New Hanover County Amendment and Public Comments
15A NCAC 10F .0314 New Hanover County
Reason for Proposed Action:
The proposed amendment creates a no-wake zone in the waters of the Cape Fear River in Wilmington, 160 yards southwest of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge on Business US Hwy 17. NCDOT Project Number HB-0039 requires an evaluation of the condition of the soil and rock beneath the Cape Fear River, south of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge, to develop foundation recommendations for the bridge replacement. To gather the necessary information, a drill machine has been attached to a barge and affixed to specific points at proposed bridge foundation locations. The nature of the drilling rig requires drill operators to be stationed at the rear of the equipment, placing the workers at the extreme bow or stern end of the barge. Vessels moving under and around the bridge above no-wake speed endanger the safety of operators on the barge.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wilmington District was consulted, and concur, with proposed rulemaking in the federal channel.
Public Hearing Information:
Date: January 27, 2026
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Location: Virtual - Zoom Online Webinar
Join from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone, or Android device:
- Pre-registration is required.
- Join by phone: Toll Free (833) 568-8864; Webinar ID: 161 497 3433
Submit a Comment:
- Online (below)
- Email (please include name, county, and state of residence)
- Mail written comments to: Rulemaking Coordinator, 1701 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1701
Public Comment Period Ends: January 31, 2026