Editor,

Thank you for informing people in Bryan County about the application by Genesis Point developers to fill an additional 34 acres of wetlands on the proposed subdivision. Last week, Ogeechee-Canoochee Riverkeeper submitted comments to the US Army Corps of Engineers opposing the granting of this permit.

Wetlands are important landscape features that help to treat stormwater runoff, prevent flooding of adjacent property, and ensure our rivers and streams have enough clean water for fish and for recreation. The filling of wetlands for homes, buildings, golf courses and other amenities may result in increased flooding on adjacent properties. According to the US EPA, one acre of wetlands hold 1 – 1.5 million gallons of rainwater. The applicants’ proposal to fill an additional 34.9 acres of wetlands on the property could result in over 35 million gallons of water flooding onto adjacent properties and as polluted stormwater into the Ogeechee River.

Around the state, more prudent developers have found ways to avoid impacts to sensitive wetlands areas. It appears from the maps submitted with the public notice that the impacts to the wetlands at Genesis Point could be avoided by more thoughtful design.

Ogeechee-Canoochee Riverkeepers’ comments on this proposed application are posted in the Press Room on our website, www.ocrk.org. People may click on the folder labeled "Genesis Point" to see our comments and the public notice issued by the US Army Corps of Engineers. To learn more about the dangers of buying property built on and near filled wetlands, homeowners should visit the Buy Dry Land website at www.buydryland.org.