The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management (DCM) is seeking public input on a federal consistency review request from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington District. The request concerns the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed Wilmington Harbor 403 Navigation Project.
A public hearing will be held on November 17, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., or until all comments are concluded, at the Skyline Center located at 929 N. Front St., Wilmington, NC. Registration for speakers will open onsite at 5 p.m. The hearing officer may limit individual speaker time depending on how many people register to speak.
The Draft EIS examines possible environmental, social, and economic impacts related to deepening and widening sections of the Wilmington Harbor navigation channel. The goal is to improve efficiency and allow access for larger vessels. This evaluation is being conducted in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
The state’s review process will determine if the proposed project in Brunswick and New Hanover Counties aligns with enforceable policies under North Carolina’s Coastal Management Program.
Written comments will be accepted by DCM until December 5, 2025, at 5 p.m. Submissions can be mailed to Federal Consistency Coordinator, 400 Commerce Avenue, Morehead City, NC28557 or emailed to Federalconsistencycomments@deq.nc.gov with “Federal Consistency: USACE Wilmington Harbor 403 Navigation Project” as the subject line. All feedback received will help inform the state’s response regarding consistency with coastal management policies. A notice of decision will be provided upon request.
