Port of Wilmington Expansion
The proposed Port of Wilmington expansion could have lasting impacts on our environment, economy, and way of life. Learn the facts, explore resources, and join us in advocating for a responsible path forward.
Background
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is evaluating a proposal to deepen and widen the Wilmington Harbor channel to allow larger ships to access the port. While economic development is important, this project, as proposed, would cause irreversible harm to our coastal ecosystems, fisheries, and communities. A coalition of environmental organizations is committed to ensuring that any project that moves forward is truly necessary, fiscally responsible, and designed to minimize environmental damage.
Key Questions to Frame the Issue:
- Is this project truly needed to serve North Carolina’s future shipping needs?
- Who benefits, and who bears the risks?
- How will it affect water quality, fisheries, and wildlife habitat?
- What are the costs to taxpayers and coastal communities?
- What alternatives exist that could meet shipping needs with less harm?
Learn More about the Wilmington Harbor Project Hub: Official USACE Project Page
Why We’re Concerned
- Environmental Protection: Protecting sensitive estuarine ecosystems and wildlife habitat.
- Fiscal Responsibility: Questioning whether projected benefits justify the enormous public expense.
- Community Resilience: Ensuring coastal communities aren’t placed at higher risk from flooding and erosion.
- Transparency & Public Voice: Calling for robust, accessible public involvement and independent review.
Key Documents & Resources Library
- Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS)
- Section 203 Feasibility Study
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Project Page
- Fact sheets and Resources:
- What you need to know about the proposed Wilmington Harbor Expansion
- Impacts on Communities, Economy, and Resilience
- Impacts to Fisheries & Water Quality
- The Economics of the Wilmington Harbor Expansion
- Summary Impacts of Port Deepening
- WHNIP Fact Sheet May 2020
- WHNIP Action Alert 2024
- WHNIP Action Alert 2023
- Sen. Peterson Letter 2020
- Rep. Butler Letter 2020
- Tree‐Ring and Sediment Analyses Reveal Processes of Bald Cypress Ghost Forest
- Cape Fear River Project Monitoring Reports
- Baseline Port Surveys for Introduced Marine Molluskan, Crustacean and Polychaete Species in the South Atlantic Bight
- Baseline Port Studies – Presentation
- The effect of channel deepening on tides and storm surge: A case study of Wilmington, NC
- Comment letters:
- NCCF Scoping Comments 2019
- SELC Scoping Comments 2019
- SELC Scoping Comments 2023
- SELC Scoping Comments 2024
- Audubon NC Scoping Comments 2023
- Audubon NC Scoping Comments 2024
- Retired USACE Regulator Brayton Willis’ comments:
- PFAS Contamination of Dredged Spoils
- Secondary and Cumulative Effects to be added to the “With Project” Purpose
- Two Additional Alternatives to meet NEPA requirements
- Unaddressed Future Flooding Risks from Navigation Channel Deepening
- Understated and Underserved Section 106 Historic Preservation and Environmental Justice
- Heavy Truck Impacts on Roads and Bridges
- Rail Realignment
- USACE Webinar Recording Links:
- Hydrology Webinar Recording OCT 2023
- Hydrology Webinar Slides OCT 2023
- Early Scoping Webinar 1: Planning, NEPA, Cultural Resources, Social Effects, Economics JUNE 2024
- Early Scoping Webinar 2: Ecological Resources JUNE 2024
- Early Scoping Webinar 3: Physical Resources JUNE 2024
- Early Scoping Webinar 4: Beneficial Use of Dredged Material JUNE 2024
The decisions made about the Port of Wilmington will shape the future of our coast for generations. Together, we can ensure that economic progress does not come at the expense of our environment and communities.
Questions? Contact coastal advocate Kerri Allen at kerria@nccoast.org or at 252-393-8185.