The Army Corps of Engineers released its final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) regarding the proposed 1,500-foot terminal groin at Rich Inlet near Figure Eight Island. The public can submit comments until Aug. 1.
The Corps will then consider all of the comments before making a decision on whether or not to issue a federal permit for the terminal groin. The Figure Eight Island Homeowners Association has proposed the terminal groin at the north end of the island, which has experienced some erosion because of the natural shifting of Rich Inlet.
The North Carolina Coastal Federation opposes the proposed terminal groin, which is a hardened structure meant to protect beaches from erosion. However, these structures can cause unintended consequences down the shore, including habitat loss for migratory birds and sea turtles. The proposed terminal groin would also eliminate public beach areas used by thousands of people each year.
Rich Inlet is one of the last naturally-functioning inlets in the state, and the current conditions and natural dynamics of the inlet show the volume of sand is actually increasing, not decreasing.
The public can access the final EIS at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ website. Comments can be submitted until Aug. 1 to Mickey Sugg at mickey.t.sugg@usace.army.mil or by mail to Mr. Mickey Sugg, 69 Darlington Ave., Wilmington, North Carolina 28403. Sugg can also be reached at 910-251-4811. During this time individuals may also request, in writing, a public hearing on the issue.
For more information about Rich Inlet or the final EIS, please contact Ana Zivanovic-Nenadovic at anaz@nccoast.org or Mike Giles at mikeg@nccoast.org. Additional information can also be found at saverichinlet.org.