NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY WETLANDS BOARD
JUNE 9, 2026
MINUTES
At the regular monthly meeting of the Northumberland County Wetlands Board held on June 9, 2026, in the Sheriff’s Office in Heathsville, Virginia at 5:00 PM:
Present Absent
Spencer Headley–Chairman
Albert Fisher – Vice-Chairman
Robert Vanlandingham
George Rew
Spencer Headley, Chairman, called the meeting to order.
On a motion by Albert Fisher, seconded by Robert Vanlaandingham, the agenda was approved . On a motion by Robert Vanlandingham, seconded by George Rew, the minutes of the May 12, 2026, meeting were approved.
Application No. 26-1012
SGL 259 LLC and Raj Bansal – to install 240 linear feet of armor stone revetment channelward of a failing bulkhead and to remove four failed groins and construct four low-profile timber groins each 48 feet channelward of MHW along the shoreline of the Potomac River and 259 Seagull Lane.
Joseph Scott, agent for the owner, described the project.
After review of the project and there being no objections, Albert Fisher made a motion to approve the application as submitted for three years. Robert Vanlandingham seconded the motion and the Board unanimously approved.
Application No. 26-1119
Edwin A. Sisson and Cowart Seafood Corporation – to conduct a maintenance dredge of berthing areas, adjacent to existing wharves, of 170 cubic yards of spoils material along the shoreline of Penny Creek and 449 Wicomico View Lane.
Craig Palubinski, agent, described the project and noted that the previous 10-year VMRC permit has expired so they are seeking reauthorization.
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Albert Fisher asked about the spoils.
Craig Palubinski said the spoils would be contained and dewatered on site.
Albert Fisher asked if the spoils would affect the wetlands.
Craig Palubinski said they would not.
Thomas Watkins said he lived on Penny Creek and wished to speak in support of the project. “It will keep the channel usable.”
After reviewing the project, Robert Vanlandingham made a motion to approve the request for five years. Albert Fisher seconded the motion and the Board unanimously approved for five years. Application No. 26-0802
Scott B. Johnson – to install 170 linear feet of bulkhead channelward of an existing bulkhead along the shoreline of the Little Wicomico River and 160 Ferry View Drive.
Scott Johnson said that he wished to construct 170 bulkhead channelward of an existing deteriorating bulkhead.
Chairman Headley asked, “Didn’t we start asking that bulkheads be put back in the same footprint?”
Philip Marston said, “We could because the 2 foot channelward is a non-vegetated wetland impact.
Spencer Headley asked if this would be in the Wetlands Board jurisdiction if it is going 2 feet channelward. He noted that according to the pictures, the water goes right to the wall. Philip Marston said that in his opinion, the drawings do not give a clear definition of what is in our jurisdiction or what is in VMRC’s jurisdiction or how much wetland vegetation will be impacted.
Robert Vanlandingham asked if Mr. Johnson planned to put the new bulkhead in front. Mr. Johnson said he planned to put it in front and make it higher and backfill. After reviewing the project and there being concerns and objections, George Rew made a motion to table the project until the July 14, 2026, meeting so that Mr. Johnson could submit revised drawings of the project. Albert Fisher seconded the motion and the Board unanimously approved. Other Business
Philip Marston described a wetlands violation which may require a wetlands restoration hearing.
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He said that he might need the Board’s direction in this matter. He noted that a Stop Work Order was posted then removed by the owner. He then reposted the Stop Work Order.
Olivia Upton from VMRC noted that she had visited the site and that wetlands had been impacted.
After further discussion, Mr. Marston stated that he would report any additional information to the Board at the next meeting.
There being no further business to come before the Board, on a motion by Robert Vanlandingham seconded by George Rew, the Board unanimously voted to adjourn.