SOUTHPORT, NC — Official changes to the Emergency Planning Zones (EPZ) surrounding the Duke Energy Brunswick Nuclear Plant take effect today, Monday, November 2, 2026.
As previously reported by Coastal Carolina News, the update reorganizes the internal boundary layout within the existing 10-mile radius of the plant. Under the new map structure, the emergency area is expanding from 13 sub-zones into 20 distinct sub-zones. Emergency management officials note that dividing the area into smaller, more precise sections allows public safety agencies to issue more targeted protective action decisions, such as shelter-in-place orders or evacuations, in the unlikely event of an incident.
The overall footprint of the emergency planning area remains unchanged, and no geographic areas have been added to or removed from the outer 10-mile boundary. The sub-zone restructuring impacts specific portions of Brunswick County- including Southport, Oak Island, St. James, and Boiling Spring Lakes as well as the southern tip of New Hanover County,including parts of Pleasure Island.
Property owners located within the 10-mile radius can expect to receive informational postcards in the mail in early November detailing the updated zone boundaries. Residents and business owners can also look up their designated zone number and view their primary relocation center online by visiting Duke Energy’s interactive portal
For additional information, Brunswick County residents can contact Brunswick County Emergency Management at 910-253-5383 or visit brunswickcountync.gov/nuclear and readybrunswickcountync.gov. New Hanover County residents can contact New Hanover County Emergency Management at 910-798-6900 or visit ReadyNHC.com
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