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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 Jim R. Holbrook, Karen A. Holbrook, and Jay Jenkins (the “Applicants”) 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 bank stabilization project at 919 and 921 Champney, Wilson Creek, St. Simons Island, 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 project site currently consists of one undeveloped and one developed residential lot. There is currently no bank stabilization in place and there has been active tidal erosion observed at the interface between upland and marsh on 921 Champney. Active erosion is occurring along the bank at 919 Champney due to concentrated flow from an existing stormwater drainage pipe.
The marshlands component of the proposed project consists of the installation of a 96 linear foot bulkhead and 148 linear feet (500sq.ft./ 37.6cu.yd) of riprap in coastal marshlands immediately seaward of the CMPA jurisdiction line along the shoreline of 919 and 921 Champney. The stabilization at 919 Champney will consist of approximately 206sq.ft. (16cu.yd.) of riprap to stabilize the erosion from the existing stormwater drainage pipe. The proposed bulkhead at 921 Champney will be approximately 96ft. x 1ft. (96sq.ft.) with a 294sq.ft. (21.6cu.yd) riprap toe that will closely follow the CMPA line except for one area where following the CMPA line would compromise the structural integrity of the bulkhead. Approximately 133sq.ft. (6.33cu.yds.) of fill will be needed in the area where the bulkhead will be significantly seaward of the CMPA line. The bulkhead will be reinforced by approximately 2sq.ft. of tiebacks. As proposed the project will impact approximately 731sq.ft. (0.01 acres) of coastal marshlands.
There is no upland component as it does not qualify under 391-2-3-.02, Regulation
of Upland Component of a 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 March 11, 2026 to Maitland Bass, Department of Natural Resources, One Conservation Way, Brunswick, Georgia 31520 or via email at maitland.bass@dnr.ga.gov.
Click here for Project Description
