A leaked EPA memo directs the agency’s regional offices to cede to administrator Scott Pruitt Clean Water Act determinations related to the preservation of streams, ponds and wetlands.
News Briefs
Book on Federation’s Work Published Online
University of Virginia history professor Glenn Blackburn has written “Saving Great Places” about the North Carolina Coastal Federation’s work to protect important places on the North Carolina coast
CRC to Continue Sandbag Rules Discussion
The Coastal Resources Commission will consider a fiscal analysis of temporary erosion control structures, or sandbags, during its April 10-11 meeting in Manteo.
Dive Into NC’s Underwater Heritage
The daylong Underwater Heritage Symposium April 7 at the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum in Hatteras will feature eight presenters sharing diving adventures, research projects, environmental issues, maritime history and culture.
Meeting to Focus on Cape Fear Conservation
The North Carolina Coastal Federation’s April Southeast Coastal Ambassador training April 18 in Wrightsville Beach will be the second in a series of meetings to discuss conservation work in the lower Cape Fear River basin.
Oregon Inlet Artificial Reef Gets Funding
A grant from the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries and local donations will help fund an artificial reef to be built south of the Oregon Inlet sea buoy.
EPA to Revise Obama-era Emission Standards
EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt announced Monday that national greenhouse gas emissions standards for cars and light trucks for model years 2022-2025 are not appropriate and should be revised.
Outer Banks Officials to Discuss Wildfire Risks
Cape Hatteras National Seashore is hosting in communities that share a border the national park wildfire risks educational meetings through this month.
Beaufort To Meet About Harbor Management
The Town of Beaufort is holding a public meeting April 24 at the NOAA Beaufort Lab to receive feedback on environmental and safety concerns about Taylor’s Creek.
PETA Urges Nags Head to Stop Killing Coyotes
A representative of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has sent an appeal to the town of Nags Head to use methods other than trapping and killing to control the growing coyote population.
Companies To Halt Fumigation Operations
Two companies informed state officials that fumigation operations will cease at a site in Wilmington and a state air quality permit for methyl bromide use will no longer be pursued.
Whale of a Symposium April 6 In Beaufort
The N.C. Maritime Museum in Beaufort will focus on research and conservation of whales as well as historic hunting practices during its third annual Whales and Whaling Symposium.
Presentation to Focus on Wild Canines
The nonprofit Defenders of Wildlife and scientist, author and naturalist Sue Morse are set to host a free presentation, “Wild Cousins of Our Best Friends: Wolves, Coyotes and Foxes,” April 8 in Manteo.
North Topsail Board to Consider Contract
A Morehead City engineering firm has expressed interest in a contract – with conditions – related to repairs to the controversial sandbag wall put in place years ago at the erosion-prone north end of North Topsail Beach.
Holden Beach Calls ‘Time Out’ on Groin Plan
Holden Beach commissioners voted Wednesday to put on hold all work toward getting permits for a terminal groin and seek a 30-day extension of the public comment period on the project’s environmental study.
Insecticide Permit Comment Period Near End
The Wilmington-based Tima has applied for a permit to increase its use of the insecticide methyl bromide by tenfold and residents have a week to voice their comments.