State lawmakers again slashed the budget for the state’s Natural Heritage Program, a non-regulatory program that inventories rare animals and habitats, but nobody will say why.
News & Features
Work on Problem Ponds to Begin Soon
After years of talk and planning, work is likely to begin by next month on the first phase of a stormwater project that will transform two eyesore ponds in Carteret County and lessen the flow of polluted runoff into a creek.
Weekend Storm Soaks, Batters Coast
Even though Hurricane Joaquin passed far off the East Coast over the weekend, a combination of powerful coastal weather systems walloped the N.C. coast with heavy downpours, strong winds and heavy surf.
Seismic Testing Needs World’s Attention
Scientists, including a Duke University researcher, argue in a new paper that using sound waves in the ocean to detect oil and natural gas needs to be regulated by international treaties.
Study: Polluted Runoff Reaches Beaches
A draft report on a study nearly a decade in the works shows that bacteria levels regularly exceed standards near drain pipes that dump stormwater in the ocean off Dare County beaches.
Groups Urge Veto of Environmental Bill
Environmental groups are calling on Gov. Pat McCrory to veto a sweeping deregulation bill state lawmakers passed early Wednesday before adjourning for the year.
Proposal Exempts Small Air Polluters
About 1,400 small polluters, dozens on the coast, would no longer have to obtain permits to operate their businesses, according to a proposal from state environmental regulators.
Next Up: Major Environmental Bill
With the state budget a wrap and Jones Street fatigue setting in, legislators will likely take up a bill this week that would roll back more environmental standards before finally calling it quits for the year.
New State Budget and the Environment
The state Senate gave final approval yesterday to a $21.7 billion state budget that includes dozens of provisions affecting coastal policy and spending, including a weakening of sandbag rules and raising the cap on terminal groins.
Holden Beach Groin Study Out for Review
The Corps of Engineers recently released its draft environmental study and is seeking public comments on a proposed terminal groin project at Holden Beach.
Environmental Bills at a Standstill
Legislators haven’t made much progress in reaching agreement on two “reform” bills that would have far-reaching effects on environmental regulations.
Opponents: Terminal Groin Study Flawed
Those opposed to a planned terminal groin at Figure Eight Island say the environmental study for the project fails to fully consider its cumulative effects.
Poultry Farmers Watch the Sky
Many poultry farmers along the coast and some people with backyard chickens watch the fall migration of wild birds with some trepidation because those birds can carry a deadly avian flu virus.
Senate Plan for ‘The Rocks’ Still Unknown
Officials want to know whether a Senate proposal calling for removal of “The Rocks” dam in the Cape Fear River will be part of the final budget agreement.
Vacation Food Collected for Needy
A decade-old effort to collect food for the needy from departing vacationers in a Brunswick County beach town is catching on elsewhere along the N.C. coast.
Effort to Clean River Begins on Lawns
Cedar Point officials, ECU and the N.C. Coastal Federation have teamed to reduce stormwater runoff into the White Oak River, which the EPA says is impaired.
