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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 the Georgia Ports Authority for a Coastal Marshlands Protection Act (CMPA) Permit under O.C.G.A. 12-5-280 et. seq. to upgrade three stormwater outfalls, Fancy Bluff Creek, Brunswick, Glynn 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 outfalls are located on the northwestern most portion of the Colonel’s Island Terminal. They function to discharge stormwater from the adjacent automobile storage lots into small inlets perpendicular to Fancy Bluff Creek. The eastern outfall (Outfall 1) and middle outfall (Outfall 2) both consist of a single 48in. corrugated metal pipe (CMP) leading from a stormwater drainage structure on the upland. The pipes are stabilized with existing rip rap and are in good condition but lack functional erosion control on the downstream end where stormwater discharges into the creek. The western outfall (Outfall 3) consists of a concrete flume that is partially unserviceable. Outfall 3 has no stabilization materials around the flume or on the downstream end where stormwater discharges into the creek.
The applicant proposes to install gabion matting below each outfall for erosion control at the creek inlets. The gabion matting will consist of 2ft. x 3ft. x 3ft. baskets containing rock material. The baskets will be secured together to create a mat to diffuse water flowing from the outfalls. Temporary construction matting will be used to access each outfall location.
Proposed erosion control upgrades at Outfall 1 includes adding a new flared end section to the existing 48in. drainage pipe and installing a 24ft. x 44.5ft. gabion mat (1,068sq.ft.). Temporary impacts associated with placement of construction matting will not exceed 614sq.ft. Proposed upgrades at Outfall 2 will include adding a new flared end section to the existing 48in. drainage pipe and installing a 24ft. x 33.5ft. gabion mat (804sq.ft.). Temporary impacts associated with placement of construction matting will not exceed 496sq.ft. Proposed upgrades to Outfall 3 will include reconstruction of the concrete flume and installing a 12ft. x 42.5ft. gabion mat (510sq.ft.) Temporary impacts associated with placement of construction matting will not exceed 366sq.ft.
New permanent impacts to coastal marshlands for the proposed project will total 2,382sq.ft. (0.05 acres). Temporary impacts from construction matting will total 1,476sq.ft. (0.03 acres). The applicant has stated there is no upland component of the proposed activities.
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 June 4, 2020 to Paul Tobler, Department of Natural Resources, One Conservation Way, Brunswick, Georgia 31520.
Click here for the Application.
Click here for the Project Description.
