Bureau of Ocean Energy Management officials are asking for feedback on possible commercial wind energy development in areas off the coasts of New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina.
News Briefs
Jennette’s Pier makes switch to curb light pollution
The Nags Head facility’s transition to more wildlife-friendly amber lighting is less disruptive to insects, bats, birds, and, most importantly along the oceanfront, sea turtles.
Homeownership assistance program reopens to applicants
Around $2.2 million still is available to eligible first-time and first-generation homebuyers in the 16 federally designated storm-impacted eastern North Carolina counties.
Cleanup continues after beach house collapses in Rodanthe
Contractors were still working Monday to remove debris from Cape Hatteras National Seashore beaches after the collapse of a multilevel home into the ocean Friday, the seventh oceanfront Rodanthe house to fall since May 2020.
Coastal commission to adjust rules to comply with new laws
The Coastal Resources Commission, when it meets Aug. 27-28 in Beaufort, is to consider changes to align existing rules with recently passed state laws, including new looser requirements for replacing or repairing damaged or destroyed docks.
Beaufort to extend dock operator’s lease, reset selection
The town commission came together Thursday on the issue of the waterfront docks that had divided it earlier this week.
Precautionary swim advisory lifted for most oceanside sites
State recreational water quality officials lifted Wednesday the precautionary swimming advisory issued last week before Tropical Storm Debby’s sweep up the eastern Atlantic.
Coastal counties see continued strength in visitor spending
Following a record-breaking increase of 15% in 2022, spending statewide rose 6.9% to $35.6 billion in 2023, setting another record year in visitor spending, according to data the North Carolina Department of Commerce released Tuesday.
NCDOT needs volunteers for fall litter sweep Sept. 14-28
“Each season, volunteers from all corners of the state come together to clean up our roads, making a tangible difference in the environment and in the lives of their neighbors,” state transportation officials said.
Salt marsh snacks
A wedge of egrets fish in a salt marsh along North River near Beaufort. Photo: Dylan Ray
EJ council to hold public mapping tool meetings
Virtual meetings are scheduled for the next three Tuesdays for the Governor’s Environmental Justice Advisory Council’s mapping and public engagement subcommittees to review with the public a new environmental justice mapping tool and answer questions.
Brunswick County offers free testing of private well samples
Brunswick County Health Services announced Monday that it’s participating in a Northeastern University program to allow private well users in the area to get their samples analyzed for bacteria and metals at no charge during August.
Water Quality for Fisheries Symposium set for October
Registration is open for Coastal Carolina Riverwatch’s Water Quality for Fisheries Symposium scheduled for Oct. 9-11 at the Duke University Marine Lab in Beaufort.
Homeowners insurance next Science on the Sound topic
Attorney Dr. Don Hornstein is scheduled to explain “What in the World is Happening with Homeowners and Flood Insurance at the North Carolina Coast” Aug. 28, at the Coastal Studies Institute.
Fisheries Commission to receive southern flounder updates
During the Marine Fisheries Commission meeting Aug. 21-23 in Raleigh, members will hear updates on southern flounder stock and last year’s landings.
Eastern North Carolina continues to feel Debby’s effects
Tropical Storm Debby lingered Thursday, with occasionally heavy rains and strong winds.
