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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 Sutherland Bluff Plantation Association, LLC 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 Tier Two community dock facility located on the 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 community dock facility was authorized by CMPA Permit #208 issued November 10, 1987. The existing Tier Two community dock consists of a 6ft. x 232ft. (1,392sq.ft.) walkway leading seaward from the upland to an 18ft. x 18ft. (324sq.ft.) covered fixed deck. Extending west from the fixed deck is a 3ft. x 28ft. (84sq.ft.) gangway used to access an 8ft. x 120ft. floating dock (960sq.ft.). Existing impacts to coastal marshlands total approximately 2,760sq.ft. (0.06 acres).
The applicant proposes modifying the community dock facility with the addition of a new 6ft. x 33ft. (198sq.ft.) walkway extension from the seaward side of the existing fixed deck. Extending east of the proposed walkway extension will be a 4ft. x 30ft. (120sq.ft.) gangway used to access a 10ft. x 130ft. (1,300sq.ft.) floating dock. The dock facility will extend approximately 80.2ft. into the Sapelo River where it is approximately 1,033ft. wide at Mean Low Water (MLW). The proposed modification will impact approximately 1,618sq.ft. (0.03 acres) of coastal marshlands. Total impacts to coastal marshlands for the existing facility and proposed modifications are 4,378sq.ft.
The community dock qualifies as a “Tier Two Community Dock” in accordance with The Rules of The Georgia Department of Natural Resources Chapter 391-2-3-.03 Regulation of Marinas, Community Docks and Commercial Docks.
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 August 7, 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.
