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This serves as notification from the Coastal Marshlands Protection Committee and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources of a request from Burnside Island Yacht Club, Inc. for a Coastal Marshlands Protection Act (CMPA) permit under Official Code of Georgia (O.C.G.A.) 12-5-280 et seq., for modification and maintenance of an existing community dock located on Vernon River, Chatham County, Georgia. The proposed project is under 1/10 of an acre, and therefore may be considered a minor alteration of coastal marshlands under O.C.G.A. 12-5-280 et. seq.
CMPA Permit #488 was issued February 24, 2005 for an additional floating dock parallel and channelward of the existing fixed dock; relocation of the existing northern floating dock to connect to a new floating dock; repair and relocation of the existing southern floating dock channelward; maintenance and addition of a float to the landward end of the existing northern float; and an extension to the channelward end of the existing southernmost float.
The applicant proposes to conduct general maintenance as well as the addition and reconfiguration of the facility’s floating docks. The existing dock facility is comprised of a 6ft. x 107ft. walkway that widens as it approaches the covered fixed deck, totaling 685sq.ft. The 13ft. x 20ft. (260sq.ft.) covered fixed deck has three (3) floating docks attached, totaling 1042sq.ft., which are connected by two (2) 2.3ft. x 20ft. ramps.
The applicant proposes to remove all existing floating docks and pilings. Two (2) 6ft. x 20ft. (120sq.ft.) floating docks and two (2) 2.3ft. x 20ft. (46sq.ft.) ramps are proposed to be added to the left and right sides of the existing fixed deck, with an 8ft. x 80ft. (640sq.ft.) floating dock and 6ft. x 10ft. (60sq.ft.) landing proposed seaward of the fixed deck connected by a 3ft. x 30ft. (90sq.ft.) ramp. The proposed modified community dock will extend 43ft. into the waterway at a location that is approximately 950ft. wide at Mean Low Water. The dock will be located 10ft. east of the upstream extended property line and 10ft. west of the downstream extended property line.
As proposed the project will impact approximately 2067sq.ft. (0.05 acres) of coastal marshlands.
The proposed structure is considered a Tier Two Community Dock in accordance with O.C.G.A. 391-2-3-.03(4) “Regulation of Marinas, Community Docks and Commercial Docks.”
The applicant has stated that there is no upland component associated with the project.
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 applicants 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.
A detailed public notice with drawings has been distributed and is available by visiting the Department of Natural Resources website: CoastalGaDNR.org under “Public Notices.”
Please provide this office with substantive, site-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 and be submitted by the close of business on September 1, 2023 to Dillon Richter, Department of Natural Resources, One Conservation Way, Georgia 31520 or via email at dillon.richter@dnr.ga.gov .
Click here to view Application
Click here to view Description
