N.C. officials this week approved a general permit for a type of shoreline erosion control called marsh sills, easing the application process and putting it on par with that for bulkheads.
Coastal Policy
Nonprofit Outlines Plan for Topsail Projects
Resource Institute of Winston-Salem, which was granted last year $5 million in state money, is set to lead a task force in prioritizing a list of 23 storm-mitigation projects proposed by the three Topsail Island towns.
Surf City Addresses Deck Rules, Stirs Debate
Surf City town council adopted an ordinance allowing oceanfront property owners of unbuildable lots to build single-level decks no larger than 500 square feet, which is causing debate.
Law Tweaks Coastal Barrier Resource Act
A new law amends the Coastal Barrier Resources Act, which bars federal spending including flood insurance in designated environmentally sensitive areas, but most of North Topsail Beach remains unchanged.
Deal Reached on Sunset Beach Dredging
After about two years of discussions, the Sunset Beach Town Council appears to be heeding environmental concerns and advancing plans to dredge only a portion of Jinks Creek.
Flooded Again: Long-Term Fixes Needed
A recent report found that government buyouts for getting people out of floodplains haven’t worked, partly because residents return or relocate to areas proven vulnerable to flooding.
Budget Process Underway, Draws Criticism
The process for this year’s state budget, which includes key items for the coast such as beach renourishment and a private-public partnership to purchase a dredge for Oregon Inlet, is facing criticism.
Hyde County Adopts Derelict Vessel Rule
Hyde this week became the fourth coastal N.C. county to approve an ordinance addressing the problem of abandoned vessels in public waters, the county’s first step that applies only to Ocracoke’s harbor.
Board Rejects Rezoning of Conserved Land
The North Topsail Beach Board of Aldermen recently upheld the town’s nearly decade-old rule that prohibits rezoning of land in its conservation district.
Offensive Fence Gone at Carolina Beach Park
A fence deemed illegal and a hazard that private property owners placed at Freeman Park in Carolina Beach has been removed and the town has put up a new fence at the popular vehicle and camping beach.
Owners Seek Permits for 2015 Wetlands Fill
Property owners restoring a private airstrip in Down East Carteret County, a project that involved filling of 5 acres of wetlands in 2015, now seek after-the-fact approval from the Corps of Engineers for the work.
Sunset Beach, Developers Reach Agreement
An agreement has put on hold a lawsuit over proposed development of land at the west end of Sunset Beach that was once an inlet and may result in the state buying and conserving the property.
Net Changes: 20 Years Since Fisheries Reform
In its 20th year, a Fisheries Reform Act anniversary summit is being held Wednesday by Outer Banks Catch to revisit the creation of the state’s first comprehensive fisheries management law.
Appeal Period Begins For Revised Flood Maps
A 90-day appeal period has begun for property owners, community officials and others in nine coastal counties to protest information in proposed new flood insurance rate maps.
N. Topsail: Effort Renewed to Undo CBRA
A new U.S. Senate bill is the latest move in a years-long effort to revise the Coastal Barrier Resources Act protections that limit development in much of North Topsail Beach.
New Faces Join State Environmental Boards
Several new appointees began work recently on key environmental policy boards including the Environmental Management Commission, Coastal Resources Commission and Clean Water Management Trust Fund.
