NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY WETLANDS BOARD
JULY 8, 2025
MINUTES
At the regular monthly meeting of the Northumberland County Wetlands Board held on July 8, 2025 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
Tylynn Lewis
Spencer Headley, Chairman, called the meeting to order.
On a motion by George Rew, seconded by Robert Vanlandingham, the minutes of the May 12, 2025 meeting were approved.
The Board then heard the requests.
Application No. 25-1197
Vernon Fridley – to construct 150 linear feet of timber bulkhead along the shoreline of the Little Wicomico River and 494 Forest Green Road.
Roger McKinley, agent for the owner, described the project.
Chairman Headley noted that a VIMS report had been completed and asked Jeff Madden to speak regarding it.
Jeff Madden explained that the bulkhead is not the best management practice for the Chesapeake Bay because it severs the connection between the upland and the intertidal zone. “VIMS asked for consideration of an alternative.” He also noted that the bulkhead could be located landward of the Board’s jurisdiction.
Roger McKinley said he had not read that report.
After further review of the project, Spencer Headley made a motion to table the application until the August 12, 2025 meeting. Robert Vanlandingham seconded the motion and the Board unanimously approved.
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Application No. 25-1233
John Hedlund – to install 190 linear feet of riprap revetment channelward of A failing bulkhead and eroding bank along the shoreline of Tipers Creek and 494 Wicomico Drive.
Joseph Scott, agent for the owner, described the project and noted limited options. After review of the project and there being no objections, George Rew made a motion to approve the application for three years. Robert Vanlandingham seconded the motion and the Board unanimously approved.
Application No. 25-0853
Gregory Robertson – to install 90 linear feet of riprap revetment along the shoreline of Bells Creek and 449 East Fairway Drive.
Joseph Scott, agent for the owner described the project.
After review of the project and there being no objections, Robert Vanlandingham made a motion to approve the application as submitted for three years. George Rew seconded the motion and the Board unanimously approved.
Application No. 24-1032
Scott Slayton – to install 246 linear feet of riprap revetment channelward of an existing failing bulkhead and install 112 linear feet of marsh sill along the shoreline of Horn Harbor and 161 Bridgewater Drive.
Kelsey English, agent for the owner, described the project.
After review of the project and there being no objections, George Rew made a motion to approve the application as submitted for three years. Robert Vanlandingham seconded the motion and the Board unanimously approved.
Application No. 25-0789
Proctor Hall Family Farms, LLC – to conduct a 102’x32’ dredge with 6900 sq. ft. of dredge material and install two (2) jetties along the shoreline of Dividing Creek and 315 Jarvis Point Lane.
Joseph Scott, agent for the owner, described the project. He noted that the jetties were added this time to help prevent filling in the dredged area. He said the spoils would be placed along the eroded bank with the excess to be removed from the site. He stated that the VIMS report essentially stated that if it were done that this is the best we can do. He said the report also noted that if something is not done then the water quality will deteriorate.
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Kathy Lough asked if the jetties would cause sand to shoal out in front of them and potentially block the channel.
Joey Scott said he did not believe it would as they were only putting them out far enough to control the depth of the dredge.
Donald Lough expressed his concerns about the installation of jetties at the mouth that he felt moved the channel.
Dave Parrish said he thought the sand originates at Jarvis Point which is no longer there. Carrol Webb expressed his concerns.
It was determined that six property owners would use the channel.
James Churchill described the area as he remembered AND said that the channel will completely close if we don’t do something.
Debra Burgess said that there will not be a lot of boat traffic if you think that boat traffic will keep it open.
Joey Scott was asked what will be done with the phragmities. He said the phragmities will be hauled off and actively maintained every couple of years.
After further review of the project and there being no objections, George Rew made a motion to approve the application as submitted for three years. Robert Vanlandingham seconded the motion and the Board unanimously approved.
Application No. 25-1234
White Sand Harbour POA – For an after-the-fact permit to allow a 24’x 12’ concrete boat ramp constructed in the footprint of a previously existing timber boat ramp along the shoreline of Lowes Pond and Tax Map Parcel #19-A(3)-261-A on White Sand Drive.
Joseph Scott, agent for the owner, described the project and noted that the contractor did not know that this was a tidal pond.
Philip Marston informed the Board that a $1,100 fee was applied due to the after-the-fact. After review of the project and there being no objections, Robert Vanlandingham made a motion to approve the application as submitted for three years. George Rew seconded the motion and the Board unanimously approved.
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Other Business
Philip Marston gave an update on the violation of the Mark Hogan project (V.M.R.C. #24-2312). He stated that the site has been inspected and approved.
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.