Photo from December 2018 depicting shoreline erosion along the north end terminus of Ocracoke Island.

Interim Shoreline Protection Plan for Ocracoke Island North Terminus

Cape Hatteras National Seashore » Interim Shoreline Protection Plan for Ocracoke Island North Terminus » Document List

The NC Department of Transportation (NCDOT), Ferry Division, is proposing a shoreline protection project to mitigate for severe erosion along the north end terminus of Ocracoke Island within Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

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.

NCDOT's proposed action is to utilize a 1000-foot sheet pile wall, which was recently permitted as an emergency action, and 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. The project is anticipated to begin spring 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.

Contact Information

Sabrina Henry
252-475-9019