County planners send comments to EGLE on proposed Beaver Island dredging permit

Charlevoix County Planning Commission members reviewed an EGLE public notice for a dredging permit application submitted by Ernest Martin for work in St. James Harbor on Beaver Island and voted unanimously to send comments to EGLE.

The application describes dredging two areas below the ordinary high-water mark of Lake Michigan, each 10 feet wide by 60 feet long with an average depth of 2.5 feet, removing 120 cubic yards of material initially. The applicant also proposes maintenance dredging biannually of up to 50 additional cubic yards from the same areas for a total maximum of 220 cubic yards over the life of the permit; target elevation for navigable dockage is 572 feet (IGLD 85). The project site is in St. James Harbor in St. James Township on Beaver Island.

Commissioner Pam Grassmick noted the dredged spoils are to be taken to Peaine Township and said Peaine Township had not been notified; she also said the property owner owns the deposit site in Peaine Township. Commissioners discussed whether spoils could be contaminated (they generally would not) and that dredging should avoid fish-spawning season.

Motion: Commissioner Pam Grassmick moved that the Planning Commission send comments to EGLE on the proposed permit application; Nancy Ferguson seconded. Voice vote: all in favor.

Why it matters: Dredging and spoil placement can affect nearshore habitat and neighboring townships. Notifying receiving jurisdictions and timing work to avoid spawning are standard concerns raised in county review comments.

What comes next: Staff will transmit the Commission's comments to EGLE for consideration during permit review.