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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 Little Cumberland Island Homes Association, Inc. for a Coastal Marshlands Protection Act (CMPA) permit under Official Code of Georgia (O.C.G.A.) 12-5-280 et seq., to replace and relocate two floating docks and expand an existing fixed deck located on Shell Creek, Little Cumberland Island, 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 existing community dock provides mooring space to residents and guests, as well as barge access for transporting vehicles and maintenance equipment on and off the island. The dock currently consists of the 12.5ft. x 48ft. (600 sq. ft.) Fixed Deck 1 extending seaward from the upland. A 3ft. x 20ft. (60 sq. ft.) ramp extends to the left of the fixed deck to access an 8ft. x 57ft. (456 sq. ft.) and a 12ft. x 20ft. (240 sq. ft.) floating dock. To the north, Fixed Deck 2 is an irregularly-shaped, partially-covered fixed deck (approximately 407 sq. ft.), of which 348 sq. ft. is within CMPA jurisdiction. A 3ft. x 21ft. (33 sq. ft.) ramp extends seaward from Fixed Deck 2 to access an 8ft. x 83ft. (664 sq. ft.) floating dock which extends to the north.
The applicant proposes to modify the existing facility by extending Fixed Deck 1 and relocating the floating docks seaward due to silt accretion that has hindered mooring and barge access to the existing facility. The proposed modification includes enlarging Fixed Deck 1 seaward from 12.5ft. x 48ft. (600 sq. ft.) to 12.5ft. x 66ft. (825 sq. ft.). A 3ft. x 20ft. (60 sq. ft.) gangway will extend to the left of the fixed deck to access an 8ft. x 97.5ft. (780 sq. ft.) floating dock that will follow the contour of the bank to the south and extend a maximum of 27ft. into the waterway. A second 3ft. x 20ft. (60 sq. ft.) gangway will extend from a 17 square foot gangway landing on the right side of the fixed deck to access an 8ft. x 80ft. (640 sq. ft.) floating dock that will follow the contour of the bank to the north, extending a maximum of 21ft. into the waterway. No changes to Fixed Deck 2 are proposed. All previously existing floating docks will be removed from CMPA jurisdiction and all associated pilings will be removed or cut off at the mud line. All materials will be disposed of at an appropriate upland location.
The current dock facility impacts approximately 2,401 square feet of coastal marshlands. As proposed the project will impact approximately 2,789 square feet of coastal marshlands, for an additional 388 square feet (0.009 acres) of impacts.
The proposed structure is considered a Tier Three Community Dock in accordance with O.C.G.A. 291-2-3-.03 “Regulation of Marinas, Community Docks and Commercial Docks.”
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 March 1, 2020 to Sam LaBarba, Department of Natural Resources, 1 Conservation Way, Brunswick, Georgia 31520.
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