A divided state Coastal Resources Commission approved last week a variance for Sunset Beach to dredge portions of Jinks Creek deeper than was previously permitted.
News & Features
Beach Projects Help But Choices Lie Ahead
Officials in coastal N.C. communities say beach renourishment is essential to the economy, and federal dollars flow to sand projects in the wake of hurricanes, but priorities may change with rising seas and more storms.
State Extends Time For Input On New IHAs
The Division of Coastal Management has added another month for public comments on proposed redrawn inlet hazard area boundaries and associated development rules that have some beach towns concerned.
Nags Head OKs Diversion of Recyclables
Nags Head commissioners have given the town’s contractor for recycling pickup until June 30 to continue diverting all of the town’s recyclables to an incinerator amid a tough market for the materials.
Not All In-Home Water Filters Equal: Study
A new study finds that under-the-sink reverse osmosis systems work best at removing “forever chemicals,” but they aren’t cheap.
Recycling Issues Compound Debris Problem
Efforts to improve domestic markets for recycled materials and give the public more accurate recycling information would do much to keep plastic waste out of the coastal environment, advocates say.
Marine Debris Effort Adds Focus On Recycling
Strong recycling programs are an often overlooked tool in the effort to reduce the amount of debris that ends up in North Carolina waterways, but some are working to change that.
Report Details Increasing Climate Threats
Preliminary findings from an N.C. Institute for Climate Studies report include a range of significant changes affecting the state through 2100, including rising seas, wetter storms and frequent flooding.
Sunset Beach Threatens to Take $1.2M Lot
Sunset Beach has sued the new owner of a $1.2 million oceanfront lot near Tubbs Inlet, saying it’s considering taking the land via eminent domain and building a public parking lot and access.
New Dare Flood Maps Misrepresent Risk
Updated flood maps for Dare County and its six towns misrepresent the flood risk for property owners, the county planning director says.
Group Rolls Out Marine Debris Action Plan
The first of its kind for the state, the North Carolina Marine Debris Action Plan released earlier this month is a coordinated effort to prevent and remove marine debris along the state’s coast.
NC 12, Channel Shoaling Concerns Escalate
Discussions during a recent meeting of the Dare County Waterways Commission indicate that persistent threats to the Ocracoke highway and north-end ferry dock have become more urgent.
Study Sought for Third Bogue Banks Bridge
Officials in Carteret County have asked the N.C. Department of Transportation to do an express design for a proposed third bridge to Bogue Banks.
Rule Change May Threaten Coastal Areas
The recent reversal of a rule that limited where sand from federally restricted coastal zones may be placed may help towns with beach renourishment but could also put sensitive resources at risk.
Corps Funds Bogue, Topsail Sand Projects
The Army Corps of Engineers is providing more than $281 million for rebuilding beaches in North Carolina communities damaged by hurricanes Matthew and Florence.
Bogue Banks Project ‘A Go’ for February
The $28.2 million Phase 2 Hurricane Florence sand replacement project for western Atlantic Beach, all of Pine Knoll Shores, a small part of Salter Path and a part of western Emerald Isle is expected to begin in early next month.