The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management (DCM) has agreed to a request from the Army Corps of Engineers and the North Carolina State Ports Authority to pause its review of the Wilmington Harbor Federal Channel Deepening Project. The pause will give the Corps time to review and consider issues raised by DCM and public feedback before DCM finishes its evaluation. No date has been set for when the review might resume.
The proposed project would deepen and widen parts of the Wilmington Harbor navigation channel in Brunswick and New Hanover counties, aiming to improve efficiency and accommodate larger ships, according to the Corps’ Draft Environmental Impact Statement.
In October 2025, the Army Corps notified DCM that it determined the project was consistent with North Carolina’s coastal management laws, regulations, and policies. The Corps then requested DCM’s concurrence as required by the federal Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA).
DCM hosted a public hearing in Wilmington in November 2025 that saw strong participation from residents. Public comments were accepted until December 2025.
Under CZMA procedures, DCM reviews whether federal projects meet enforceable state coastal management policies. After reviewing a consistency determination submitted by a federal agency such as the Army Corps, a state must decide whether to concur or object. If an objection is issued, states can suggest alternatives or conditions for consideration.
Once this process resumes, DCM will make its decision on concurring or objecting to the Corps’ determination for this project.
Project information—including details about this pause—can be found on DCM’s official website.
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality oversees protection and management of natural resources across areas such as air and water quality through various divisions. The agency regulates waste management and coastal protection while supporting local oversight via regional offices statewide.
