A U.S. Geological Survey study found that 58 percent of watersheds in the N.C. Coastal Plain where swine or poultry farms are located show measurable differences in water quality.
News Briefs
Lawsuit seeks Atlantic seabird protection
The Center for Biological Diversity has sued the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service demanding endangered species protections for the black-capped petrel.
State: Avoid Attracting Sharks
N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries asks fishermen and swimmers to take steps to avoid attracting sharks to areas and at times when people are swimming.
Park Service to Change Buffers
The National Park Service announced Tuesday a plan to modify wildlife-protection buffers at Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
Elected Officials Praise Bridge Deal
State and local elected officials praised the settlement agreement that allows the long-delayed Bonner Bridge replacement project to move forward.
Habitat Protection Plan Panel to Meet
The Coastal Habitat Protection Plan Steering Committee is set to meet at 10 a.m. June 25.
State Offers Tips to Swimmers
This is National Healthy and Safe Swimming Week, and officials with the state’s recreational water quality section are asking swimmers to take simple steps to help ensure a healthy and safe swimming experience for everyone.
New Study: Sea-Level Rise Accelerating
Global sea-level rise has accelerated over the last decade, contrary to previous estimates, reports a paper published online in Nature Climate Change.
McCrory: N.C. Ready for Oil Business
Gov. Pat McCrory told oil executives in Houston that North Carolina is ready to get into the energy business.
Public Hearings on Flood Zone Repeal
The state Division of Coastal Management will hold public hearings in each of North Carolina’s oceanfront counties to gather comments on a proposal to repeal the High Hazard Flood Area of Environmental Concern.
BOEM Defends 50-Mile Buffer
Barring offshore drilling rigs within 50 nautical miles of the Southeast coast would provide an environmental buffer, accommodate the needs of the military and commercial fishing and give potential wind farms room to develop, the director of the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management said.
Land Trust Adds to Carteret Preserve
The N.C. Coastal Land Trust purchased 50 acres from the East Carolina Council of Boy Scouts of America for its Gales Creek Nature Preserve at Camp Sam Hatcher, between Cape Carteret and Morehead City in Carteret County. The nature preserve is now more than 250 acres.
No Target Shooting at Game Land
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has halted target shooting at the Holly Shelter and Stones Creek game lands in Pender and Onslow counties, effective immediately, citing habitat destruction and public safety concerns.
Scientists Warn About Seismic Tests
As the N.C. officials evaluate a third request of offshore seismic testing, scientists warn that such testing for oil and gas beneath the Atlantic Ocean floor is likely to have significant effects on the reproduction and survival of fish and marine mammals.
Fla. Bans Term ‘Climate Change’
Officials with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection have been restricted from using the term “climate change” or “global warming” in official correspondence.
Influential Coastal Engineer Dies
You’ve seen the handiwork of Robert Dean, an influential coastal engineer and the “father” of beach-renourishment. He died recently at age 84.
