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This serves as notification from the Coastal Marshlands Protection Committee and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GA DNR) of a request from the State of Georgia-Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division for a Coastal Marshlands Protection Act (CMPA) Permit under O.C.G.A. 12-5-280 et. seq. to modify and maintain an existing public facility at 306 McAlpin Drive, Burnside River, Chatham County, Georgia. The proposed modification is less than 1/10 of an acre and is considered a minor alteration of coastal marshlands under O.C.G.A. 12-5-280 et. seq.
The previously existing structure serves as GA DNR’s primary access to facilitate mobilization of equipment, supplies and visitors to Ossabaw Island. The marina predates the Coastal Marshlands Protection Act and sustained significant damage during Hurricane Irma. On September 29, 2017, the Department received an Emergency Order to repair and reconstruct the facility to its pre-storm footprint. The marina has not been reconstructed to date. The pre-storm marina consisted of a 100ft. x 1ft. concrete bulkhead, a 12ft. x 116ft. fixed pier and two (2) platforms and associated access ramps that each provided access to separate 10ft. x 25ft. floating docks. Water, electric and fuel systems were also located on facility. The terminal ends of the floating docks were constructed 20 ft. from the extended property line to the east and 10ft. from the extended property line to the west. The structure extended approximately 70ft. into the Burnside River at a point where the river is approximately 1,050ft. from Mean Low Water (MLW) to MLW. Total impacts to jurisdictional coastal marshlands for the existing project totaled approximately 2,248 sq. ft. (0.052 acre).
The proposed modification is to replace the previously existing structure with an 8ft. x 80ft. fixed pier and a 4ft. x 34ft. gangway that will provide access to a 10ft. x 66ft. floating dock. The electrical, water and fueling systems that existed on the original dock will be reinstalled on the proposed structure. The terminal ends of the floating docks will be constructed 20 ft. from the extended property line to the east and 10ft. from the extended property line to the west. The proposed structure will extend approximately 70ft. into the Burnside River at a point where the river is approximately 1,050ft. from MLW to MLW. The existing concrete bulkhead will be maintained. Total permanent impacts to jurisdictional coastal marshlands of the proposed project total approximately 1,536 sq. ft. (0.035 acre).
The applicant has stated the 1.1 acre upland component associated with the project includes a house, a yard used for equipment storage and an underground fuel storage tank. The existing house will be removed. No modification is proposed to the underground fuel storage tank. Upon completion of the proposed project the upland component will be maintained in a pervious surface condition for parking and storage.
It is the responsibility of the applicant to demonstrate that the project is not contrary to the public interest and that no feasible alternative sites exist. Impacts to coastal marshlands must be minimal in size. In passing upon the application for permit, the Coastal Marshlands Protection Committee shall consider the public interest: (1) Whether or not unreasonably harmful obstruction to or alteration of the natural flow of navigational water within the affected area will arise as a result of the proposal; (2) Whether or not unreasonably harmful or increased erosion, shoaling of channels, or stagnant areas of water will be created; and (3) Whether or not the granting of a permit and the completion of the applicant’s proposal will unreasonably interfere with the conservation of fish, shrimp, oysters, crabs, clams, or other marine life, wildlife, or other resources, including but not limited to water and oxygen supply.
Please provide this office with substantive, project-specific comments as to why the proposed work should or should not proceed. Comments and questions concerning this proposed project should be submitted in writing by the close of business November 3, 2018 to Deb Barreiro, Department of Natural Resources, 185 Richard Davis Drive, Suite 104, Richmond Hill, Georgia 31324.
Click here for the Project Application
Click here for the Project Description
