A beach re-nourishment project at North Topsail Beach has covered the beach with tons of rocks. Though that’s against the law, state regulators have given the town a pass as long as tries to remove the rocks.
Report: Fixing the Coast Good for Economy
The benefits of restoring North Carolina’s coastline extend beyond the state’s environment, infusing millions of dollars into local economies, according to a new report.
Coastal Sketch: Colonel Kevin Landers
He takes over the command of the Army Corps of Engineers’ Wilmington District at a time when federal money for dredging the state’s shallow inlets is becoming increasingly harder to come by.
Navassa Superfund Site Slated for Cleanup
More than $10 million has been allocated to clean up the site of a former wood treatment plant following a federal lawsuit that resulted in the largest environmental settlement in U.S. history.
Ocean Isle Applies for Corps Groin Permit
Town leaders are now banking on the construction of a 750-foot terminal groin to fend off further erosion on the east end of the island.
Teaming Up for the Lockwood Folly
The N.C. Coastal Federation, Oak Island and volunteers are working to reduce the amount of stormwater runoff polluting the river.
Extending Utilities Could Risk Federal Funding
If it connects its public utilities to a proposed development in Sunset Beach, Brunswick County could be cut off from future federal funding.
North Topsail Beach Groins for a Solution
Town leaders consider their options for controlling severe erosion at the island’s north end, including the possibility of building a terminal groin.
Terminal Groin Will Get Another Look
The Army Corps of Engineers will amend its environmental study on the proposed terminal groin at Figure Eight Island to include the new design and location now preferred by island homeowners.
Ports Pressing Ahead With Wood Pellet Plans
With all of the required permits in hand, the N.C. State Ports Authority is moving ahead with plans to build wood-pellet export facilities at its ports in Wilmington and Morehead City.
Huge Sandbag Wall at N. Topsail Gets OK
The N.C. Coastal Resources Commission yesterday gave North Topsail Beach the green light to build a massive sandbag wall to protect beachfront houses.
County May Help Pay the Mason Inlet Tab
Thanks to a new state law, New Hanover County may begin to consistently funnel money to help maintain relocated Mason Inlet.
Saltwater Moves Into Drinking Water Aquifers
Saltwater has migrated inland into freshwater aquifers that supply hundreds of private and public wells in the New Hanover County area, according to a new federal report.
CRC Won’t Fill Science Panel Vacancies Yet
Uncertain of what an updated sea-level rise report would accomplish, two members of the N.C. Coastal Resource Commission’s Science Panel resigned this year. The chairman won’t fill any positions until the release of that report in 2015.
Coastal Energy Summit Draws Skepticism
Later week in Wilmington, the governor and industry pros will discuss North Carolina’s coastal energy initiatives. Some film-industry backers are wary of what will take center stage at the summit, including the city’s mayor.
Can the Cape Fear Take More Mercury?
A researcher says the lower Cape Fear River, already impaired by mercury, can’t safely absorb the additional amount that will be discharged by a proposed cement plant.
