Public Input Requested on Proposed Protection Measures for Ocracoke Ferry Site

The Cape Hatteras National Seashore (CHNS) 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 1000-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 the 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 take public comments online at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/caha_shoreline_protection from June 20 through July 22 on the proposed project.

Comments can also be mailed to: Superintendent, Cape Hatteras National Seashore, 1401 National Park Drive, Manteo, NC 27954.

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