MDE hears public comments regarding marina expansion
By Bob Lassahn

A public comment session was held on Thursday, May 26 at the Ocean Pines Community Hall regarding a proposed expansion of the marina at the Ocean Pines Swim and Racquet Club. As part of the permitting process interested individuals and groups were given an opportunity to provide input to the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE).

Ocean Pines Association (OPA) attorney Joe Moore orchestrated the presentation by the OPA, first calling Board President Dan Stachurski to speak to the reasons behind the permit application. Stachurski briefly summarized the history of the existing facility and noted that application for the permit is necessary to establish what is possible at the location. In closing he stated that the OPA recognizes a demand for the facility, has the necessary funds to proceed and absolutely intends to move forward with the project.

OPA General Manager Dave Ferguson briefly summarized the process of evaluating potential sites for additional boat slips and worked through the math of existing boat owners in Ocean Pines and available facilities. According to his numbers an additional 642 slips would be needed to serve all OPA boaters. His bottom line was the current waiting list for slips that now stands at about 85 persons.

OPA’s engineering consultant Steve Soule of Soule and Associates in Salisbury reviewed the design criteria and provided information on some of the features included.  These included assurances that adequate parking was being provided, the benefits of the floating docks and some of the environmental improvements resulting from the project. One statement that should put to rest a much debated issue was Mr. Soule’s assurance that there will not be a fuel facility as part of the design.

Spencer Rowe of Rowe Environmental Services was the final consultant presented by OPA. He summarized that the project offers opportunities for enhancement and restoration of the area and that the project would not have a negative environmental impact.

Bob Abele represented the Marine Advisory Committee as he testified to the need for the facility and attempted to diffuse some of the concerns expressed regarding traffic, parking, potential pollution and, to at least some extent, the financial issues that have surrounded the project since its inception.

Charles Herpen of Teal Circle was the first of 10 persons speaking in opposition to the project. Some of the concerns expressed included the potential boat traffic, noise, pollution and other environmental impact. Mr. Herpen has been highly visible in his opposition and leads a small coalition that hopes to bring the issue to a referendum via a petition. Two residents spoke in support of the project before the public comments portion of the meeting came to a close.

Where does the project stand? If the permits are approved there could potentially be additional changes mandated by the MDE or the COE that must be addressed, but effectively OPA could move forward with the planning.  If the permits are denied the project comes to a halt. Joe Moore commented at the end of the meeting that additional opportunities for public input would be scheduled.

Written comments regarding the permit application will continue to be accepted through June 1, 2005 and should be directed to Wetlands and Waterways Program, Maryland Department of the Environment, 1800 Washington Boulevard, Baltimore, Maryland 21230. Refer to case number 05-WL-1403.

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