North Carolina Blocks $1.2 Billion Wilmington Harbor Dredging Plan

In a significant setback for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, North Carolina environmental regulators have formally objected to a $1.2 billion proposal to dredge 28 miles of the Wilmington Harbor. The decision, announced in a letter from Tancred Miller, director of the Division of Coastal Management (DCM), marks a major victory for environmental groups and local communities who have long expressed concerns about the project's potential impacts.

According to Miller's letter, dated February 24, the Corps' proposal is inconsistent with the state's coastal management policies due to several key concerns. These include cumulative flooding impacts, sea level rise, PFAS contamination, and the loss of freshwater wetlands and fisheries. The letter also criticizes the Corps' Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for lacking rigorous analysis of the project's net economic benefits and failing to adequately evaluate potential economic losses associated with environmental degradation.

The Corps' proposal, which aims to deepen the harbor to accommodate larger ships and increase economic activity, has been met with significant opposition from local communities and environmental groups. Critics argue that the project would cause irreparable harm to the environment, including the destruction of natural habitats and increased pollution.

One of the primary concerns cited by Miller is the project's potential impact on sea level rise. As the climate continues to change, sea levels are expected to rise significantly, posing a major threat to coastal communities and ecosystems. The Corps' proposal, however, does not adequately address this concern, according to Miller.

"The DEIS lacks a comprehensive analysis of the project's impacts on sea level rise and does not provide sufficient information on how the Corps plans to mitigate these impacts," Miller wrote.

Another major concern is the project's potential impact on freshwater wetlands and fisheries. The Corps' proposal would involve the destruction of significant areas of wetlands, which provide critical habitat for numerous species of fish and wildlife. The project would also increase pollution in the harbor, posing a major threat to the region's fisheries.

The Corps' failure to provide adequate information on how it plans to mitigate these impacts has been a major point of contention throughout the planning process. Critics argue that the Corps has not done enough to engage with local communities and stakeholders, and that the DEIS does not provide sufficient information on the project's potential impacts.

The rejection of the Corps' proposal is a significant victory for environmental groups and local communities, who have long expressed concerns about the project's potential impacts. However, it remains to be seen how the Corps will respond to the state's objections and whether the project will ultimately move forward.

In a statement, the Corps said it was "disappointed" by the state's decision and would review the letter to determine its next steps. The agency has 30 days to respond to the state's objections and provide additional information on how it plans to mitigate the project's impacts.

As the debate over the Wilmington Harbor dredging project continues, one thing is clear: the state's coastal management policies are in place to protect the environment and ensure that development is done in a sustainable and responsible manner. The rejection of the Corps' proposal is a significant step towards ensuring that these policies are upheld and that the environment is protected for future generations.