The federal final environmental impact statement for the proposed channel deepening and widening at the N.C. Port of Wilmington is nearing the final approval stage, but Cape Fear area residents and advocates say their objections and questions about potential effects remain unanswered.
News & Features
‘There’s no way’: Hanig decries rationale, rush to toll ferries
Sen. Bobby Hanig says the Jan. 1 deadline is impossible, but legislative leaders have so far refused to budge on the date by which the Ferry Division must implement tolling for the four state ferries that now are free to ride.
‘If there’s magic’: Coastal Federation honors water’s guardians
The North Carolina Coastal Federation honored more than a dozen individuals and groups this year during the 23rd annual Pelican Awards held Saturday in Morehead City.
DEQ staff ready update to fisheries habitat protection plan
North Carolina’s Coastal Habitat Protection Plan, a long-term strategy for supporting coastal fisheries, is due for its five-year update, and the three state commissions that adopt rules for air and water quality, state fisheries, and coastal development, respectively, are set to soon send draft changes out for public comment.
State budget eliminates Office of Environmental Education
The budget Gov. Josh Stein signed earlier this month eliminated the state Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs, which was created in 1993 and has since become a model for other states.
Residents urge mining firm to find other expansion options
New Hanover County residents and environmentalists spoke out Tuesday against Martin Marietta’s planned Castle Hayne quarry mine expansion, urging other alternatives that would lessen threats to water quality, wetlands and aquifer levels.
Budget, donors, grants total $31 million for wildlife crossings
Wildlife advocates are hailing the recently approved state budget for including $10 million of a $31 million project to build 11 protected road crossings for wildlife with corresponding fencing along 2.5 miles of U.S. 64 from the east end of East Lake on the Dare County mainland to west of Robertson Landing Road by 2031.
Opponents call EPA proposal on persistent PFAS ‘dangerous’
Speakers during an online public hearing Tuesday largely and roundly criticized the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposal to repeal federal drinking water limits for four per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and delay the deadline for water utilities to comply with limits for related compounds by two years.
Stein signs budget with safe water provisions, new ferry tolls
Gov. Josh Stein signed the $34.4 billion spending plan featuring coastal environmental spending and policy provisions, and new tolls on state ferries that have long been free to ride.
Manns Harbor Bridge repairs to be ‘most complete’ in decades
The harsh marine environment has taken its toll on the nearly 70-year-old William B. Umstead Bridge, and the modern materials but laborious application required are driving up the price tag and lengthening the timeline for the ongoing repairs.
Advocates challenge proposed Castle Hayne quarry expansion
Environmental groups argue that Martin Marietta’s preferred plan to enlarge its Castle Hayne quarry would permanently destroy 140-plus acres of pristine wetlands and around 10 acres of open water classified as primary nursery and strategic habitat areas, and essential fish habitat.
EMC to hear progress on habitat protection plan update
The 15-member Environmental Management Commission are scheduled to hear an update to the N.C. Coastal Habitat Protection Plan at its July 9 meeting.
DCM accepting applications for public access funding
Applicants eligible for fiscal year 2027 funding through the North Carolina Boating Infrastructure Grant, or BIG, Program must apply for the federal funds by Aug. 28.
Duke Energy takes nearly $130 million to kill its wind project
The Interior Department has announced that Charlotte-based Duke Energy will terminate its offshore wind lease off Bald Head Island and “refocus” the $129 million taxpayer buyout back on fossil fuels and nuclear power.
Agencies plod on as audit shows Currituck bridge funding gap
Amid a bad financial outlook and local opposition and concerns, a recent state audit of the long-planned transportation project paints a bleak picture with shortfalls nearly impossible to fill.
Nonprofit, developer carve path to protect Sledge Forest tract
The North Carolina Coastal Land Trust has come to a tentative purchase and sale agreement with Charlotte-based Copper Builders to preserve more than 3,200 acres of Sledge Forest on the Northeast Cape Fear River.
