This update was provided by the South Island Dredging Association
to the CSA Board Oct. 25, 2011.

South Beach Marina - Braddock Creek in Background

After more than 18 months of work the Sea Pines Waterways Task Force concluded that open water disposal of dredge material from our waterways is the only feasible method. The CSA Board of Directors voted without dissent to accept the Task Force findings, conclusion and recommendations. A complete copy of the Task Force Report follows.

FINAL REPORT - SEA PINES WATERWAYS TASK FORCE

August 19, 2011

Task Force Activities and Findings

Since its creation in February 2010 the Sea Pines Waterways Task Force (the Task Force) has been analyzing all methods for dredging Harbour Town Marina, Braddock Creek, including South Beach Marina, private docks at Gull Point, Portside and Port Villas, and Baynard Creek (collectively referred to herein as the Sea Pines Waterways).

During this time the Task Force consulted independent engineers, government officials including regulators, dredging contractors and others. The Task Force also reviewed numerous publications and regulations concerning dredging operations and procedures.

The Task Force reviewed the various dredging methods including mechanical and hydraulic. The Task Force learned that hydraulic dredging is preferred by regulators and would be the least expensive and most effective method for the Sea Pines Waterways.

The Task Force reviewed methods for disposal of the dredge material including disposal at a land based disposal site, off shore at a federally approved dredge material disposal site, use of dewatering techniques using polymers or geotextile tubes, and open water disposal. The Task Force confirmed that open water disposal is specifically authorized in state dredging regulations and has been used by the Army Corps of Engineers in South Carolina waterways.

The process for obtaining a permit for open water disposal involves complying with a joint protocol of the Army Corps of Engineers (the Corps) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (the EPA) and complying with a S.C. Department of Health Environmental Control protocol. Certain Task Force members have had meetings with these regulators and the Chief of the Regulatory Division of the Charleston District of the Corps has offered to coordinate a task force to pursue compliance with the various protocols

The Task Force considered the impact of these various dredge and disposal methods on the Sea Pines Community and surrounding environment. The Task Force concluded that hydraulic dredging with open water disposal would have the least adverse impacts on our community and the surrounding environment.

The Task Force carefully considered cost information on the various dredging and disposal methods. The Task Force learned that hydraulically dredging the Sea Pines Waterways with open water disposal would be by far the least expensive of all the methods considered.

The Task Force considered the adverse effects of not dredging the Sea Pines Waterways including the effects on the Heritage Golf Tournament, tourism in general and more specifically at Harbour Town and the South Beach Village, gate fees and on the values of our homes throughout Sea Pines. The Task Force concluded that there would be significant adverse effects if dredging were not conducted as soon as possible.

The Task Force considered the opinions of our residents through the 2009 residents' survey, which revealed overwhelming support for maintaining the navigability of the Sea Pines Waterways, and through various open meetings in our community lead by Community Services Associates (CSA) and the Association of Sea Pines Plantation Property Owners (ASPPPO). The consensus from those meetings was enthusiastic support for dredging the Sea Pines Waterways hydraulically with open water disposal.

Task Force Conclusion:

Having considered the environmental, economic, social, legal and technological suitability of hydraulic dredging with open water disposal for the Sea Pines Waterways, the Task Force concludes that they are the only feasible methods for dredging the Sea Pines Waterways and that there are no feasible alternatives.

Task Force Recommendations to CSA and ASPPPO Boards:

1. Endorse Hydraulic Dredging and Open Water Disposal: We recommend, for the reasons stated herein, that the Boards of Directors of CSA and ASPPPO adopt a joint resolution endorsing the Task Force conclusion that hydraulic dredging with open water disposal are the only feasible methods for dredging the Sea Pines Waterways and that there are no feasible alternatives.

2. Encourage Community Support: Garner and advocate Sea Pines Community support for maintaining navigable Sea Pines Waterways.

CSA and ASPPO Boards Endorsing Recommendations to the South Island Dredging Association (SIDA):

1. Pursue Permitting for Hydraulic Dredging with Open Water Disposal

2. Develop and implement a plan, including necessary funds, to attain permits for hydraulic dredging and open water disposal. The permits should be pursued in accordance with procedures recommended by the consulting engineers.

3. Together with Sea Pines leadership, lead a coordinated effort among government officials, regulators and environmental interest groups to gain their acceptance of open water disposal for Sea Pines dredging operations.