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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 Terrance G. Grooms and Ariel Grooms 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 170 Gowen Drive, Crooked River, Camden 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 a steep, actively eroding bluff face approximately 8ft. high that fronts the Crooked River. There is currently no bank stabilization in place and there has been active tidal erosion observed at the interface between upland and marsh. The applicant proposes to construct and maintain a riprap bank stabilization project within CMPA jurisdiction to mitigate ongoing erosion.
The marshlands component of the proposed project consists of the installation of approximately 13 x 172 linear feet (2,236sq.ft.) of riprap in coastal marshlands immediately seaward of the CMPA jurisdiction line along the shoreline. The creek bank will be graded to establish a 2H:1V slope. Once the desired slope is established a thin layer of filter fabric and riprap will be placed. Total impacts to coastal marshlands for the proposed project are 2,236sq.ft. (0.05 acres) and will include 123.6 cubic yards of fill.
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 November 20, 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 to view the Project Application.
Click here to view the Project Description.
