Officials on Bald Head Island in the mouth of the Cape Fear River are asking for a host of changes to state rules that they say are needed to allow them to better control worsening erosion.
Public Hearing on Titan Permit Set
The state Division of Air Quality wants to hear from the public before deciding whether to grant Titan America’s request for a permit extension. The company wants to increase the amount of pollutants emitted from its proposed Castle Hayne cement plant.
Pony Up to Park at Some N.C. Beaches
While only a handful of North Carolina’s coastal towns charge beachgoers to park, the oft-controversial topic is a recurring discussion in some towns, begging the question of whether free parking at the beach will eventually become a thing of the past.
Lionfish Tournament: If You Can’t Beat ‘Em, Eat ‘Em
The first annual lionfish tournament on the Crystal Coast recently ended. Lionfish are a prolific invasive fish that have set up shop in our local waters, to the detriment of the original inhabitants. Local groups are searching for a way to control the population.
On-the-Water Phase of Federation’s Southeast Office Move Complete
Wednesday afternoon, scores of onlookers watched as the future office of the N.C. Coastal Federation took to the water on its way to its new home in Wrightsville Beach.
Titan Asks to Increase Pollution Limit
Titan America wants to increase the amount of pollutants allowed at its proposed cement plant near Wilmington and has quietly bought more than 2,000 additional acres to mine limestone to make cement.
Wood Pellet Plans Raise Suspicions… Again
The N.C. State Ports Authority’s latest plans to bring wood pellet exporting facilities to its ports in Morehead City and Wilmington have again raised questions about the authority’s openness and willingness to involve the public.
Hike the Green Swamp
The 17,000-acre preserve in Brunswick County is home to numerous species of rare birds, alligators and carnivorous plants, such as the Venus flytrap.
Titan Fight Approaches Benchmark
Five years have passed since a handful of residents and environmentalists sat in the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners’ chambers to learn more about a company’s plans to build a cement plant just outside of Wilmington.
Greening Up the State’s Travel Industry
Eleven coastal businesses are among the 53 restaurants, lodges and parks in North Carolina that been inducted into a fledgling state program that recognizes travel businesses that take extra steps to conserve.
Clean Water Trust Fund Helped Many
The fund has preserved thousands of acres of waterfront land across North Carolina. It has spent almost $260 million in the 20 coastal counties since 1996 and is now on the brink of extermination.
Protecting the Green Swamp
The Nature Conservancy recently bought more than 450 acres bordering the Green Swamp in Brunswick County. Pinch Gut Ridge will help protect the swamp and is a haven for longleaf pine and many species or rare plants.
Something Old, Something New, Something Green
For the bride and groom-to-be who want to celebrate their nuptials in an eco-friendly way, professionals say even the most minute choices can make a difference.
Onslow Residents Again Fighting Quarry
Residents of Maple Hill are again fighting a proposed quarry that Onslow County turned down a year ago. Martin Marietta has reapplied for a permit that the county Board of Adjustment will consider Tuesday.
Living Shoreline Permitting Still a Hassle
Though research increasingly supports the value of living shorelines over bulkheads and other types of manmade erosion-control methods, state and federal officials still struggle with streamlining the permitting system for them.
Swimming Standards May Be Tightened
North Carolina will likely tighten its recreational swimming standards this year at some places along the coast in response to new federal water-quality guidelines.
