In a recent meeting held on November 14, 2024, the James City County Wetlands Board addressed critical issues surrounding the erosion and bulkhead failures affecting properties along River Drive, particularly at 5032 and 5034 River Drive. The discussion began with a detailed presentation of aerial photography that highlighted significant erosion caused by a blowout of a bulkhead at 5032 River Drive, which had failed earlier this year due to unauthorized filling of the slopes.

The failure of the bulkhead not only damaged the property at 5032 but also impacted adjacent properties, leading to the condemnation of the house at that location. The board learned that approximately ten linear feet of the bulkhead had collapsed into Diaskan Creek, resulting in sediment erosion that posed further environmental concerns.

Staff members outlined a proposed plan to install a new bulkhead at 5034 River Drive, which would tie into the bulkheads of neighboring properties. This plan aims to mitigate ongoing erosion and restore the shoreline. The proposal includes filling and planting efforts to stabilize the area, with a focus on preserving existing vegetated wetlands.

As part of the regulatory framework, the board emphasized the importance of adhering to the Chesapeake Bay program's guidelines, which mandate a no net loss of wetlands. The project must meet three key criteria: minimizing wetland loss, demonstrating water dependency, and proving the necessity of the project in wetland areas. The staff confirmed that the proposed project meets these criteria, necessitating the purchase of 200 square feet of wetland mitigation from a qualified bank.

The board recommended approval of the application, contingent upon obtaining all necessary permits and ensuring compliance with local floodplain regulations. The wetlands permit for this project is set to expire on November 14, 2027, unless construction begins or an extension is requested.

As the meeting concluded, board members expressed their commitment to balancing development needs with environmental protection, ensuring that the restoration efforts along River Drive align with broader conservation goals for the Chesapeake Bay area.