Public Scoping for shoreline protection plan on Ocracoke Island

Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore) is seeking public input regarding a proposal from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Ferry Division. NCDOT is requesting structural shoreline protection measures to mitigate for severe erosion causing damage to the ferry basin bulkhead and stacking lanes along the north end terminus of Ocracoke Island within Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

The NCDOT's proposed action is to utilize a 1,000-foot long sheet pile wall, which was recently permitted as an emergency action, and to construct groins interspersed with submerged concrete structures to further protect the eroding shoreline around the ferry stacking lanes. The use of both barge mounted pile driving equipment and land-based equipment are proposed for construction. NCDOT would like to begin construction in spring of 2020.

An Environmental Assessment (EA) will be prepared in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. The EA will document the effects of the NCDOT proposed action to the resources within the project area in order to determine what action the National Park Service will authorize NCDOT to perform for shoreline protection. Resource issues and topics may include coastal shoreline processes, human health and safety, wildlife habitat, submerged aquatic vegetation, water resources, and visitor experience.

The Seashore will be taking public comments online at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/caha_shoreline_protection from June 18 through July 17. Comments can also be mailed to: Superintendent, Cape Hatteras National Seashore, 1401 National Park Drive, Manteo, NC 27954.

It is anticipated the Environmental Assessment will be available for public review and comment in the fall of 2019.

Topic Questions:

1. What concerns do you have with the proposed action?

2. What alternatives to the proposed action should the National Park Service consider in the environmental assessment?

3. What resources are of concern to you and should be included in the environmental assessment?

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