The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management (DCM) has objected to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Consistency Determination for the proposed Wilmington Harbor Section 403 Navigation Improvement Project. The objection is based on insufficient information regarding PFAS, flooding, and placement of dredged material, which DCM says prevents a full evaluation of consistency with state coastal laws and policies.
DCM also found that available data suggests the project could have significant negative impacts on coastal resources, including fisheries, communities vulnerable to erosion and shoreline instability, as well as state and historic properties.
While recognizing the North Carolina Ports Authority’s interest in the project and its potential benefits, DCM stated it is willing to work with the Corps if federal action is postponed and dispute resolution mechanisms are used. The agency emphasized its commitment to collaborating with stakeholders and the public for responsible management of coastal resources.
“The Division of Coastal Management’s decision will protect public health from forever chemicals like PFAS and preserve treasured coastal resources in the lower Cape Fear River Basin,” said DEQ Secretary Reid Wilson. “If the Army Corps of Engineers can make changes to its proposal to protect people’s health and the environment, we are at the table to continue this conversation.”
The review process began when DCM received the federal Consistency Determination on October 17, 2025. The Corps had determined that their project was consistent with North Carolina’s Coastal Management program and requested DCM’s concurrence. In November, a public hearing in Wilmington drew seventy-two attendees who unanimously opposed the project due to environmental and health concerns—especially about PFAS in sediment planned for dredging. During a formal comment period ending December 20, 2025, DCM received 132 written comments; 125 were opposed. Five state agencies also submitted formal comments.
After initial review, DCM raised concerns about missing information related to PFAS and flooding. On January 16, 2026, at the request of the Corps and North Carolina Ports Authority, DCM paused its review for further discussion but ultimately resumed after being notified by email on February 16 that review should continue. The final decision was due February 24.
The Department of Environmental Quality serves as a state agency focused on regulating and protecting North Carolina’s natural resources and environmental quality through oversight across air, land, water, and coastal environments (official website). It supports public education efforts aimed at fostering community awareness about environmental stewardship (official website), delivers science-based guidance for environmental health (official website), manages regulatory services such as permit issuance and waste management (official website), and maintains its central office in Raleigh (official website).
Project details—including DCM’s full review decision—are available through DCM’s website.
