Coastal Georgia Regulators Seek Stronger Protection for Marshes
Coastal Georgia regulators are proposing a change to a rule designed to protect the state’s salt marshes, which are vital for safeguarding the coastline from erosion and sea level rise, as well as preserving the coastal ecosystem.
Though Georgia’s coastline spans just 100 miles, it is home to half a million acres of salt marsh, the second-largest in the country, providing critical protection from storm surges and capturing carbon.
The proposed rule changes have raised concerns among coastal advocates, who fear that modifications could lead to erosion and weaken existing protections.
State officials, however, have stressed that the proposed amendment is not intended to lessen marsh protections, but is aimed at addressing issues related to smaller projects while still maintaining the stringent Coastal Marshlands Protection Act.
Furthermore, the Coastal Resources Division wants to exempt small projects from the upland component buffer requirement, while maintaining the need for CMPA permits for projects built in the marsh.
Despite this, environmental groups are calling for a more comprehensive review by establishing a stakeholder committee to evaluate current regulations and ensure robust protection for the marshes.
The public has until January 19 to submit comments on the proposed rule change.
