The United States Coast Guard just began a two-year experiment to test several different types of mooring systems for its buoys that will be more environmentally friendly.
News Briefs
Lopez Leads NC Sea Grant, WRRI Extension
Frank Lopez has been named the new extension director for North Carolina Sea Grant and the state’s Water Resources Research Institute based at North Carolina State University.
Former Cape Superintendent Faces Transfer
Bob Vogel, a former superintendent at the Cape Lookout National Seashore and now regional director in Washington, D.C., is one of a handful of veteran National Park Service officials included in a proposed short-notice reshuffling of positions.
Stein Joins Fight to Save Clean Power Plan
N.C. Attorney General Josh Stein has joined attorneys general across the country to defend the Clean Power Plan, which the Trump administration seeks to repeal.
Water Sampling Continues in Atlantic
After a second round of voluntary well water sampling, the Navy is extending the testing window for any resident who has not yet had their water tested for certain compounds near Marine Corps Outlying Landing Field Atlantic.
Utilities Commission OKs Solar Rebates
Customers can begin signing up this summer for the $62 million Duke Energy solar rebate program created to help North Carolina customers with the upfront cost of installing solar panels on their property.
Virtual Bird Sanctuary Experience Now Online
Bird lovers can watch nesting pelicans, terns, and ibis on sanctuary islands in Brunswick and New Hanover counties by logging onto the Audubon North Carolina YouTube Channel.
Excavator Tackles Remnants of Frisco Pier
To adapt to the recent rough weather, the contractor removing the Frisco Pier has added a custom modified excavator to extract the underwater pilings close to shore, with the assistance of trained divers.
Nags Head Offering Prizes for Litter Cleanup
Officials in Nags Head in Dare County, inspired by Earth Day events, are offering prizes in a town-wide litter cleanup contest that continues through Monday, April 30.
Dare Seeks Input On Land Use Plan Update
Dare County’s Planning Department and Planning Board are reaching out to the public for input from citizens and property owners in unincorporated Dare County on the county’s land use plan through an online survey and workshops.
EPA to Treat Biomass as Carbon Neutral
EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt announced Monday that that future regulatory actions on biomass, such as wood pellets, will be treated as carbon neutral when burned for energy production.
Wildlife Shelter Seeks Volunteers
With the beginning of baby animal season, the Outer Banks Wildlife Shelter in Newport is in need of volunteers to help feed the many animals being brought to the nonprofit organization that rehabilitates wildlife.
Entrance Fees to Increase at Wright Memorial
The admission price at the Wright Brothers National Memorial will rise starting June 1, as part of a plan by the National Park Service to fund maintenance and construction projects across the country.
Air in Coastal NC Cities Among the Cleanest
The air quality in Wilmington and the New Bern-Morehead City area ranks with the cleanest of cities nationwide, according to the American Lung Association’s annual State of the Air report.
Cooper Talks Offshore Drilling, Renewables
Gov. Roy Cooper, during a stop on the Outer Banks last week, discussed his administration’s focus on protecting the coastal environment, the risks posed by offshore drilling and the benefits of renewable energy.
USDA to Remove Feral Swine From Reserve
Currituck Banks Reserve is closed April 23-27 while U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services personnel work to remove invasive feral swine and survey the damage they’ve caused.
