The crux of the matter:

New rules proposed by the N.C. Division of Water Quality to control stormwater runoff within a half-mile of shellfishing waters have been roundly criticized by members of the development community. They have questioned the science behind the regulations and wonder whether the real reason for the rules is to limit new coastal construction, not protect water quality. A growing cadre of coastal officials also worry the regulations would strangle new development, price out affordable housing and raise the costs of public projects such as schools and parks.

Environmentalists say the costs of meeting the regulations are being blown out of proportion. They also say the rules would encourage better development, not stop it, and protect the very asset that draws visitors and residents alike to the coast in the first place.

Environmentalists could care less about the cost of regulations. Their goal, in the modern era, is the eradication of freedom and the end of development. It’s an election year so prominent democrats like Sen. Julia Boseman (D-New Hanover) and Marc Basnight (D-Dare) will most likely put off the decision that would affect economic conditions along the coast. Next year, however, look out as there will be no looming problems with pesky voters.

Science really needs to be at the center of this debate as too much rhetoric dominates and shellfish in areas that should be affected don’t seem to be while in areas where they should be, they are doing quite well. Maybe if we’d start putting oyster shells BACK into the environment from whence they come at least the larval forms would have something to anchor to instead of being washed out to see with the tides. Instead we’ve been putting them in landfills and blaming oyster de-population on development. Oh the silliness.

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