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.
Corps: No Hearing Needed for Groin Study
Newly revised plans call for a larger terminal groin in a new location at Figure Eight Island, but the Corps says no public hearing on the changes is needed.
Wrightsville Stems Flow of Runoff
New research shows that recent projects in Wrightsville Beach have cut polluted runoff into local waterways by as much as 90 percent.
Benefits Based on Assumptions
Politicians say states’ investments needed to support offshore oil and gas development warrant revenue sharing but laws must be changed for that to happen.
Oil, Gas Revenues Vary by State
The path for coastal states receiving royalties was blazed by elected state officials who negotiated for a return on their infrastructure investments.
Drilling Pros: Jobs, Jobs, Jobs
Proponents of offshore drilling predict that a massive new workforce could be on North Carolina’s horizon if oil and gas resources are tapped in the Atlantic Ocean.
Top Jobs in the Oil Industry
Jobs in oil and gas production can be highly technical, complex, demanding and, in many cases, come with high-paying salaries.
