NOAA is formally seeking proposals through April 6 for a variety of habitat restoration projects – including wetlands restoration, removal of unsafe, obsolete dams, construction of fish passages, oyster and other shellfish restoration and coral reef restoration.

When I read this, the first thing I thought of was The Edge of America, a.k.a. Folly Beach. We all know about their history with erosion, I’m just not sure whether or not they fit the bill here. Anyway, it’s something the local officials may want to look into.

Here’s information on NOAA’s Coastal and Marine Habitat Restoration Projects”, and of course, the Administration’s Recovery.gov, which will feature information on how the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is working, tools to help you hold the government accountable, and up-to-date data on the expenditure of funds.   Read more...

FEMA will use the results of this sea level rise study to assess the long-term fiscal implications of climate change as it affects the frequency and effects of natural disasters. Information from the study will be shared with other states to inform their climate change mitigation efforts.

“…the study will complement an existing study currently being performed by FEMA which focuses on the effect of climate change on the National Flood Insurance Program.” – Phil May

According to FEMA Regional Administrator Phil May, the information and results from this study may help formulate strategies to deal with potential effects of sea level rise on the nation’s coast.   Read more...

NOAA research ship determines maritime shipping makes a hefty contribution to harmful air pollution
Credit: NOAA

Earlier today we learned of Charleston Port Authority’s moves to clean up their act with respect to the environment, and now we are getting feedback from earlier reported studies conducted by NOAA from their research ship Ronald H. Brown – two maritime air pollution stories in one day, go figure!

“Since more than 70% of shipping traffic takes place within 250 miles of the coastline, this is a significant health concern for coastal communities,” said study lead-author Daniel Lack, a researcher at NOAA’s Earth System Research Laboratory.   Read more...

If you don’t want our beach views to look like this one day, now’s the time to do something about it.

This Thursday will be the first official opportunity to voice your opinion about drilling for oil and gas off the coast of South Carolina. The Natural Gas Exploration Feasibility Study Committee that was convened last year by the state legislature will be hosting a public hearing this week.

• When: Thursday, February 12th from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
• Where: Trident Tech Nursing Auditorium, 920 Building, 9000 Rivers Ave., N. Chas.
  Read more...