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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 Mary Stubbs Rigger and Ralph Donald Rigger, Jr. 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 living shoreline for erosion control at 1047 Head Lane, Sapelo 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. 12-5-280 et. seq.
The project site currently consists of a developed residential lot and manicured lawn extending to a steep bluff where the shoreline is currently eroding. The bluff is composed of vines, small trees, and shrubs. At the base of the bluff, below the Ordinary High-Water Mark and within CMPA jurisdiction, is existing non-uniform rip rap dating back to the 1990s that is no longer serviceable. The applicant proposes to construct and maintain a living shoreline within CMPA jurisdiction to minimize ongoing erosion.
The marshlands component of the proposed project consists of constructing a 92 linear foot living shoreline. The bank of the creek will be graded to establish a 1.5H:1V slope. Once the desired slope is established the shoreline will be stabilized with 1,075sq.ft. of Flexamat, a vegetated concrete block mat, that will be anchored per manufacture specifications. The toe and outer edges of the slope will be protected by the placement of 333sq.ft. of riprap. The existing riprap that has oysters established will be preserved and placed on the new riprap and flexamat to promote immediate regrowth. Once the Flexamat and riprap are installed Spartina alterniflora will be planted throughout the shoreline for total coverage of 585sq.ft. Total impacts to coastal marshlands for the proposed project are 1,075sq.ft. (0.02acre) and will include 31.63 cubic yards of fill.
There is no upland component for the living shoreline 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 August 27, 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.
