Island Protection and Preservation Project

During the summer of 2011, the RLI Membership voted to authorize the RLI Board to proceed with actions necessary to protect and preserve the island.  The Membership preferred method is to construct a structural seawall around the perimeter of the island.  This method is dependent on receiving a permit authorizing this activity from the MDEQ. 

The steps necessary to complete this project as currently envisioned and approved by the Membership, and their status are:

Step 1:  Select contractor.  The RLI Board has chosen JZ Contracting of Fenton to execute the project. 
Status: Completed approx. 10/1.

Step 2:  Request onsite pre-application meeting with MDEQ.  This step allows us to get input from the MDEQ regarding the necessary information to include with the permit application, along with guidance on what is likely to be permitted.  This step is intended to simplify the permit process by providing the person or persons reviewing the permit application with MDEQ insight and recommendations.  The pre-application meeting findings do not conclude whether a permit will be granted or what will specifically be permitted.   Approximate time anticipated:  up to 60 days.  Status:  Meeting held on 11/28, step 2 completed.

Step 3:  Prepare and submit MDEQ permit application along with onsite pre-application meeting findings and recommended information.  Once the onsite meeting takes place, any required surveys or other information recommended to be submitted with the permit application is completed and filed along with the permit application.  Approximate time anticipated: 30 days .  Status:  Permit mailed to MDEQ approx. 12/29, step 3 completed.

Step 4:  Obtain permit from MDEQ.  The MDEQ evaluates the permit application and issues either: (1) A permit for the requested project, (2) A permit for the project with specifics modified by the MDEQ, or (3) A permit denial.  Approximate time anticipated for MDEQ response:  up to 60 days.  Status:  Waiting on response from MDEQ.  Preliminary response requesting additional information received 1/26.   We are working with the contractor and preparing a reply. 

Step 5A (optional):  Appeal.  Upon receipt of MDEQ permit, if permit does not allow the island project as requested and desired an appeal to the MDEQ can be made.  The RLI Board will need to review the permit granted and decide whether an appeal is warranted.  Approximate time anticipated if an appeal is made:  Up to 60 days depending on when a hearing can be scheduled.  Status:  Waiting for permit application response from MDEQ.

Step 5:  Upon receipt of MDEQ permit, finalize contract with JZ Contracting to initiate the project.  The contract will therefore reflect what the MDEQ authorizes in our permit, thus the contract will reflect the actual work to be done and the cost associated with that work.  Approximate time anticipated:  7 days to allow for contract preparation, and review and approval by all RLI trustees.  Status:  Waiting for Step 4/5A to be completed.

Step 6:  Execute project.  Install seawall, backfill and seed, remove and replace dock, and add rip-rap (boulders around the water side of the seawall).  The project specifics are conditional on receiving an MDEQ permit.  Approximate time for completion:  3 - 4 weeks, beginning in the spring.  Hope to be completed by mid May.  Status:  Waiting for Step 5 to be completed.