Wilmington Harbor Deepening
an environmentally harmful project
NOW SUSPENDED!!!!
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) planned to expand the Wilmington Harbor by deepening the port from 42 to 47 feet. The expansion posed significant risks to the environment, especially to our wetlands, bird islands, fish nurseries without clear economic benefit to our area. The project also risks increasing exposure to toxic sediment, including PFAS and worsens our water quality. The NC Sierra Club is partnered with multiple organizations to block this project. The NC Ports Authority sent a letter to the USACE asking to suspend this project. YOU, our community is largely responsible - the letter referenced the strong public opposition from residents & researchers, especially the concerns about PFAS in the dredged material.
THANK YOU!!!
WHQR by B Schatman
WECT video & story with comments from Chair of CFSC Kelly McConnell
Wilmington Business Journal with comments from NC Deputy Director Erin Carey
Background to the Opposition of this environmentally damaging project
The NC Sierra Club is partnered with multiple organizations, Audubon, Cape Fear River Watch and the Southern Environmental Law Center to protect our river and surrounding environment.
Thank you all for your comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement at multiple stages of review. The comment periods are closed.
The latest review was with the Division of Coastal Management within the Department of Environmental Quality - to determine whether the project is consistent with the charter of the DCM, stating “... among NC's most valuable resources are it's coastal lands and waters ... which should be preserved and protected". DCM objected to the project.The USACOE may pause the project to work with the state or proceed with a formal dispute resolution process.
From the Division of Coastal Management: “DCM has objected to the Corps’ Consistency Determination because the 403 Proposal and supporting documentation did not supply sufficient information about PFAS, flooding, and placement of dredged material to allow DCM to adequately evaluate consistency with North Carolina’s enforceable coastal laws and policies.” DCM references the large amount of public comments, written and in person, opposing the project, raising concerns about environmental harm, toxic substances, reduced resiliency and damage to historically significant places. Multiple local governments also voiced concerns. Our comments matter!
Department of Environmental Quality: Division of Coastal Management
Port plan would have ‘significant adverse impacts’: DCM
While there are no open public comment periods now, this is a great time to write to or call your elected officials to make your opinion and concerns known. We will keep updating on this project as it develops.