Efforts to clear wood, fishing gear and other debris that Hurricane Florence scattered along a 42-mile stretch of N.C. coastline collected more than 200 tons and numerous vessels.
Coastal Policy
Topsail Island’s Southern Tip Back on Market
A 110-acre, oceanfront tract at New Topsail Inlet that’s in a federal Coastal Barriers Resource Act zone has again been listed for sale, prompting new worries about development.
Swamp No More: New Plan Ahead for River
No longer classified as a swamp, work is to begin on a new plan to address the Lower Cape Fear River water quality problems that prompted the attempted regulatory end run.
CRC to Discuss Challenge to Setback Rules
The Coastal Resources Commission meets Wednesday in Beaufort and will likely go behind closed doors to discuss a lawsuit over the denial of permits to rebuild an oceanfront house on Seagull Drive in Nags Head.
Study Calls for State Action on Derelict Boats
As officials in coastal N.C. communities grapple with abandoned and derelict vessels blocking or polluting waterways and public lands, a recent report recommends a statewide solution.
Ports Authority Set to Appeal Permit Denial
The State Ports Authority will try to persuade the Coastal Resources Commission this week that a proposed expansion project’s economic benefits outweigh any environmental concerns.
State Permitting for Marsh Sills Simplified
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.
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.
