling erosion called living shorelines are better for the environment and perhaps lighter on property owners’ pocketbooks than bulkheads.
Evolution of Fire Ants: More Coming
All those fire ant mounds you see popping up everywhere are products of wet weather and changes in the social structure of the ant nests. That evolution will likely mean more fire ants.
Coastal Sketch: Catlin Goes to Raleigh
In the second part of our profile, Rep. Rick Catlin says his career as an environmental engineer gives him a unique perspective on often contentious environmental issues in the legislature.
Coastal Sketch: Rep. Rick Catlin
Rep. Rick Catlin, R-New Hanover, earned notice for bucking his party on environmental issues during his three years in Raleigh but he’s not running again in 2016.
Oak Island Project Cuts Stormwater Flow
A project designed to cut down stormwater flow into waterways around Oak Island in Brunswick County may be reducing the volume of stormwater by 77 percent.
Living Shorelines Gain New Attention
Seawalls are widely used to control erosion but federal and state agencies are considering new rules to permit living shorelines as a natural alternative.
Extent of Seismic Tests Makes Feds Pause
Exploration for oil and natural gas in the Atlantic Ocean will cover more territory than any previous modern-day seismic testing, giving pause to environmentalists and federal regulators.
Groups Question Land Ownership
Environmental groups are questioning whether the developer of a controversial subdivision on Sunset Beach actually owns the land.
Duke to Conjure ‘MAGIC’ of Oil from Algae
The Duke University Marine Lab in Beaufort received a $5 million grant to lead the Marine Algae Industrialization Consortium, or MAGIC, to study algae as a source of biofuels and protein.
Holden Beach Groin Study Out for Review
The Corps of Engineers recently released its draft environmental study and is seeking public comments on a proposed terminal groin project at Holden Beach.
Opponents: Terminal Groin Study Flawed
Those opposed to a planned terminal groin at Figure Eight Island say the environmental study for the project fails to fully consider its cumulative effects.
Pelican Award Winners: the Swartzenbergs
They helped save an island and for more than 20 years were champions of clean water and the oysters that depend on it. Meet Jim and Bonnie Swartzenberg.
Dune Rule Kicks Up Sand in Topsail
Owners of lots in Topsail Beach where homes once stood are threatening to sue the town over rules meant to protect sand dunes and other homes from flooding.
NOAA Seeks Ideas for Navassa Cleanup
NOAA and other government officials in charge of cleaning and restoring a former wood-treatment plant in Navassa that’s now a Superfund site seek public input on the plan.
The Rocky Path to Put Sand on N. Topsail Beach
Townsfolk, tourists aren’t complaining about the rocks pumped in with sand during a recent North Topsail Beach renourishment but more scrutiny may affect future projects.
