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Wetlands board approves matrix-sill living-shoreline at 361 Devon Lane
Summary
The Mathews County Wetlands Board approved a permit for Diane and Leslie Georganger to install a matrix sill, sand fill and Spartina plantings at 361 Devon Lane after hearing testimony from the applicant’s agent and neighbors and receiving a written objection about upland access. Staff said the board has no jurisdiction over private-lane access.
The Mathews County Wetlands Board on the evening of the hearing approved a permit for Diane and Leslie Georganger to install a matrix sill, sand fill and Spartina plantings along a portion of the East River at 361 Devon Lane (permit cited in the record as "MRC program 25Dash0871").
The applicants’ agent, Sherry McDearman of Mac Rose, told the board the proposal would place a matrix sill just in front of the existing wetland grass and use sand fill at the landward end to protect tree roots and erosion while planting Spartina. McDearman described the matrix sill as a “nature based product that provides excellent habitat for oysters, sea life, and wetland grasses” and said a similar installation on the opposite side of the river (installed in 2022 at 292 Riverview Road under Elizabeth Case) is performing successfully.
A neighbor, Elizabeth Davis Stewart, spoke in favor and called the approach “environmentally responsible.” The board also read into the record a written objection from Lisa Sutton, who said she opposes construction trucks using a private lane. Staff noted the lane and other upland access issues are outside the wetlands board’s jurisdiction and therefore not actionable by the board.
After public comment the board discussed the application and moved to approve it. Multiple board members recorded votes in favor, citing that the project appears appropriate for the shoreline and noting the successful nearby example. The board’s approval was made as recorded at the meeting.
The board’s packet and public record list the project scope in staff’s reading as: installation of a matrix sill (described in the record as a living-shoreline product), sand fill landward of the dock, and planting of Spartina; the staff presentation also cited a specific linear extent in the application materials. The application and approval record note that appeals of the board’s decision may be filed in writing to the Virginia Marine Resources Commission within 10 days, and certain property owners have appeal rights per the notice read into the record.
Public documents associated with the permit application (the JPA and revised drawings if submitted) will be kept with the permit file.
