This serves as notification from the Coastal Marshlands Protection Committee and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources of a request from James S. Broadlick and Martha G. Pilcher for a Coastal Marshlands Protection Act (CMPA) permit under Official Code of Georgia (O.C.G.A.) 125280 et seq., to install a living shoreline for erosion control at 1034 Heron Place NE, Julienton River, McIntosh 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. 125280 et. seq.

The project site currently consists of a developed residential lot. The shoreline is currently unprotected, has sparse vegetation and is undergoing erosion along the steep, exposed bluff. The applicant proposes to construct a living shoreline within CMPA jurisdiction. 

The marshlands component of the proposed project consists of constructing a 132.51 linear foot living shoreline. The bank of the creek will be graded to establish a 1.5/5 and 1.75/1 slope. Approximately 433.17sq.ft. of Spartina alterniflora, smooth cordgrass, will be collected from the existing bank and stored on the upland for replanting on the living shoreline. The new sloped bank will begin approximately 10ft. landward and end 20ft. seaward of the CMPA jurisdiction line. The fill needed to construct the living shoreline, approximately 96.34 cubic yards, will be transferred from the adjacent upland on site. Once the desired slope is established the shoreline will be stabilized with 1,623.92sq.ft. of Flexamat, a vegetated concrete block mat, that will be anchored using “U” anchors. The toe and outer edges of the slope will be protected by the placement of 336.25sq.ft. of riprap. The riprap will overlap the edges of Flexamat resulting in total impacts 1,797.55sq.ft. Once the Flexamat and riprap are installed the Spartina alterniflora will be replanted throughout the shoreline for total coverage of 1,245.51sq.ft. Total impacts to coastal marshlands for the proposed project are 2,172.72sq.ft. (0.07 acre) and will include 132.51 cubic yards of fill.

The upland component of the project consists of permanent and temporary activities within the 50ft. marshlands buffer (5,781.40sq.ft.). Permanent impacts consist of an existing porch (52.66sq.ft.) and wooden stairs, walkway, and deck (421.45sq.ft.). The graded shoreline will begin approximately 10ft. landward of CMPA jurisdiction. The upland slope will be stabilized with 1,924.37sq.ft. of Flexamat to be anchored using “U” anchors. The outer edges of the slope will be trenched and 103.9sq.ft. of riprap will be added on top. The riprap will overlap the edge of the Flexamat resulting in total permanent impacts of 1,979.24sq.ft. and will include 75.29 cubic yards of fill. The upland portion of the shoreline will be planted with native coastal vegetation (1,866.76sq.ft.). Temporary construction impacts within the 50ft. marshlands buffer will be 1,446.11sq.ft. (0.03 acre) and includes excavation and equipment operations. The upland component will be 9% impervious and 91% previous after project is completed. 

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 January 29, 2025 to Maitland Bass, Department of Natural Resources, One Conservation Way, Brunswick, Georgia 31520 or via email at maitland.bass@dnr.ga.gov.

Click here to view application.

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