New state stormwater rules with a new express permitting process, the result of three years of development involving various stakeholders, are set to take effect on New Years Day.
Stormwater
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.
Town Shows Off Simple Stormwater Solutions
Oak Island’s efforts to deal with stormwater problems, such as pollution and flooding, were showcased during a recent tour for officials from other towns and members of the public.
From Unsightly Ponds to Saltwater Creek
Two weed-infested urban ponds in western Carteret County have been transformed into a saltwater creek and freshwater marsh to treat polluted stormwater runoff.
Landscapers Cry Foul Over New Permits
One of the main objections voiced at a public hearing in New Bern on a package of proposed stormwater rules focused on provisions that exclude landscape architects from submitting applications for the new fast-track permitting process.
Will New Runoff Rules Protect Waterways?
State officials are seeking public comment on a major overhaul of stormwater rules. We explore whether the new rules will better protect our coastal waters or are merely a means for faster permitting.
Historic Building Sprouts A Green Roof
A 1950’s era building in downtown Wilmington is getting a lot of oohs ad aahs after New Hanover County redesigned it into a modern office space that incorporates numerous energy-saving and sustainability features, including a planted roof that reduces stormwater runoff.
Work Begins on Stormwater Ponds
Long-planned work on two eyesore ponds to improve stormwater drainage and protect nearby Deer Creek and Bogue Sound got underway last week in Cape Carteret.
Oak Island Project Cuts Stormwater Flow
A project designed to cut down stormwater flow into waterways around Oak Island in Brunswick County may be reducing the volume of stormwater by 77 percent.
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.
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.
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.
Wrightsville Stems Flow of Runoff
New research shows that recent projects in Wrightsville Beach have cut polluted runoff into local waterways by as much as 90 percent.
Controlling Runoff Is the Fix for Creek
Even if it were possible, dredging may not be the ultimate solution for an ailing creek in Swansboro. Any real fix includes finally getting control of the poisoned runoff that has assaulted Hawkins Creek for decades.
The Sad Story of Hawkins Creek
Hawkins Creek in Swansboro was once thriving with fish and was a good place for a cool summer swim. Now, there’s hardly enough water to wet your feet, and the water’s often nasty. We take a two-part look at Hawkins.
Private Sewer Plants Could Fuel Development
Sewer plants at two residential subdivisions in western Carteret County could be turned into regional plants that would increase development and threaten the shellfish waters of Bogue Sound.
