The upper New and the lower Cape Fear River watersheds were two of the nation’s top five watersheds with the highest amounts of toxins discharged in 2020, according to the new study from the N.C. Public Interest Research Group.
News & Features
Division pulls new inlet hazard area development rules
Changes to other coastal management rules had removed a key provision while the recently approved shoreline development rules were still being considered.
EPA launches office for advancing environmental justice
The new Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights will oversee a $3 billion climate and environmental justice grant program created under the Inflation Reduction Act.
Growers will need approval to build floating structures
The Coastal Resources Commission will require shellfish farmers to go through the variance process to build floating structures in their lease areas.
‘Absolute gall’: Chemours’ expansion plan angers residents
As plant officials offered assurances Wednesday that the move would not increase emissions, people who live in the lower Cape Fear region vented their anger during an open house in Leland.
Discharge permit requires Chemours remove 99.9% of PFAS
Environmental advocates who pressed for tighter standards than first proposed say the result is the nation’s most stringent limits on discharges of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances.
Coastal management staff to draft revised septic setbacks
The Coastal Resources Commission Thursday directed Division of Coastal Management staff to craft proposed amendments to address issues associated with houses on the public beach as a result of erosion.
New program to fund stormwater management projects
The deadline is 5 p.m. Sept. 30 for towns and counties to apply for a new state-run program that offers funding opportunities for stormwater management projects.
Imperiled beach houses a problem fraught with legal perils
Lawsuits over property rights, buyer’s responsibility and risk, public trust and public health issues — frustrations mount over how to address the problem of houses teetering at the ocean’s edge.
Cape Fear River advocate blasts Chemours’ expansion plans
Chemical manufacturer cites critical economic demand for its products.
Appeals court says fisheries lawsuit can move forward
The three-judge appellate court on Tuesday unanimously affirmed a 2021 ruling that denied the state’s request to dismiss the lawsuit.
Morehead City native gifts family’s island to UNC Institute
The 17-acre island at the mouth of the Newport River in Carteret County was donated earlier this year.
Researchers say get ready for more floods, contamination
Duke University environmental scientists urge communities to begin long-term planning for the increase in flooding and resulting pollution during extreme storms made worse by climate change.
Groups join case challenging NC Rules Review Commission
Gov. Roy Cooper’s lawsuit contends that the legislature-appointed commission that reviews and approves — or rejects — rules adopted by state agencies is unconstitutional.
Groups remind public: Disturbing sea turtle nests a crime
Whether deliberate vandalism or accidents, sea turtle monitoring volunteers have seen incidents of tampering this season, a violation of federal law that could result in a $50,000 fine and jail time.
Murphy introduces bill to study plan for Oregon Inlet jetties
Rep. Greg Murphy’s measure calls on the Corps to take another look at the feasibility of building two jetties to keep Oregon Inlet free from shoaling, an idea dismissed two decades ago as environmentally risky with dubious benefit.
