"Sometimes, we're not the one to call when you see some- 

 thing you don't like." he says. "These things need to be addressed 

 much earlier, when the land-use plan for the county is being 

 developed." 



After the local decisions are made, the Coastal Resources 

 Commission usually "goes with the lead" of local government. The 

 local decisions are where most people can be the most effective. 



"We don't want to be seen as the bully trying to tell people 

 what to do." Everett says. "That's why the coastal planning statute 

 was established." 



Bully or not, state government is often seen as either the bad 

 guy or as the genie in the lamp. Everett says. The challenge of his 

 department is to stay neutral while protecting the state's natural 

 resources. 



It's a difficult row to hoe. especially when you're caught in 

 the middle of the interests of a growing state that's already 10th in 

 population in the nation. 



"First, there's the environmentalists who. at the extreme end. 

 don't want any more growth." he says. "And then there are those 

 who want more growth and more jobs and a higher standard of 

 living." 



Can the technology of government and private sectors keep 

 up with the growth? 



"The growth will come and the improvements in how to 

 handle it will come." Everett says, What you hope is that they'll 

 be close enough together so the environmental impacts are 

 minimal." E 



Then you see what you might consider an environmen- 

 tal violation on the coast, who you gonna call? 

 Pollution busters! 



The following federal and state government agencies will 

 take your calls on issues that relate to violations within their 

 jurisdictions. 



X.C. Department of Environment Health and Natural 

 Resources. On general environmental matters, this agency 

 should be your first contact. There are offices in Wilmington. 

 Morehead City. Washington and Elizabeth City (see DC.M 

 listing below for telephone numbers). The number for the 

 main office in Raleigh is 919 "'33-2314. The regional offices 

 will have personnel in a variety of sections. Depending on the 

 nature of your concern, ask for air quality, water quality, 

 groundwater or land resources. 



X.C. Division of Marine Fisheries. DMF handles complaints 

 about misuse or mistreatment of the state's fisheries. They 

 have a toll-free hotline number: 1-800-682-2632. In Washing- 

 ton, the number is 919 9-t6-6-i81. In Morehead City, the 

 number is 919 ~26-~021. If you have concerns about inland or 

 freshwater waterways, contact the state's Wildlife Resources 

 Commission in Raleigh at 919 "33-3391 (see additional WRC 

 listing below). 



X.C. Division of Coastal Management If you have 

 questions regarding what you may consider a violation of 

 land-use regulations, call DCM. In Raleigh, the number is 919/ 

 " 7 33-2293- DCM has offices in Washington (919 '946-6481), 

 Morehead City (919 ■''26-7081), Elizabeth City (919 264-3901) 

 and Wilmington (919 395-3900). 



U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Questions regarding 

 wetland disturbances should be directed to the Corps of 

 Engineers. In Raleigh, they can be reached at 919 8-f -1~0". 

 On the coast, the Corps has offices in Wilmington (919 343- 

 4720) and in Washington (919 9 7 5-3123). 



X.C. Wildlife Resources Commission Concerns about 

 wildlife or waterfowl should be directed to the WRC. Their 

 number in Raleigh is 919 "33-7291. There are regional offices 

 on the coast, but they are often difficult to reach. The U.S. 

 Fish and Wildlife Service also maintains an important 

 enforcement presence on the coast. Call them at their regional 

 office in Washington at 919 946-3361. 



^Information in this article was taken from A River of 

 Opportunity, ©1991 by the Pamlico-Tar River Foundation. 

 Inc. P.O. Box 1854. Washington. XC2S89. 919946-7211.) 



1 .VO\ TMBER DECEMBER 1991 



