Trista Talton

Special report: The state's rapid growth of shellfish leases, especially water column leases where gear must float, has not only led to viewshed complaints from waterfront property owners but also frustration among fishing guides over the operations' effects on access.

Shellfish lease moratoriums covering several coastal counties have pushed growers to the waters near Topsail Island, and the resulting pushback could lead to further restrictions, but growers say producing in-demand, presentation-perfect oysters is difficult enough without the fight.

Bills advanced in the legislature Wednesday that would not only repeal the state's 40-year ban on breakwaters, bulkheads, seawalls, jetties, revetments, and terminal groins, but also provide taxpayer dollars to build and maintain terminal groins.

Gov. Josh Stein says Environmental Protection Agency's settlement agreement with Chemours on PFAS pollution will likely do little to help North Carolina and that the state Environmental Management Commission and EPA handling of these contaminants were "unfortunate steps."

The North Carolina Coastal Land Trust has come to a tentative purchase and sale agreement with Charlotte-based Copper Builders to preserve more than 3,200 acres of Sledge Forest on the Northeast Cape Fear River.

The Interior Department has announced that Charlotte-based Duke Energy will terminate its offshore wind lease off Bald Head Island and "refocus" the $129 million taxpayer buyout back on fossil fuels and nuclear power.

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.

Speakers during an online public hearing Tuesday largely and roundly criticized the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposal to repeal federal drinking water limits for four per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and delay the deadline for water utilities to comply with limits for related compounds by two years.

New Hanover County residents and environmentalists spoke out Tuesday against Martin Marietta’s planned Castle Hayne quarry mine expansion, urging other alternatives that would lessen threats to water quality, wetlands and aquifer levels.

A ceremony Monday on the beach by the Surf City Ocean Pier marked the start of a federal coastal storm risk management project that the town has sought for more than two decades, and it has inspired a ... "song."