Although GenX remains in the Cape Fear region’s drinking water supply, the legislature has taken a nearly yearlong pause in addressing the problem.
News & Features
Analysis: Support For Terminal Groins Erodes
Eight years after state lawmakers repealed a longstanding ban on hardened shoreline erosion-control structures, only one has been built, as other beach towns weigh costs, consequences.
Dare Waterways Commission Shifts Focus
With attention long spent on navigation in Hatteras Inlet, Dare County Waterways Commission discussions recently turned to Oregon Inlet, where shoaling at the old bridge is too severe for dredge access, and other problem areas.
Legislators Preview New Shellfish Bill
Rep. Pat McElraft and Sen. Norm Sanderson told attendees at the annual Oyster Summit in Raleigh they plan to introduce legislation that addresses conflicts related to the state’s shellfish leasing program.
Planning Board OKs Sand Mine Permit
Despite residents’ objections, the New Hanover County Planning Board has approved a special use permit allowing a sand mine next to a site with toxic groundwater pollution.
Topsail Towns Prioritize Storm Projects
North Topsail Beach, Surf City and Topsail Beach are selecting storm mitigation projects to be funded with multi-million-dollar state grant from the state Division of Water Resources.
Health, Environment Central In Cooper’s Plan
Gov. Roy Cooper unveiled his proposed 2019-20 budget this week, a spending plan that would among other things overhaul water and sewer infrastructure across the state and upgrade DEQ labs.
Local Taxes Could Fund Storm Repairs, Inlets
Legislators included new ways to raise cash for coastal towns’ storm-related expenses and infrastructure needs, such as local-option sales taxes, in a spate of bills filed in recent days.
Landowner Challenges Conservation Terms
The owner of a 12-acre property in Morehead City that was set aside for conservation more than a decade ago is asking a judge to remove deed restrictions and allow the land to be developed.
CRC Advances New Inlet Hazard Maps, Rules
The state Coastal Resources Commission last week gave preliminary approval to newly redrawn inlet hazard areas and guidelines for development within those areas.
New Signs Warn of Lake’s Troubled Waters
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service posted new signs this week at Lake Mattamuskeet to warn the public about the harmful algal blooms, another problem associated with the lake’s deteriorating water quality.
Retired General Frames Climate Change Risks
Retired Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Stephen Cheney, now CEO of the American Security Project think tank, told an audience in Wilmington this week that climate change poses a national security threat.
Wildlife Shelter Prepares for Baby Season
Folks at the Outer Banks Wildlife Shelter are in need of volunteers and donations as they get ready for the influx of young animals needing care and rehabilitation in springtime.
Push On to Change Sand Rule Interpretation
Topsail Island officials, with support from the state’s congressional delegation, are calling for changes that would once again allow use of a longtime source of sand for beach renourishment projects.
Watermen Continue Marine Debris Cleanup
A group of commercial fishermen have started work on a state-funded program to clean up debris left scattered across marshes and islands by Hurricane Florence.
Groups Move to Block Start of Seismic Tests
Conservation groups including the North Carolina Coastal Federation have filed in federal court a motion to block seismic surveys from beginning until a separate lawsuit is resolved.
