Citizen Action

Chatham - Southern LNG - Modification to Berthing Slip - Written Comments
Due By 11/18/06

Public Notice
October 19, 2006
Southern LNG
Modification to Berthing Slip
Savannah River
Chatham County, Georgia

Project Application
Project Description
Project Drawings

This serves as notification from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Marsh and Shore Regulatory Program of a request from The El Paso Southern Liquid Natural Gas (SLNG) for a Coastal Marshlands Protection Act Permit under O.C.G.A. 12-5-280 et, seq. to dredge tidal waterbottoms, add a bulkhead and mooring dolphins to an existing berthing slip located within the Savannah River, Elba Island, Chatham County, Georgia.

Coastal Marshlands Protection Committee permit #441 issued December 20, 2002 authorized the creation of the 735 x 1615' slip on the Savannah River. The existing slip consists of two loading berths containing a fixed platform with unloading arms, four breasting dolphins and six mooring dolphins. Permit #441 also authorized dredging of the slip to -42' with 3:1 side slopes armored with concrete articulated blocks. On May 23, 2005 the Department authorized modification of the slip to include a 13.5' x 13.5' float to provide safe access to firewater pump.

The applicant proposes to modify the existing slip by removing the 3:1 side slope at the back end of the slip by hydraulic dredging, constructing a bulkhead and adding 4 mooring dolphins. These modifications are proposed to accommodate larger ships. The proposed modifications will not result in an increase in any the original slip footprint. The existing bottom elevation is maintained at -42'.
The proposed slip modifications include the addition of four 35' x 27' concrete pile supported mooring dolphins. The dolphins will be located inline with the existing mooring dolphins located at the corners of the slip. The two new dolphins are located channelward of existing dolphin structures and will be 250' and 550' from the channel.

Approximately 72,000 cy of coastal waterbottoms is proposed to be dredged using a hydraulic dredge, the proposed dredging operation will remove the materials starting at the toe of slope (-42'). The original 3:1 slope will be cut to vertical up to the -5' elevation. The vertical slope will be supported by an underwater 900 linear feet sheet pile bulkhead. The bulkhead will be located approximately 15' channelward of MLW. The remaining bank will remain at a 3:1 slope from the -5' elevation to the +10' elevation and is armored with concrete articulated blocks. There are no vegetated coastal marshlands in this area. Maintenance dredging is proposed to ensure docks are accessible at all tidal levels.

The dredged material will be disposed at SLNGs existing 132 acre Confined Disposal Facility (DMCA-1) located on the north end of Elba Island. Water Quality monitoring will be taken on a weekly basis at the outfall of the weir structure when controlled releases occur.

The proposed modifications will impact approximately 101,790 square feet or 2.34 acres of coastal marshlands. No fill of coastal marshlands is proposed.

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 Divisions website: http://crd.dnr.state.ga.us/ under Permits and Public Notices or by calling Ann Thran at (912) 617-6310.

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 postmarked by November 18, 2006 to Ann Thran, Department of Natural Resources, 185 Richard Davis Drive, Suite 104, Richmond Hill, Georgia 31324.