As North Carolina’s population has grown and the factory farming industry expanded, the state’s environmental agency staff has been slashed by almost a third in less than 15 years.
flood
Climate change compounds challenge to stabilize beaches
Stabilizing Outer Banks beaches is becoming more challenging with the quickly evolving and often unpredictable consequences of a changing climate: Sea levels are increasing faster than projected, storms are intensifying, rainfall is heavier.
Public hearing Tuesday on proposed ‘WOTUS’ definition
A hearing is set for next week on the proposed definition rolled out last month for “Waters of the United States,” which outlines the waterbodies eligible for protection under the federal Clean Water Act, that conservationists warn will leave millions of acres of nontidal wetlands vulnerable to pollution, harm fish habitat and worsen flooding.
UNCW center awarded grant for flood planning, resilience
The Endowment, established from New Hanover County’s sell of New Hanover Regional Medical Center to Novant Health in 2020, has awarded a $500,000 grant to UNCW’s Center for Marine Science to help enhance flood safety and resilience efforts in the county.
Appeals period to begin for Jacksonville’s revised flood maps
Jacksonville recently hosted an informational open house on the proposed updated flood studies and revisions to the 2016 flood insurance rate maps that the city appealed.
Flooding keeps NC 12 closed to traffic as Erin heads out to sea
State transportation crews were clearing N.C. Highway 12 and rebuilding dunes in the wake of Hurricane Erin’s pass offshore, as flooding conditions continued and the road remained closed Friday morning.
Coastal counties seek regional hazard mitigation plan input
The federally mandated Southeastern N.C. Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan, which identifies natural hazard risks and ways to mitigate and respond to those risks, is under review as part of a five-year update.
Proponents of Leland flood zone rules say it’s a moral issue
Advocates of the Brunswick County town’s proposal to strengthen and expand flood zone building rules say officials must ensure they are not putting property owners, emergency personnel in danger.
AG Jackson anticipates legal win over pulled federal funding
Attorney General Jeff Jackson, during a tour of Pollocksville Tuesday, said he is confident that courts will remove a block on grant awards from the administration-axed FEMA program for resilient local infrastructure.
National Weather Service staff to answer hurricane questions
The public is invited to attend one of three community forums, including one Monday in Havelock, to learn more about preparedness and effects and speak with a National Weather Service meteorologist.
UNC study: Repeat flooding more widespread than thought
University of North Carolina Chapel Hill researchers used anonymous, address-level National Flood Insurance Program records and observational damage to create maps of 78 floods that three-quarters of the state experienced over 25 years to determine which buildings experienced flooding and how often.
Flooding from storm forces closure of Manteo Library
Dare County officials announced Friday that the public library in Manteo had to close because of extensive flooding on Burnside Drive and surrounding side streets.
Water finds your weakness: Louisiana’s lessons for Down East
Former Coastal Review editor Frank Tursi recently joined Core Sound Museum Director Karen Amspacher and others on a trip to start a conversation with those who live where levees gave way and homes flooded during Hurricane Katrina 20 years ago.
Oak Island residents say oceanfront lots unsuited for homes
Oak Island homeowners who have watched across the street as the protective oceanfront dune created by beach nourishment washed away time after time are pleading with officials to bar houses from being built there.
Interactive webinar to center on flood readiness, recovery
The 60-minute webinar June 11 will feature a panel discussion on real-world lessons, unexpected challenges, and best practices for fast, effective implementation to prepare for and recover from flooding.
Coastal areas flood more frequently than thought: Study
Coastal communities are inundated more often than previously believed, with levels taking longer to recede in rural areas, and the way government agencies gather data to predict floods fails to provide true estimates, according to a report published Monday.
