Temporary Beaufort County No-Wake Zone Rule Change and Public Comments

Proposed Temporary Rule Change

15A NCAC 10F .0303 Beaufort County

Reason for Proposed Action:

The proposed rule change expands the no-wake zone in the waters of Blounts Creek in Beaufort County, 140 yards south-southeast of the Mouth of the Creek Bridge on Mouth of the Creek Road. This proposed temporary rule mirrors the emergency rule adopted by NC Wildlife Resources Commission on July 30^th, 2026. 

The NC Department of Transportation is replacing and realigning the Mouth of the Creek Bridge. The new bridge, along with a temporary construction bridge, will be built just south of the current bridge. 

Work on the replacement bridge began on July 1, 2026, and involves pile driving operations where personnel will be rigging, standing, and setting piles from floating work platforms, all of which are difficult and dangerous tasks.

Vessels moving under and around the bridge above no-wake speed endanger the safety of operators on the work platforms. Platform stability is critical to ensure that operators are not thrown from the platform, thrown into moving equipment, or crushed under falling equipment. A stable platform is critical to ensure operator safety.

Proposed Rule Text: 10F .0303 Beaufort County

Map of expanded no-wake zone in Blounts Creek
 

Public Hearing Information:

Date: September 3, 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:165 412 6419

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:  September 14, 2026