Restaurants and businesses up and down the coast are doing their part to cut back on plastic pollution by being part of the Ocean Friendly Establishments initiative.
News & Features
DEQ Develops Case to Halt GenX Emissions
The Department of Environmental Quality is moving through a process to stop Chemours’ GenX emissions, even if it means Chemours’ shutdown, as legislators consider their next steps ahead of the session that begins next month.
Superfund Site Ideas Honor Town’s Heritage
Concepts presented Tuesday for redeveloping Navassa’s former creosote plant site include not only commercial lots but also recreational amenities and features that recognize the town’s history and culture.
Public Weighs In on Holden Beach Groin
Most who spoke Friday during a Holden Beach town commissioners meeting voiced opposition to the $34.4 million plan to build a terminal groin at the east end of the beach.
N. Topsail Board Refuses Revetment Contract
The North Topsail Beach Board of Aldermen has refused to accept the lone contract proposal offered so far to repair the sandbag wall built to protect beachfront homes and condos from erosion.
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.
Little Support for Ferry Route Cuts, Fare Hikes
Recommendations for cutting state ferry runs and increasing fares ran aground last week during a legislative committee meeting, but legislators appeared more supportive of proposed partnerships for passenger ferries.
Public to Get First Look at New Hanover UDO
The first of a three-phase project modernizing the county’s unified development ordinance is set to be unveiled Thursday during the New Hanover County Planning Board’s meeting.
Ocracoke Readies For Trams, Passenger Ferry
With a funding commitment from the state for trams on Ocracoke village, Hyde County officials are readying for the state’s first high-speed passenger ferry that will shuttle visitors between the island and Hatteras.
Water Transfer Part of Pender’s Growth Plan
Environmental groups support Pender County’s request to transfer up to 14.5 million gallons of drinking water per day from the Cape Fear to three smaller river basins to meet increasing demand.
Best Bet For Healthy Gardens: Go Native
Spring’s arrival means planting season for home gardeners, and though the options are endless, native plant species are the best choice for success and a healthy ecosystem.
Sturgeon City Expansion Marks New Phase
Sturgeon City, the former Jacksonville wastewater treatment plant repurposed as an environmental educational center, looks to expand its community outreach with the construction of a $3.2 million building for classes, conferences and weddings.
Minke Whale Researchers To Return Home
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Duke University Marine Lab, Stanford University and the University of California-Santa Cruz researchers are wrapping up a seven-week expedition to study minke whales around the Antarctic Peninsula.
Dune Protection Fight Put On Hold … Again
A state appeals court has upheld the judge’s ruling that dismissed a challenge to Topsail Beach’s repeal of its longstanding dune protection ordinance, shifting the fight back to the local level.
Conflicts Could Curb Aquaculture’s Growth
N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries Director Steve Murphey, speaking last week to a legislative committee on agricultural, natural and economic resources, said shellfish aquaculture is gaining momentum but facing challenges.
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.