DNR Coastal Resources Division Coastal Resources Management Programs. Brad Gane Assistant Director Coastal Resources Division

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1 DNR Coastal Resources Division Coastal Resources Management Programs Brad Gane Assistant Director Coastal Resources Division

2 Ecological Services Section Coastal Management Coastal Incentive Grants Water Quality Monitoring Habitat Management Compliance & Enforcement Coastal NPS Program

3 Coastal Management Local Government Assistance Helping local governments to implement sound growth management strategies to ensure the maintenance of coastal ecological integrity while providing for quality economic development.

4 Cycle IX Coastal Incentive Grants by Recipient Type $200,338 $96,068 Local Government State Agency $943,769 University

5 Coastal Management Water Quality Monitoring Program Shellfish Sanitation Monitoring Nutrient Monitoring Beach Monitoring National Coastal Assessment

6 Shellfish Sanitation Program

7 Beach Water Quality Monitoring 15 Enterococcus Bacteria samples collected weekly at the following recreational beaches: Tybee Island (3 sites) St.Simons Island (5 sites) Jekyll Island (7 sites)

8 Key Elements of the National Coastal Assessment Program (NCA) State-based probability survey designs Common set of indicators Standardized methods, quality controls, training, data analysis. Water Quality Index Water Clarity Dissolved Oxygen Chlorophyll a Dissolved Inorganic Nitrogen Dissolved Inorganic Phosphorus Sediment Quality Index Sediment Toxicity Sediment Total Organic Carbon Sediment Chemical Contamination Benthic Index Fish Tissue Contamination Coastal Wetland Loss

9 Coastal Marshlands Protection Act The coastal marshlands of Georgia comprise a vital natural resource system. The estuarine area of Georgia is the habitat of many species of marine life and wildlife that cannot survive without the food supplied by the marshlands. The estuarine marshlands of coastal Georgia are among the richest providers of nutrients in the world. (O.C.G.A , 280, et seq.) Coastal Marshlands Protection Committee Consists of the Commissioner of the DNR and Four DNR Board Appointed Members Generally, projects may be permitted if they: Are water dependent Do not have a non-marshland alternative site Do not unreasonably harm or alter the natural flow of navigational nal water Do not unreasonably increase erosion, shoaling of channels or create c stagnant pools Do not unreasonably interfere with conservation of marine life, wildlife or other resources

10 Shore Protection Act The sand-sharing sharing system is an integral part of Georgia s s barrier islands, providing great protection to the states marshlands, estuaries and uplands from Atlantic storm activity. (O.C.G.A , 230, et seq.) Shore Protection Committee Consists of the Commissioner of the DNR and Four DNR Board Appointed Members Generally, projects may be permitted if they: Minimally alter the natural topography or vegetation within beach and dune areas Do not unreasonably harm or alter the dynamic dune field, submerged lands, or sand-sharing sharing system functions Do not unreasonably interfere with conservation of marine life, wildlife or other resources Do not unreasonably interfere with access and recreational use and enjoyment of public properties impacted by the project

11 Proposed Amendments to the Coastal Marshlands Protection Rules New Regulations for Upland Component of Project Permitted Under Coastal Marshlands Protection Act Chapter

12 Background Department identified the need for clarity on upland issues Proposal originated from a Board of Natural Resources directive to the Department Tasked to undertake a citizens stakeholders process Stakeholders charge: Develop recommendations for rule-making associated with: stormwater management measures, impervious surface coverage standards, and buffer design and maintenance for waterfront developments subject to permitting under the Coastal Marshlands Protection Act

13 Stakeholders convened during summer Report provided to Board in September Board tasked CRD to draft a proposed rule for consideration in December Foundation for Rule: Coastal Uplands Stakeholders Report Sections I, II, and III Legal review ref. Board authority

14 Proposal inserts new Rule Establishes procedures and criteria through rulemaking, to be applied to projects applying for Coastal Marshlands Protection Act permits. Imposes marshlands buffer, stormwater management, and impervious cover standards for projects permitted under the Coastal Marshlands Protection Act, so as to protect this vital area of the State and to protect the public interest. Brings clarity, definition, and explanation where the statute has uncertainty.

15 (4) Marshlands Buffers for Uplands Component of the Project Marshland buffer regulations associated with the CMPA require a project certify adherence to soil and erosion control responsibilities. Proposed Rule establishes: 50 marshlands buffer for upland component of project how to measure that buffer requirement that the buffer remain naturally vegetated and undisturbed. Exceptions for: temporary construction and maintenance permanent structures essential to function or permanent access to marsh component of project landscaping to enhance stormwater management pedestrian access for passive recreation.

16 Requires buffer restoration and maintenance in natural vegetation or in a vegetative state equally protective or better than pre-construction condition, following land disturbance allowed for. Existing impervious surfaces and structures can be maintained in their existing footprint provided improvements do not encroach further into the buffer. Requires buffer design, installation and maintenance achieve stormwater treatment that meets standards of the most recent edition of the Georgia Stormwater Management Manual, and forthcoming coastal-specific specific standards. The Rule recognizes the authority of the EPD Director to administer the E&S requirements.

17 (5) Stormwater Management Standards for the Upland Component of the Project: Untreated stormwater may not be discharged from the upland component of a project. Provides for waiver from Committee due to site or project characteristics, lack of a feasible alternative, and minimal impact. Discharged stormwater must meet Georgia Stormwater Management Manual standards. Greenspace must be retained where practicable and appropriate. Non-structural stormwater management & better site design practices as those in the Georgia Stormwater Management Manual, must be utilized to the maximum extent practicable.

18 (6) Impervious Surface Pervious surfaces must be maximized and total impervious area minimized, with a goal of no more than 15% effective e impervious cover where practicable. Consideration given to existing structures in project area and available land in upland component of the project.

19 Coastal Nonpoint Program Established by Congress in 1990 under Section 6217 of the Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization Amendments (CZARA). Jointly administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on the federal level and by the Environmental Protection and Coastal Resources Divisions of DNR on the state level. Congressional Intent: Update and expand existing nonpoint source management programs Strengthen links between federal and state coastal management and a water quality programs Enhance state and local efforts to manage land use activities that degrade coastal waters and habitats

20 Coastal Nonpoint Program EPA and NOAA offer 56 management measures (MMs) ) designed to control runoff from six main sources : Forestry Agriculture Urban (new( and existing development, watershed protection, roads and bridges, septic systems) Marinas and Recreational Boating Hydromodification (shoreline and stream channel modification) Wetlands, vegetated shorelines, or riparian areas

21 Coastal Nonpoint Program Overall program focus is on pollution prevention rather than cleanup Encourages pollution prevention efforts at a local level, particularly improvements to land use planning and zoning practices to protect coastal water quality Recommended practices include: preserving natural vegetation avoiding development within sensitive habitats and erosion-prone areas limiting impervious surfaces such as pavement, decking, and roof tops, to the maximum extent practicable