Army Corps of Engineers seeks public input on proposed terminal groin for North Topsail Beach

NORTH TOPSAIL BEACH (WWAY) — Residents in North Topsail Beach had a chance to speak out as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers held a public hearing on their draft environmental study on how to manage coastal erosion.

Several residents have been using sandbags to hold off waves and erosion for some time, and demanded the town address their concerns to protect coastal real estate assets.

The Corps says North Topsail Beach has identified a terminal groin as its preferred alternative, using the New River inlet as a reusable source of sand for beach nourishment.

Terminal groins are structures built along the shoreline near an inlet to slow erosion.

Resident Jeff Wells says many might oppose the idea at a glance, mistaking it for other controversial ocean structures like jetties.

“There’s a big difference between terminal groins and jetties,” said Wells. “Jetties can create a never-ending structure build, where one creates erosion further down. Then, they need to build another structure, and it creates erosion.”

The Corpse displayers five project alternatives for review, with “Alternative 5” being the town’s preferred option.

Engineer Fran Way broke down the “Alternative 5” plan, which combines the terminal groin with beach nourishment and inlet management.

“From here on out, there will be a sand source nearby that’s economical for beach nourishment,” said Way.

There is currently a ban on groins, but Republican lawmakers in the state legislature are looking for ways to end the ban.

The public comment period remains open through October 19, giving residents more time to weigh in on the proposed project.