Failure on proper permitting shameful

Bruswick News | Editorial
January 22, 2007

Shame on Glynn County. Shame on the county for failing to apply for the' proper permits to dig in the historic Altamaha Canal.

That is what it apparently did, though, this past week. The Glynn County Public Works Department neglected to apply for state permits to clear the canal of debris and vegetation. It was an oversight discovered rather quickly by the Altamaha Riverkeeper, the environmental watchdog that reported the county's oversight to the state Department of Natural Resources.

The county crew also failed to properly install the silt screen that was to keep unwanted sediments out of the canal. This, too, was reported to the state by the AItamaha Riverkeeper.

Glynn County crews corrected the errors. They covered the bank with riprap, and the department said it would follow official channels to obtain permits to do future work in the canal.

That would be a wise idea, especially for county government, which is in charge of making sure others follow the rules and ordinances. The county should lead by example. It's hard for it to impress upon others the need and importance of compliance when it isn't willing to do so itself.

The Altamaha Riverkeeper should not have to tell the county what is proper and what is improper when working in the environment. County staff should know the difference. If it doesn't, then it should endeavor to fmd out before starting work.

The community appreciates the Glynn County Public Works Department's effort to keep water outlets free and clear of debris. Tropical Storm Tammy in 2005 showed us the consequences of not doing so.

But let's follow the rules, now and I always. No shortcuts. No oversights.

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