Ulmer wetland development: who’s responsible for being responsible?

Posted

Letter to the Editor

Speak to any Bluffton resident about concerns affecting our town and irresponsible development tops the list, particularly when it negatively impacts our environment.  Our Lowcountry climate and natural treasures entice people to flee the cities for the enjoyment of a safer, quieter way of life.  With rapid growth, we have an incredible opportunity to engage in a proactive vision that includes sustainable, nature-based design.  At issue is the pending development at Ulmer Road, requiring the filling of one of Bluffton’s last remaining in town freshwater wetlands to build 38 houses.  Since an environmental study has already been completed, sharing it with the public while providing an explanation of its’ defense shouldn’t result in significant delays to the proposed project. We’d like to see it. Per U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, freshwater wetland loss rates have increased by 50% since 2009, and will likely continue.  Per their director, Martha Williams, “The reasons for these losses are multiple, but the results are clear - wetland loss leads to the reduced health, safety, and prosperity of all Americans” (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Press Release March 2024).  We simply are requesting a proper amount of time for fact sharing and assurances that more than minimum compliance is factored into development plans. Considering this proposed development would be within 1000 feet of the May River, it seems a responsible action to take. The original vote was cancelled due to bad weather and was rescheduled for Thursday January 30th, at 5pm.  It was held at the county administration building on 100 Ribaut Rd., Beaufort.

The wetland project is located in Bluffton with approval by Beaufort County.  Beaufort appears to hold a laxer position on regulations concerning natural resources.  Unlike projects located within Old Town limits, there are no 30-day public postings of proposed developments.  Further, the county is only required to notify citizens within 500 feet of a future project.  Bluffton prides itself on being an Arbor Day “Tree City”, yet half a mile from our town hall the county has the right and jurisdiction to approve the destruction of an ecosystem, i.e., the freshwater wetlands on 34 Ulmer Road with comparatively little resistance.  Ultimately, Bluffton residents feel the impact of these decisions via traffic, infrastructure, crime, possible flooding, higher insurance premiums, tax increases, stormwater runoff, pollution to May River (consequently our shellfish industry), etc. while remaining largely unaware of the proposed county projects.  Bureaucracy and division of town/county statutes create a dichotomy, confusing the public’s awareness around events and their ability to participate.  Furthermore, meetings regarding Bluffton development like the one proposed on Ulmer are not held in Bluffton, but rather in the city of Beaufort.  Doesn’t it make more sense to have the vote in the Beaufort County office located here on Bluffton Parkway so as to better include our citizens? It sure would be easier for the few council members to travel here to Bluffton as representatives to this town rather than all us citizens commuting up there.

Wetland Project example of issue

Let’s consider the results of similar development projects located near Buckwalter.   Per the government’s National Wetlands Inventory, much of the land surrounding Buckwalter developments once were wetlands.  Wetlands capable of absorbing “1.5 million gallons per acre” ((NOAA Fisheries).   Thus, logically any proposed retention ponds for an entire development should be capable of holding millions of gallons of water for normal rainfalls, leaving no margin for hurricanes to prevent flooding.  We witnessed the results of this just a short time ago, in August 2024, when Hurricane Debby flooded homes in this Lowcountry area.  Sewage leaks entered nearby storm drains flowing straight to the May River (per Davis, Andrew, WSAV local news).  Reportedly the flooded neighborhoods had nowhere to pump the water and no longer enough permeable land to absorb the runoff.   So, who is responsible for losses when a private development’s failed infrastructure harms neighboring communities along with our watershed? We don’t know how it concluded, but as per news articles from August 2024, no one stepped up to claim responsibility and help the homeowners. To have so many ‘experts’ involved in the design, inspection, and building of the properties off Buckwalter, one would have assumed a different outcome.  Will the same situation happen again during another hurricane season? Most likely.  If the same process is followed as with Buckwalter, we will likely face the same results here around Old Town should our last remaining wetlands be mismanaged.  We are rightfully requesting a thorough vetting of the Ulmer wetland development project and assurances of the community’s safety and environmental impacts. It all goes back to transparency, communication, and responsible planning.

The best comprehensive plan that planning departments, as well as developers can focus on is The City of Charleston’s Water Plan.  Charleston’s plan seeks to, “provide a proactive, aspirational, and achievable vision for the city to embrace its relationship with water.”  By modeling future development on the responsible, nature-based design work that Charleston engineers, architects, landscape architects, and ecologists have already developed, our beloved Bluffton has real potential to grow bright well into the future.

Kay Grinnell - President of Hilton Head Audubon speaks on local development, stating:

“Development is inevitable, but it can be done responsibly. Builders and developers have the opportunity to incorporate sustainable practices—like preserving wetlands, planting native vegetation, and designing wildlife corridors—to ensure that growth does not come at the cost of our environment. Residents can also contribute by creating bird-friendly backyards, providing essential resources like food, water, and shelter for native wildlife. Small efforts, like planting native plants or installing a birdbath, can make a big difference. Visit Hilton Head Audubon’s website for guidance on how to create a Certified Backyard Habitat.” 

We all play a part in the future growth of our Bluffton town.  With clear communication, responsible planning and action, we have the capability to protect, restore, and enhance the land which inspires us to call it home.  Thank you to all citizens who have written in to voice your concerns, and if you haven’t yet, this is a call to speak up.  Email county representative Hillary Austin at HillaryA@bcgov.net.

https://www.wsav.com/news/local-news/understanding-the-rules-of-flooding-sewage-issues-in-bluffton/

https://www.charleston-sc.gov/2818/Charleston-Water-Plan-Comprehensive-Inte

https://www.fws.gov/

https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/infographic/infographic-value-coastal-wetland-habitat

Jessica Palladino has an MBA and is a Town of Bluffton Beautification Committee member, Certified Wildlife Habitat Bluffton landowner and participant in the family owned & operated SliderBar on the Promenade in Old Town.