Gulf Restoration Network

Help Ensure Wetland Protection Laws are Enforced in Hancock County

A Hancock County developer has applied for a permit to destroy 2.7 acres of tidal wetlands near Bayou Caddy in order to build four condo towers. There's a catch, though - the developer went ahead and already filled in the wetlands without permission. The Army Corps of Engineers should require that the wetlands be restored to their original condition, but the Corps has instead let the developer apply for a permit that would allow the developer to go forward with little or no apparent penalty.

Hancock County's wetlands are under intense development pressure. Wetlands provide natural storm protection to people in coastal Mississippi by reducing storm surge and soaking up flood waters. Coastal wetlands also act as a nursery for fish and shellfish and as habitat for wildlife. Help us ask the Corps to deny this permit and require that the developer restore the wetlands to their original condition.

To maximize your impact, please take a moment to personalize the message below.

>>Learn More

February 09, 2010

Subject:
Please deny permit SAM-2000-2528-ALF

Dear Army Corps of Engineers:

I am concerned with the proposed permit SAM-2007-2528-ALF to allow the construction of four condo towers near Bayou Caddy. The Corps should not permit wetland loss in such a sensitive tidal wetland area.  In addition, the Corps must do more to enforce wetland protection laws by requiring that the entire site be restored.

I specifically request that the Corps deny the issuance of this permit and any subsequent permit regarding this tract of land for the following reasons:

1)  The filling of tidal wetlands in such a sensitive area should not be permitted.  The Bayou Caddy area is an important habitat and nursery for marine life. In addition, tidal wetlands can help buffer storm surge and remove pollutants from the water.

2) The proposed project is not water dependent.  The construction of condo towers does not require wetland destruction.  The project should only be placed at an upland, non-wetland site.

3) The Corps has failed to enforce any penalties for this unauthorized wetland destruction.  The Corps has assessed no fines and required no additional mitigation or restoration of the site.  In order to prevent additional unauthorized wetland fills that continue to occur in Hancock County, the Corps must begin to better enforce penalties for unauthorized wetland fills.

4) The proposed mitigation is inadequate. The site that has been impacted is a tidally influenced area.  The creation of four acres of "high marsh" does not adequately compensate for the loss of tidal marsh.  The required mitigation must be tidal marsh and should take place at a greater ratio.

In addition, I request that a public hearing be held on this proposed permit.

Please apply these comments to this permit and any subsequent permits that are considered for this property in order to help protect Bayou Caddy and Hancock County's wetlands.

We will add your signature from the information you provide.

First Name*

Last Name*

Email*

Street*

Street 2

City*

State/Province*

Zip/Postal Code*