Public Notice, June 17, 2017, City of St. Marys, Installation of a Water Control Structure, Pipe and Fill a Tidal Drainage Ditch, St. Marys River, Camden County, Georgia

Camden

This serves as notification from the Coastal Marshlands Protection Committee and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources of a request from the City of St. Marys for a Coastal Marshlands Protection Act (CMPA) Permit under O.C.G.A. 12-5-280 et. seq. to install a water control structure, pipe and fill a tidally influenced drainage ditch that empties into the St. Marys River in Camden County, Georgia. The proposed project is less than 1/10 of an acre, therefore, considered a minor alteration of coastal marshlands under O.C. G.A. 12-5-280 et. seq.

The applicant is proposing to close off tidal flow to an existing drainage ditch that parallels Ready Street in St. Marys Georgia. Approximately 196 linear ft. of the existing open cut ditch is considered jurisdictional under the CMPA and varies in width from approximately 13ft. to 14ft. As proposed, the ditch will be piped with a 19in. x 30ft. reinforced concrete elliptical pipe (RCEP). A grass swale will be constructed over the buried RCEP and sloped to drain into three (3) grate inlets which would allow storm water to enter the pipe. Where the pipe empties into the St. Marys River, a bulkhead and flap gate will be installed to prevent tide inundation. Approximately 45 sq. ft. of rip rap will be placed along the toe of the headwall and water control structure. Currently there is an additional 10ft. x 108ft. portion of ditch that is considered jurisdictional under the CMPA north of the project area that will be closed off from tidal flow. Proposed impacts to coastal marshlands for the project total approximately 3,957 sq. ft. (0.09 acres).

There is no upland component associated with this 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 applicant’s 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 Division’s website: CoastalGaDNR.org under “Marsh & Shore Permits”.

Please provide this office with substantive, project-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 by the close of business July 17, 2017 to Skye Stockel, Department of Natural Resources, One Conservation Way, Brunswick, Georgia 31520.