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‘Potential for irrevocable damage’: Wilmington Harbor 403 expansion project raises environmental concerns

Environmental groups warn that widening the Wilmington channel could increase flooding and threaten local shores, despite the Corps saying effects are minor.
The draft environmental impact statement says channel deepening slightly affects water levels but does not meaningfully worsen storm surge flooding.
Local group NC Coastal Federation warns dredged sediment may carry contaminants like mercury or PFAS to beaches and the environment.
The project, costing more than $1 billion, has not yet received funding and congress must budget money for it.
Southport officials have passed a resolution urging long-term monitoring and mitigation of environmental impacts.
Agency officials seek public input as the Corps extends the comment deadline and plans to consider feedback in finalizing the EIS.
The expansion aims to accommodate larger cargo ships, positioning the port as an economic driver for the region.
Officials acknowledge the project has been in development since 2019 and await final decisions on funding and approvals.
The Corps hopes to complete the official environmental impact statement in the spring, incorporating public comments.
The project would expand the port to allow larger ships, which supporters say could boost regional trade.
The draft EIS notes a broad range of impacts, mostly minor and construction-related, according to the Army Corps.

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