Army Corps of Engineers staff are expected to give an update on current environmental restoration projects at the oceanfront site, and discuss interest in continuing the restoration advisory board.
Corps of Engineers
Corps presses toward fall decision on $1.3 billion harbor plan
The federal final environmental impact statement for the proposed channel deepening and widening at the N.C. Port of Wilmington is nearing the final approval stage, but Cape Fear area residents and advocates say their objections and questions about potential effects remain unanswered.
Contract awarded to dredge Morehead City Inner Harbor
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wilmington District last week awarded a $4.3 million contract to a California-based company to dredge navigation channels within the Morehead City Inner Harbor.
Wetland mitigation bank proposed for Cape Fear River Basin
The proposed Northeast Cape Fear Umbrella Mitigation Bank – Quinn Farm Site in Duplin County would be used to offset unavoidable environmental damage to natural wetlands associated with federally authorized projects.
Corps awards Snows Cut shoreline stabilization contract
Work is expected to begin in the coming months to address severe shoreline erosion along Snow’s Cut in New Hanover County.
Advocates challenge proposed Castle Hayne quarry expansion
Environmental groups argue that Martin Marietta’s preferred plan to enlarge its Castle Hayne quarry would permanently destroy 140-plus acres of pristine wetlands and around 10 acres of open water classified as primary nursery and strategic habitat areas, and essential fish habitat.
Federal funds advance Surf City’s beach nourishment project
Surf City’s federal beach nourishment project, more than 20 years in the making, is receiving federal funds that will allow the project to move forward to the construction phase.
Corps to host meetings on maintenance of federal harbors
The Corps of Engineers is hosting next month a series of public meetings to discuss long-range planning to operate and maintain the Morehead City and Wilmington harbors.
Final federal permit clears way for Buxton groin repair project
By receiving the Army Corps permit this week, Dare County has cleared the final regulatory hurdle for the project to repair the southernmost of Buxton’s three groins.
Corps crews set to wrap up cleanup at Buxton FUDS site
Army Corps of Engineers officials say that by the end of May, seven months of work to remove tons of petroleum-contaminated soil, water and debris from the beach next to the original site of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is expected to be complete.
Corps says initiative will streamline infrastructure permitting
An Army Corps of Engineers initiative announced earlier this year is geared to speed up and improve the permitting process for civil works projects, eliminating “bureaucratic delays” with new technology and tools, but when it comes to dredging and beach nourishment, nothing is as simple as that may sound.
Corps of Engineers seeks input on nationwide permits
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is accepting public input through May 15 on ways the agency can make current nationwide permits more efficient.
New state Clean Water Act certification rules take effect
Applicants for permits for construction and other projects with impacts to waters or wetlands that meet thresholds and conditions under the state’s newly implemented general certification will be waived from the 30-day notice requirement.
Ocean Isle seeks to modify permit, nourish beach at east inlet
Officials in Ocean Isle Beach seek federal approval to have up to 70,000 cubic yards of sand placed east of the Brunswick County town’s terminal groin where erosion gnaws at the shoreline in front of a luxury neighborhood.
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.
New year, new definition: Feds set to limit water protections
The public has until Monday to comment on the Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers’ proposed changes to the “waters of the United States” definition that are expected to limit eligibility for federal water quality safeguards.
