The proposed loosening of federal coal ash disposal regulations is not expected to affect North Carolina’s robust management rules — at least for the time being.
North Carolina General Assembly
Topsail Islanders amp up calls for hold on new shellfish leases
Densely allocated shellfish leases and the resulting conflicts and complaints have prompted a yearslong pause on new leases in New Hanover County and other nearby waters, and Topsail Island officials say a temporary moratorium on new leases is also needed in Stump Sound in Onslow and Pender counties.
Study of past erosion-control lessons key to ongoing review
Analyzing lessons learned over decades of fighting back the ocean is critical as the North Carolina Coastal Resources Commission’s Science Panel wraps up its ongoing study of the effects of permanent beach erosion control structures such as seawalls and jetties.
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.
Dare seeks input on resiliency plan for unincorporated areas
The plan for unincorporated areas of the county builds on the resilience strategy that was completed for Hatteras Island in 2022.
Millions marked for port, short-line freight rail upgrades
North Carolina Department of Transportation Rail Division officials have announced $16.3 million for freight rail infrastructure improvements that include coastal lines and state port facilities.
Recreational, commercial harvest reporting now in effect
The North Carolina General Assembly established the new rules through a 2023 law and charged the Division of Marine Fisheries with enforcing the requirements that went into effect Monday.
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.
Steel manufacturer to announce big Hertford County project
Currituck County Republican Sen. Bobby Hanig says the forthcoming announcement of a new company’s nearly $1 billion investment in Hertford County will be “transformational” for the area.
Vast majority of litter removed from streams is plastic: Study
A three-year study recently published in the journal Community Science finds that about 96% of litter North Carolina waterkeeper organizations and their volunteers removed from trash traps were plastics.
Seafood coalition proposes moving Fisheries to Agriculture
The new North Carolina Coastal Counties Fisheries Coalition’s held its second meeting last week, during which it laid out priorities that include transferring the Division of Marine Fisheries from the Department of Environmental Quality to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Critics say law will derail health, environmental rulemaking
House Bill 402, which became law this past summer despite the governor’s veto, has drawn sharp criticism from environmental and health advocates who argue it will stifle an already daunting rulemaking process and create significant obstacles to addressing pollution.
Hanig announces bid for northeast NC congressional seat
Sen. Bobby Hanig, R-Currituck, has announced his candidacy for the 1st District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.
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.
Fledgling commercial fisheries group looks to boost industry
The North Carolina Coastal Counties Fisheries Coalition, formed in response to the recently proposed ban on shrimp trawling in state waters, met for the first time this week in Morehead City, drawing numerous state and local elected officials.
Group forms to represent commercial shrimpers’ interests
The new coalition is to defend and protect the state’s commercial fishing fleet and industry and was spawned by the recent fight over shrimp trawling in North Carolina’s inland and nearshore coastal waters.
