The North Carolina International Terminal, the marine container port planned by the North Carolina State Ports Authority for the lower Cape Fear River near Southport, would be the largest container terminal on the East Coast, except for Port Elizabeth, New Jersey.

This project raises substantial issues of damage to the natural environment, hazards to health, personal safety and public security, as well as economic damage to Brunswick County, North Carolina and the United States of America.

Some issues arise from the enormous size of the planned project and the related roads, rail facilities and channel dredging. Others arise from placement of the project at the mouth of the Cape Fear River; an area of relatively undisturbed natural beauty, ecological significance, abundant recreational activities and residential tranquility. But most significant is the potential for this project to aggravate a serious trade deficit with Asia, and to cause further loss of jobs and manufacturing capability in both North Carolina and the nation.

Analysis of these issues is a work in progress. The pages available by clicking on the categories below provide an introduction to each issue, and links to additional articles for more in depth information. As new articles and information become available we shall add them to the applicable category.

Economics

Environment

Health

Safety

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