North Carolina Objects to Proposed Wilmington Harbor Deepening Project, Citing PFAS and Environmental Concerns

WILMINGTON, N.C. – The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s (NCDEQ) Division of Coastal Management (DCM) has formally objected to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) proposal to deepen Wilmington Harbor, citing insufficient information regarding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), potential flooding impacts, and the placement of dredged material. The $1.35 billion project aims to enhance the harbor’s capacity to accommodate larger vessels, but state officials argue the current plan lacks adequate environmental safeguards.

Project Details and State Concerns

The proposed Wilmington Harbor Section 403 Navigation Improvement Project, spearheaded by the USACE, involves deepening the harbor to allow for larger ships. The NCDEQ’s objection stems from concerns that the project, as currently proposed, could cause significant adverse impacts to coastal resources, including fisheries, communities susceptible to erosion, and historic properties. Specifically, the DCM determined that the Corps’ documentation did not provide enough detail about PFAS contamination, potential flooding issues, and the plans for disposing of the dredged material.

Public Opposition

Public sentiment leans heavily against the project. A public hearing held in Wilmington in November 2025 saw unanimous opposition from the 72 attendees. Following the hearing, DCM received 132 written comments, with 125 opposing the project. Five state agencies also submitted formal comments expressing concerns. These concerns largely centered on the potential disturbance and spread of PFAS, believed to be present in the sediment that would be dredged.

Corps Response and Ongoing Discussions

Initially, the Corps paused its review in January 2026, in coordination with the North Carolina Ports Authority, to address the DCM’s concerns. Discussions were held to explore potential resolutions that might allow the DCM to concur with the Corps’ consistency determination. However, on February 16, 2026, the Corps informed the DCM of its intention to resume the review process. The DCM subsequently issued its objection on February 24, 2026.

DEQ Secretary’s Statement

“The Division of Coastal Management’s decision will protect public health from forever chemicals like PFAS and preserve treasured coastal resources in the lower Cape Fear River Basin,” said DEQ Secretary Reid Wilson. “If the Army Corps of Engineers can make changes to its proposal to protect people’s health and the environment, we are at the table to continue this conversation.”

Next Steps

The DCM has indicated its willingness to continue working with the Corps to resolve the identified concerns, should the Corps choose to postpone final action and engage in dispute resolution mechanisms outlined in federal regulations. Project information and the full review decision are available on the DCM’s website.