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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 Department of Natural Resources Coastal Resources Division for a Coastal Marshlands Protection Act (CMPA) permit under Official Code of Georgia (O.C.G.A.) 12-5-280 et seq., to modify the existing public access dock located on the Darien 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 public access site consists of a 4ft. x 25ft. (100sq.ft.) fixed dock adjacent to a 12ft. x 45ft. (540sq.ft.) concrete boat ramp. Extending from the fixed dock is a 3ft. x 25ft. (75sq.ft.) gangway that lands on an 8ft. x 20ft. (160sq.ft.) floating dock supported with two pilings. The floating dock currently rests on the mud at Mean Low Water (MLW). This has damaged the floats and creates an uneven surface for public use. Existing impacts to coastal marshlands total approximately 875sq.ft. (0.02 acre).
The applicant proposes to replace the existing 3ft. x 25ft. (75sq.ft.) gangway with a 3ft. x 40ft. (120sq.ft.) gangway and relocate the floating dock channelward. The proposed change will extend the floating dock into the channel and prevent it from resting on the mud at MLW. The proposed floating dock will extend approximately 40ft. into the Darien River where it is 335ft. at MLW. The existing boat ramp will not be modified. As proposed the project will impact approximately 920sq.ft. (0.02 acres) of coastal marshlands.
The applicant has stated the project has no upland component.
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 30, 2022 to Dillon Richter, Department of Natural Resources, One Conservation Way, Brunswick, Georgia 31520 or via email at dillon.richter@dnr.ga.gov.
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