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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 the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography for a Coastal Marshlands Protection Act (CMPA) permit under Official Code of Georgia (O.C.G.A.) 12-5-280 et seq., for maintenance and the installation of mooring dolphins located on the Skidaway River, Chatham 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 replace, remove, and reconstruct portions of the existing dock facility, including the pilings, decking, ramps, and electrical components. Cleaning of boat hoist materials and installation of a sump pump are also proposed.
The addition of four (4) new mooring clusters, each consisting of seven (7) pilings, is proposed.
The existing dock facility consists of an 8ft. x 92ft. (736sq.ft.) timber walkway leading to an irregularly shaped 13ft. x 32ft. (416sqft.) pierhead with a 6ft. x10ft. (60sq.ft.) bumpout on the downstream, landward side. A 4ft. x 25ft. (100sq.ft.) gangway is located on the pierhead and is suspended by a hoist system mounted on steel pipe piles. On the upstream side of the pierhead is a 35ft. x 8ft. (280sq.ft.) floating dock connected to the pierhead by a 4ft. x 30ft. (120sq.ft.) gangway. On the channelward side of the pierhead are five single-pile or multi-pile timber mooring dolphins (30sqft. total), and a 1ft. x 35ft. (35sq.ft.) walkway extends upstream of the pierhead. The dock contains fresh water, electrical, and fueling systems. Impacts to coastal marshlands for the existing dock structure total approximately 1,777sq.ft. The dock extends approximately 126ft. into the waterway where the waterway is 1,040ft. at Mean Low Water (MLW).
The applicant proposes the installation and maintenance of four (4) additional mooring dolphins, each consisting of a cluster of seven (7) pilings, along the existing fenderline of the dock. The existing 1ft. wide timber walkway and support piles on the upstream side of the dock will be removed, but all existing mooring piles will remain in place.
As proposed the project will impact approximately 40sq.ft. (0.001 acres) of coastal marshlands.
The applicant has stated that there is no upland component to the proposed 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 May 4, 2023 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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