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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 Georgia Ports Authority for a Coastal Marshlands Protection Act (CMPA) permit under Official Code of Georgia (O.C.G.A.) 12-5-280 et seq., to construct and maintain a stormwater outfall at Colonels Island Terminal on Fancy Bluff Creek in Glynn 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.
The applicant proposes to install a new stormwater outfall on the western side of the Colonel’s Island Terminal (CIT). Upgrades to one of the auto parcels in this location necessitate improvements to the drainage system. Another outfall is needed to accommodate increased drainage as a result of on-going development, provide additional relief during high storm flows, and ensure that flooding impacts do not occur to automotive cargo. The inlet of the proposed outfall will be located in a freshwater storm ditch located along the eastern side of the MYD Harris Yard which currently drains Parcel 4 and other parcels on-terminal. The outlet will be located within CMPA jurisdiction adjacent to Fancy Bluff Creek.
The marshlands component of the proposed project consists of installation of a new outfall by open cut method through the MYD Harris Yard. The outfall will consist of three 24in. steel pipes spaced five feet apart. A headwall structure will be installed at the inlet mentioned above and at the outlet. The headwall/pipe installation will impact 90 sq.ft. (0.002 acres). A rip-rap apron will be installed around the pipes and headwall for stabilization and erosion control impacting 1,265 sq.ft. (0.029 acres). During construction, clearing and other temporary disturbance will be required for installation of the proposed structures impacting 2,396 sq.ft. (0.055 acres). Total impacts within coastal marshlands associated with the project will be 3,751 sq.ft. (0.086 acres).
Total proposed impacts to coastal marshlands for the project are approximately 2,396 sq.f.t (0.055 acres) of temporary impacts during construction and 1,355 sq.ft. (0.031 acres) of permanent impacts. All temporary impacts will be restored to pre-existing contours and will be allowed to naturally revegetate upon project completion.
There is no upland component for the project. The project will provide stormwater outfall relief for existing automotive processing parcels.
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 July 7, 2023 to Beth Byrnes, Department of Natural Resources, One Conservation Way, Brunswick, Georgia 31520 or via email at elizabeth.byrnes@dnr.ga.gov.
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