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.
News & Features
GenX Bill Orders Studies, Provides No Money
The House Select Committee on North Carolina River Quality approved legislation Thursday that mandates three GenX-related studies and a review of the science for health advisories but includes no additional funding for the studies or state response.
Judge Vacates Mining Firm’s Discharge Permit
After a six-year battle by the community and conservation groups, a judge has vacated a state water quality permit that would have allowed dumping of 12 million gallons of wastewater a day into Blounts Creek.
State’s Changes, Challenges to Continue
This year saw changes in the state and federal government that will likely shape environmental policy in the coming year.
N. Topsail Manager: Avoid Rocky Sand Site
North Topsail Beach’s outgoing manager stressed to town aldermen that pumping sand from the offshore borrow site the Onslow County town is permitted to use could get expensive … again.
Biologist on GenX Health Effects: ‘It’s Toxic’
Although little is known about the extent of health effects of the GenX compound in the region’s drinking water, biologist Larry Cahoon wants to dispel any notions that it’s harmless.
Soaking In: Special Pavement Reduces Runoff
Pavement that allows stormwater to seep into the ground is key to a parking lot retrofit project to protect water quality at popular recreation sites in Wrightsville Beach.
Dredging Project Leaves Elizabeth II Stranded
A largely state-funded dredging project underway in Manteo Harbor won’t clear the shoaled channel that is used by the state-owned ship Elizabeth II.
GenX Bills Expected During January Session
The North Carolina General Assembly is ramping up to its return to Raleigh Jan. 10, 2018, with plans to address immediate needs related to GenX and other emerging contaminants.
Limited GenX Data, Public Messaging At Issue
The science panel that advises state environmental and health secretaries is grappling with a lack of studies on health effects of GenX and how to communicate what’s known to decision-makers and the public.
Rising Sea Levels Complicate Flooding Issues
The Outer Banks towns of Manteo and Nags Head have long been working to address stormwater problems, but rising seas and increased rainfall have made their efforts increasingly more challenging and expensive.
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.
NOAA Tools Offer Help With Coastal Planning
NOAA’s Digital Coast is a set of online tools developed to help turn data on sea level rise, coastal flooding and the benefits of wetlands into useful information for coastal communities.
Brunswick Board Nixes New Solar Farm Rules
Brunswick County commissioners this week rejected proposed restrictions on solar farms that they said would impede the rights of private property owners.
Onslow County to N. Topsail: Focus on Inlet
North Topsail Beach officials were advised this week to focus on inlet navigation rather than the town’s chronic north-end erosion in their appeal to Onslow County for help paying for a proposed terminal groin.
Water Issues Are Sheinbaum’s Life Calling
Britt Sheinbaum has studied water quality and water conflict across the globe. Now a Wrightsville Beach resident, she is working on a Lower Cape Fear Basin water quality protection blueprint.
