His curiosity-driven “Googling around” led to a research paper about contaminants detected in the Cape Fear River that, in turn, led to a news story that rattled the region and helped shape five years of environmental policy on PFAS.
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Researchers make strides in 5 years since GenX reported
Developments have been swift in the five years this week since the public first learned of an emerging contaminant in the drinking water source for thousands in the lower Cape Fear region, but work remains.
Climate change, pollution imperil Cape Fear, advocates say
Industrialization, pollution, climate change and PFAS are among the hurdles the Cape Fear River faces, speakers explained Wednesday during Cape Fear River Watch’s first State of the River forum.
Here’s what you sign up for when fishing the flats in June
Summer fishing on grass flats and tidal creeks requires special considerations and planning in terms of gear, location and avoiding heat stroke, but big speckled trout and red drum are among the possible rewards.
Bill would fund efforts to support growing shellfish industry
The measure introduced Thursday in the N.C. General Assembly would provide $8.5 million in funding for coastal water quality and oyster habitat restoration projects.
Recent shoaling highlights shallow-draft navigation woes
A nor-easter in May exacerbated already difficult conditions for transportation and businesses that rely on navigable Outer Banks inlets, as officials contend with both federal and private dredge fleets that are stretched thin.
Bipartisan bill would protect birds, beach communities
The Shoreline Health Oversight, Restoration, Resilience, and Enhancement Act would preserve coastal habitat while providing affordable, alternative sand sources used for beach nourishment projects, writes guest columnist Andrew Hutson of Audubon North Carolina
Symposium highlights enslaved people’s escape by water
A recent symposium at Tryon Palace explored the role of water travel in the escapes of countless enslaved North Carolinians.
2022 Atlantic hurricane season to be above average: NOAA
NOAA forecasters predict between 14 and 21 named storms for the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season beginning June 1 and officials urge residents to prepare now.
Waterkeepers use catch, inform approach to manage litter
Trash trouts, litter traps and an informed public help protect North Carolina watersheds from plastic waste big and small.
Ocean Isle group works to protect sea turtles year-round
Ocean Isle Beach Sea Turtle Protection Organization volunteers work year-round, not just on World Turtle Day, to protect sea turtles, especially during nesting season.
From farms to niche tourism, Bertie ‘Seedbed of the Colony’
Bertie County, an agricultural hub on the inner banks of northeastern North Carolina, turns 300 this year.
Long-delayed Ocracoke passenger ferry gets underway
The N.C. Department of Transportation’s first passenger ferry originally planned for a 2018 launch was christened Monday and has begun making runs between Hatteras and Ocracoke.
Plan would fund clean energy, hog farm buyouts, resilience
The governor’s proposed $29.3 billion 2022-23 budget funds offshore wind industry infrastructure, buyouts of hog farms in floodplains, forest preservation and management, and expansion of climate resiliency programs.
Draft impaired waters list may not reflect nutrient burden
The draft list of impaired waters in North Carolina released earlier this year is required under the federal Clean Water Act, but improved water quality standards are needed and rivers and sounds not on the list also need urgent attention, biologists and advocates say.
Hand in hand, advocacy groups to regroup for clean energy
Various coastal North Carolina nonprofits are organizing Hands Across the Sand events Saturday as part of the national movement to raise awareness of clean energy alternatives.
