A much need dredging project is in the works at Topsail inlet located at the south end of Topsail Island. Currently boaters are experiencing shoaling across the inlet and at low tide this becomes a dangerous situation for boaters heading out to the Atlantic Ocean.

 

The dredging project is also important because the US Coast Guard will likely remove the bouys marking the channel as they are not accurate for the water depth at this time. If a boater who is unfamiliar with the inlet follows the “cans”, they will likely end up grounded in the inlet at this time.

 

The project is slated to cost $400,000 in two $200,000 stages. The first stage will open the inlet up temporarily to decrease the risk to boaters and the last stage will put a more permanent solution in place that should save money and property in the future. Recently North Carolina approved the use of hard vein structures (jetty type structures), it will be interesting to see if Topsail Inlet takes advantage of this solution in the near future.

 

Currently it looks as though the state of NC, Town of Topsail Beach, Town of Surf City and Pender County are planning to share in the costs of the maintenance first stage plan through budget allotments and grants.

 

Topsail Island, Surf City, Topsail Beach, North Topsail Beach