The Altamaha Riverkeeper received a complaint in June
of 2003 informing us there may be erosion and sedimentation (E&S) problems at "Pig Farm Landing" in Wayne County. The Altamaha Riverkeeper visited the site and confirmed the complaint. Shortly after documenting the apparent E & S
violations at this site, ARK contacted the State regulatory agencies.
Because federal Coastal Zone Management (CZM) Coastal Incentive Grant
(CIG) funds were used to partially fund the work at this site, the
Coastal Resources Division (CRD) was contacted along with the Environmental
Protection Division (EPD). These agencies contacted the Georgia State
Soil and Water Conservation Commission (GSSWCC) and all three agencies
met on site with the Wayne County authorities. The Wayne County authorities
were advised to install erosion controls at the landing to prevent
further damage from erosion to the Altamaha River and flood plain.
In December of 2003 the Altamaha Riverkeeper revisited the site and observed several improvements in the erosion controls at the landing. However, there was still extensive sediment in the flood plain remaining from the previous summer.
The Altamaha Riverkeeper revisited this site on 3-13-04 to find apparent new
E & S problems. The original flood plain sediments were not removed and the
flood plain was not restored back to its natural condition prior to Wayne County's
construction at this site.
The photographic documentation on this web site clearly indicates we have a
problem with the enforcement of our erosion and sedimentation laws. These photographs
taken on 3/13/04 appear to indicate that Wayne County continues to violate
the E & S laws nearly 8 months after they were advised to halt their bad practices
at this site.
Sediment into our streams can alter the hydrology of a stream as well as the feeding and spawning habits of aquatic life. Fish and other aquatic species have a very difficult time feeding in muddy, silted water, (ask any fisherman why they don't like to fish in muddy water). This same muddy water can lower the dissolved oxygen content in our streams making it difficult for all aquatic species to survive. The filling in of our streams by erosion can also exacerbate and increase flooding by EVEN normal rainfall amounts.
PLEASE CONTACT YOUR STATE AND LOCAL ELECTED OFFICIALS AND DEMAND THAT OUR E&S
LAWS BE STRICTLY ENFORCED!
Storm Drain #1
Erosion from Storm Drain #1
Looking at #2 storm drain from flood plain
Erosion into flood plain on the east side of landing
road from storm drain #2
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