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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 Talahi Island Dock Club, Inc. for a Coastal Marshlands Protection Act (CMPA) permit under Official Code of Georgia (O.C.G.A.) 12-5-280 et seq., to remove, reconstruct, and modify a community dock located on the Bull 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 remove, reconstruct, and modify an existing community dock that is in need of maintenance and repair. The existing dock consists of a 6ft. x 96ft. fixed wooden walkway extending to a 27ft. wide L-shaped fixed deck. Seaward of the fixed deck is a 3ft x 28ft. aluminum gangway leading to a l0ft x 55ft. floating dock. The existing structure extends approximately 30ft. into the channel which is approximately 477ft. wide at Mean Low Water (MLW). The existing structure totals 1,649 sq. ft.
The applicant proposes to remove the entire existing dock and reconstruct in a more suitable location. The new community dock as proposed will be shifted 8 ft. to the east and be raised 2 ft. The new dock will consist of a 6ft. x 110 ft. pile supported walkway that will lead to a 24ft. x 24ft. covered fixed deck. The roof will not exceed 12ft. in height. Seaward of the covered fixed deck is a proposed 3ft. x 28' aluminum gangway leading to a l0ft x 65ft. floating dock. The proposed floating dock will be centered within the extended property lines, placing it approximately 10 ft. from each property line. The proposed structure will extend approximately 44ft. into the channel which is 477 ft. wide at MLW.
As proposed, the project will impact approximately 1,970 square feet (0.045 acres) of coastal marshlands.
The proposed structure is considered a Tier Two Community Dock in accordance with O.C.G.A. 391-2-3-.03 "Regulation of Marinas, Community Docks and Commercial Docks."
There is no upland component to the 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 "Marsh & Shore Permits." 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 2, 2018 to Josh Noble, Department of Natural Resources, One Conservation Way, Brunswick, Georgia 31520.
Click here for Project Application
