Environmental group wants to stop terminal groin efforts | News

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) – An environmental group is taking action to stop a proposed terminal groin for the north end of Figure Eight Island.

The groin is being proposed in Rich Inlet which is a waterway that connects the ocean to the intracoastal.

A terminal groin is basically a wall built in the water to prevent erosion.

The North Carolina Coastal Federation filed paperwork with the Army Corps of Engineers, asking them to stop the project from moving forward. Mike Giles, who is with the federation, says there's no reason for the project.

"The beach along the homes that are threatened along the oceanfront are now not threatened and the law says a terminal groin can only be used if structures are being imminently threatened," explained Giles.

According to Giles, the terminal groin would eliminate public access to Rich Inlet and would threaten the habitat of an endangered bird.

The Figure Eight Homeowners Association has offered to foot the cost of the project, if approved by the Corps of Engineers.

Copyright 2012 WECT. All rights reserved.