Geographic areas of particular concern, Jackson County, Mississippi Mississippi outer continental shelf impact study

[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]

GEOGRAPHIC AREAS
OF PARTICULAR CONCERN

JACKSON COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI

FOR

MISSISSIPPI OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF
IMPACTSTUDY

BY
JACKSON COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION

HC
107
M7
J325 -A
1976
AM

MISSISSIPPI MARINE RESOURCES COUNCIL

GEOGRAPHIC AREAS OF PARTICULAR CONCERN

Jackson County, Mississippi

MISSISSIPPI OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF

IMPACT STUDY

Lj
Jackson County Planning Commission
Emergency Operation Center
600 Convent Avenue
Pascagoula, Mississippi 39567

1976

Prepared For

MISSISSIPPI MARINE RESOURCES COUNCIL

Long Beach, Mississippi

The preparation of this document was

partially financed through a federal grant

from the Department of Commerce, National

Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,,as

authorized by Section 305 of the Coastal

Zone Management Act of 1972.

Table of Contents

Introduction ........................
........................................ 1

Geographic Areas of Particular Concern in Jackson County,
Mississippi ........................... ................................... 4

A. Residential-Commercial Developments .................................. 4
,1. St. Andrews ....................................................... 4
2. Gautier ......................... I .................................. 6
3. Orange Grove ...................................................... 9
4. St. Martin ........................................................ 9
5j. Ocean Springs (outside incorporated area) ......................... 13
6. Gulf Park ......................................................... 13
7. Escatawpa ......................................................... 15
8. Vancleave ......................................................... 17

Industrial Developments .............................................. 21
Bayou Casotte ..... ................................................. 21
Mississippi Power Company ...* ....................................... 21

C. Natural Areas ............................................. ........... 25
1. Round Island ...................................................... 25
2. 'Mississippi Sound .................................................. 25
3. Significant Beaches ............................................... 27
a. Belle Fontaine-Gulf Park-Gautier Beaches ....................... 27
b. Point Aux Chenes-Bayou Cumbest-Grand Batture Islands-
South Rigolets Islands ......................................... 30
4. Tidal Marshes ..................................................... 30
5. Coastal Wetlands .................................................. 33
6. Oyster Beds and Reefs ............................................. 36
7. Floodways. ......................................................... 37
8. Seagrass Areas .................................................... 39

D. Historical-Archaeological Sites ...................................... 42

E. Recreation Areas-Gulf Islands National Seashore-Mississippi
District Office and Park ............................................. 44

Bibliography ............................................................. 46

Introduction

Each geographic area of particular concern (GAPC) will experience

differing types and degrees of impacts from onshore development and activ-

ity as a result of outer continental shelf resource development. This

study b�eaks down these onshore impacts into fo ur major types:

(1) Type 1 - staging activities, fabrication of platforms, harbor expan-

sion, new storage yards, crew bases, pipelines and land falls, tank farms,

refineries, petroleum complexes, ect.;

(2) Type 2 - associated.infrastructure development such as in6reased need

for housing, transportation networks, increased public servi ces such.as

schools, police and fire protection, public utilities, and waste disposal,

ect.;

(3) Type 3 - sociological impacts; and

(4) Ty pe 4 - environmental impacts.

Environmental impacts will -vary greatly from area to area, however,

depending on the onshore impact type, the degree of onshore impact, the

location of onshore impacts, and the proximity of one GAPC to another.

Consequently, this study further subdivides environmental impact into

three degrees of severity:

(1) Degree a - negligible; impacts so minor tha t they cannot be measured

with any degree of accuracy:

(2) Degree b - measurable impacts; sow air and water pollution, minor

increases in solid waste and sewe rage, some loss of open space, and

m2nor reductions of aesthetic values as a result of onshore impacts;

and

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(3) Degree c considerable impacts; air and water pollution, major in-

creases in solid waste and sewerage, loss of open space, and reduction

of aesthetic values as a result of onshore impacts.

Since each GAPC may experience a difierent degree of onshore im-

pact, the impact types must be divided into degrees. For example, Bayou

Casotte Industrial Park may experience type 1, tgpe 2, and 4-c onshore

impacts. The Mississippi Power Company Industrial Park may experience

type 1 or type 2, and type 4-b impacts also. However, the degree of

these impact types will probably be much greater at Bayou Casotte than

at the Mississippi Power Company Industrial Park.

This study assigns three degrees of onshore impacts for each GAPC-

(1) Degree 1 negligible; impacts so minor that they cannot be accurate-

ly measured;

(2) Degree 2 - measurable impacts; the impact types listed for each GAPC

will have a meas able degree of impact; and
(3) Degree 3 - considerable impacts; the impact types listed for each GAPC

will have a considerable degree of impact.

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FIGURE 1: OCS ONSHORE IMPACT TYPES

Type 1: Staging activities, fabrication of platforms,.harbor expansion,

new storage yards, crew bases, pipelines and land falls,*tank

farms, refineries, petrochemical complexes, etc.

Type 2: Associated infrastructure development such as increased need

for housing, transportation networks, increased public ser-

Avices such as schools, police and fire protection, public u-

tilities, and waste disposal, ect.

T 3i Sociological impacts.
ype

Type 4: Environmental impacts and degree of impact:
@a- Negligible;
b. Measurable; and

c.- Considerable.

FIGURE 2: OCS ONSHORE IMPACT DEGREE

Degree 1: Negligible

Degree 2: Measurable

Degree 3: Considerable

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MISSISSIPPI OUPER CONTINENPAL SHELF

IMPACT SPUDY

GEOGRAPHIC AREAS OF PARTICULAR CONCERN

Jackson County, Mississippi

A. RESIDENTIAL-COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS

1. ST. ANDREWS (See Township Map T8S-R7W).

Geographic Delineation: South of Graveline Bay and Tidal Marsh and

north of Belle Fontaine Beach, covering all or part of sections 6,, 7,

17, 18, and 19. Ownership is private.

Physical Characteristics: GAPC 1 is physiographh@.@lly classified a.s. part

of the Coastal Pine Meadows. Topography is generally level or near-

level with maximum slopes of 8% near Graveline Bayou. Soils are sandy

or loamy sands of the Eustis-Klej-Lakeland association and are alluvial

in origin. The Citronelle dominates subsurface geology. Swamps and

marshes fill most low areas and are tidal-influenced. Surface waters

are brackish and salt-water encroachment is a danger in shallow aquifers.

The average elevation is around 10'. There is danger of flooding during

severe weather.

Biological Characteristics: GAPC A-1 is botanically classified as a

southern mixed forest.' Pines are the dominant vegetation with some hard-

wood vegetation near and along Graveline Bay and Bayou.. Wildlife is

lacking in both diversity and abundance with seagulls being the most

obvious form of wildlife.

Impact Type: 2, 3, and 4-b.

Impact Degree: 2.

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CKSON COUNTY
MISSISSIPPI

ST. ANDREWS

LOCATION Mp

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2. GAUTIER (See Township Maps.T7S-R6W, T7S-R7W, T8S-R7W, and T8S-R6W)-

Geographic Delineation: West of the W est Pascagoula River, east of

Graveline Marsh, north of the Mississippi Sound, and. south of Bluff

Creek Marsh, covering all or part of sections 7, 18, 30, 31, and 32

in T7S-R6W; sections 1, 11, 12, 13, 23, 24, 25, 26, 34, 35, and 36

in T7S-R7W; sections 1, 2, 12, 13, 14, and 15'in T8S@R7W; and sections

2, 3, 4, and 9 in T8S-R6W. ownership is private.

Physical Characteristics: GAPC A-2 is physiographically classified

as part of*the Coastal Pine Meadows. Topography is generally level to

near-level with maximum slopes of 12%. Elevation averages 15' in the

southern portion to 25' in the northern portion. Soils are sandy,

loamy sands, or organic loams of the Rains-Lynchburg-Plummer-Golds-@-

boro association in the southern portion and sandy soils of the Eustis-

Klej-Lakeland association in the northern portion. Soils are alluvial

in origin. The Citronelle dominates subsurface geology. Swamps and

marshes fill most low areas and are tidal-influenced. Surface waters

are mostly brackish in the south and fresh in the north. Salt-water

encroachment is a danger in shallow aquifers south of Mary Walker Bayou.

Biological Characteristics: GAPC A-2 is botanically classi fied as a

southern mixed forest. Pines are dominant inland while oaks, magnolias,

and cypress are predominant near and on Mary Walker Bayou, West Pasca-

goula River, Bluff Creek and the Mississippi Sound. Wildlife is lacking

in both diversity and abundance inland, but becomes more abundant near

water courses.

Impact Type: 2, 3, and 4-b.

Impact Degree: 2.

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JACKSON COUNTY
MISSISSI PPI

GAUTIER

LOCATION MAP

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JACKSON COUNTY
3.
MISSISSIPPI

@ORANGE GROVE

LOCATION MAP

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3. ORANGE GROVE (See Township Map T7S-R5W).

Geo aphic Delineation: East of Moss Point and Bayou Casotte In-

dustrial Park, south of the Escatawpa River Marsh, and nortH of

Bangs-Cumbest-Heron Tidal Marsh, covering all or part of sections

13, 14, 15, 22, 23, 26, 27, 34, and 35 in T7S-R5W. Ownership is

private.

Physical Characteristics: GAPC A-3 is physiographically classified

as part of the Coastal Pine Meadows. Topography. is level or near-

level. Average elevation is 6'. Soils are poorly drained loamy

Soils of the Rains-L ynchburg-Plummer-Goldsboro association. Soils

are alluvial in origin. The Citronelle dominates subsurface geology.

Swamps and marshes fill low areas and are tidal-influenced. Surface

waters are mostly fresh. Salt-water encroachment is a problem in

shallow aquifers. Land subsidence, frequent flooding, and a water-

table at or near the surface are major problems facing urbanization

of GAPC A-3.

Biological Characteristics: GAPC A-3 is botanically classified as

a southern mixed forest. Pines are the predominant vegetation. Wild-

life is diverse and abundant, especially in or near swamps and marshes.

Impact Typ 2, 3, and 4-c.

Impact Degree: 3.

4. ST. MARTIN (See Township Maps T6S-R9W and T7s-RBW).

Geographic Delineation: East of the Harrison County line,'noxth of

Biloxi Bay and Old Fort Bayou, south of Bayou Costapia, and west

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-of the Sandhill Crane Preserve-Ocean Springs Unit, covering all or

part of sections 25, 26, 27, 34, 35, and 36 in T6S-R9W; sections 7,

8, 9, 17, 18, 19, and 20 in T7S-R8W; and sections 1, 2, 3, 10, 11, 12,

13, 14, 15, 24, 25, and 26 in T7S-R9W. Ownership is private.

Physical Characteristics: GAPC A-4 is physiographically classified

as part of the Coastal Pine Meadows. Topography is gently rolling

with maximum slopes of 18%. Average elevati on varies from 15' south

of I-10 to.40' north of I-10. Soils consist of poorly-drained loamy

Soils of. the Rains-Lynchbu--g@Pluinmer-Goldsboro association in the

southern and western section of GAPC A-4, sandy soils of the Eustis-

Klej-Lakeland association in the eastern sections, and'loamy soils

of the Goldsboro-Lynchburg@Norfolk association in the northern sec-

tion. Soils are alluvial in origin. Subsurface geology is dominated

tythe Citronelle south of 1-10 and the Graham Perry formation north

of 1-10. Low areas south of I-10 are filled with swamps and marshes

and are tidal-influenced. Salt-water encroachment is a danger in

shallow aquifers south of t-10.

Biological Characteristics: GAPC A-4 is botanically classified as a

southern mixed forest. Live oak, cypress, and magnolia dominate the--

bay front and bayous while pines dominate inland areas. Wildlife

is diverse and abundant.

Impact Type: 2, 3, and 4-a.

Impact Degree: 1.

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JACKSON COUNTY
MISSISSIPPI
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OCEAN SPRINGS (OUTSIDE.CITY.LIMITS)

LOCATION MAP

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5. OCEAN SPRINGS (outside incorporated area) (See Township Map T7S-R8W).

Geographic Delineation: South of Old Fort Bayou, wes t of Fontainbleau,

and east of Ocean Springs and Gulf Park, covering all or part of sections
13, 14,' 2-2, 23, 24, 25, and 36 in T7S-R8W. Ownership is private.

Physical Characteristics: GAPC A-5 is physiographically classified as

part of the Coastal Pine Meadows. Topography is level or near level.

Elevation averages 20'. Soils are poorly drained loamy soils of the
Rains-1 Lynchburg-Plummer-Goldsboro association. Soils are alluvial in

origin. Subsurface geology is dominated by the Citronelle. Low areas

are filled with swamps and marshes which are tidal-influenced. Surface

waters are brackish and salt7-ivater encroachment is a danger in shallow
aquife'rs.

Biological Characteristics: GAPC A-5 is botanically classified as a

southern mixed forest. Inland areas are dominated by pines while live

oaks and magnolias dominate the area near Old Fort Bayou. Wildlife is

generally lacking in diversity and abundance.

Impact Type: 2, 3, and 4-a.

Imapct Degree: 1.

6. GULF PARK (See Township Maps T7S-R8W and T8S-RBW).

Geographic Delineation: South of Ocean Springs, north of Belle Fon-

tain Marsh and Biloxi Bay, east of Davis Bayou and Marsh, and west of

St. Andrews covering all or part of sections 34 and 35 in T7S-R8W and

sections 1, 2, 3, 10, 11, and 12 in T8S-R8W. Ownership is private.

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JACKSON COUNTY
MISSISSIPPI

GULF PARK

LOCATION MAP

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Physical Characteristics: GAPC A-6 is physiographically classified

as part of the Coastal Pine Meado;@s. Topography is generally level

with maximum slopes of 12%. Average elevation is 121. Soils are

sandy soils of the Eustis-Klej-Lakeland association south of Davis

Bayou Marsh and poorly-drained loamy soils of the Rains-Lynchburg-

Plummer-Goldsboro association north of Davis Bayou Marsh. Soils

are alluvial in origin. The Citronelle dominates subsurface geo-

logy. Tidal marshes divide GAPC A-6 in half and marshes fill most

low area s. Surface waters are brackish. Salt-water encroachment

is a danger in shallow aquifers.

Biological Characteristics: GAPC A-6 is botanically classified as

a southern mixed forest. Scrub pine is dominant except near Davis

Marsh where live oaks and magnolias become more common. Wildlife

is generally lacking in both diversity and abundance except near

Davis Bayou Marsh.

Impact Type: 2 3, and 4-b.

Impact Degree: 2.

7. ESCATAWPA (See Township Maps T6S-R4W +T6S-R5W, T6S-R6W,T7S-R53.,

and T7S-R6W).

Geographic Delineation: South of Mississippi Power Company Industrial

Parks, north of Moss Point, east of Pascagoula River., and west of Black

Creek, covering all or part of sections 13, 14, 23, 24, 25, 26, 35, and

36 in T6S-R6W; sections 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, and 34 in T6S-R4W +

T6S-R5W; gections 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 in T7S-R5W; and sections

1, 2, 11, 12, 13, and 14 in T7S-R6W. Ownership is ptivate.

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MISSISSIPPI

ESCATAWPA

LOCATION PAP

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Physical Characteristics: GAPC A-7 is physiographically classified

as part of the Coastal Pine Meadopi@. Topography is generally level

with maximum slopes of 5%. Average elevation is 15'. Soils are poor-

ly drained soils of the Bayboro-Coxville-Dunbar association and have

a clayey subsoil. Soils are alluvial in origin. The Citronelle dom-

inates subsurface geology. Swamps and marshes fill low areas. Sur-

face waters are brackish in the southern portion and fresh in the

northern section. Salt-water encroachment is a danger in shallow

aquifers.

Biological Characteristics: GAPC A-7 is botanically classified as a

southern mixed forest. Pines dominate inland areas while hardwoods

dominate fringe areas along streams and marshes. wildlife is diverse

and abundant, especially near marshes.

Impact Tgpe: 2, 3, and 4-c.

Imeact Degree: 3.

8. VANCLEAVE (See Township Map T6S-R7W).

Geographic Delineation: North of Fontainbleau Unit of the Mississippi

Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge following and roughly ;@ to one

mile on either si"de of Highway 57, covering all or part of sections 4,

5, 9, 10, 15, 16, 19, 20, 21, 281 29, and 30 in T6S-R7W. Ownership is

private except for 16th section lands.

Physical Characteristics: GAPC A-9 is physiographically classified as

part of the Coastal Pine Meadows. Topography is generally rolling with

maximum siopes of 12%. Elevation averages 30'. Soils are loamy soils

of the Goldsboro-Lynchburg-Norfolk association. Soils are alluvial in

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JACKSON COUNTY
MISSISSIPPI

VANCLEAVE

MCATION MAP

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origin. The Graham Ferry formation dominates subsurface geology.

Low areas are filled with swamps and sloughs. Surface waters are

fresh.

Biological Characteristics: GAPC 9 is'botanically classified as a

southern mixed forest. Pines dominate upland areas while hardwoods

dominate stream bottoms. Wildlife is diverse.and ab.undant. The

sandhill crane is sometimes seen in this area.

Impact Type: 2, 3, and 4-a

Impact Degree: 1.

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JACKSON COUNTY
MISSISSIPPI

BAYOU CASOTTE

LOCATION MAP

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B. -INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENTS

1. BAYOU CASOTTE (See Township Maps T7S-R5W and T8S-R5W).

Geographic Delineation: South of U,S, 90, north and west of Bangs-

Cumbest-Reron Tidal Marsh, and east of the City of Pascagoula, cover-

ing all or part of sections 27, 28, 32, 33,' and 34 in T7S-R5W. Owner-

ship'is private except for the Jacks- County Airport.

Physical Characteristics: CAPC B-1 is physiographically classified

as part of the Coastal Pine Meadows. The southern-most portion of

Bayou Casotte is made land. Topography is level with an average e-

l.evation of 5'. The northern portion consists of poorly drained

loamy!soils of the Rains-LyAdhburg-Plummer-Goldsboro association

while, the southern portion consists of muds dredged from Bayou Ca-

sotte. The Citronelle dominates subsurface giology. Low areas are

usually filled with swamps or marshes. Surface waters are brackish.

Salt-water encroachment is a problem in shallow aquifers. Air pollu-

tion is a special problem area.

Biological Characteristics: Scrub pines, low shrubs, and grasses

are the dominate vegetation. Wildlife is generally i-acking because

of intensive industrial development.

Impact Type: 1, 2, and 4-c.

Im
pact Degree: 3.

2. MISSISSIPPI POWER COMPANY GENERATING FACILITY AND INDUSTRIAL PARK

TWO SITES (See Township Maps T6S-R6W and T6S-R6W + T6S-R5w).

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ACKSON COUNTY
Mississippi

MISSISSIPPI POWER COMPANY AND INDUSTRIAL PARK

LOCATION PIAP

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Geographic Delineation: The Mississippi Power Company Generating

Facility is located southwest of Highway 63'and west of Pascagoula

River, covering all or part of sections 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 14, and

15 in T6S-R6W. The future Industrial Park is located south of High-

way 63, and west of Mississippi Export Railroad, covering all or

part*of sections 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, and 21 in T6S-R5W and sections

13 and 24 in T6S-R6W. Ownership is private.

Physical Characteristics: GAPC B-2 is physilographically cZassified

as part of the Coastal Pine Meadows. Topography is generally level

to near-level. Average elevation is 30' except in the western por-

tion of the Mississippi Power Company Generating Facility Site.

Soils of both sites consist of poorly drained clayey soils of the

Bayboro-Coxville-Dunbar association. Flooded alluvial soils of the

Pascagoula River Floodplain make up the western portion of the gen-

eration facility site. The Citronelle dominates subsurface geology.

Swamps and slou ghs fill low areas. Surface waters are fresh. Air

pollution is a special problem area.

Biological Characteristics: GAPC B-2 is botanically classified as

a southern mixed forest. Pines dominate upland vegetation while cy-

press, tupelo, and other wetland species dominate the Pascagoula River

Floodplain portion. Wildlife is sparse on upland areas and abundant

on lowland areas.

Impact Ty pe: 1, 2, and 4-b.

Impact Degree: 2.

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JACKSON COUNTY
MISSISSIPPI

-ROUND ISLAND

LOCATION MAP

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C. NATURAL AREAS

1. ROUND ISLAND (See MMRC Coastal Beaches Map).

Geographic Delineation: South of Pascagoula Bay,-north of Horn Is-
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land, located in the Mississippi Sound. Ownership is private.

Physical Characteristics: GAPC C-1 is a natural island. Topogra-

phy is level to near-level with an average elevation of 3'. Soils

are sandy wetsoils or loamy sands of the.tidal marsh association.

Low areas are filled with marshes which are tidal-influenced. Sur-

face waters are mostly salty. Round Island is subject to littoral

drift and inundation from severe storms and hurricanes.

Biological Characteristics: GAPC C-1 is dominated by pines. Wild-

life is sparse and consists mostly of cottontail rabbits, mice, and

birds. Mollusks are common along the beaches.

IELact Type: 4-b.
Imp!ct Degree: 2.

2.MISSISSIPPI SOUND (Portions shown on Township Maps T7S-R9W, T7S-

R8W, T8S-R8W, T8S-R7W, T8S-R6W, T8S-R5W, and T8S-R4W).

Geographic Delineation: That portion of Mississippi Sound under the

political jurisdiction of Jackson County including the water surface

and bottom area from the Harrison County line on the west to the Ala-

bama line on the east and extending three nautical miles from shore.

Physical Characteristics: GAPC C-2 is a body of water. Salinity,

varies from salty in the southern portion to brackish near the coast.

All salty water, however, is diluted with fresh water to some extent.

The bottom consists of thick sediments, sands, or clays. Depth aver-

ages 2 fathoms.

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JACKSON COUNTY
MISSISSIPPI

MISSISSIPPI SOU ND

LOCATION MAP

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Biological Characteristics: GAPC C-2 is part of the Gulf Coast Fertile

Cresent, one of the world's-most productive fisheries areas. The entire

Mississippi Sound is a fisheries nursery, with the waters off the deltaic

region from Belle Fontaine Point to the Alabama line being exceptionally

productive.

Impact Type: 1, 4-b.

Impact Degree: 2.

3. BEACHES

a. BELLE FONTAINE-GULF PARK-GAUTIER (See MMRC Coastal Beaches Map).

Geographic Delineation: Belle Fontaine Beach is located south of St.

Andrews and Belle Fontaine Marsh, bordering on the Mississippi Sound,
occupying all or part of section 13 in T8S-R8W and sections 17,' 18, and

19 in T8S-R7W. Gulf Park Beach is located south.of Davis Bayou Marsh,

bordering on the Mississippi Sound, occupying all or part of sections 3,

4, and 10 in T8S-R8W. The Gautier Beaches are located south of Gautier

on the Mississippi Sound, occupying all or part of sections 1, 12, 13, 14,

and 15 in T8S-R7W and sections 3, 4, and 9 in T8S-R6W. Ownership is private.

Physical Characteristics: GAPC C-3-a are coastal beaches. A few gently

rolling dunes are present but topography is mostly level or near-level.

Soils are undeveloped., Erosion is a serious problem.

Biological Cha acteristics: Vegetation is sparse near the water but be-

comes prolific on the dunes and 50 to 100' from the water. Sea oats,

saltgrass, pennywort, goldenrod, prickly pear, and live oaks are the

predominant vegetation. Wildlife is sparse except for birds.

Impact Typ : 4-a.

Impact Degree: 1.

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JACKSON COUNTY AW T tk-*
MISSISSIPPI

BELLE FONTAINE-GULFPARK-GAUTIER BEACHES

LOCATION MAP

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JACKSON COUNTY
MISSISSIPPI

POINT Aux CHENES-BAYOU CUMBEST-GRAgD BAT TURE ISL'ANDS-SOUTH RIGOLETS-
ISLAND EACHES

LOCATION MAP

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b. POINT AUX CHENES-BAYOU CUMBEST-GRAND BATTUREISLANDS-SOUTH

RIGOLETS ISLAND (See MMRC Coastal Beach Map).

Geographic Delineation: Point Aux Chenes Beach is located south

of Bangs-Cumbest-Heron Tidal marsh bordering on the Missis@gippi Sound,'

occupying all or part of sections 23, 26, 27, and 28 in T8S-R5W. Bayou

Cumbest Beaches are located along and.on either side of Bayou Cumbest

in section 1 of T8S-R5W. Grand Batture Islands Beaches are located

south of Point Aux Chenes Bay in the Mississippi Sound. South Rigo-

lets Island Beaches are located south of Middle Bay bordering on the

Mississippi Sound, occupying part of section 17 in T8S-R4W. Ownership

is public and private.

Physical Characteristics: GAPC C-3-b are coastal beaches with little

or no dune development. Soils are undeveloped. Many of the beaches,

are surrounded by open water on one side and tidal marsh on the other.

Biological Characteristics: Vegetation is sparse and limited to marine

species and birds. Many of the beaches are littered with mollusk

shells.

Impact Type: 4-a.

Impact Degree: 1.

4. TIDAL MARSHES (See MMRC Tidal Marsh Map).

Geographic Delineation: Tidal Purshes are located along the coastal

areas of Jackson County, mostly south of 1-10 except in the Pascagoula

River Tidal Marsh. The tidal marshes are grouped into six major

areas:

(1) Fort Bayou and Biloxi Bay Tidal Marshes, occupying all or part

of sections 13, 14, 15, 24, and 25 in T7S-R-QW and sections 18, 19,

-31-

20, 21, 22, and 21 in T7S-R8W;.

(2) Davis Bayou Tidal marshes, occupying all or part of sections

33, 34, and 35 in T7S-R8W and sections 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 in T8S -R8W;

(3) Belle Fontaine Tidal Marsh, occupying all or part of sections

10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 in T8S-R8W and sections 17 and 18 in T8S-R7W;

(4) Graveline Tidal Marsh, occupying all or part of sections

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, and 19 in T8S-R7W; sections 33, and

34 in T7S-R7W;

(5) Pascagoula-Escatawpa River Tidal Marshes, occupying all or

part of 24,.25, and 36 in T7S-R7W; sections 3, 4, 6, 9, 23, 14,

18, 30, 31, and 32, plus all unsurveyed land and water surface in

T7S-R6W; and the islands in the West Pascagoula and Middle Rivers

in T8S-R6W; sections 31 and 40 in T6S-R6W; and sections 1, 2, 3,

25, 26, 34, 35, and 36 in T6S-R7W;

(6) Bangs-Cumbest-Heron Tidal Marsh, occupying all or part of

sections 1, 2, 3, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27,

28, and 29 in T8S-R5W; sections 25, 34, 35, and 36 in T7S-R5W;

sections 5, 6, 7, 8, 17, and 18 in T8S-R4W; and sections 19, 20,

29, 30, 31, and 32 in T7S-R4W. Ownership is public and private.

Physical Characteristics: GAPC C-6 is a tidal marsh with little
or no dry land. Tidal marshes'are at or below sea level and are

tidal-influenced. Brackish surface waters cover mucky organic

soils.

Biological Characteristics: Marsh grasses are the dominant

vegetation and are cut by numerous watercourses. Marine and

-32-

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JACKSON COUNTY
MISSISSIPPI t 1

TIDAL MARSHES

LOCATION MAP

-33-

marsh species are the dominant wildlife. Tidal marshes are

essential nursery areas and habitat for shellfish, fresh and

saltwater fish, and waterfowl.

Impgct Type: 4-b.

Impact Degree: 2.

5. COASTAL WETLANDS (See MMRC Coastal Wetlands Map).

Geographic Delineation: Wetlands are contiguous with tidal

marshes and include, in addition, the following sections: 13,

16, 17, and 25 in T7S-R8W; 11, 12, 26,.29, and 32 in T7S-R7W;

1, 11, 12, and 14 in T8S-R7W; 2, 3, 4, and 9 in T8S-R6W; 27,

28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, and 34 in T6S-R6W; 2, 11, and 12 in

T7S-R6W; 25, 26, 34, and 36 in T6S-R5W; and 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9,

10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23, 24, and 26 in

T7S-R5W. In addition, all Mississippi Sound waters under the

jurisdiction of Jackson County are considered part of the coastal

wetlands. Ownership is public and private.

Physical Characteristics: GAPC C-7 is coastal wetland. Wetlands

include tidal marshes and water-related lands adjacent to water-

courses and above the tidal marshes. Emergent land is usually

composed of mucky organic soils..

Biological Characteristics: The marsh grasses of the tidal marsh

are succeeded by larger plants in the wetlands such as shrubs,

tupelo, and cypress. Wildlife is abundant on emergent lands

and freshwater fish thrive in the waters of the wetlands.

Impact Type: 4-b.

Impact Degree: 2.

-34-

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JACKSON COUNTY
MISSISSIPPI

COASTAL WETLANDS

LOCATION MAP

-35-

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JACKSON COUNTY
MISSISSIPPI

OYSTER BEDS AND REEFS

LOCATION MAP

-36-

6. OYSTER BEDS AND REEFS (See MMRC oyster bed map).

Geographic Delineation: Oyster beds and reefs are located in

the lakes, bayous, and offshore. They are divided into three

major areas:

(1) Ocean Springs Oyster Beds, located south of Ocean Springs;

(2) Gautier Oyster Beds, located in Graveline Bay, Graveline

Bayou, and in a triangular area south of Gautier and the mouths

of the West Pascagoula and Middle Rivers; and

(3) Bangs-Cumbest-Heron Oyster Beds, located in Bangs Bay,

Bangs Bayou, Jose Bay, and Middle Bay.

Ownership is public.

Physical Characteristics: GAPC C-8 consists of oyster beds an d

reef. The oyster beds are usually covered by 2 to 6' of brack-

ish or saltwater. The water is usually laden with silt and or-

ganic nutrients. Oyster beds are established on relatively firm

sand, silt, or sandy silt bottorro.

Biological Characteristics: The oyster beds of Jackson County

are highly productive. The Gautier Oyster Beds are the world's

most Productive because of organic nutrients supplied by the

Pascagoula Rivei. Other marine organisms are also common in

oyster bed areas.

Impact Type: 4-b.

Impact Degree: 2.

7. FLOODWAYS-PASCAGOULA-ESCATAWPA-OLD FORT BAYOU DRAINAGE SYSTEMS

(See Township Maps T4S-RBW, T4S-R7W, T4S-R6W, T4S-R4W + T4S-R5W,

T5S-R4W + T5S-R5W, T5S-R6W, T5S-R7W, T6s-R7W, T6S-R6W, T6S-R4W

-37-

T6S-R5W, T7S-R5W, T7S-R6W, T7S-R7W, and T7S-R8W).

Geographic Delineation: 2@he Pascagoula Floodway includes Red

Creek and Black Creek and occupies sections 2, 6, and the unsurveyed

areas of T7S-R6W; sections 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14,

15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34,

35,- 39, 41, 42, and 43 in T6S-R6W; sections.4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,

15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22., 27, 28, 29, 30r 31, 32, 33, 37, 38,

40, 41, 42, and 43 in T5S-R6W; sections 5, 7, 8, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21,

22, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, and 43 in T4S-R6W;

sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17,

22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, and 40 in T4S-R7W;

and sections 1, 2, 11, 12, 13, 17, 24, 37, 38, and 39 in T5S-R7W.

The Escatawpa floodway includes Franklin Creek, Big Creek, Black

Creek, and significant swamps and sloughs in or near these floodways,

and occupies sections 1, 2, 3, 8, .9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and

22., in T7S-R5W; sections 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 181

21, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 19, 20, 22, 33, 34, 35, and 36.in T6S-R5W;

sections 1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20,

21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 35, and 36 in

T5S-R5W; sections 2, 3, 11, 13, 14, 23, 24, 25, 26, 35, 36, and 37 in

T4S-R5W; sections 15, 22, 23, 24, 25, and 36 in T4S-R6W; section

30 in T4S-R4W; sections 6, 7, 19, 29, 30, 31, and 32 in T5S-R4W;

and sections 5, 6, 7, 8, 17, 18, 19, 20, 29, 30, 31, and 32 in

T6S-R4W. Ownership is private and public. The Mississippi Game

and Fish Commission is buying sections of the Pascagoula floodway

for a game management area.

-38-

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COUNTY
JACKSON
MISSISSIPPI

FLOODWAYS

LOCATION MAP

-.39-

Physical Characteristics: The floodways of the Pascagoula-

Escatawpa Drainage Systems are characterized by dense broadleaf

forests and water-tolerant vegetation. Topography is level

to near level with scattered islands and hummocks rising a few

feet above the floodway bottom. Elevation varies from a high

near 40' in the north to a low near sea leval in the south.

Soils are water-saturated alluvium. Surface waters are fresh.

These floodways are important as aquifers and in reducing the

severity.of floods.

Biological Characteristics: GAPC C-9 is dominated by hardwood

and water-tolerant trees. Wildlife is diverse and abundant.

Impact Type: 4-b.

Impact Degree: 2.

8. SEAGRASS AREAS (See MMRC seagrass areas map)-

Geographic Delineation: Seagrass areas are divided into four

major areas;

(1) South.of Davis Bayou Tidal Marsh in Biloxi Bay;

(2) East of Point Aux Chenes in the Mississippi Sound and Point

Aux Chenes.Bay;

(3) South of Bangs-Cumbest-Heron Tidal Marsh between Bangs Bayou

and Jose Bay; and

4) South of Point Aux Chenes Bay surrounding the Grand Batture

Islands.

Ownership is public.

Physical Characteristics: GAPC C-8 are seagrass areas. These

areas are usually found under 2.to 8' of salty to brackish water.

The bottom is usually level and is composed of sediments.

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Biological Characteristics: GAPC C-10 are productive fisheries

nurseries. Immature marine orgapisms seek'safety and shelter

in the seagrass. Shoal grass, mantee grass, turtle grass, and

widgeon grass dominate the seagrass areas.

Impact Type: 4-b.

Impact Degree: 2.

-42-

D. H*ISTORICAL-ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES (See MYRC Historical-Archaeological

Sites Map).

Geographic Delineation: Archaeological sites, mostly In di an mounds

and middens, are located throughout Jackson County. The approximate

locations of these sites are within sections 2, 28, and 31 in T5S-

R6W; sections 1, 2, 20, 23, 34, and 43 in T6S-F6W; section 30 and

three separate sites in the unsurveyed part of T7S-R6W; sections

19 and 32 in T&S-R4W; sections 14, 26, and 28 in T8S-R5W; sections

13 and 25 in T7S-R8W; and sections 4, 5 (2 sites), 6, 14, 16, 17

(2 sites), and 18 in T8S-R7W. Historical sites consist of Old Place

Plantation in section 2 of T8S-R6W and Old Fields Plantation in sec-

tion 12 of T8S-R7W. Ownership is public and private.

Physical Characteristics: The archaeological sites consist of mounds

or earth or shell middens constructed by Indians in historic and pre-

historic times. The historic sites are plantations dating from the

19th-century and consist of a historic house and manicured lawns and

grounds.

Biological Characteristics: Most of the archaeological sites are re-

mote and are covered with vegetation. The two historic sites are re-

nowed for their ma gnificent live oaks and magnolias.

Impact Type: 3 and 4-a:

Impact Degree: 1.

-43-

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JACKSON COUNTY
MISSISSIPPI

H
HISTORICAL SITES ---- ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES

LOCATION MAP

-44-

E. GULF ISLANDS NARIONAL SEASHORE. MISSISSIPPI DISTRICT OFFICE AND PARK

(See RMRC Federal Ownership Map).

Geo phic Delineation: South of Ocean Springs on.Davis and Stark

Bayous, occupying all or part of sections 28 and 33 in T7S-R8W.

Ownership is public.

Physical Characteristics: GAPC E is physiogiLaphically classified

as part of the Coastal Pine Meadows. Topography is level or near

level and.average elevation is 6'. Soils are poorly drained loamy

soils of the Rains-Lynchburg-Plummer-Goldsboro association. Subsur-

face geology is dominated by the Citronelle. Surface waters are

brackish.

Biological Characteristics: GAPC E is botanically classified as

a southern mixed forest. This area is noted for its magnificent live

oaks, magnolias, and cypress. wildlife is abundant in or near marsh

areas of GAPC E.

Im@act Type: 4-a.

Impact Degree: 1.

-45-

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JACKSON COUNTY
MISSIMPPI 141

GULF ISLANDS NATIONAL SEASHORE

LOCAT10,11, MAP

-46-

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Air and Water Pollution Control Commission. State of Mississippi.
Water Quality Criteria for Intrastate, Interstate, and
Coastal Waters. Jackson, Mississippi. 1974. 13 p.

Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972. U.S.

Coastal Wetlands Protection Law of 1973. State of Mississippi.

County and Elected Officials. Interviews. Jackson County, Missis-
sippi. June-July, 1976.

Gulf Coast Research Laboratory. Cooperative Gulf of Mexico
Estuarine Inventory. Ocean Springs, Mississippi.1973. 434 p.

Gulf Regional Planning Commission. Areas of Particular Concern and
Priority of Uses. Gulfport, Mississippi. 1976. 24 p.

Gulf Regional Planning Commission. Parametric Overview of Land Use
and Socio-Econoraic Activities. Gulfport, Mississippi. 1976. 85 p.

Lyles, Charles. Mississippi Marine Conservation Commission. Inter-
@ view. Biloxi, Mississippi. July, 1976.

New Orleans Geological Society. Geology of the Mississippi-Alabama
Coastal Area and Nearshore Zone. New Orleans, Louisiana.1973. 67 p.

TAB Mapping Company. "Jackson County, Mississippi, Ownership Maps."
Lucedale, Mississippi. 1973.

U.S. Congress. Senate. National Ocean Policy Study. Oil and Gas
Development and Coastal Zone Management. Washington, D.C.:
GPO, 1974. 450 p.

U. S. Department of Agriculture. Soil Conservation Service. Soil
Survey: Jackson County, Mississippi. Washington,.D.C.: GPO,
1964. 65 p. + photos.

Mississippi Geological Survey. Geology and Ground-Water Resources
of the.Coastal Area in Mississippi. University, Mississippi.
1944. 199 p.

Ware,'Lewis, and Eaton. Existing Land Use Study: Jackson County,
Mississippi. Jackson, Mississippi. 1971. 29 p. + maps.

Gulf Regional, Planning Commission. Regional Land Use Plan.. Gulf-
port, Mississippi. 1973. 60 p. + maps.

US Department of Commerce
L:,-,A Coastal ServiCOB Center Library
South Hobson AV4MUO
Cl.arleston, SC 294OS-2413