Mississippi Administrative Code
Title 22 - MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES
Part 23 - RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE COASTAL WETLANDS PROTECTION LAW AND THE MISSISSIPPI COASTAL PROGRAM
Chapter 08 - Requirements for Conducting Regulated Activities
Section 22-23-08-103
Current through March 14, 2024
Bulkheads, Seawalls, Breakwaters, Groins and Jetties:
103.01 For erosion control, nonstructural methods must be used in preference to structural methods. Vegetation as a nonstructural method is preferred to structural methods of sloping (3:1) rip-rap, and rip-rap is preferred to vertical seawalls. Vertical face bulkheads may be used only in low energy areas such as canals, bayous, tidal rivers, protected ports and harbors.
103.02 Structural methods may be used only when there is a reasonable probability of controlling erosion at the immediate site, and where the structure will not significantly increase erosion in nearby areas.
103.03 Vertical face structures must be aligned no further waterward than the current mean high tide line, and constructed so that reflective wave energy does not damage adjacent wetlands habitat.
103.04 Vertical face structures intended to replace failed erosion control structures that are beyond repair shall not extend more than 24" waterward from the base of a failed structure.
103.05 Breakwaters, groins and jetties must be constructed in a manner that allows for tidal flow and flushing.
103.06 Rock breakwaters, groins and jetties must have sloping sides appropriate to the proposed location and purpose.
103.07 Breakwaters, groins and jetties must not adversely alter tidal circulation patterns, sediment transport processes, the natural supply of sediment and nutrients to the coastal wetlands or the long-term biological productivity of the coastal wetlands' ecosystem.
103.08 Breakwaters, groins and jetties must not be constructed in areas of sensitive coastal wetlands.
103.09 Groins and jetties to trap sediments are allowed only as a means to reduce shoaling of navigable channels and boat basins.
103.10 See also Requirements for Filling Other Than Dredged Material Disposal (Chapter 08, 114).
