STOP – Save Tybee’s Ocean Playground

Opposing the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project deposits of dredging materials at Tybee Island.

BACKGROUND

The Savannah Harbor Expansion Project involves the Corps of Engineers deepening the Savannah Harbor to allow for larger ship traffic. Dredging materials will be deposited offshore near the beaches of Tybee Island. The project will impact surfing and other recreational activities, create safety issues, pose environmental concerns, and result in dredging materials washing up on area beaches.

IMAGE GALLERY

The following image identifies the proposed sites for depositing the dredging materials. Also included is an image of dredging materials washed ashore following a North Carolina project.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION and DATES

• October 2011 A new public comment period on the revised EIS is expect to open.
• September 6, 2011 The FAQ on the Project Updates page indicates dredge materials will not be placed near shore.
• June 7, 2011 SHEP Update from Atlanta Chapter
• January 25, 2011 City of Tybee Public Comment Letter (PDF)
• January 24, 2011 Surfrider Foundation Atlanta Chapter Public Comment Letter (PDF)

NEWS ALERTS FOR SAVANNAH HARBOR EXPANSION PROJECT

• Maritime commission recommends 45-foot depth for Savannah RiverGoogle Alerts – "Savannah Harbor Expansion Project"
• Pro-Savannah harbor deepening bill hits bumpGoogle Alerts – "Savannah Harbor Expansion Project"
• Jasper port board curbs inserted into S.C. budgetGoogle Alerts – "Savannah Harbor Expansion Project"
• Jasper port board curbs inserted into S.C. budgetGoogle Alerts – "Savannah Harbor Expansion Project"
• Civil War ironclad stands between Savannah harbor dredging …Google Alerts – "Savannah Harbor Expansion Project"
• Jasper port board likely to remain free from greater S.C. influenceGoogle Alerts – "Savannah Harbor Expansion Project"
• ProSavannah harbor deepening bill hits bump | Bluffton TodayGoogle Alerts – "Savannah Harbor Expansion Project"
• Good signs for Savannah city governance in investments on Victory …Google Alerts – "Savannah Harbor Expansion Project"
• Bill said to protect Savannah harbor deepening hits snag in S.C. …Google Alerts – "Savannah Harbor Expansion Project"
• Bill said to protect Savannah harbor deepening hits snag in S.C. …Google Alerts – "Savannah Harbor Expansion Project"

PROJECT INFORMATION

You can find out more by reading the following project documents:

• Project Updates Page
• Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) draft dated November 15, 2010
• Part 3 of the EIS (Alternatives)
• Part 5 of the EIS (Environmental Consequences Of The Proposed Action)
• FAQ (PDF)
• Public comments

WHAT CAN I DO

• Stay tuned. No word yet on when a new comment period will start.
• Provide comments to the Corps of Engineer prior to the public comment period ending on January 25, 2010 and include your

SAMPLE LETTER

VIA EMAIL to CESAS-PD@usace.army.mil

[Date]

[Organization or Individual Name and Address]

Mr. William Bailey
ATTN: PD
US Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District
100 W. Oglethorpe Ave.
Savannah GA 31401-3640

Dear Mr. Bailey,

I am writing to express opposition to certain locations planned for the deposit of dredge material from the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project (SHEP).

The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) identifies the following placement sites, among others, for dredge materials (reference Draft EIS pages 3-22 through 3-26):

• The placement of the dredge material at area described as MLW 200 would create a berm about 200 feet wide and 3,200 feet long directly in front the current beach.
• The placement of the dredge material at the area described as MLW 500 would extend from the North Jetty southward for 11,000 feet (2 miles). The dredge material would be placed 500 feet from the beach for the length of the placement site.
• The placement of the dredge material at the area described as ERDC Nearshore would extend seaward from Tybee Island below the MLW contour in the nearshore area. At total capacity, the top elevation of the placement site would be -4 feet so as not to interfere with boaters but such placement would allow potential for movement of material towards the Tybee Island shoreline by wave action. (It is important to note that this location is already reserved as a borrow site for Tybee’s Island’s beach renourishment program.)

The placement of this material at MLW 200, MLW 500, and ERDC Nearshore would:

• Decrease the natural wave energy in these locations and eliminate natural sources of recreation for the public.
• Have potential safety implications on swimmers, surfers, fishermen, lifeguards, and others.
• Increase environmental and ecological impact in sensitive onshore and nearshore areas, including from dredging materials washing up on beaches.
• Produce a negative economic impact on the Tybee Island due to reduced tourism.

In addition, the placement of this material at the ERDC Nearshore location could contaminate sand reserved for Tybee Island’s beach renourishment program.

The placement of dredge materials at MLW 200, MLW 500 and the ERDC Nearshore locations is not necessary for SHEP to move forward. Alternative, more suitable sites should be used. The Corps of Engineers should conduct additional studies and collect additional data prior to selecting any location for depositing dredge materials.

Regards,
[Your Name]