Terminal Groin conversation comes to Sunset Beach

RALEIGH – The N.C. Coastal Resources Commission will discuss its study of the feasibility and advisability of the use of a terminal groin as an erosion control device and hear public comments about the study during its meeting next week.

The CRC’s next meeting is March 24-26 at the Sea Trail Golf Resort and Conference Center in Sunset Beach. The regular meeting will begin at 3 p.m. March 24 and at 8:30 a.m. March 25 and 26. The meeting is open to the public. The terminal groin study public hearing will take place at 5 p.m. March 24. This is the final of the five scheduled public hearings for the study.

On March 25, the CRC will review the final terminal groin study report from contractor Moffatt & Nichol and develop final recommendations for the General Assembly. As mandated by Session Law 2009-479, the CRC must present the final report, along with its recommendations, to the Environmental Review Commission and the General Assembly by April 1.

The following items are also on the CRC’s agenda:

* Contested Case Hearing (3:15 p.m. March 24) – The commission will rule in a contested case hearing regarding a property in Pasquotank County.
* Static Vegetation Line Exception Request (3:15 p.m. March 24) – The commission will hear requests for static vegetation line exceptions from the towns of Atlantic Beach, Emerald Isle, Indian Beach/Salter Path and Pine Knoll Shores. If the requests are granted, the exception could allow limited development on lots that cannot meet the setback from the static vegetation line put in place after large-scale beach nourishment projects.

· Land Use Plan Certifications (8:30 a.m. March 25) – Commissioners will consider certification of CAMA Land Use Plans for Onslow, Tyrell and Beaufort counties.

· Public Input and Comment (Noon March 25) – Members of the public may comment on any issue not on the current agenda.

· Public Hearings (5 p.m. March 24) – Members of the public may provide comments on two issues: amendments to 15A NCAC 7H .0104 Development Initiated Prior To Adoption by The CRC, and the CRC’s terminal groin study.

· Sea Level Rise Initiatives Update (8:30 a.m. March 26) – Coastal management staff will update the CRC on recent activities related to sea level rise.

The Coastal Resources Advisory Council, a group that provides the CRC with local government perspectives and technical advice, will meet at 1 p.m. March 24 at the resort conference center.

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