For the first time in more than a decade, the National Park Service hopes to unclog two channels that passenger ferries and private boaters use to access Cape Lookout National Seashore, and place the material that is dredged onto the soundside beach in front of the lighthouse compound.
States greatly underestimate extreme heat hazards: Study
A recent Duke University analysis finds that state emergency management departments are underestimating the growing threat of excessive heat as the climate changes.
Topsail Beach holds hearing on inlet property rezoning
The request to rezone “The Point” from conservation to conditional use would allow Raleigh tech CEO Todd Olson to pursue plans to build a family compound.
Black Carolinians in fishing industry heart of new exhibit
NC Catch, the nonprofit that works to educate consumers about the importance of buying local seafood, is heading up a collaboration with Black seafood business owners and historians to create the N.C. Black Seafood Trail.
NC farm bill would restrict how state defines wetlands
Environmentalists say the bill would strip the state’s ability to fill in regulatory gaps to protect federally nonjurisdictional waters, including isolated wetlands.
Officials show off progress on new Fort Fisher visitor center
After more than a decade of planning and fundraising, construction is underway on the Fort Fisher State Historic Site’s new center that’s three times larger than the current building.
Half of PFAS in drinking water not monitored by EPA: Study
Of the PFAS found in drinking water samples collected across 16 states, nearly half are not monitored by the EPA, according to a recent study.
Education, not profit, county’s aim for composting program
New Hanover County’s composting program, now more than five years old, was never intended as a revenue stream, rather it’s way to keep food waste out of the landfill.
Judge finds court lacks authority in groups’ PFAS lawsuit
Chief U.S. District Judge Richard Myers II on Friday released his decision to dismiss a lawsuit that would have forced Chemours to pay for health studies on dozens of chemical compounds manufactured at its Fayetteville plant.
Clock ticking for recommendation on Topsail Beach request
The town planning board met Monday and now has 65 days to recommend approving or denying Todd Olson’s request to rezone 30 acres in a conservation district on the inlet to allow seven homes to be built.
PFAS mitigation, DEQ staffing funded in Cooper’s budget
The proposed budget includes funding to address PFAS in drinking water sources and to support a team within DEQ to address PFAS statewide.
Navassa Superfund site cleanup to begin this summer
Area contractors are to dig up 3,000 cubic yards of contaminated soil when they begin work in June at the former Kerr-McGee Superfund Site.
Albemarle-Pamlico resilience gets $27.25 million boost
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently announced funding for the agency’s National Wildlife Refuge System for Albemarle-Pamlico restoration initiatives.
EPA rule would require water providers to monitor for PFAS
An Environmental Protection Agency rule would set limits on six per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in public water systems with providers responsible for monitoring and notifying the public when levels exceed standards.
Woman turning family land into refuge for wildlife, herself
Sheba Shiver, who left a career as a clinical psychologist and returned to her family’s 50 acres in Pender County, was approved in 2021 for a conservation grant. While waiting for the money, she had more than 10,000 trees planted.
Cost-share funding for runoff management gains support
The state Environmental Management Commission has unanimously adopted a resolution calling for expanding and funding programs to help landowners manage and lessen polluted stormwater runoff.
