Council seeks endangered‑species and DNR check after public reports of bald eagles and quarry feature

Environmental concerns featured prominently in public comment and council questions during the Rico Hamlet discussion. Residents said photographs showed bald eagles near Ricco Lake and asked whether the presence of protected species had been appropriately evaluated. Council members also raised the site's former quarry feature and asked whether that topography posed a public‑safety or liability risk.

Staff told the council that the planning commission condition set number 18 would require the applicant "to hire a qualified consultant or engineer to determine the presence or absence of endangered or threatened species on the site" and to submit that report with the preliminary‑plat application. The staff member added that any findings would be referred to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources for their determinations and requirements.

The applicant said it was willing to perform the study and noted that developer teams frequently coordinate with DNR when federally protected birds or nests are found. On the quarry, staff and the applicant described the feature as an incised hillside with steep faces rather than a broad pit; the applicant suggested integrating the feature into open‑space amenities but acknowledged hazard‑mitigation measures would be needed if public access were provided.

Councilors asked staff to obtain direct DNR input and to require the biological survey as a precondition of preliminary‑plat approval; staff agreed to add any DNR findings to the project record and to return results to the council.