Wednesday, January 14, 2015 - 01:30 Press Release
The EIS is for Dare County’s request for a Special Use Permit for activities related to the protection of NC Highway 12.

The National Park Service (NPS) announces that a Notice of Intent (NOI) has been published in the Federal Register on December 29, 2014 announcing that pursuant to Section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, the NPS is preparing a draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) in response to a request from Dare County, North Carolina for a Special Use Permit for activities related to the protection of NC Highway 12 in the Buxton area within and adjacent to Cape Hatteras National Seashore.  The DEIS will assist the agency in determining whether, where, and under what conditions the NPS would issue a Special Use Permit to Dare County for actions related to the protection of Highway 12, including beach nourishment in the Buxton village area.  This notice initiates the public scoping process. 

The Notice of Intent from the Federal Register is attached to this press release.

“This Notice of Intent is an important step in moving forward the request from Dare County government for a Special Use Permit needed for related activities that may be necessary for the protection of Highway 12 in the Buxton area of Hatteras Island,” said Superintendent Dave Hallac.  “We know there is extensive interest in this issue and we encourage the public to comment on this proposal.”  Park management staff are working closely with Dare County officials to ensure the NPS’s portion of the environmental review is completed in a timely manner. 

HOW TO COMMENT:

More information, including the purpose and need for this planning process, can be found at: http//www.parkplanning.nps.gov/caha

Comments can be submitted electronically at http://www.parkplanning.nps.gov/caha or written format to the Superintendent, Outer Banks Group, 1401 National Park Drive, Manteo, NC  27954.  Written comments will be accepted when postmarked no later than February 27, 2015 and PEPC comments can be entered until midnight (ET) on February 27, 2015.  No fax or email comments will be accepted. 

Dare County and the NPS will hold two public open houses in January to further discuss the proposed activities, the planning process and environmental analysis, and acquire your thoughts and ideas about the proposed activities. 

Dare County Government Offices

954 Marshall C. Collins Drive, First Floor, Room #168

Manteo, North Carolina

The Fessenden Center/Activity Room

46830 North Carolina Highway 12

Buxton, North Carolina

Visit the park website for updates and information regarding local meetings and the information will be announced through the NPS Planning, Environment, and Public Comment (PEPC) website http://parkplanning.nps.gov/caha, the Cape Hatteras National Seashore website, and in local media outlets.