Proposed Project

The S.C. Department of Environmental Services Bureau of Coastal Management (SCDES BCM) has received two (2) critical area permit (CAP) applications submitted by Cambridge Asset Holdings, LLC for private recreational docks and erosion control structures located on and adjacent to Old Bess Creek at 1229 Harts Bluff and 1239 Harts Bluff, Wadamalaw Island, Charleston County, South Carolina. 

The projects are as follows:

Critical Area Permit Application HQE-E2VN-N3E0S – (1229 Harts Bluff Road) The applicant has requested to modify an existing private recreational dock. Specifically, extend the walkway to 4’ x 203’. Build a 6’ x 6’ covered pierhead and install a 12.5’ x 12.5’ boat lift on the ebb side of the pierhead. In addition, add a 4’ x 20’ ramp to an 8’ x 15’ floating dock on the flood side of the pierhead. Add an 8’ x 20’ floating boat storage structure on the flood side of the floating dock. Construct a 277 LF bulkhead at the critical area line.

Critical Area Permit Application HQE-E2BR-4MHQ8 - (1239 Harts Bluff Road) The applicant proposes to construct a private recreational dock. Build a 4’ x 256’ walkway to a 6’ x 10’ pierhead and install a 4’ x 20’ ramp to a 6’ x 10’ floating dock on the ebb side of the pierhead. Add an 8’ x 15’ floating boat storage structure on the ebb side of the floating dock. Construct a 399 LF bulkhead at the critical area line.

Community Engagement

Public Hearing

SCDES BCM will hold an in-person public hearing to receive comments on the proposed critical area permit applications on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 6:00 PM. The public hearing will be held at the Wadmalaw Island Community Center located at 5605 Katy Hill Road, Wadmalaw Island, SC 29487.

During the public hearing, SCDES BCM staff will provide an overview of the proposed projects and the Department's regulatory authorities, and will accept verbal comments for the record to be considered prior to making a final decision. This hearing is designed so that SCDES BCM staff can gather comments as to the merits of the project and consider all information when making a decision based on the Coastal Tidelands and Wetlands Act, Department regulations, and policies. To ensure the Department gathers all presented information and has an opportunity to hear all comments, direct questioning during the open comment portion of the public hearing will not be allowed. 

The public comment period for the permit applications will remain open until close of business Wednesday, January 28, 2026. SCDES BCM's final permit decision will be made available on this webpage and by email or mail to everyone on the SCDES BCM’s mailing list who requested to be notified of the final Department decision.

Pre-Registration

Please complete the registration form before January 14, 2026 if you plan to participate in the public hearing.

Submit a Comment

Written comments for the 1229 Harts Bluff Road CAP application and for the 1239 Harts Bluff Road CAP application will continue to be accepted through the public notice page until January 28, 2026. 

Contact Information

For technical information regarding the critical area permit application, please contact Eva Beck at (843) 953-9073 or Eva.Beck@des.sc.gov.