The N.C. Coastal Federation will soon publish a new guidebook that will offer cheaper, simpler methods for restoring our polluted coastal rivers and streams.
News & Features
Testing for Offshore Drilling Sets Off Debate
Kure Beach’s endorsement of seismic testing for offshore oil and natural gas has sparked a debate about the effects of such tests on marine mammals.
Dredging Plan Ignites New Sand Skirmish
The latest skirmish in the ongoing war for sand to re-nourish beaches has broken out on Shackleford Banks in Cape Lookout National Seashore.
DOT Explains Plans for Rodanthe Breach
The state Department of Transportation is considering two plans to fix a battered section of N.C. 12 along northern Hatteras Island.
Water, Wetland Rules Up First
A public meeting next week will start a multi-year process ordered by the N.C. General Assembly that could subject every environmental rule to revision or repeal. Water-quality rules covering everything from sewer plants to shellfish beds are first under the gun.
Questions Surround Hofmann Forest Sale
As the clock slowly ticks toward the June 30 deadline for the sale of the Hofmann Forest, much remains shrouded in mystery.
CRC to Consider Weaker Rules at Old Inlet
A controversial proposal that would loosen development rules on land where a tidal inlet once separated Sunset Beach from Bird Island will again be considered by the state Coastal Resources Commission when it meets next month.
Costly Changes to Building Codes?
Changes to the state building codes could result in higher flood insurance premiums for some homeowners.
The Top 10 Stories of 2013
As one year ends and another begins, it’s time to step back and take stock. At “Coastal Review Online” that means reviewing the top stories of the more than 240 that appeared here in 2013.
Wind Farm Plan Causes a Chill in Carteret
A proposed wind and solar farm near Newport in Carteret County faces mounting opposition and a new state permit process for which clear guidelines are still being created.
State Will Reduce Monitoring Program
North Carolina next year will eliminate 41 sites along coastal rivers and sounds from its program that monitors water quality for swimming because of cuts in a federal grant.
Teaming Up for Clean Water
Volunteers helped the N.C. Coastal Federation and Habitat for Humanity build rain gardens and install cisterns at a Habitat house in Brunswick County to help control stormwater.
How Aggressive Will the State Be?
Regulators charged with protecting the state’s wetlands now work for a slimmed down environmental agency that is expected to be more business friendly. More of those regulators than ever before now can be fired at any time, for any reason.
Bad Moon Arising Over State’s Wetlands?
Several events during the first year of Gov. Pat McCrory’s administration have activists in North Carolina alarmed that the state’s once-firm commitment to preserving wetlands is eroding.
A Disturbing Report About Wetlands
Wetlands are still disappearing despite our best intentions. We’ll spend the next three days looking into the reasons why and at North Carolina’s willingness to protect its wetlands.
Taking Stock of New Coastal Laws, II
This is the last of a two-part roundup of bills passed by the N.C. General Assembly this year that affect natural resources on the coast. This part covers beaches, dredging, water and wildlife.
