The Trump administration advanced Friday the move to drill for oil and natural gas off the East Coast, approving authorizations for five seismic survey companies to harm marine mammals.
News Briefs
Feds to Extend Review of Red Wolf Rule
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says it will extend its review of a proposed rule to adapt its management of red wolves in North Carolina in light of a recent federal court ruling.
Lake Mattamuskeet Plan to be Unveiled
A public symposium will be held 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 3 in Engelhard to review the final Lake Mattamuskeet Watershed Restoration Plan.
State Proposes Chemours Pay $12M Penalty
The state Department of Environmental Quality is accepting until Dec. 21 public comment on a proposed consent order that will require Chemours to drastically reduce GenX air emissions, provide permanent replacement drinking water supplies and pay a $12 million civil penalty.
Hazard Mitigation Program Open House Set
An open house 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday on the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Program is being offered for flood-prone property owners in Jacksonville.
Carteret to Re-advertise Beach Project Bid
With only one bid received by deadline Tuesday, Carteret County will have to wait until a second and final bid opening on Dec. 4 before considering awarding a contract for a major Bogue Banks beach re-nourishment project planned for this winter.
New Data Could Lower GenX Health Goal
A preliminary assessment by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency finds a GenX recommended reference dose that could be even lower than expected.
Working Watermen Commission Plan OK’d
The Dare County Board of Commissioners approved earlier this month the proposed framework of the recently revived Commission for Working Watermen, opening the door for member appointments to be made.
NCDOT Awards Contract for Two New Ferries
The state Ferry Division has awarded a Louisiana-based company a contract for the construction of two new river-class vehicle ferries, set to replace the smaller Hatteras-class ferries M/V Kinnakeet and the M/V Chicamacomico.
Holiday Lights Recycling Program to Begin
New Hanover County’s Public Library and Environmental Management Department are working for the second year with Keep New Hanover Beautiful to collect holiday lights for recycling.
Students Return to Duke Lab Dorms
Duke University Marine Lab announced Monday it has welcomed back 33 undergraduate students residing in four dorms damaged by Hurricane Florence.
Cedar Point to Close on Land Deal in 2019
Town officials in Cedar Point expect to close early next year on the purchase of 56 acres along the White Oak River for conservation purposes and a town park.
Permit Issued for Bogue Banks’ Sand Plan
The Army Corps of Engineers has completed its environmental study and permitted Carteret County’s proposed 50-year plan for re-nourishing beaches along Bogue Banks.
Dare Towns Look to Manage ‘Mega-Houses’
Southern Shores and Duck town councils met last week to address concerns about “mega-houses” and their impact on the character and environment of beach communities.
Ocracoke Express on Track for May Launch
The new Ocracoke Express passenger ferry is expected to be complete by the end of the year and a public launch is planned for M.ay
Volunteers Needed to Patrol for Sea Turtles
The Network for Endangered Sea Turtles is hosting a meeting at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Ocracoke Community Center for volunteers interested in patrolling for sea turtles washed ashore this fall and winter.
