NPS completes all work related to sediment management framework for Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Today, National Park Service (NPS) South Atlantic-Gulf Regional Director Stan Austin and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southeast Regional Director Leopoldo Miranda-Castro signed a Record of Decision (ROD) for a Sediment Management Framework Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) at Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore).

Alternative B, the National Park Service’s selected alternative, provides a streamlined framework for the Seashore to consider and permit other agencies to conduct sediment management activities over the next 20 years, including beach nourishment, dune rebuilding, habitat restoration, and emergency breach fill, with conditions. Additionally, a Special Use Permit (SUP) application and approval process detailing how the Seashore will review, issue and manage SUPs for larger-scale sediment management activities was developed under the framework.

Sediment management activities will generally not be permitted along approximately 13 noncontiguous miles of beach set aside for monitoring where beach width and lack of vulnerable infrastructure indicate a low potential for requests to manage sediment.

“We thank the following cooperating agencies: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wilmington District Regulatory and Planning divisions, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge and Raleigh Ecological Services Field Office, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, the North Carolina Department of Transportation Ferry and Highway divisions, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, Dare County and Hyde County,” said David Hallac, superintendent, National Parks of Eastern North Carolina. “Their assistance in developing this plan will allow our partners to protect important community infrastructure while avoiding and minimizing impacts to the resources of Cape Hatteras National Seashore. We also appreciate the time that many individuals and organizations took to review the plan and provide helpful comments and recommendations.”

The ROD explains the decision, describes the selected alternative and documents public and agency involvement in the decision-making process. The issuance of the ROD for the Sediment Management Framework EIS is the final step in the National Environmental Policy Act process.

To view the ROD, EIS and associated documents, visit parkplanning.nps.gov/CAHAsediment.