The agreement ends litigation without changing the discharge permit issued to Chemours for the treatment of contaminated groundwater to reduce per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances entering the Cape Fear River.
Spotlight
Understaffed environmental agency ‘stretched to the limit’
With nearly 20% of N.C. Department of Environmental Quality jobs unfilled and hundreds of staff set to retire, cracks are revealed in permitting, regulatory functions.
Forum set on Wilmington port expansion project
A forum on the proposed N.C. Port of Wilmington expansion project is set for 5:30-7 p.m. Nov. 15 on the UNCW campus.
A cycle of septic repairs, washouts on park service beaches
With two-dozen oceanfront septic systems compromised by storms so far this year and spilling on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore in Dare County, several have been repaired only to be washed away again.
Nonprofit abandons Eagle Island purchase agreement
Chapel Hill-based Unique Places to Save said that failing to secure a grant from the state Land and Water Fund and with no major donors, it was “unable to find a path forward” to buy the 82 acres.
Wildlife Commission, private firm vie for Southport tract
The state agency and the corporation are interested in the parcel near Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point for different reasons.
Science panel to conduct its yearly sea level studies review
The web meeting is set for 1:30 p.m. Nov. 7 and is open to the public.
New partnership aims to restore water quality, vegetation
Essential coastal habitat is declining because of deteriorating water quality. Now a private-public partnership is coming together to protect the resource.
State rejects plan for private museum at Jockeys Ridge
The Rogallo Foundation had made presentations at local government board meetings about its estimated $7 million proposal to build a 12,000-square-foot museum at the state park.
Dock debris following Ian ‘worst we’ve seen,’ crews say
Environmental stewards contend that the debris contracted commercial fishers are removing makes the case that North Carolina needs to reinstate building codes for residential docks and piers.
Corps policy has caused nonfederal dredging costs to soar
The Army Corps of Engineers says its five-year-old rule blocking local governments, marinas and private entities from using its dredged material disposal sites will remain.
National group designates Neuse ‘River of the Year’
American Rivers, which had previously called the Neuse one of the country’s most endangered, hailed progress made.
Chemours appeals state-issued discharge permit
Chemours cannot agree to the terms of the permit “when we are uncertain if such commitments can be met or exceeded,” company officials say.
Tools, partnerships aim to help shellfish growers adapt
Climate change is affecting aquaculture, but state and federal agencies are developing new tools for farmers.
Managers report positive shift in red wolf recovery efforts
As the public comment period for the draft revised recovery plan for the endangered species continues this month, wildlife officials and advocates cite recent successes.
North Carolina to ‘shellebrate’ oysters Oct. 10-16
This year’s North Carolina Oyster Week includes activities with oyster growers and harvesters, specials at seafood restaurants and retail markets, and events with recreational outfitters, coastal conservation and education organizations, and seafood festivals.
