Residents seek fixes after concrete dumped on Captain’s Cove marsh; living shoreline JPA planned

Accomack County staff told the wetlands board about a recent incident in Captain’s Cove where county maintenance or contractor activity left concrete on the marsh; staff said they moved quickly to stop the work, DEQ inspected from Richmond, and conceptual living‑shoreline plans are being prepared.

Chris McCabe of Coastal Compliance Solutions, speaking for Captain’s Cove’s waterfront management, told the board he would file a JPA before Thursday of next week and that conceptual drawings in the packet were close to the planned application. He said some affected lots lie below mean low water and will fall under Commonwealth (VMRC) jurisdiction, while other areas will remain in the wetlands board’s purview.

Theresa Birkhead, a Captain’s Cove resident and president of a concerned-citizens group, criticized development practices and said residents — not the developer — often bear costs for repairs and fines. "It is so sad...So if whatever you do, just know that we are the ones that started calling and letting you guys know that this is going on because we're tired of it," Birkhead said, urging the board to ensure responsible parties are held to account.

Staff said they expect a formal JPA filing that proposes a living shoreline and restoration of affected wetlands in the near term and will coordinate ownership and co‑applicant responsibilities with Captain’s Cove. The board requested documentation showing all owners and co‑applicants when the JPA is submitted.