The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has approved changes to North Carolina’s coastal development rules to no longer require a CAMA permit to fix or rebuild docks, piers and walkways damaged by weather, fire or wear.
CAMA
DEQ staff ready update to fisheries habitat protection plan
North Carolina’s Coastal Habitat Protection Plan, a long-term strategy for supporting coastal fisheries, is due for its five-year update, and the three state commissions that adopt rules for air and water quality, state fisheries, and coastal development, respectively, are set to soon send draft changes out for public comment.
Report on effects of hardened shorelines offers no easy fix
As bills to undo 40 years of coastal policy loom in Raleigh, the Coastal Resources Commission Science Panel last week presented its draft report on erosion-control structures and advised careful consideration of any new projects.
Brinson touts bills to ax ocean erosion-control structure ban
Sen. Bob Brinson discussed the bills last week in committee, measures that would undo four decades of coastal policy, just as the science advisory panel to the Coastal Resources Commission readies a report on these structures’ effects and effectiveness.
Emerald Isle officials consider tenfold increase of dune fines
It remains unclear why it was done, but the large-scale flattening of protective primary frontal dune at a newly built 12-bedroom, $6 million house in Emerald Isle has town officials eyeing stiffer penalties.
Commission to consider updating inlet hazard areas
The Coastal Resources Commission is to consider next week approving amending updated inlet hazard boundaries, ocean erodible areas and inlet hazard areas erosion rate setbacks.
Harbor project may risk Orton, other Cape Fear historic sites
Advocates for and owners of historic sites near the North Carolina Port of Wilmington urge the state to object to a proposed federal project to deepen and widen the harbor to accommodate larger ships.
State offers guidance for donated tree placement on beaches
The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management has announced guidance to property owners, organizations and towns planning to accept natural Christmas trees this year for use in dune restoration.
Justice, representative, senator Willis P. Whichard has died
Former state Supreme Court Justice Willis Whichard, one of four individuals widely credited for securing passage of the state’s Coastal Area Management Act, died Monday in Chapel Hill.
State Bar Association awards Jennifer Allen for CAMA story
The award was presented along with other awards during the North Carolina Press Association’s annual convention last week in Cary.
State awards $2.25 million for 10 public water access projects
The Public Beach and Coastal Waterfront Access Grant Program grants go to help local governments in the 20 coastal counties acquire land for public access sites and add or improve amenities.
Coastal commission readopts rule protecting Jockey’s Ridge
The rule, which ensures sand in Jockey’s Ridge State Park is kept within the park’s boundaries, now returns to the state Rules Review Commission.
Amid backlash, Dare board retains Buxton Woods restrictions
Commissioners approved a text amendment allowing the requested construction but kept longstanding protections around the Buxton Woods Reserve on Hatteras Island.
State awards nearly $6 million in coastal resiliency grants
The state Division of Coastal Management’s award of nearly $6 million aims to help local coastal governments plan, design and build projects that will help them be better prepared for increasingly extreme weather events.
Cost of DEQ-issued permits increases for applicants
Newly adjusted fees and rates for North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality programs went into effect July 1.
Coastal commission OKs limited use of wheat straw bales
The North Carolina Coastal Resources Commission has changed an oceanfront development rule to allow wheat straw bales be used under certain conditions as an alternative to sand fencing to try and fend off erosion, a move environmental and wildlife groups oppose.
