Rather than add controversial provisions to accommodate development, Topsail Beach commissioners voted 4-1 Wednesday to simply scrap the town’s longstanding dune-protection ordinance.
News & Features
Extra Session Called After Disaster Relief Vote
Leaders in the General Assembly decided to keep going Wednesday after approving a disaster recovery bill, calling another session for measures aimed at diminishing the incoming governor’s powers and loosening environmental rules.
Property Owners Divided Over Dune Rule
Topsail Beach property owners, some with their lawyers, turned out Saturday for the first of two public hearings over proposed changes to the town’s dune-protection ordinance.
Cooper Seeks to ‘Restore Credibility’ at DEQ
An adviser on Roy Cooper’s transition team says integrity and broad support are the governor-elect’s top priorities for choosing new leadership at the state’s environmental agency.
EPA to Navassa Residents: Get Involved
Environmental officials and others tasked with cleaning up the former Kerr-McGee Chemical Corp. site in Navassa urged residents last week to participate in planning for future uses of the Superfund site.
Federation Takes Living Shorelines Online
The North Carolina Coastal Federation and Restore America’s Estuaries collaborated to make a one-stop shop for all things living shorelines, including training, learning and connecting.
Is Wetlands Restoration Worsening Flooding?
The effort to restore natural wetlands at Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge has shown promise in controlling wildfires and sequestering carbon, but area farmers say the project has worsened flooding of their land.
Town Takes Steps to Curb Flooding, Pollution
The town of Pine Knoll Shores has begun to install natural, environmentally friendly methods of coping with stormwater runoff and persistent problem flooding.
Official: New Flood Maps Are More Accurate
An official with the North Carolina Floodplain Mapping office is aware of concerns raised about changes in proposed new flood insurance rate maps, but says their accuracy is improved.
Business Group Calls For Atlantic Seismic Ban
A group of business leaders that included officials from the Carteret County and Outer Banks chambers of commerce went to Washington, D.C., this week to urge President Obama to ban seismic testing in Atlantic offshore waters.
Southern Shores Sets Forum on Beach Plan
Town officials in Southern Shores have set a date for a forum to gauge public opinion on a proposed beach re-nourishment project that will likely require a tax increase.
Electric Car Chargers Slated for Eastern NC
A legal settlement with Duke Energy led to a $1.5 million program to install electric vehicle chargers in N.C., which many think will be good for business in the eastern part of the state.
Public Opinions Differ On State Alligator Plan
The state Wildlife Resources Commission is in the process of drafting a new management plan for the American alligator, but the public appears split on how to best manage the reptile in the wild.
‘Many’ Figure Eight Owners Haven’t Voted
As the world’s attention is focused on Election Day, a pending vote on a controversial plan to build a terminal groin on Figure Eight Island may not have generated the response proponents wanted, so far.
McCrory Outlines Matthew Recovery Plan
The governor says state lawmakers will likely be called back to Raleigh this month for a special session to address Hurricane Matthew recovery needs, as a new committee begins work to coordinate efforts.
Plan Pitched to Allow Homes, Protect Dunes
Topsail Beach officials have proposed rule changes they say could preserve protective sand dunes while allowing home construction on lots now deemed unbuildable.
