Interim report on permissible land and water uses in the Mississippi coastal zone

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

INTERIM REPORT
on
PERMISSIBLE LAND AND WATER USES
in the

MISSISSIPPI COASTAL ZONE

DRAFT

HD
211
.M7
158
1977
no.3
SSIPPI MARINE MARINE RESOURCES COUNCIL
COASTAL ZONE
INFORMATION CENTER M M RC CZM Report 003

INTERIM REPORT

PERMISSIBLE LAND AND WATER USES

in the

MISSISSIPPI COASTAL ZONE

D R A F T

Prepared by

Mississippi Marine Resources Council

April 1977

MMRC CZM Report 003
US Department Of Commerce
NOAA Coastal Services Center Library
2234 South Hobson Avenue
Charleston, SC 29405-2413

The preparation of this document was partially
financed through a federal grant frem the U. S.
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, as authorized by
Section 305 of the Coastal Zone Management Act
of 1972, as amended.

ABSTRACT

The requirements of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 specify, in part,

that the State must develop an inventory of natural and man-made coastal resources,

must establish a method for analysis of the various land and water uses and their

impacts on the coastal waters, and must determine those uses which are subject to

the program.

The Mississippi Marine Resources Council is developing a Mississippi Coastal

Program under the provisions of the CZM Act and, as a part of this development

process, has developed the required inventory, has es tablished the required

methodology, and has determined those land and water uses which are to be subject

to the program. This work, like every phase of the development process, is subject

to revision.

Although the boundary of the State's coastal zone has not as yet been delineated,

the Council has concentrated its planning efforts first within the six southernmost

counties of the state (Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Pearl River, Stone and George),

and more recently within the three coastal counties (Hancock, Harrison and Jackson).

The Council has prepared this interim report in draft form in order to assist the

local, state and federal agencies and others who may be af fected by the program. A

revision of the material contained in this report will be included as a part of the

draft Mississippi Coastal Program. The draft program will be subject to formal

public hearings, action by the State Legislature and the Governor, and approval

by the Department of Commerce before it can be implemented.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Four of the seven elements which go into development of a Coastal Zone Management

program relate to: (1) the boundary of the coastal zone, (2) specific areas

within that boundary, (3) the manner in which these areas and,their resources can

be utilized, and (4) the method by which this utilization is regulated. There are

numerous other aspects of a CZM program which will be embodied in the draft

Mississippi Coastal Program, including a vast number of specific details, policies

and regulations, but these are the basic parts of a working program.

The third of these four basic elements, the manner in which the coastal zone's

resources may be used, directly addresses the primary objective of the CZM Act.

It also is liable to result in the most controversy.

This report provides an extensive inventory of both natural and man-made resources

of the coastal zone, including the historical and geological background of the

area. The inventory goes into details of population, industrial and recreational

facilities, transportation and other developments in Hancock, Harrison and

Jackson counties.

The various land and water uses of these resources which can have direct and

significant impact on the coastal waters, and thus are subject to the management

program, are then defined and listed. Matrixes are included in.the.appendix

listing these uses and evaluating them as to their sign ificance, impact and the

various support services and uses they would require.

An extensive methodology is then described for de.termi.ning those land and water

resource uses which are to be classified as permissibl e and subject to the program.

This methodology is to be applied to individual uses on a case-by-case basis

for analysis. This methodology is shown in flow chart form in the appendix.

All of the material contained in this report is preliminary in nature and is

published on an interim basis. It is being distributed to concerned individuals

and agencies for comment prior to revision and inclusion as a part of the draft

Mississippi Coastal Program. This program will be considered during formal public

hearings prior to submission to the Legislature and Governor, and to the

Department of Commerce, Office of Coastal Zone Management, for approval.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The Mississippi Marine Resources Council acknowledges the cooperation and

assistance of Southern Mississippi Planning and Development District for

technical and graphic assistance in the preparation of this report.

Acknowledgement is also extended to Gulf Regional Planning Commission for

major portions of the Inventory of Natural and Man-made Coastal Resources.

Acknowledgement is also-extended to Gulf Coast Research Laboratory for

historical and geological sketches obtained from the Cooperative Gulf of

Mexico Estuarine Inventory and Study--Mississippi.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

PART I INTRODUCTION 1

PART II INVENTORY OF NATURAL AND MAN-MADE COASTAL RESOURCES 4

Requirements of the CZM Act 5

Purpose 6

Historical Sketches 7

Geological Sketches 10
Population and Land Use i4

Significant Man-Made Coastal Resources, 28

Significant Natural Coastal Resources 40

PART III PERMISSIBLE LAND. AND WATER USES 55

Requirements of the CZM Act 56

Purpose 57

Land and Water Uses 58

Permissible Uses 73

Methodology for Determining Resource Uses to be
Permitted and Managed 77

vii

LIST OF TABLES

TABLE PAGE

1 POPULATION GROWTH PATTERNS 15

2 MUNICIPAL POPULATION 16

3 COUNTYWIDE POPULATION ESTIMATES 17

4 EXISTING LAND USE SUMMARIES 20

5 HARRISON COUNTY RESIDENTIAL-COMMERCIAL ANALYSIS 24

6 NAVIGATION CHANNELS IN THE MISSISSI-PPI SOUND 33

7 REGIONAL INDUSTRIAL SITES 47

8 INDUSTRIAL PARK SUMMARY 50

9 REGIONAL PARKS AND RECREATION AREAS 51

10 PERMISSIBLE LAND USES 74

11 PERMISSIBLE WATER USES 76

LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURE PAGE

I MISSISSIPPI SOUND BASE, CHANNEL AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS 32

2 LAND USE EVALUATION MATRIX Appendix

3 WATER USE EVALUATION MATRIX Appendix

4 ANAL YSIS FRAMEWORK Appendix

viii

THE FOLLOWING GUIDE RELATES THE OCZM REQUIREMENTS FOR PROGRAM APPROVAL (SECTION 306)
TO MISSISSIPPI'S COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT

REQUIREMENTS
15 CFR 923, SECTION PART PAGE

.12 PERMISSIBLE LAND AND WATER USES II

DEFINITIONS

Coastal Waters those waters adj acent to the shorelines, including

but not limited to - sounds, bays,.bayous, and

estuaries.

Coastal Wetlands as defined by the Mi ssissippi Coastal Wetlands

Protection Law, "means all publicly owned lands

subject to the ebb and flow of the tide; which

are below the watermark of ordinary high tide;

all publicly owned accretions above the water-

mark of ordina ry high tide. The term 'coastal

wetlands' shall be interpreted to include the

.flora and fauna on the wetlands and in the

wetlands."

Coastal Zone all those lands within the three Mississippi

coastal counties of Hancock, Harrison and

Jackson Counties including the Primary,

Secondary and Tertiary Coastal Areas.

Direct and Significant any Iacti vity initiated by man causing a
Impact discernible and/or predictable modification of

the coastal wetlands. [ All reasonable and

appropri ate uses having a direct and significant

impact will be permitted if action is taken to

protect against adverse effects to the economy,

public health, the land and its vegetations

and wildlife, and the waters within the coastal

zone and their aquatic life.]

DEFINITIONS (CONTINUED)

Land Use activities conducted on coastal lands above

the watermark of ordinary high tide and abutting

the state wetlands and includes activities which

utilize and/or influence nearshore submerged

lands of the coastal wetlands.

Permissible land and those uses that, by their very nature, are
water uses
dependent to a coastal location adjacent to or

on the state wetlands and have a direct and

significant impact on coastal waters. [Such

uses cause change in: Shoreline configurations,

flow of littoral currents, bottom characteristics

and other effects which influence, displace or

result in loss of marine biota and/or with

associated impact(s).]

Person any natural person, partnership, joint stock

company, corporate entity, unincorporated

association or society, or the state and any

agency thereof, or any county, municipality,

or political subdivision, or any other corporation

,of any character whatsoever.

DEFINITIONS (CONTINUED)

Primary Coastal Area -.all publicly owned lands.subj ect to the ebb

and flow of the tide which are below the water-

mark of ordinary high tide; all publicly owned

accreations above the watermark of ordinary

high tide; a,ll publicly owned submerged water

bottoms below the watermark of ordinary high

tide and those areas between the natural banks

of tidal influenced riverine systems.

Private - the facility or activity is not available to

the public.

Public - any facility, activity or service that is available

to all people on a "first come first serve" basis.

Ownership may rest with a city, county, the state,

an individual, or a corporation.

when applied to transportation uses, is considered

in the alternate sense of the term, that of being

in general service to the community, region and

nation.

Secondary Coastal Area all upland areas, not owned or controlled by

entities of the U.S. Government, which are between

the watermark of ordinary high tide and the elevation

of thirteen and one-tenth feet (13.5') above mean

sea level, or those upland areas from the natural

xii

DEFINITIONS (CONTINUED)

Secondary Coastal Area (cont.) banks of tidal influenced riverine systems

up to the highest level of flooding that, on

an average, is likely to occur once every one

hundred (100) years or that has a one (1.0)

percent chance of occurring each year.

Semi-Public there ar e certain prerequisites that must be

satisfied prior to use of a facility, such as

ownership of a lot within a subdivision before

a boat slip can be rented at the particular

development's marina. However, the facility

is available to all people who own land

in the subdivision development.

Tertiary Coastal Area - all those lands within the coastal counties of

Hancock, Harrison and Jac kson.

Water Use - activities which are conducted on and/or in the

coastal waters, and offshore facilities resting'

on, supported by or utilizing wetlands.

xiii

PART I

INTRODUCTION

One of the national policies spelled out in the Coastal Zone

Management Act is to assist the states in considering the ecological,

cultural, historic and esthetic values of the coastal zone in addition

to the needs for economic development.

All of the other elements of the Mississippi Coastal Program are

simply a means of leading into direct consideration of these values and

needs, the objective directly addressed in this interim report.

It is through the Mississippi Coastal Program that this state

seeks to enable an orderly development of the rapidly growing coastal

zone for the maximum benefit of this and future generations while

insuring the future maintenance and utilization of the area's resources.

The Mississippi Marine Resources Council, through a series of

contracts with other agencies and investigators in the past several

years, has sought to identify those natural and man-made coastal resources

in order to establish a framework for the coastal program. Several tests

were applied to the various resource uses to determine what activities

have a direct and significant impact on the coastal waters. Once these

uses were determined and were analyzed by use of the methodology , those

uses that met its test were determined to be subject to the program.

Other aspects of this task involved defining "direct and signi-

ficant" impacts and a methodology for determining which uses have such

an impact and, thus, are subject to the program.

The results of these efforts have be en compiled by the Council and

its staff into the element of the Mississippi Coastal Program known as

Permissible Land and Water Uses.

PART II

INVENTORY OF NATURAL AND MAN-MADE

COASTAL RESOURCES

REQUREMENTS OF THE CZM ACT.

Section 923.12 (Title 15 CFR) requires that the management program shall include

an inventory of natural and man-made coastal resources."

PURPOSE

The first task in determining those uses which have a direct and significant
impact on the coastal waters was to obtain information base concerning land use

and population. This base included existing and projected trends in industry,

commerce, recreation and transportation. These findings are presented in this

part, along with supplementary information concerning late history of the coast,

the geology and geography of the coastal area.

HISTORICAL SKETCHES

SIXTEENTH AND SEVENTEENTH CENTURY

Maps of this period offer the best means of following the progress of early

discoveries in the Gulf of Mexico. A review of these early events is adequate

from a Gulf-wide point of view.

Mississippi Sound was apparently first mapped as the "Mar Pequena" of the 1519

expedition of Don Alonzo Alvarez de Pineda. Although some details including

abundant oyster banks were noted, there remains some question as to whether

Pineda actually reached what is now the Mississippi River and named it the

"Rio del Espiritu Santu".

In 1528 the ill-fated expedition of P;nfilo de Narv;rez ended in the vicinity

of Mississippi Sound. Cabeza de Vaca survived this expedition to make further

explorations to the west. Although various explorers of several countries

continued to add something to knowledge of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, permanent

colonization did not begin until 1699.

SETTLEMENT TO STATEHOOD

Pierre le Moyne d'Iberville anchored his vessels at Ship Island on February 10, 1699.

After explorations up the Mississippi and, by a part of this expedition, Lake

Pontchartrain and Lake Maurepas, he placed a colony at "Vieux Biloxi". Although

there is still some argument about the exact original location of Fort Maurepas,

the first settlement, there now seems to be little question that it was first

built in the Biloxi Bay area.

The area fel-I unde r the rule of France, England and Spain as they jockeyed

for position in the New World. Final disposition occurred in 1810 when the

United States by a show of force at Baton Rouge took over the West Florida area.

Seven years later representatives of coastal counties participated in the writing
of the first Constitution of the State of Mississippi and admission to the Union

was granted on December 10, 1817.

In 1818 the legislature authoriz,ed a lottery to raise additional money for the

improvement of navigation channels in the Leaf, Chickasawhay and Pascagoula

Rivers. These streams were major factors in the state's transportation. A

1966 condition report on Pascagoula River channel improvement, first authorized

by Congress in 1899, shows the junction of the rivers at mile 81. Controlli.ng

depth to Dead Lake at mile 32 was 12 feet, with 3 feet to head of project.

The Chickasawhay and Leaf, according to historical reports were navigable "almost

any season of the year by vessels drawing not more than 5 feet" for distances of

130 and 60 miles, respectively. The Corps of Engineers in 1966 recommended abandonment

of-the maintenance authorization for Leaf and Chickasawhay rivers..

THE MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST

River transportation give way to the railroads about 1855. Prior to that time

at least 1 million bales of cotton moved down the Pascagoula system from as far

up river as Enterprise.

Mississippi briefly unfurled the Bonnie Blue flag and adopted the Magnolia flag

before joining the Confederacy. Jefferson Davis spent his last days at Beauvoir.

.Denudation of the virgin long leaf pine lands accelerated after The War Between

the States. Demand for lumber grew and saw mills were established. World W ar I

and the great depression that began with the stock market crash of 1929 had their

effect. By the mid-1930s the last of the "inexhaustible" virgin timber was

gone.

Fortunately for the watersheds of the Mississippi Coast the demand for pulpwood

led to reforestation. The location of pulp mills on waterways and the resultant

uncontrolled effluents was not so fortunate.

The ailing agrarian economy of the state was turned toward industry when

Governor Hugh White initiated his "Balance Agriculture with Industry" program.

Industrialization continues at a rapid pace.

Tourism got an early start in Coastal Mississippi. The haunting music of the

Singing River, the mineral waters at Ocean Springs, the beautiful and bountiful

estuarine waterways and the open-handed hospitality of the people contributed

to the development of this industry.

Fishing was important to the development of the Mississippi Gulf Coast from

the beginning. The fishing industry has often been overshadowed by others

such as the lumber boom and shipbuilding. However, utilization of estuarine

species in particular has been important and continuous.

The first shrimp cannery on the Mississippi coast was built in 1878 and was
noted in (188.7) the existence of "fishing establishments" on Horn Island.

From the founding of Biloxi in 1699, shellfish (shrimp and oysters) and fish

afforded a way of life for the settlers. These marine animals not only served as

a daily table staple, but were also used as barter for other essential items.

Increased activity in the latter part of the nineteenth century accounted for

considerable population increase from fishery workers who came and stayed. In

1901, one company alone shipped 525 carloads of shrimp and oysters.

Prior to and during United States participation in World War II expanding military

bases and shipbuilding activities resulted in greatly increased human population

density in coastal counties. Local and regional planning commissions have laid

ambitious plans for industrialization of the entire coastal area.

For over two and one half centuries of occupation by "civilized" man and through

undetermined thousands of years of Indian habitation, the coastal resources of

Mississippi have been exploited. Remarkably, these resources have continued

to renew themselves.

GEOLOGICAL SKETCHES

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Mississippi coast is classified as an "alluvial coast: terraced deltaic

plain". The slope of the coastal plain is fairly steep, reaching eight feet per
mile in some areas nearthe coast. The Pascagoula and Pearl Rivers flow through

Pleistocene and Recent deltas. St. Louis Bay and Biloxi Bay are minor.embayments

of drowned stream valleys. A series of low, parallel, elevated shoreline scarps

is evident. Relatively small drainage areas and the steep alluvial coast result

in marsh areas that are in relation to the Louisiana coast, comparatively narrow.

Mississippi Sound is bounded offshore by a series of barrier islands.with wide,

shallow passes. Deepe r water is found near the west end of the islands. Ship

channels are maintained off the west end of Petit Bois and Ship Islands.

The Pascagoula and Pearl Rivers, with drainage areas of 9,400 and 8,700 square

miles respectively have an average discharge into Mississippi Sound of 15,200
and 12,800icfs (cubic feet per second) respectively. Biloxi River, Wolf River
Jourdan River, Bayou Bernard and numerous smaller streams contribute to a total

estimate of 19,660 sq. mi. of drainage area and an avera ge discharge of 31,220

cfs. Additional fresh water enters the Sound from the Pontchartrain-Lake Borgne

drainage and Mobile Bay.

The climate in the area is humid, warm-temperate to sub-tropical. Some freeZing

weather always occurs during the winter and occasional winters include periods

of low temperature which result in surface ice on inland bays and bayous. Rain-

fall ranges from-34.5 to 90 inches per year, averaging 58.9.

In the Sound and adjacent waters many environmental factors vary areally and

temporally. Annual variation as well as seasonal have been observed. Along the

barrier islands, intertidal areas, are almost entirely in sand. Fairly steep berms,

bare of vegetation along the foreshore, characterize most of the beaches. On the

mainland and inshore islands intertidal areas are more varied. Over one-third of

the Mississippi Coast line has been "improved". Wide sand beaches have been built

in front of seawalls by pumping material in from shallow waters offshore. Clays

and silts soon leach out, leaving a clean sand surface. Constant maintenance

prevents tne growth of plants which, initially at least, start to cover recently

filled areas. The nearshore bottom along these beaches varies from sand to sandy

mud. The oemaining natural beach at Belle Fontaine is several miles long and the.

bottom aloig this beach is usually softer.

Around the bays, distributaries and bayous there is usually a marsh border of

variable width. Along the coast these marshes are made up of a typical Spartina

Juncus succession. Inland the species composition of the marsh flora changes

with reduced salinity regimes.

Submerged vegetation along the coast is dominated by widgeon grass (Ruppia

maritima). Species with lower salinity tolerances appear upstream. Around the
barrier isilands large beds are in evidence during the summer. In shallow water
they die out during the winter. Beginning in shallow intertidal water and moving

offshore the dominant species are shoal grass (Diplanthera wrightii), manatee

grass (Cymodocea manatorum) and turtle grass (Thalassia testudinum).

The diurnal tides of Mississippi Sound have a predicted range of a little over 1.5
feet and aiImean tide level of .8-.9 feet. However, the cyclic predictions are
subject to drastic modifications by winds which are predominantly northerly and

northeasterly during the winter months and southerly and southeasterly during

the summer. Large areas of shallow flats are sometimes uncovered when winds are

from the north. Prolonged periods of south and southeast winds sometimes keep

the marshes flooded for long periods. These periods vary from year to year.

Soft mud sediments are found over most of the sub-tidal bottoms, except near the

barrier islands. Solid substrate is ge nerally limited to oyster reefs, scattered

shell, other organic detritus and material introduced by man.

SHORELINE

It is approximately 70 statute miles along the Mississippi coast between east and

west State lines. The tidal shoreline included in this distance is 369 statute

miles. This distance comprises the shoreline of the barrier islands, the mainland

coast, and bays, rivers and creeks to the head of tidewater- or to a point where

tidal waters narrow to a width of 100 feet. Many additional miles of waterfront
property lie along tidal streams and dredged c6nnels above the point where they

narrow to a width of 100 feet.

During the past several thousand years the shoreline of Mississippi has altered
many timesp Sea level has changed eustatically from about +20 feet to -350 feet

in response to continental glaciation and melt. During the time of greatest

glaciation sea level was perhaps 300- 450 feet lower than the present, at which time

existing streams entrenched themselves in deep, narrow valleys. Since then, sea

level has risen erratically to its present level of still-stand, filling the

valleys and inundating the lowlands. The Pascagoula River now represents a

drowned ri er valley that is filling from its own load of sediments; Biloxi Bay
Y
is a drowned channel that has not yet filled. The lowlands were covered by a

body of water, which, when modified by formation of barrier islands, became

known as Mississippi Sound. Eustatic changes have not been apparent in the past

4000-5000 years, though.the coastline has been modified by influx and deposition

of sediments.

The presence of the Mississippi River delta affects the coastline of the western

part of the state. The weight of sediments in the delta is causing a structural
subsidenlof the earth's crust between Texas and Alabama. In Mississippi there
is a terrace level at +20 feet in Jackson County; in western Hancock County this

terrace has disappeared beneath a sedimentary cover less than 10 feet in depth.

Tectonic changes in local sea level are apparent in this feature as well as in

the sinking of the western tip of Cat Island.

In summary, the coastline is termed as an "alluvial coast: of terraced deltaic plain"

which is eKperienceing no eustatic sea level changes but is being altered by

depositional and tectonic processes.
13

POPULATION AND LAND USE

Population estimates and projections were made for a general overview of the

conditions in three county areas. These estimates-and projections were made

by the Gulf Regional Planning Commission (GRPC) under contract with the
Mississippi Marine Resources Council. GRPC considered both population and housing

concurrently in their projections since existing housing is one too] to estimate
current population and, to the lesser extent, to forecast population. growth. In
making population forecasts, housing, as well as historic data, census information,

and existing and proposed land use regulations, have been utilized.

EXISTANT POPULATION

Population in the study area experienced considerable growth during the period

1940 to 1970. As shown in Table 1, the region experienced a growth of 163

percent over the 30 year period while the State of Mississippi experienced less

than 2 perC*ent growth. The largest individual growth was seen in Jackson County

where population increased by 327 percent.

It is obvious from these facts that the coastal area, particularly Harrison and

Jackson Counties is growing at a rapid rate. Because of this, special attention

must be given the area in providing services and meeting growing socio-economic

demands brought on by these increases.

TABLE
POPULATION GROWTH PATTERNS
1940 to 1970

Population Percent chan e
AREA 1940 1950 1960 1970 1940 to 1970-

Hancock Co. 11,328 11,891 14,039 17,387 53
Harrison Cb. 50,799 84,073 119,489 134,582 165
Jackson Co. 20,601 31,401 55,522 87,975 327,
Region 11 101,853 148,006 211,461 267,746 163
State 2,183,796 2,178,914 2,1178,141 2,216,912 2

.1 Includes Hancock, Harrison, Jackson and Pearl River Counties

SOURCE: GRPC," 1973 Housi ng Program" based on Census Data
for the years 1940, 1950, 1960, and 1970.

PROJECTED POPULATION

Population estimates at 5 year intervals (Table 2) have been computed for each

municipality in the Coast counties in order to address socio-economic demands where

they are most frequently found. Countywide estimates and forecasts to the year 2000

are shown on Table

TABLE 2
MUNICIPAL POPULATION
FIVE YEAR INTERVALS
1975 through 2000
Gulf Region

Municipality

HANCOCK COUNTY
.Bay St. Louis 6,854 7,654 8,454 9,254 10,054 10,899
Waveland 4,614 4,979 5,344 5,709 6,074 6,438

HARRISON COUNTY
3ass Christian 7,149 7,828 8,507 9,208 9,908 10,488
Long Beach 9,239 9,353 9,467 10,252 11,037 12,204
Gulfport 1/ 52,291 54,081 55,870 60',557 65,243 68,156
Biloxi 1/ 43,025 49,387 55,749 61,295 66,840 72,471

JACKSON COUNTY
13cean Springs 14,170 15,078 15,985 17,771 19,557 20,357
Moss Point 20,008 23,986 27,964 31,091 34,218 37,362
Pascagoula 33,874 36,251 38,628 42,949 47,271 51,566

V Figures for Gulfport & Biloxi do not include population
residing in on-base housing at Keesler Air Force Base &
the Naval Construction Battalion Center.

SOURCE: Existing Population figures are based on current housing
accommodations. Forecasted populations are straight
line projections based on historical data. Gulf
Regional Planning Commission

TABLE 3
COUNTYWIDE POPULATION ESTIMATES
EXISTING & FORECASTED

Population
County 1975 2000

HANCOCK
Total County 20,481 54,339
Total Unincorporated 9,013 37,002
Total Municipal 11,468 17,337
Bay St. Louis 6,854 10,899
Waveland 4,614 6,438

HARRISON
Total County 163,155 242,305
Total Unincorporated 51,451 78,986
Total Municipal 111,704 163,319
Pass Christian 7,149 10,488
Long Beach 9,239 12,204
Guifport 52,291 68,156
Biloxi 43,025 72,471

JACKSON
Total County 115,636 189,751
Total Unincorporated 47,584 80,466
Total Municipal 68,052 109,285
Ocean Springs 14,170 20,357
Moss Point 20,008 37,362
Pascagoula 33,874 51,566

COASTAL REGION
Total Region 299,991 476,446
Total Unincorporated 108,767 186,505
Total Municipal 191,224 289,441

SOURCE - Gulf Regional Planning Commission

LAND USE

Land use in the three county coast area are broadly grouped i.nto eight class-

ifications. Each classification and sub-classification were delineated on

individual township maps of the three counties. These maps are not-s-hown in this

report since they go beyond the general purpose of this study. Copies of the

maps may be viewed at the offices of the Mississippi Marine Resources Council.

The eight land use classifications are as follows:

1. Residential contains five sub-categories; single family, mobi le home,

duplex, multi-family and mobile home parks.

2. Commercial, covering all types of commercial activity including central

business districts, neighborhood commercial, community and regional

shopping centers and general highway commercial.

3. Industrial classifications embrace all existing industries including all

forms of manufacturing, open storage of raw materials, semi-finished and

finished products, salvage yards and excavation activities.

4. Public and semi-public land uses cover all governmental activities including

schools, colleges, fire stations, courthouses, city halls, libraries, and

tax supported institutions, churches, non-profit hospitals, community centers,

public recreation, parks, stadiums, public beaches and similar uses.

5. Rights-of-way identify lands delineated for streets, roads, highways, rail-

roads, and utility lines.

6. Resource production activities include all types of farming, crops, pastures,

dairies, orchards, commercial forests, national forests and tidal marshes.

7. NASA-:Military lands include the National Space Technologies La.boratorY,
Keesler Air Force Base and the Naval Construction Battalion Center (NCBC).

8. Water and Unclassified make up the remainder of land uses within this

classification. These areas are usually left void of any classification

and may be generally identified by lack of activity.

Land use @urveys conducted by Gulf R.e gional Planning Commission in 1969 and 1972
serve as a basis for determining trends in land use activities. In the following

paragraphs each county is addressed separately relative to land use changes

between the year 1969 and 1972. Such comparisons may be used to analyze current
activities and to plan future land uses within the study area. A summary of exist-

ing land use acreage and changes is given in Table 4.

Some short observations are also made as to the cause of the change in the various

land uses.

HANCOCK COUNTY

Hancock County has two incoporated cities within its boundaries, Bay St. Louis and

Waveland, both having comprehensive community plans by which growth may be guided.

Between 1969 and 1974, Bay St. Louis updated its zoning re gulations while Waveland

adopted a completely new zoning ordinance. Hancock County has adopted subdivision

regulations.

The County's economy is directly linked with tourism but the degree in linkage

is uncertain. With the opening-- of Interstate 10 during 1973, the urban areas
(Bay St. Louis and Waveland) were by-,passed by this major thoroughfare. The

extent of 3conomic consequences is undetermined at this time; however, an I-10

Impact Study conducted by GRPC in 1973 predicted minimum long term adverse impact.

TABLE 4

EXISTING LAND USE SUMMARIES

With Percent Changes from 1969 - 1972

Public, Resource NASA Water- and
Residential Commercial Industrial Semi-Public Rights-of-Way Production Mi I ILaa Unclassified Total
County Acreage-%Change Acreage-%Change Acr@_e-age%Change Acreage-%Change Acreage-%Change Acreage-%Change Acreage-%Change Acreage-%Change Acreage

Hancock 3,865.9 47 231.6 18 4,442.6 1 1,480.3 95 6,835.8 4 59,018.1 50 109,820.7 0 122,165.6 -15 307,410.6

Ha rri son. 14,239. 3 18 1,434.2 13 2,389.3 15 5,366.6 0 10,193.4 3 187,449.3 3 2,802.1 0 155,467.4 - 4 379,341.6

Jackson 11,403.3 17 938.7 13 5,181.8 8 6,401.3 3 10,407.2 3 178,230.4 20 00.0 0 253.325.1 -10 465,887.8
REGION 1 34,800.3 -- 2,892.8 12,665.2 -- 15,910.2 .36,782.5 -- 677,032.1 -- 115,301.1 777,750.5 -- 1 673,134. 5

I Includes Hancock, Harrison, Jackson and Pearl River Counties.

SOURCE: GRPC Regional Land Use Plan, 1973.

Initial data for Hancock County was collected in 1969 while data for updating

purposes was accumu lated in 1972. A comparative analysis of these data revealed

some interesting findings that are discussed below.

Residential land use showed an over-all increase of 47% from 1969 to 1972. An

increase of this magnitude could possibly have had an undesirable effect on the

County as a whole, due to the overloading of existing public facilities, such

as streets, sewage, water system s, policy and fire departments, schools and
libraries. Fortunately, deficiencies have not been too severe, although sewage

collection and water systems constituted somewhat significant problems. More

recently efforts have been made to alleviate these deficiencies, the results of

which are found in a new treatment plant for Waveland and experiments with.new

treatment concepts in the form of water hyacinths in Bay St. Louis. At present,

Hancock County is util.izing only 19% of the total residential acreage that will

be needed by 2000.

Commercial acreage showed an over-all gain of 18% from 1969 to 1972. The increase

was necessary to adequat ely provide goods and services for the large residential

influx.

Industrial land use increased only slightly over the past three years; nevertheless,

a great amount of progress was accomplished in this category. Considerable develop--

ment occurred at the Industrial Park and Seaway (Port Bienville) located south of
Pearlington near the mouth of Pearl River. By means of this development, Hancock

County, under the direction of the Port and Harbor Commission, is attempting to

further @Aversify the County's economic base. Industrial development also occurred

at Stennis International Airport which is located adjacent to the eastern boundary

of the KTL Buffer Zone, (NASA).

Public and Semi-Public acreage grew enormously over the period of analysis

.(1969-1972). Actual increase of this category was almost 100%. Two facilities

were primarily responsible for this increase. First with the addition of
Stennis International Airport which was not considered in the initial (1969)

survey since the facility was not then in operation. The other major addition

came with the donation of several hundred acres as a Boy Scout Camp which is

placed in the Semi-Public category. The Boy Scout facility is now completed

and includes a large lake providing additional recreational activities. These

facilities, combined with the construction of Buccaneer State Park in Waveland,

constitute three very substantial assets for Hancock County.

Resource Production land use reflected an increase of 50% from 1969 to 1972. The

actual increase was a result of Tidal Marsh becoming a protected resource, thus

allowing tidelands to be placed in Resource Production. Agricultural and orchard

acres remained stable with very little variation demonstrated in survey statistics.

Water: and Unclassified decreased by 15% with several areas revealing a decrease

of over 30%. Primary responsibility for the dramatic loss is due to the removal

of Tidal Marsh from this category. Unclassified areas sustained the loss with

water remaining the same.

HARRISON COUNTY

As stated previously, base figures for Harrison County were.obtained in 1969 with

later statistics,being accumulated in 1972. Harrison County has four incorporated

cities; Biloxi, Gulfport, Long Beach, and Pass Christian, accounting for a major

portion of the County's urban area. A comparison of base figures with present

computations revealed no extraordinary trends (see Table 4). The county, while

appearing to be economically diversified, is at present highly dependent on

mil-itary activities.
22

Residential acreage showed an overall increase of 18% from 1969 to 1972 with

the urban area showing the greatest increase (22%). This growth was considered

healthy and in accordance with the regional plan. Rural residential acreage

increased significantly due to the increase of non-farm residences and the

influx of mobile home dwellers.

Commercial acreage increased 13% through the County with a 9% gain in the urban

area and a 29% gain in the rural area in the past three years (See Table 5).

Commercial acreage increased at a faster rate than anticipated in the land use

plan, particularly in the rural area.

TABLE 5
HARRISON COUNTY
RESIDENTIAL-COMMERCIAL ANALYSIS

URBAN (incorporated area)
No. of Acres Percent
1969 1972 Increase

Residential 6,500.16 7,9.07.55 22

Commercial 997.73 1,084.50 9

RURAL (unincorporated area)

Residential 5,564.94 6,331.78 14

Commercial 270.88 349.71 29

Industrial land use rose substantially in three years (15%). The main addition

came with the development of the Long Beach Industrial Park.

Public and Semi-Public land use sh,ow no appreciable increase; however, this

does not indicate a lack of constructive activity in the category. New parks

were constructed and others received much needed restoration efforts. Other

public and semi-public activities involve plans for construction of the Coast

Coliseum on Highway 90 in Biloxi and a new County Courthouse in Gulfport.

Resource Production acreage increased by 3%. T his figure is substantial when

theamount of, acres involved is considered, amounting to an actual increase of

more than 5,000 acres. The tremendous increase is attributable to the addition

of Tidal Marsh. Tide lands or those lands below ordinary mean high tide are

now protected and regulated under 1973 state legislative action. Commercial

and National forests remained constant with no noticable variance in the land

use.

Water and Unclassified areas decreased 4% primarily because of tidal marsh being

reclassified and placed in Resource Production. As other land uses expand,

unclassified areas will obviously decrease. The ra te of decrease will be rapid

as all unclassified lands are programmed to be integrated with productive land

uses, as illustrated by tidal marsh being reclassified as Resource Production.

JACKSON COUNTY

Jackson County was the first County in the Region to adopt a County-wide zoning

ordinance and subdivision regulations. Each of the three cities, Moss Point,

Ocean Springs, and Pascagoula, have comprehensive plans and c orresponding zoning

ordinances. Early action in land use controls has already made it possible to

anticipate and avert potential problems.

Survey data obtained in 1969 and again in 1972 revealed, as suspected, that

Jackson County is growing rapidly in most areas. However, monitori ng of certain

indicators revealed that accelerated growth has probably reached its peak and is

now continuing at a more normal rate.

Residential land use had a tremendous increase of 44% between 1969 and 1972.

Survey findings also revealed a 30% increase in the total number of dwelling units

within the same period. One explanation for a larger increase in residential

acreage than in number of dwelling units is that 6 greater number of homes were

being,built in the County where lot sizes tend to be larger than within the cities.

The County economy has expanded rapidly and in an effort to keep up with this

expansion' developers have worked vigorously to provide a supply of residential

property adequate to meet current demands.

Commercial land uses showed an increase of approximately 13 percent. This in-

crease was essential in order to supply the rapid residential growth with goods

and services. Even with comprehensive zoning to regulate and guide commercial

expansion, portions of this increase arE. seen as ",strip commercialism" resulting

from the continuing development of commercial property along U. S. Highway 90

between the cities of Ocean Springs and Pascagoula.

Industrial land use increased by 8% as the County continued to broaden its

economic base. To the.already existing industrial areas around Bayou Casotte,

Moss Point and Ingalls shipyards, other plans were developed for additional

industrial acreage.

Public and Semi-Public land use was 3% over the previous survey computations

of 1969. The creation of the Gulf Islands National Seashore Park, although

not appreciably increasing land area, was a monumental change. The on shore

operations for the National Park was formerly the Magnolia State Park located

adjacent to Ocean Springs and bordering the Mississippi Sound. Other areas

where increases occurred were in public utilities and services.

Resource Production remained a stable land use with the exception of the addition

of Tidal Marsh which amounted to over twenty-seven thousand acres (20%),

emphasizing the timeliness of recent state legislation to preserve coastal

wetlands in the region.

Water and Unclassified areas had an over-all decrease of 9%, with the largest loss

attributed to the removal of Tidal Marsh from this category. Increased residential

land use also accounted for a protion of the decrease. The reduction of acreage

in this land use was not unexpected, but predicted, in order to remain consistent

with the Regional Land Use Plan. Unclassified areas incurred the decrease, while

water areas remained virtually the same.

OFFSHORE ISLANDS

There are six islands located in Mississippi Sound which must be given
consideration in light of the purpose of this project,'Petit Bois, Horn, Round,
26

Deer, Ship and Cat Islands. Of these islands only Deer Island was placed in the

existing and future land use computations, due to its proximity to the mainland

and the City of Biloxi.

Petit Bois, Horn, and Ship Islands have been placed in the National Park system

by congressional action; these islands are now part of the Gulf Islands National

Seashore. Plans are-being prepared now to develop the islands for recreational

purposes including overnight camping, fishing, swimming and related activities,

with visits to Ship Island and historic Fort Massachusetts.

Round Island, one of the smaller and less significant islands, serves as an

ideal area to be preserved in its natural state.

Cat Island, though privately owned, has seen limited development in recent

years. The area has been subdivided into lots for summer home dwellings and

includes a series of dredged canal s for residential docking facilities.

SIGNIFICANT MAN-MADE COASTAL RESOURCES

TRANSPOR TATION

Transportation within the study area involves a series of networks and systems

that occupy approximately 36,600 acres of land excluding those requirements

of airports.

STREETS AND HIGHWAYS

A Gulf Coast Area Transportation Plan developed for the GRPC in 1971 identified

and classified each transportation route within the urban area. Also included

were projections and roadway classifications which would be needed to meet

future demands.

Major roadways are defined categorically as they relate to areas they serve.

Collectors move traffic within communities. They tie in with arterials which

transfer traffic over larger areas and between communities. These in.turn may

connect with freeways, interstates or expressways. Freeways, interstates and

expressways are controlled access routes designed to move larger volumes of

traffic at maximum speeds.

AIRPORTS

The three county study area is co mprised of three distinct types of airport

facilities: Air Carrier Facilities, General Aviation Facilities and Military

Installations. This grouping is necessary and significant in terms of the traffic

levels handled by such installations, by the types of aircraft which make use of

these various airfields, by the runway, airspace and terminal requirements, and

by the degree and type of interaction with other fields in the area.

The air carrier airports are located to serve large concentrations of population

and/or commerce, mainly because that is where the demand for their services exist.

They require runways of considerable length, width, and some type of instrumentation

and lighting, as well as passenger terminal and/or cargo handling facilities, and

adequate ground access. These facilities do, however, accommodate and encourage

operations by general aviation aircraft. Presently only the facility at Gulfport,

serving most of the coastal area falls into this category.

General aviation airports may and frequently do serve smaller population centers

or industrial or recreational areas. These airports generally require less run-
way width, length and strength. Sbme have runway lighting and a published VOR or

ADF approach. Such airports are owned and operated by municipalities as well as

private individuals. Those in the study area which fall into this group include

the Stennis International Airport, Diamondhead Airport in Hancock County, the

Gu lf Park Facility east of Ocean Springs and the Jackson County Airport. Within

the general aviation grouping, one must further distinguish between "public" and

11private" use airports. The former (o f interest in this study) serve aviation

by offering services, charter, rental, instruction, etc. to the public. The

latter are relatively few in number in the Gulf Coast Region and do not offer

service to the public. Although patronage of the public is not solicited by

private fields, they are available to any aircraft in case of emergency.

Finally, military installations must be considered in relation to operations of

military flight missions within the study area. Here only Keesler Air Force

Base need be considered.

RAILROADS

Within the three counties there are three railroads, the Louisville and Nashville,

Illinois Central Gulf and the Mississippi Export.

The Louisville and Nashville generally follow the coastline east and west connect-

ing the coastal municipalities with New Orleans and Mobile and all connecting

points.

The Illinois Central Gulf which is located in Harrison County (Gulfport) and

extends northward to Hattiesburg, Jackson areas.

The Mississippi Export railroad serves the Jackson County area connecting

Pascagoula and Moss Point with Lucedale in Stone County and interconnecting with

the Gulf Mobile and Ohio Railroad near Lucedale.

A general increase in rail passenger service in the area is not anticipated. How-

ever, efforts being sponsored by the Mississippi Coast Transportation Authority

and other interested groups are currently underway to determine the feasibility

of establishing passenger service between Ingalls Shipbuilding facility and

strategic points along the Coast.

CHANNELS

Navigation channels maintaine d by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers provide access

to and through all of the major bays and harbors in coastal Mississippi. Most of
th ese are of long standing with existing authorized projects dating back to 1890.

Continuing maintenance is required in nearly all channels. The resultant spoil

banks have changed the circulation in some areas of the Sound. Although some of

the original construction was accomplished by private interests, the Corps of

Engineers has accepted responsibility for their maintenance.

Long range master plans for industrial development have been prepared by agencies

in each of the coastal counties. These plans call for extensive dredging and filling

to produce waterfrontindustrial sites. Most of these plans locate access channels

and expansion in or near existing navigation channels.

Table 6 and Map 1 show the location and some dimensions of existing channels.

Unless otherwise indicated, most of the data in the following-discussions are

taken from 1966 project maps and data sheets furnished by the Mobile District,

U. S. Army Corps of Engineers.

GULF INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY

The Gulf intracoastal waterway provides a protected channel 12 feet deep and

150 feet wide along the entire coastline of the State of Mississippi.

Tremendous traffic demands of World War II resulted in an authorization in 1942 to

enlarge the channel to its present dimensions. The work was co mpleted in 1943.

The waterway links all ports along the Mississippi Gulf Coast with inland water-

way systems emptying into the Gulf of Mexico.

Maintenance dredging is required only in the Pass Marianne-Grand Island sections

of the channel in the west end of the Sound. Spoil areas are located south of

the Grand Island Channel near the Mississippi-Louisiana state line.

. . . ...... . .... . . ....... . .. . ..... .. .. . ... .. . ....... . ..........

RtE,

IN,

.. . .......

31
....... . . . . .

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kj, Ce.

TABLE 6 NAVIGATION CHANNELS
MAP CODE NAME IN THE MISSISSIPPI SOUND L W D S

11 Gulf Intra-c6astal Waterway, 150 12 A
Mississippi Sound
2 Pascagoula Harbor
A. Entrance Channel, west end of Petit
Bois Island 2.0 350 40 A
B. Pascagoula Ship Channel, Horn Island
Pass to Pascagoula 12.0 350 38 A
C. Bayou Cassotte Channel, mile 7 on
Pascagoula Channel to Bayou Cassotte,
including harbor 4.4 225 38 A
D. Pascagoula River-Escatawpa Channel,
Pascagoula to Highway 63 Bridge on
Escatawpa 6.0 125 22 A
E. Escatawpa Rive r, Highway 63 Bridge
to mile 6 4.0 125 12 A
3 Pascagoula River
A. Mouth to Escatawpa to Dead Lake 27.0 - 12 B
B. Dead Lake to Merrill 47.0 - 3 B.
4 Bluff Creek Mouth of creek on West
Pascagoula River to Vancleave 10.0 - 7 B
5 Biloxi Harbor, Mississippi Sound
West of Deer Island to Bayou Bernard 23.0 150 12 A
6 Harrison Industrial Seaway, Biloxi Bay
East of Deer Island to Intracoastal Waterway 11.9 150 12 A
7 Gulfport Harbor
A. Sh.ip Island Bar Channel, west end of
Ship Island 8.0 300 32 A
B. Gulfport Ship Channel, Ship Island to
.Gulfport Harbor 11.0 220 30 A
8 Pass Christian Harbor, 7-foot isobath in
Mississippi Sourrd'to Harbor - 100 7 A
9 Wolf And Jourdan Rivers
A. Wolf River, St. Louis Bay to Wolf River 1.6 100 6.5 A
B. Jourdan River, St. Louis Bay to Jourdan
River 2.0 100 7.0 A
10 Ott Bayou east and west access channel 150 12 A
11 East Pearl River, River entrance 1.3 200 8.3 A
12 Industrial Seaway, Back Bay Biloxi to Bayou
Bernard 5 150 12 A

LEGEND
L-Length in statute miles, W-Width, D-Depth in feet, S-State of Completion
(A-Completed, B-Maintenance Only, C-Authorized, D-Proposed)

SOURCE
Corps of Engineers

PASCAGOULA HARBOR

The Pascagoula Harbor is located along the lower 6.8 mi. of the Pascagoula River

the lower 6 mi. of Escatawpa (Dog) River, and on Bayou Casotte. The project provided
for: (a) an entrance channel 40 ft. deep and 350 ft. wide from the Gulf of Mexico

through Horn Island Pass, including an impounding area for littoral drift 40 ft.

deep, 200 ft. wide and about 1,500 ft. long adjacent to the channel at the west

end of Petit Bois Island; (b) a channel 38 ft. deep and 350 ft. wide in Mississippi
Sound and Pascagoula River to the railroad bridge at Pascagoula' including a turning

basin, 2,000 ft. long and 950 ft. wide (including channel area) on the west side of

the river below the railroad bridge; (c) a channel 38 ft. deep and 225 ft. wide

from the ship channel in Mississippi Sound to the mouth of Bayou Cassotte, thence

38 ft. deep and 300 ft. wide for about 1 mi. to a turning basin 38 ft. deep, 1,000

ft. wide and 1,750 ft. long; (d) a 22 x 150 ft.. channel up the Pascagoula River

from the railroad bridge to the mouth of Dog River, thence up Dog River to Highway

63 bridge; and (e) a 12 x 1.25-ft. channel from the highway bridge, via Rober tson

and Bounds Lakes, to mile 6 on Dog River. The length of all the Channels in this

project is about 28 mi. (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 1965).

Expansion of the Pascagoula harbor has been accomplished by the State of Mississippi

by dredging a deep water channel and harbor west of the Pascagoula Channel at the

mouth of the River. This facility was built to accommodate Litton Industries.'

"shipyard of the future".

Spoil banks are located along the wes t side of the channel from the mouth of the

river to Petit Bois Island, disrupting the westerly flow in the sound. All east-west-

traffic between Spanish Point at the mouth of the river and the Intracoastal Waterway

is rqquired to find a designated channel through the spoil banks. Numerous islands
have been built up in the spoil area. Similar conditions have been developed on
the east side.of the Bayou Casotte section of the project.

PASCAGOULA RIVER

The exi sting Pascagoula River navigation project provides for maintenance of the

channel above the mouth of Escatawpa (Dog) River to mile 81 at the junction of

the Leaf and Chickasawhay rivers. In recent years, maintenance has been

s
pasmodi,c because of reduced; traffic.

BLUFF CREEK

The current Bluff Creek project was authorized in 1890. It provides for the

removal of obstructions from the mouth of the creek on West Pascagoula River

to Vancleave, a distance of about 10 miles. With the decrease in logging opera-

tions along the stream, abandoment was recommended. However, a small industry

was developed near Vancleave and maintenance was resumed in 1958.

BILOXI HARBOR

The first project for Biloxi Harbor was adopted in 1882. The presen t project

provides for a continuous channel about 23 miles long, 12 feet deep and 150 feet
wide fro m the Mississippi Sound passing west of Deer Island to the 12-feet depth

in Back Bay, thence 12 feet deep and 100 feet wide in Back Bay, Cranes Neck and

Bayou Bernard to the Air Force Terminal about mile 2.6.

Maintenance of the East Access Channel through Biloxi Bay and across Mississippi

Sound east of Deer Island to the Intra-coastal Waterway (constructed by state

funds) has been accepted by the Corps of Engineers. Deepening and widening of

the channel to accommodate ships is provided for in the plans.

Spoil areas are located south and west of the Industrial Waterway in Biloxi Bay

and Mississippi Sound. In the Biloxi Harbor entrance channel west of Deer

Island, spoil is pumped to the east and deposited off the west end of Deer Island.

Continuing maintenance is required in Bay and Sound channels. Some spoil areas

in the Bay have been built up above the water surface.

GULFPORT HARBOR

The Gulfport Harbor Project was first adopted in 1899. The present authority

for channels 32 ft. deep and 300 ft. wide across Ship Island Bar and 220 ft.

wide by 30 ft. deep across Mississippi Sound. The Gulfport anchorage basin is
30 ft. deep, 1,320 ft. wide and 2,640 ft. long. 'An 8-ft. channelis maintained

into the 26-acre commercial small craft harbor west of the anchorage basin.

Spoil areas, with provision for maintenance of the Intracoastal Waterway where

it crosses the Gulfport Channel, extend across the Sound on both sides of the

Channel.

PASS CHRISTIAN HARBOR

The Pass Christian Harbor, 1,000 ft. long and 700 ft. wide, is provided with

an entrance channel to the 7-ft. contour in Mississippi Sound. There is a small

spoil area along the beach west of the harbor.

WOLF AND JOURDAN RIVERS

The Wolf and Jourdan River Channels were completed in 1908. Channels extend

from the 6-ft. contour in St. Louis Bay to the 7-ft. contour in each stream.

Spoil areas extend along the Bay side of each channel.

EAST PEARL RIVER

A dredged channel 9 ft. deep provides access to the mouth of East Pearl River

at the Mississippi-Louisiana state line.

PEARL RIVER

A navigation channel from the mouth of West Pearl River in Louisiana to Bogalusa,

Louisiana was authorized in 1935. It was completed in 1953. A lateral canal

from the mouth of Holmes Bayou to Pool's Bluff provides three locks.
36

HANCOCK COUNTY DEEP WATER ACCESS

Long-range plans of the Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission include a
ship channel from the Gulf of Mexico south of Ship Island to harbors and
industrial sites in Hancock County. These plans include a 150- by 12-ft. access
channel into St. Louis Bay. Construction of shallow draft channels and harbor

in southwest Hancock County with state funds is well advanced.

Spoil areas for the proposed channel extend along the south side.

BAYOU PORTAGE

The Bayou Portage Channel, constructed and maintained by local interests, provi des
an 8- by 100-ft. channel from St. Louis Bay to the Pass Christian industrial

area. Spoil areas are located in St. Louis Bay.

OTHER

There are many miles of dredged channel connecting private property to natural

waterways in all areas of the Gulf Coast. These channels have been cut through

marshes and natural channels, in most cases for the purpose of producing water-

front property in housing project areas.

INTERIOR NAVIGATION

Ocean transportation routes,though not specifically identified, provide access

to the two major commercial harbors-previously mentioned. Interior navigation

routes must be given special attention, however, because of their ability to

provide access to an unlimited number of inland destinations.

Mississippi,State Laws define navigable streams as follows:

All rivers, creeks and bayous in this state, twenty-five miles in
length that have sufficient depth and width of water for thirty

consecutive days in the year for floating a steamboat with carrying
capacity of two hundred bales of cotton.... (Mississippi Code 1972
51-1-1.)

While it appears that this definition is somewhat antiquated, it is in keeping

with navigable limits as defined for the purpose of this report. Navigable

limits as referred to he rein mean those points on major streams beyond,I which

it is hazardous for commercial fishing boats or industrial barges to proceed.

ELECTRICAL ENERGY GENERATION

Parts of the following information were prepared by the Mississippi Power Company

at the request of Gulf Regional Planning Commission. For this report only those

facilities within the three coastal counties were addressed and limited to the

basic facilities.

DESCRIPTION OF EXISTING POWER COMPANY GENERATING FACILITIES

At Plant Jack Watson, located near Gulfport and Biloxi, there are two 75,000

kilowatt units, one 112,000 kilowatt unit,- one 250,000 kilowatt unit, and one

500,000 kilowatt unit, all of which are steam electric turbin generators, and

one 39,360 kilowatt combustbn turbin in service.

Primary and alternate fuels used in the Company's generating stations vary in

the different plants. At Plant Jack Watson the two 75,000 kilowatt units and the

one 112,000 kilowatt steam units and the 39,360 kilowatt combustion turbine

utilize gas as the primary fuel and No. 2 oil as the alternate fuel. The

250,000 kilowatt unit uses coals as the primary fuel with natural gas as the

alternate fuel and the 500,000 kilowatt unit uses coal as its fuel with no

alternate provided. Natural gas at this location is being increasingly curtailed

by the supplier.

PLANNED NEW GENERATING FACILITIES

The Mississippi Power Company has underway the construction of two new 500 MW

steam-electric generating units stationed in Jackson County. The Company's

designation of the initial units is Jackson County Steam Plant - Unit No. 1 and

Unit No. 2.

The site i,s located approximately 11 to 12 miles north of the city of Pascagoula

and lies on the east bank of the Pascagoula River. The site encompasses

approximately 3000 acres.

Site investigation and clearing was initiated in 1972 and construction of the

facilities began in 1973. Construction is scheduled for completion of Unit

No. I in 1977, and completion of Unit No. 2 is schedul ed for 1979.

For the operation of the plant, average monthly water balance studies indicate

that 11.45 MGD of make-up water for the closed cooling system will be withdrawn

from the Pascagoula River. This make-up will be needed in addition to the

water added by rainfall and water shed to equate the losses due to evaporation

and seepage.

The ultimate plant site generating capacity would require an estimated with-

drawal rate from the Pascagoula River of 74.55 MGD of which 14 MDG will be

returned.

The boilers will be arranged to have the capability of being fired with either

fuel oil until late 1978, after which coal would become the primary fuel. Unit

No. 2 is expected to use coal as the primary fuel when it begins operation

in early or mid 1979.

SIGNIFICANT NATURAL COASTAL RESOURCES

Significant natural resources are generally identified as beaches, barrier

islands, wetlands, certain upland areas, coastal waters, natural harbors and

sand dunes.

To meet the requirements of other portion s of the'Coastal Zone Management Act,

a major portion of these natural areas have been identified.

Listed in the draft Interim Report on Geographic Areas of Particular Concern

Priority of Uses and Areas for Preservation an d Restoration in the Mississippi

Coastal Zone, MMRC Report CZM 002, were twenty-six areas of concern. Of these

twenty-six areas, eleven of the areas could, without debate be classed as

"significant natural areas."

The eleven geographic areas of concern categories that fall within the natural

coastal resource classification are:

(1) Coastal Wetlands and Estuaries

(2) Freshwater Swamps and Marshes

(3) Surface Waters

(4) Natural Rivers

(5) Significant Beaches

(6) Mineral Resource Areas

(7) Shellfish Habitats

(8) Saltwater Fish Habitats

(9) Freshwater Fish Habitats

(10) Areas that sustain Remnant Species

(11) Significant Flora

Two additional coastal resource types that should be added to the above list

that were not directly identified in the geographic areas of particular concern

report are barrier islands and uplands.
40

The barrier islands, Ship, Cat, Horn and Petit Bois, and,including part of
Dauphin Island in Alabama, encompass the Mississippi Sound. They were formed

during the last glacial period (Pleistocene).

Only Cat Island, south of Long Bea.ch-Gulfport, remains in private ownership.

The other islands are part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore group.

Uplands, generally described for purposes of this plan are "those lands above

the water mark of ordinary high tide".

A brief description of the above identified "natural coastal resources" are

explained below. These areas have been previously mapped and are included in

the geographic area of concern draft report.

1. COASTAL WETLANDS AND ESTUARIES

Coastal Wetlands are publicly owned lands subject to the ebb and flow of

the tide which are below the watermark of ordinary high tide, all tidal

influenced riverine systems and all publicly owned accretions above the

watermark of ordinary high tide. An estuary is that part of a river or.

other body of water having unimpaired connection with the open sea, where

sea water is measurably diluted with fresh water derived from land drainage.

2. FRESHWATER SWAMPS AND MARSHES

Swamps are areas of water saturated ground. They are usually found within

the flood plains and are characterized by a high water table, predominately

internal drainage and water-tolerant vegetation.

3. SURFACE WATERS

Surface waters are waters occurring in any watercourse, lake or other natural.

water body of the State as delineated by the Board of Water Commissioners.

4. N@TURAL RIVERS

To be classified under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968 a river must

be in a free flowing condition. There are three classifications of natural

rivers (1) wild, (2) scenic, and (3) recreation.

5. SIGNIFICANT BEACHES

Significant beaches are land areas without vegetative covering, consisting

of unconsoli,dated soil material that extends landward from the mean low tide

to a point where any one or a combination of the following occur:

(1) vegetation or (2) a distinct change in predominant soil particle size

or (3) a change in slope or elevation which alters the physiographic land

form and this constitutes the transition into dunes or wetlands.

6. MINERAL RESOURCE AREAS

Mineral resource areas are those areas where the mineral accumulation is

of sufficient size or significaiceto be of more than just local importance

and where the mineral is apt to be exploited in the near future and where

mining or excavation operations would cause some disruption of other land

use activities at the site while mining or excavation is in progress.

7-9. HABITATS OF MAJOR FISHERIES

Habitats,of major fisheries are divided into three elements: (1) shellfish,

(2) saltwater finfish and (3) freshwater finfish.

Shellfish habitat - these are areas where oysters grow in sufficient quantity

to be harvested commercially.

Saltwater fish habitat - these are areas recognized for their propogation of

the seafood and aquatic life in the State of Mississippi.

Freshwater fish habitat - these are areas that constitute a vital segment

of the State of Mississippi.
42

10. AREAS THAT SUSTAIN REMNANT SPECIES

Areas that sustain remnant species are areas where species or subspecies

of wildlife indigenous to the state may be found to be endangered within the

state and should be accorded protection in order to maintain and, to.the

extent possible, enhance their numbers.

11. SIGNIFICANT FLORA

These are areas which contain rare, unique or endangered flora indigenous

to the state.

INDUSTRIAL PARKS AND INDIVIDUAL SITES

Land use surveys conducted in 1972 by the Gulf Regional Planning Commission

indicated that over 10,000 acres in Hancock, Harrison, and Jackson Counties were

being utilized for industrial purposes. These uses ranged from small insignificant

sites such as borrow pits and automobile junk yards to major industries like the

Ingalls Division of Litton Shipbuilding in Pascagoula.

The purpose of this section is to generally identify industrial areas in the

three coast counties. Industrial land uses were grouped into two segments cover-

ing individual industries of major significance and both existing and proposed

industrial parks.

INDIVIDUAL INDUSTRIES

Individual industries are listed on the following table (Table 7) which includes

this site name, number of employees, industrial products and corresponding stand-

ard industrial classification (SIC). Acreage on these individual sites was not

obtained, however, the general location and size of the sites can be found on

maps at the offices of the Mississippi Marine Resources Council.

INDUSTRIAL PARKS

The term indu strial parks as used in this report has two connotations - industrial

parks and industrial districts. Parks may be defined as those areas legally

delineated and subdivided, cleared and made void of non-conforming.land uses,

equipped with various facilities, utilities and services optionally supplied in
parks, and otherwise made ready fo r immediate occupancy by industrial firms.

Industrial districts may be defined as those areas which have been legally set

aside or zoned for industrial use. Unlike parks, districts, used in this context,

may or may not have other land uses occupying space inside the district limits.

Industrial park data are summarized in Table 8. Individual parks are identified

by name, township codes, and owners. Other data include park size and available

acreage, existing utilities and services,' water use and discharge and types of.

available transportation. Also shown is the industrial park or district

classification.

PARKS AND RECREATION

Recreational movements and activities are profoundly affected within any

given area by trends in growth and development. Industrialization, commercial-
ization, population concentrations and shifts, and urban and sub-urban develop-

ment are most often accomplished by the absorption of open space. This being

true, it can be said that grow th patterns are directly influenced by avail-

ability of open space. It follows logically that planned and managed open space

in turn can influence growth patterns, adding further emphasis to the importance

of a regional plan for open, space management and conservation.

Recreational trends also reflect patterns of increasing personal income, and an

increasing involvement of the private sector in recreation-oriented development.

Other more subtle factors which exert an influence on recreation desires, activi-

ties, and potentials include governmental policies and on going recreation

programs.

Concern on the part of public officials is reflected in the numerous park and

playground commissions active in most municipalities throughout the region.

In order to provide an overview of existing public recreation facilities,

Table 9 was developed. Data reflected therein are the results of work performed

in the summer of 1975 by the Gulf Regional Planning Commission.

Only public recreation and major semi-public and commercial activities are

identifi ed.

TABLE 7

REGIONAL INDUSTRIAL SITES

NO. OF sic
SITE NAME EMPLOYEES PRODUCT CODE

HANCOCK COUNTY
UNINCORPORATED
J. L. Fabricating, Inc. 50 Steel Fabrication 3441
Jackson Landing Shipyard 150 Petroleum Barges 3731
PASS CHRISTIAN HARRISON COUNTY
Pass Christian Industires, Inc. 495 Ladies Jeans & Shirts 2339
Gulf Coast Pre-Stress Co., Inc. 79 Pre-stress concrete products 3272

GULFPORT
Masonite Corp..- Alpine Division 9 Phenol Formaldehyde resin 2821
Phenol Formaldehyde adhesive 2891
Bayou Steel Corp. 63 Boats & Barges 3732
Drilling Platform Components 3533
Chattanooga Glass Company 234 Glass Bottles 3221
Chemfax, Inc. 41 Petro. Hydrocarbon Resin. 2821
Clearspan Components, Inc. 98 Wall & Roof Trusses 2452
-Windows & Doors 2431
Coast Coca-Cola Bottling Co. 56 Soft Drinks 2086
Coast Materials Co. 50 Ready-Mixed Concrete 3273-
Colonial Baking Co. 130 Bread & Rolls 2051
Conalco-Olin Corporation 168 Aluminum extrusions 3354
Glenbrook Laboratories - Sterling Drugs 85 Laxatives 2834
Gulf Coast Tool & Die Ltd. 100 Metal Stampings 3469
Custom Machine Tools 3544
Gulf Paving, Inc. 125 Asphaltic Concrete 2951
NATCO 231 Steel Fabrication 3443

Gulfport Creosoting Co. 86 Treated Pine Poles 2491
KUDA, Inc. No. 1 52 Ladies & Mens Apparel 2331
Marine Systems 50 Metal Fabrication 3441
Wood Fabrication 2431
Maybelle Dress Mfg. Co., Inc. 200 Ladies Apparel 2339
PACECO 205 Heavy Steel Fabrication 3441
Barges & Tugboats 3731
Plastifax,Jnc. 24 Chlorinated Paraffin 2865
Metal Soaps 2869
Reichhold Chemicals, Inc. 71 Hydrocarbon resins 2821
Antioxidants 2869
Southern Precision Steel Co. 130 Cold-finished carbon
& alloy bars 3316
Struthers Wells-Gulfport, Inc. 117 Sewage treatment equipment 3443
Teledyne Irby Steel 200 Pressure vessels & Steel fab-3443
rication
McElroy Machine & Mfg.Co. 23 Marine Wenches
Marine Propellar Shafts
Miss.Power Co. -Plant Jack Watson Electrical Generating Plant
47

REGIONAL INDUSTRIAL SITES
(Continued)

SITE NAME NO. OF sic
EMPLOYEES PRODUCT CODE

BILOXI
Barq's Bottling Co. 50 Soft Drinks 2086
Biloxi Pre-Stress 47 Pre-stressed concrete product3272
Borden Company 90 Dairy Products 2026
C.C. Company, Inc. 75 Canned Seafood 2091
Clements Wire Mfg.Co. 51 Automotive Wire Harness 3714
DeJean Packing Co., Inc. 60 Canned Seafood 2091
Cat Food 2047
Del's Seaway Shrimp & Oyster Co. 150 Frozen Shrimp & Oysters 2092
R. Fournier & Sons 40 Shrimp,, Crab & Crab meat 2092
C.F. Gollott & Son Seafood Co. 35 Shrimp, Crab & Crab meat 2092
E.M. Gollott & Son Seafood Co. 18 Frozen Shrimp 2092
Gollott & Canaan Seafood Co. 15 Frozen Crabmeat & Oysters 2092
The M.H. Graham Corp. 85 Electrical Appliances 3634
Household Metal Products 3469
Gulf Publishing Company, Inc. 270 Newspaper 2711
Leckich & Fayard Seafood Co. 115 Frozen Shrimp 2092
Mavar Shrimp & Oyster Co., Inc. 100 Canned Shrimp & Oysters 2091
Moore Seafood Co. 55 Canned Shrimp 2091
Frozen Shrimp 2092
Shemper Seafood Co. 75 Frozen Seafood 2092
West Seafood Co. Seafood Products 2092
Kulji's Seafood & Ice Co. Seafood Products 2092
Sea Coast Company Seafood Products 2092
Cruso Canning Company Canned Seafood 2091
Weems Bros.Seafood Co. Seafood Products 2092
L.D. Gollott Seafood Co. Seafood Products 2092
Swarez Seafood Co. Seafood Products 2092
E.R. Gollott Seafood Co. Seafood Products 2092
Hygiene Shell Co. Seafood Seafood Products 2092
Southern Shellfish Co. Seafood Products 2092
Bayview Foods, Inc.
Biloxi Canning & Packing Co.,Inc. Seafood Products 2092

JACKSON COUNTY
OCEAN SPRINGS
Coca Cola Bottling Co., Inc. 49 Soft Drinks 2086
Ferson Optics 211 Optical Equipment 3832
E. R. Moore Co. 98 Ladies Gym Suits 2339
Academic Gowns 2389
Toche Enterprises, Inc. 82 Steel Seagoing Vessels 3732

GAUTIER
Delta Creosoting Co., Inc. 42 Creosote piling,poles,post, 2491

MOSS POINT
Crossfield Products Corp. 7 Latex Industrial Flooring 2851
The Fishmeal Co., Inc. 70 Menhaden Fish Meal 2077

REGIO-NAL INDUSTRIAL SITES
(Continued)

SITE NAME NO. OF Sic
EMPLOYEES PRODUCT CODE

MOSS POINT continued
Halter Marine Fabricators, Inc. 350 Offshore Supply Ships 3731
International Paper Company 1504 Paper Products 2621
J.M. Rogers & Sons, Inc. 82 Lumber 2426
Wood Pollets 2448
Standard Products, Inc. 47 Fish Meal & Oil 2077
Thiokol Corp. 178 Polysulfide rubbers & 2822
Polyacrylates
Mississippi Export Railroad
Zapata-Haynie Products 76 Menhaden fishmeal & oils 2077
Webb Paving Asphalt Paving
Cumbest Manufacturing Co.,Inc. Lumber 2421

PASCAGOULA
Bayou Crab.Company 70 Processed Crabmeat 2091
Cinderella Knitting Mills 400 Men & Boy's Knit Underwear 2322
,.Continental Can Company, Inc. 135 Metal Bottle Caps 3466
Corchem Division of Corhart Refract-
ories Co. 80 Magnesium Oxide & dolomitic 2819
First Miss. Chemical Corp. 48 Orthotoluidine 2865
Frigitemp Marine Division 550 Ship sheet metal work 2599
furniture, etc.
Gulf City Fisheries -400 Fresh & Frozen Seafood 2092
Ingalls Shipbuilding Division 19000 Naval & large commercial
vessels 3731
Miss. Chemical Corporation 535 Fertilizers 2873
Sulfuric Acid 2819
The Miss. Press Register 92. Newspaper 2711
Pavco Industries, Inc. 1.40 Plywood paneling 2435
Sanded hardboard 2426
The Quaker Oats Co. 175 Canned cat,& dog food 2047
Standard Oil Co.. 620 Petroleum Fuels 2911
F.B. Walker & Sons Shipyard 99 Boat Building 3732
Castigliola Seafood Products 2092
Clark Seafood Seafood Products 2092
Graham Boats, Inc. Boat Building 3732

SOURCE: Parametric Overview of Land Use and Socio-Economic Activities, 1976,
Gulf Regional Planning Commission

TABLE 8
INDUSTRIAL PARK SUMMARY
HANCOCK, HARRISON AND JACKSON COUNTIES
GULF REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION - JANUARY 1976

Water Waste Transportation
Size Occupied Available UTILITIES Used Discharge Rail Roads
NAME OWNERSHIP (Acres) Acreage Acreage Water Gas Electric Se@ie_r (gal/day) (gal/day) -water- Air Remarks

HANCOCK COUNTY
Port Bienville Ind. Park Hancock County 1460 291 1169 x x x x 8,000 2,000 x x x Industrial Park

HARRISON COUNTY
Pass Christian Ind. Park Harrison County 190 94 96 x x x x 10,500 x x Industrial Park
Long Beach Ind. Park Harrison County 500 0 500 x x x x Industrial Park
Bayou Benard Ind. Park Harrison County 1450 949 501 x x x x 100,000 x x x x Industrial Park
East Harrison Co. Ind. Park Harrison County 83 33 50 x x x x 9,600 x x Industrial Park

JACKSON COUNTY
Ocean Springs Ind. Park Jackson County 15 6 9 x x x x x Industrial Park
Bayou Casotte Public Terminals Jackson County 25 0 25 x x x x x x Industrial Dist.
Bayou Casot te No. I Jackson County 242 0 242 x x x x x x x Industrial Dist.
Bayou Casotte No. 2 Jackson County 649 4 645 x x x x x x x Industrial Dist.
Greenwood Island Ind. Park Jackson County 311 0 311 x x x x x x x Industrial Dist.
West Bank Ind. Park No. 1 Jackson County 6 0 6 x x x x x x Industrial Di st.
West Bank Ind. Park No. 2 Jackson County 65 0 65 x x x x Industrial Dist.
TOTALS 4996 137-7 -161-9

SOURCE:
1. Miss. Research & Development Center, Long Beach - General Information
2. Hancock County Port & Harbor Commission Water Use & Discharge
3. Harrison County Development Commission Water Use & Discharge
4. Jackson County Planning Commission - General Siting Information

TABLE 9
REGIONAL PARKS & RECREATION AREAS

FACILITY NAME TYPE OF FACILITY OWNERSHIP@ ... ACREAGE

HANCOCK COUNTY

BAY ST. LOUIS
Bay High School School Playfield City School System 15
Bay Jr. High School Playfield City School System 4*
North Bay Elem. School School Playground City School System 5
Christ Episcopal Parochial School Playground Church 4
Devine Word Seminary Parochial School Playfield Church 3
Our Lady of the Gulf Parochial School Playground Church 2
St. Joseph Academy Parochial School Playground Church 4
St. Stanislaus College Parochial School Playfield Church 25
Ingram Elem. School School-City Playground City of Bay St.Louis 1
Dunbar & Ulman Field City Playfield City of Bay St.Louis 2
Julia & Dunbar Park City Mini-Park City of Bay St.Louis I
Main & Necaise Park City Mini-Park, City of Bay St.Louis I
St.Francis & Bookter Park City Mini-Park City of Bay St.Louis I

WAVELAND
Waveland Elem. School School Playground City School System 3
St. Clares' Elem. School Parochial School Playground Church 3
Elmwood Park City Playfield & Park. City of Waveland 5

UNINCORPORATED AREA
Hancock North Central School School Playfield & Playground County School System 30
C. B. Murphy School School Playground County School System 3
Hancock Co. Beaches Public Beach County 135
Buccaneer St. Park State Park State of Miss. 394
PASS CHRISTIAN HARRISON COUNTY
Pass Christian High School School Stadium City School System -
Parker Memorial Park Community Playfield City of Pass Christian -
Pass Christian Harbor Community Park City of Pass Christian 3
Harbor Park Community Park City of Pass Christian 25
Church St. Park Neighborhood Playfield City of Pass Christian 1
War Memorial Park, Neighborhood Playfield City of Pass Christian 5
Pass Christian Yacht Club Yacht Club & Marina Club-Semi-Public 3

LONG BEACH
Long Beach High School School Playfield,Gym City School System -
Tennis Courts & Stadium
O'Malley Park Community Playfield City of Long Beach 10
Church Street Park Community Playground City of Long Beach 6
Skellie Park Neighborhood Playfield City of Long Beach 3
Railroad St. Park Neighborhood Playfield City of Long Beach 2
Long Beach Basketball Court Neighborhood Playfield City of Long Beach 1
Long Beach Recreation Center Recreation Center City of Long Beach I
Small Craft Harbor Small Craft Harbor City of Long Beach 2

REGIONAL PARKS & RECREATION AREAS
(Continued)

FACILITY NAME TYPE OF FACILITY OWNERSHIP AVERAGE.7

HARRISON COUNTY

GULFPORT
Handsboro School School Playfield City School System 4
Anniston Avenue School School Playfield City School System 2
Mississippi City School School Playfield City School System 4
28th Street School School Playfield City School System 8
Gulfport High School Gym & Related Facilities City,School System -
'Gulfport East High School Gym, Tennis Courts & City School System
Related Facilities
Bayou View Jr.'High School Gym,Playfield & Related City School System
Facilities
Gulfport East Jr. High Gym, Tennis Courts & City School System
Related Facilities
West Gulfport Jr. High School Playfield City School System
Milner Stadium Stadium City of Gulfport
Fairgrounds Playfield Playfields & Fairgrounds City of Gulfport 26
33rd Avenue Playfield Community Playfield City of Gulfport 14
Bayou View Playfield Community Playfield City of Gulfport 8
Beach Blvd. Playfield Community Playfield City of Gulfport 18
Bayou View Park Community Park City of Gulfport 10
Westside Community Park Community Park & Center City of Gulfport 19
Gaston Point Playfield Neighborhood Playfield City of Gulfport 3
North Gulfport Playfield Neighborhood Playfield City of Gulfport 2
2nd Street Playfield Neighborhood Playfield City of Gulfport 3
Hill Park Neighborhood Park City.of Gulfport 37
Jones Park Memorial Park City of Gulfport 4
Broadmore Place Park Neighborhood Mini-Park City of Gulfport .3
19th Street Playfield Neighborhood Playfield City of Gulfport 3
East Side Mini-Park Neighborhood Mini-Park City of-Gulfport .5
Hewes Recreation Center Community Center City of-Gulfport 4
East Side Community Center Community Center City of Gulfport 5
Moses Pier Public Fishing Pier City of Gulfport -
Small Craft Harbor Public Marina City of Gulfport 30
Gulfport Yacht Club Yacht Club & Private Marina Yacht Club-Private 4
Bayou View Golf Course Golf Course Private-lease from Cityl40
Gulfport Par-Three Course Par-Three Golf Course Commercial 39
Broadwater Golf Course Golf Course Commercial 160
Marine Life Marine Aquarium Commercial 2

BILOXI
Biloxi High School School Playfield & Related City School System -
Facilities
Central Jr. High School School Gym & Related Facilities City School System -
Fernwood School School Gym & Related Facilities City School System -
Michel Jr. High School. School Gym & Related Facilities City School System -
Biloxi Municipal Stadium Municipal Stadium City of Biloxi -
'Hiller Park Community Park City of Biloxi @75
Tanglewood Community Park City of Bilo 1 2.5
X1
Brian Park Community Park & Center City of Biloxi -
Circle Park Community Park City of Biloxi -
Biloxi Community Center Community Center City of Biloxi -
Division Street Community CenterCommunity Center City School System -
Meault Center Community Center City of Biloxi -
West Biloxi Center Community Center Lutheran Church -

.52

REGIONAL PARKSA RECkEATION AREAS
(Continued)
FACILITY NAME TYPT OF 'F9 I LITY c7mr,

HARRISON COUNTY (;'continued)

'
BILOXI (Continued)_
East End Center Community Center City 'of Biloxi
Back Bay LittI6 League Park Little League Playfield '-City of Biloxi 5.5
Lee Street Basbball Park Neighborhood Playfield City of Biloxi .5
McDonnell Playfield Neighborhood Playfield' city of Biloxi 7
Rose Street Playfield Neighborhood Playfield City of Biloxi 3.3
St. Michael Playfield Neighborhood Playfield City of Biloxi 3.5
West End Park d Little League Playfield City of Biloxi, 2.5
Business Men's'@Club Playground Neighborhood Playground City of Biloxi 3
St. Mary's Playground Neighborhood Playground City of Biloxi 1.5
y
Biloxi International Plaza Neighborhood Plaza & Park city of Biloxi 2
Miramic Mini-PA.,rk Neighborhood Mini-Park City of Biloxi 1
Guice Park' Neighborhood Plaz.a-Park City of Biloxi I
Biloxi Small Craft Harbor Small Craft Harbor & Marina City of Biloxi 12
Biloxi Fishing@Bridge Fishing Bridge City of Biloxi -
Biloxi Yacht Club Yacht Club &,Marina Private 5
Broadwater Bea4h Marina Small Craft'Harbor Private-Commercial 10
Amusement Parkv Amusement Park Commercial 2
Deer Ranch Amusement Park Commercial 7
Goofy Golf Amusement Park Commercial 2
Broadwater Sun!Golf Course Golf Course Commerical 160
Edgewater Golf 'Course Golf Course Commercial 125
Sunkist Golf Course Golf Course & Club Private 120

UNINCORPORATEDtAREA
Airey Lake Recreation Area Camping Picnic U.S.Forest Service 6
Big Biloxi River Recreation AreaCamping & Picnic U.S.Forest Service 27
Big Foot Horse Trail Riding Trail U.S.Forest Service 7
Tuxachanie Hiking Trail Hiking Trail U.S.Fbrest Service 17
Bil oxi Par-Three Golf Course Golf Course Commercial 32
Harrison County"Beach Public Beach Harrison County/Miss. -
Saucier Little League Field Little League Playfield Unknown 2
D'Iberville Little League Field Little League Playfield Unknown 2
Lizanna Little League Field Little League Playfield Unknown 2
Orange Grove Little League Field Little League Playfield Unknown 2
Pineville Little League Field Little League Playfield Unknown 2
Harrison County,Fishing Pier Public Fishing Pier Harrison County 2
Camp Wilkes Boy Scout Camp Boy Scout Council 89
Harrison Centra'.1 High School School Playfield & County School System
Related Facilities

JACKSON COUNTY

OCEAN SPRINGS
Freedom Field School Playfield City School System 4
Vermont St. Pla@ground School Playground City School System 1
Greyhound Stadi"m Stadium City & School 19
Magnolia Park Community Park City of Ocean Springs 20
Pecan Park Community Park City of Ocean Springs 21
Little Children's Park Neighborhood Playground City of Ocean Springs 4

REGIONAL PARKS & RECREATION AREAS
(Continued)

FACILITY NAME TYPE OF FACILITY OWNERSHIP ACREAGE

JACKSON COUNTY

OCEAN SPRINGS (Continued)
Ocean Springs Recreation Center Community Center City of Ocean Springs
Parktown East Neighborhood Park City of Ocean Springs 3
Clayboy Park Neighborhood Playfield City of Ocean Springs 5.5
Hallstead Rd-Tennis Court Tennis Courts City of Ocean Springs 8
Ocean Springs Small Craft Harbor Small Craft Harbor City of Ocean Springs -

MOSS POINT
Mayo Elementary School Playground School Playground City School System 2
Bellview Park Community Park City of Moss Point 19
Mag nolia Park Community Park City of Moss Point 9
Curt Street Playfield Community Playfield City of Moss Point 13
Frederick St. Playfield Community Playfield City of Moss Point 10
Moss Point Recreation Center Community Center City of Moss Point .1
Gautier Field Semi-Public Playfield Dixie Youth Baseball
League 4
St.Joseph Church Playfield Semi-Publie Playfield Chruch 2

PASCAGOULA
Colmer Jr. High Playfield School Playfield City Schoql System 10
Pascagoula City Park Community Park City of Pascagoula 8.5
Davenpcrt Playfield Neighborhood Playfield City of Pascagoula 2
Flannegan Playfield Neighborhood Playfield City of Pascagoula 2
Gibson Playfield Neighborhood Playfield City of Pascagoula 2
Ingalls Playfield Neighborhood Playfield City of Pascagoula 2
John Ingalls Neighborhood Playfield City of Pascagoula 2
War Memorial Stadium Stadium City of PaIscagoula 4
Parsley St. Mini-Park Neighborhood Mini-Park City of Pascagoula I
Live Oak Mini-Park Neighborhood Mini-Park City of,Pascagoula .5
Pascagoula Recreation Center Recreation Center City of Pascagoula 7
Pascagoula Inner Harbor Harbor & Marina City of Pascagoula 4
Longfellow House & Gardens Pool, Golf & Tennis Litton Industries 70
Pascagoula Country Club Golf Course Private Club 200
Aquatic Club Pool Swimming Pool Pirvate Club 1
Coastline Pool Swimming Pool Pirvate Club I
Fun'Spot Miniature Golf Commercial 4

UNINCORPORATED
Softball Field Community Playfield County-Comm"unity 10
Gulf Park Estates Marina,Golf Course & Pool Private Corporation
Hickory Hills Country Club Golf Coruse & Pool Private Corporation
St. Andrews onthe Gulf Golf Course, Tennis & Pool Private Corporation -
Gulf Hills Dude Ranch Golf Course, Tennis & Stables Private Corporation 1000
Gulf Islands National Seashore Camping, 'Swimming, Fishing National Park.Service
(Include Petit Bois, Horn and
Ship'Islands)

PART III
PERMISSIBLE LAND AND WATER USES

REQUIREMENTS OF THE CZM ACT

The Coastal Zone Management Act requires that:

The management (plan) must show evidence that the State has developed and
alIpplied a procedure for defining.'permissible land and water uses within the
coastal zone and which have a direct and significant impact on the coastal
waters,' which includes, at a minimum:

(1) a method for relating various specific land and water
uses to impact upon coastal waters, including utili-
zation of an operational definition of "direct and
significant impact,"

(2) an inventory of natural and man-made coastal resources
(see Part II),

(3) an analysis or establishment of a method for analysis
of the capability and suitability for each type of
resource and application to existing, projected or
potential uses,

(4) an analysis or establishment of a method for analysis
of the environmental impact of reasonable resource
utilizations." Section 305(b)(2).

PURPOSE

Two further tasks were performed in determining those uses which have a direct

and significant impact on the coastal waters.

The spcond@task was a determination of those land and water uses that would

be assessed for potential, impact., These were based in part on fi.ndings from

the resources inventory. After an initial determination of those possible

uses which would be permissible, a tentative determination of "direct and

significant impact" was developed. This definition was further modified and

tested along with the result of the third task.
'For the third task, a method was needed to test these potential uses. This

method, although not complete in every detail, attempts to establish an analysis

of the capabi1ity of each resource to support various types of uses for sustained
and undiminished yield of those renewable resources. Within this @ethod is

included an analysis of the impact of various resource uses upon the natural

environment (-air, land, water).

LAND AND WATER USES

As an aid in evaluation of activities located or considering a location in

the Coastal Zone of Mississippi, two matrix tables were developed. These are

0
contained in the appendix. Water uses were separated from land uses since

the activities did not in themselves cause physical alteration of the shore-

line, being primarily water-borne or located offshore where only bottom

characteristics would be physically altered with possible attendant chemical
and biological disturbance.

LAND USE

To determine the types of activities and nature of their physical facilities

that were drawn to or of necess.ity required waterfront locations, an investiga-

tion was made of existing development within the three coastal counties including:

residential, commercial, processing and manufacturing (industrial), transportationY

recreation and institutional uses. Also noted was the location, whether it

abutted and/or occupied submerged lands of the state wetlands. In most in-

stances, the use had caused some alteration of the shoreline. And, in several

areas major changes were encountered. In every case direct and significant

physical impact upon the state wetlands and coastal waters had occurred, with

some indeterminate biological and chemical impacts as well.

The 'T' array of the matrix is entitled Permissible Use according to the

definition of such uses. This axis presents the social and economic activities.

The "Y" array of the matrix is entitled Factors, presenting physical facilities

and support services needed (also a form of activity) to susta-in the basic

activities and considerations that influence managerial decisions.

Permissible Land Uses (X Array).

Residential:

o Land with direct access or indirect access to navigable waters

that requires periodic dredging of boat channel and a spoiling

area for dredged materials, on an individual ownership basis.

o Development where community marina serves in place of individual

waterfront lots, as advertised.

o Development where both individual and community boating accom-

modations are available, as advertised.

Commercial

o The quay, dockside, or pier wholesaling and/or retailing of

fin-fish, shrimp and shellfish unprocessed to the public.

o The waterside retailing of fishing equipment and bait.

o Use of the waterfront, including marina and boating services

that enhances hotel and/or motel attractiveness.

o Eating establishments specializing in seafoods that use a

waterfront location as a setting to draw customers.

o The retailing of boats (power and sail) and the necessary equip-

ment and service that is required for maintenance and operation.

Processing a d Manufacturing:

o Construction of naval vessels; vessels for the merchant

marine with maintenance and/or repair services as needed.

o Construction of craft for the commercial fishing fleet,

offshore workboats and craft for both charter and pleasure.

o Metal fabrications that are portions of outer continential

shelf drilling and production platforms, usually transported

by barge to site of installation.

o, The refining of petroleum into distillates with crude oil

being received by pipeline and by tanker.

o The manufacture of paper from wood pulp with cordwood being

received, by barge shipment.

o The processing of finfish, shrimp and shellfish into seafoods

for both human and animal consumption.

o The manufacture of agricultural chemicals, and involves ship-

'Ment by bulk cargo carrier.

o Production of poles, piling and timbers and their shipment to

domestic and foreign markets.

Mining and Energy:

o The extraction of oil and gas and their transportation to

shore from offshore drilling and production platforms.

o Extraction of chemicals from sea water with pipeline intake

and transport.

o the mining of sand, gravel and shells requiring dredging and

barge transport.

o The production of electrical energy in which coal is moved by

barge to plant site for generation purposes.

Transportation:

o Internal roads that provide immediate access to waterfront land

uses and that cross bottoms of the wetlands.

o Highways that provide a way for movement of goods and people

that connect with major local, regional and national markets,

and that cross the state wetlands in particular locations.

0 Spur railroad lines that provide immediate and direct service to

ports and harbor industrial areas, including dockside services.

o Main connector railroads.that transport cargoes and commodities

and@cross the state wetlands.

o Pipelines that carry oil and gas and rest on the bottom of the

coastal wetlands.

o Airport that services the national defense establishment and

requires shoreline stabilization to protect runway-

o Cargo services for international and coastal carriers such as

freighters, tankers and barges involves the provision of moorings

and berthing space; the.loading, unloading and storage of cargoes;

ship fueling, waste transfer and chandler services. Also common

carriers are needed for the transport of cargoes to and from the

port facility.

o Berthing services are needed for fishing vessels, charter craft

and pleasure craft during the off seasons. Such services are

usua lly pro vided by marinas and small craft harbors where fueling,

waste transfer and minor maintenance facilities are available.

Recreation:

o State parks which provide the pleasures of boating and require

access to navigable waters.

o Small craft launching and retrieval facilities developed for,

public use and enjoyment.

0 Public beaches providing many recreational areas.and activities

'which do periodically need replenishment of sand.

o. Offshore islands of the Gulf Islands National Seashore where

natural scenes are preserved along with sites of historic interest,

which need protection from beach erosion.

o. Fishing piers and jetties for.public'use and enjoyment and that

occupy submerged lands of the wetlands.

o Private fishing camps for individual and family pleasure with

boating facilities and access to navigable waters.

Institutional:

o Local entities such as schools, institutions of higher learning,
and fraternal bodies that have waterfront.facilities.

o State supported activity in the form of the Gulf Coast

Research Laboratory with its small craft harbor and access

channel and the Point Cadet facilities.

o Federal installations are represented by the Keesler Air

Force Training Base which abuts.the wetlands and the NASA

National Space Technology Laboratories. The laboratories

have a complete internal water transport system with channels,

locks, docks and wharves. However, the entire system is

directly dependent upon the East Pearl River barge channel.

Factors Relating to Coastal Activities (Y Array

Significance:

0 '@'Local," activities effecting, primarily, the social-economic

deve.lopment and environment of the Mississippi coastal com-

munity.

0 "Regional," activities-whose beneficial impact extends beyond

thecoastal com munity and which may be interstate as well as

intrastate.

0 "Nati onal," activities where interests of the entire nation are

being served. Many activities will have a degree of national

importance, however, those such as the Department of Defense

and the NASA National Space Technology Laboratories are repre-

sentative of a greater national interest. An activity may be

placed in one, two or all three categories, thus indicating its

comparative level of significance.

Water Oriented Facilities and Services

Classification:

Land use classifications are stated in simplified manner in.the

Y array these being: residential, commercial, industrial (pro-

cessing, manufacturing, mining and energy), and institutional.

When considered appropriate, availability of facilities and/or

services may be indicated by use of the terms: private, semi-

public,and public.

Land.Support Facilities and Services

Major types of facilities are: marinas, small craft harbors,,

port.s, planned harbor and industrial area, planned industrial

seaway,, planned industrial complex and the independent facility.

All fac ilities, in varying degree, occupy some part of what was

once the coastal wetland, have caused alteration of the shore-

line and, with exception of the independ ent facility, are de-

pendent upon properly maintained navigation channels. All have

a direct and significant impact upon the state wetlands and the

coastal waters.
64

Typ of Access to Natural Navigable Water

There are three types of navigation channels:

o The ship channel which is the widest has operating depths

varying from 30 feet at Gulfport to 40 feet at Pascagoula.

o Barge channels are next in width with minimum operational

depths ranging from 7 to 12 feet.

o The smaller boat channels have depths from 4 to 7 feet.

All channels require periodic dredging and are confronted with

spoil disposal problems.

Waterfront Development

Development has been separated into three basic areas of refer-

ence for,convenience in evaluation, these being shoreline pro-

tection or stabilization, genera,l features associated with marine

facilities.and services and special features related to water

orien ted activities.

o Shoreline protection and stabilization can be accomplished in

a number of ways and may or may not be directly related to

marine facilities and services, aIcase in point being measures

taken to protect-the Mississippi shoreline from the ravages

of trop ical storms and hurricane tides. Such protection can

take the form of bulkheads, rip-rap, seawall, sand berm or

breakwater or various combination s of these forms. Usually a

portion of the wetlands is lost i-n the installation process.

o General features presented are found in association with

facilities and services rendered water oriented.activities.

Boat slips and finger piers are usually for small craft,

while the massive east'and west piers of the Port of

Gulfport serve ocean-going vessels. All are necessary if

the needs of pleasure craft, fishing vessels and the larger

cargo vessels are to be satisfied. Such features include:

boat slips, piers, wharves, quays, docks, open storage areas,

protected storage areas in the form of transient sheds and

warehouses, cargo handling facilities, vessel moorings and

berthing, barge moorings and berthing, freight shipment,

fueling and waste transfer, ships' chandler, building sites,

and parking areas. Again, these features will occupy in part,

areas that once were wetlands of the coastal zone.

o Special features of the coastal waterfront include sling

hoist launching and retrieval of small craft, launching ways

for small craft construction yards', and for larger naval and
cargo vessels, petroleum storage facilities for tanker dis-

charge, elevator storage for grains to be shipped by bulk

cargo carriers, dry docks for vessel maintenance and repair,

pipeline service, dredge service and workboat.support service.

Practically all special feature facilities and services need

a maintained channel of appropriate depth and have removed a

portion of once productive wetlands. Also there is a problem

of spoil disposal.

Impact:

From description of the foregoing permissible land uses and the

necessary support facilities and services it becomes evident that

a direct and significant physical impact has been made. This has

been accompanied by an undetermined loss of marine biota and

chemical disturbance. The irretrievable loss of state wetlands

has been compensated, in part, by development of major activities

that have helped to diversify and strengthen the economic structure

of the coastal area, the State and the interstate region. National

interests have been served. However, such land use activities, by

the nature of their impact, are considered subject to the coastal

zone management program.

WATER USE

As in the case of land use, an investigation was made of the type and nature of

water uses that existed in the Mississippi coastal zone, as defined within the

body of this r@qport.

The X" array of this matrix is entitled Permissible Water Uses representing

the social-economic activities encountered. The "Y" array of the matrix is en-

titled.Factors indicating needed physical facilities and support services.

Permissible Water Uses (X array)

Commercial:

o Fishery acti vities in the catching or netting of finfish and

shrimp and the tonging and/or dredging of shellfish.

o Mariculture in the form of leased wetlands,(bottoms) that can be

used for the propagation and harvesting of oysters and other forms

of marine life.

o Charter craft that,use the coastal waters for commercial fishing

purposes.

Mining,and Extraction:

o The extraction of gas and oil and the transportation from offshore

locations to shore processing points.

0 Sea,chemicals derived from the waters or mined from the bottoms

requiring barge or pipeline transport.

o Sand, gravel and shell mini.ng by dredging and needing barge move-

ment to shore.

Transportati on:

Navigation:

o The movement of freighters, tankers, and barges under tow

to destined ports, harbors and other areas requiring a main-

tained navigation channel, either coastal or international.

Navigation Aids:

o The use 6f channel buoys and data buoys to assist in the

navigation of coastal waters promotes operational safety

of the waterway system.

Recreation:

o Charter craft that provide sportfishing and find the waters

of coastal Mississippi suited to the needs of,their operations.

Pleasure cruising by charter craft for the enjoyment of the

area's natural and restf ul beauty.

o Sportfishing, sailing and motor boating are recreational activi-

ties that individual owners of small craft can enjoy and like

charter craft require knowledge of coastal water depths and

channels for navigation and safety of operation.

Factors Relating to Water Activities (Y array)

Significance:

0 "Local," activities effecting, primarily the social-economic

development and environment of the Mississippi coastal com-.

munity.

0 "Regional," activities whose beneficial impact extends beyond

the coastal community and which may be interstate as well as

intrastate.

0 "National,11 activities where interests of the entire nation are

being served (See permissible land use).

Water Oriented Facilities and Services:

Classification

Though no residential use of offshore coastal waters was en-

countered, facilities and services are needed in support of

commercial, industrial and institutional activities.

When considered appropriate, availability of facilities and/or

services may be indicated by use of the terms: private, semi-

public and public.

Water Dependent Facilities and Services

Major offshore facilities are oil and gas drilling and produc-

tion platforms, petroleum transfer terminals, piers and docks.

Pipelines connect offshore platforms with shore facilities,

and cross the submerged lands beneath the coastal waters, oc-

cupying a portion of the state.wetlands. Workboats provide

fuel,'material and supply transfer and utilize channels where

shallow waters are encountered.

Types.of Navigation Channels

Though.boat channels are needed.in certain areas offshore, for

most craft natural depths are sufficient for their operation.

Barge transport uses the well maintained intracoastal waterway

which traverses the Mississippi Sound in an east-west direction.

Ocean-going vessels enter the coastal waters at the port of

Gulfport or Pascagoula ship channels.

There are three types of navigation channels:

o The ship channel which.is the widest has operating depths

varying from 30 feet at Gulfport to 40 feet at Pascagoula.

o Barge channels are next in width with minimum operational

depths ranging from 7 to 12 feet.

0 The,smaller boat channels have depths from 4 to 7 feet.

All channels require periodic maintenance dredging, in addition

to occasional enlargement, and have spoil disposal pr oblems.

Coastal Water Mon itoring Service

There exists a need for a greater intensity of activity to pre-

Vent t he discharge of waste in the coastal waters, and to con-

trol fuel and oil spills that occur from marine activities.

Small dead cull fish have fouled beach es during operations of

the fishing fleet, possibly the result of working too near the

shore. Natural preditors normally prevent such an occurrence.

Patrol vessels are needed to keep fishing operations the proper

distance offshore.

Impact:

'Movement of ships, barge tows and small craft on the coastal waters

of MissisOppi requires the presence and maintenance of navigation

channels, resulting in a direct physical change of the natural con-

figuration of the submerge wetlands. Growth of spoil areas may in

time change the flow of, coastal water currents, as well as cover pro-

ductive areas of the wetlands. However, larger vessels and ships could

not enter the coastalwater without the presence of suitable channels,

and the loss of such traffic would cause serious economic repercussions.
Marine activities in the coastal waters exert.a direct and significant

physical impact through their need for navigation channels. Also,

there is present the potential for contamination from spills and poor

fishing practices that result in both chemical and biological impacts.

The dredging of channels and placement of spoil is considered a coastal

management concern as is the protection of coastal water quality, and

the movement of maritime commerce through the waters of the Mississippi

coastal zone.

PERMISSIBLE USES

The following tables list the categories-of land and water uses which are

considered to be permissible. Table 10 shows 47 permissible land uses,

divided into discernible categories.' Table 11 shows 24 permissible water

uses, similarly divided.

TABLE 10

PERMISSIBLE LAND USES

Residential
Boat Mooring and Berthing
Single-Family Dwellings
Subdivision Development
Planned..Unit Development
Other

Commercial
Dockside Activities .
Unprocessed
Wholesaling
Finfish
Shrimp
Shellfish
Retailing
Finfish
Shrimp
Shellfish
Bait and Tackle Shop
Resort Motels and Hotels
Seafood Eating Establishments
Marine Sales, Supplies and Services
Other

Processing and Manufacturing
Shipbuilding and Repair
Naval Vessels
Cargo Carriers
Small.Craft Construction
OCS Platform Sub-Assemblies
Petroleum Refining
Paper and Allied Products
Seafood and Related Products
Chemicals-and Related Products
Timber and Tree Product Production
Other

Mining and Energy,
Oil and Gas Wells
Sea Chemical Extraction
Sand, Gravel and Shell Mining
Power Plants
Other

TABLE 10 (continued)

Transportation
Roads
Highways
Railroad Spur
Railroad Main Connector
Pipeline
Airport
Other
Cargo Services
Coastal Vessels
International Vessels
Tugs and Barges
Other
Berthing Services
Fishing Fleet
Charter Craft
Private Craft
Other

Recreation
State Parks
Boat Ramps
Public Beaches
Offshore Islands
Public Fishing Area
Private Fishing Camps
Other

Institutional
Local
State
Federal

TABLE 11

PERMISSIBLE WATER USES

Commercial Institutional
Fisheries Local
Finfishing State
Shrimping Federal
Shellfishing
Mariculture
Charter'.Craft
Other

Mining and Extraction
Oil and Gas Wells
Sea Chemical Extraction
Sand, Gravel and Shell
Other

Transportation
Navigation
International
Freighter
Tanker
Other
Coastal
Freighter
Tanker
Barge
Other
Research Vessels
Search and Rescue Vessels
Naval Vessels
Construction Vessels
Other
Navigation Aides
Data Buoys
Channel Buoys
Other

Recreation
Charter Craft
Sportfishing
Cruising
Other
Private Craft
Sportfishing
Motor Boating
Sailing
Other 76

METHODOLOGY FOR DETERMINING RESOURCE USES TO BE PERMITTED AND MANAGED IN THE
MISSISSIPPI COASTAL ZONE UNDER THE COASTAL ZONE PROGRAM

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

The resource base of Mississippi's coastal zone is limited by a number of

geographic, cultural, ecological and seasonal factors. Some of these factors

have been identified while others remain to be identified as well as quanti-

fied through baseline studies. Where significant impacts and conflicts exist

or can be predicted, knowledgeable and appropriate tradeoffs are required among

coastal us es, and also between coastal and non-coastal uses.

In decisions concerned with making tradeoffs or permitting coastal resource

uses, the general common denominator is demand-supply-price, i.e. what is

wanted (demand), what is available and appropriate (supply), and what must

be done to bring them together (price). These terms do not apply strictly to

dollars. For example, demand includes ecological balance and aesthetic satis-

faction as well as recreation, navigation, land development and the like. Price

includes dollars; it also includes such things as air, water and biological

quality foregone, locational adva ntages foregone, and human energy consumed in

resource allocation.

To assist in making well-consid,ered decisions regarding uses expected to have

significant impacts and conflicts in the coastal zone, a methodology for

evaluation must be employed by decision makers.

The broad purpose of.the methodology is to assist in identifying and prior-

itizing conflicts and potential impacts in the coastal zone of Mi ssissippi.

Additionally@ the methodology will assist in maintaining and improving the

usefulness of the coastal zone of Mississippi and the Nation for now and the

future. Also, the methodology will be valuable in expediting a pertinent

systematic mechanism for determing individual and cumulative resource uses

and impacts to be permitted and managed in Mississippi's Coastal Zone. The

Analysis Framework Chart is a component of the methodology and is the foundation

upon which the methodology can be expanded for each category into a detailed

evaluation as is appropriate for the proposed use. The Analysis Framework serves

as a tool for systematically focusing and recording the judgements of informed

experts and value issues as perceived by the public.

The utility of the methodology-is that is will aid decision makers in the

following important aspects concerning a proposed use of resources in the coastal

@zone.

1. Identification of conflicts which may arise as a result of the use.

2. Identification of impacts that may occur as a result of the proposed

use. (Impact is defined as the difference in the state or value of

the environment with, versus without the use of resources).

3. Evaluation and prediction of whether the impact s associated with the

use will be significant (see discussion* following item 4). If an

impact is determined to be significant, this does not imply that@the

proposed use is acceptable. The decision of acceptability will be

rendered in the next step.

4. Through a process of weighing, determination of the acceptability of

a si gnificant impact and.thus determination of whether the use as

proposed will be permitted as proposed by the applicant, will be

permitted With specified modifications or will not be permitted in the

coastal zone. The evaluation of a project is to be conducted in such

a manner that the project is approved or rejected in a manner least

costly to the environment and socio-economics and so each accepted

project is permitted and conducted in its most desirable form.

For determining whether an impact is significant, the following definitions

will provide the guidelines for an operational approach.

Environmental Impact

An environmental impact re presents a man-made change at the community

andeecosystem level. At the time of the permit request and within the

capacity of the state of the art, an environmental impact is significant

if it results in a change that is measurable in a statistically sound

sampling program and if it persists, or is expected to persist, more

than several years at the population, community or ecosystem level.

Changes in the biochemistry of individual orga nisms do not.fall within

this definition. If these changes cause or are expected to cause
ctable changes in. population-level parameters., e.g. brood success,
then the impact would be defined as a significant environmental impact.

Socio-economic Impact

A so cio-economic impact represents man-made changes and is significant

where there is a change in economic productivity that is measurable or

would be measurable in a statistically sound data gathering program and/ar

where thereare changes in sociological qualities which are perceived to

be.undesirable by mankind at the community level within the coastal zone.

PROPOSED RESOURCE USE WITHIN THE COASTAL ZONE OF MISSISSIPPI-STANDARD INFORMATION
REQUIREMENTS TO BE PROVIDED BY THE APPLICANT REGARDING THE PROPOSED USE AND PERMIT
REQUEST

As part of the evaluation processes, certain standard information is necessary for

the review of the propose d activity. This material, supplied initially, will provide

for the review of the basic proposed activities of the applicant, giving generally

the information to determine if the proposed activity would require a permit under

the coastal program or if.expanded data would be needed.

Listed below are the standard informational requirements.

1. Name, address and telephone number of the applicant, and if applicable,

the applicant's agent.

2. Date.,

3. Name and address of adjacent property owners.

4. Description of the proposed activity, its purpose or intended use.

5. Description of the proposed project

A. New or Maintenance Work

B. Dredging (types)

C. Construction

D. Filling

6. Location of project

A. City, Town or Landmark

B. Waterway

C. Section, Township, Range.and County

7. Purpose of project and cost

A. Private

B. Commercial

C. Public

D. Other

8. Length of time required for the project

A. Starting Date

B. Completion Date

9. Measures to prevent detrimental offsite impacts

10. List of other approvals needed

11. Plan and drawi'ng-requirements

12. Certification of the, appli cant

13. Fees

MISSISSIPPI MARINE RESOURCES COUNCIL REVIEW

Upon receiving from the applicant the standard information regarding the

pro posed use within the coastal zone of Mississippi, the staff of the

Mississippi M arine Resources Council will review the submitted information.

Prior to making a final decision, the Council may require the applicant,to

provide additional information not originally submitted as part of the

Standard Information Requirements.

EXPANDED INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS NEEDED FROM APPLICANT REGARDING THE PROPOSED
USE AND PERMIT REQUEST

Depending upon the character and magnitude of the proposed use and after review

of the initial information submitted by the applicant, the Mississippi Marine

Resources Council may request additional information about the proposed use. The

request for additional information may include a detailed Environmental Impact

Statement. Also, the fol,lowing information may be requested:

1. As a1lowed by the state of the art, a summary which groups environ

mental im'acts according to probability and severity of consequences.
p

2. A summary which identifies those who gain and lose from the proposed

action and a formal proposal for compensation which is planned.

3. A statement by economists and social analysts which shows exactly

how each important impact was treated and which impacts remain

unquantified and unconsidered.

4. If additional information and changes are required in the final impact

statement, an additional summary page(s) may be requested to show

exactly the functional and operational changes made in the project or

anticipated since the first permit request was submitted for review.

MISSISSIPPI MARINE RESOURCES COUNCIL DECISION REGARDING PROPOSED USE

After review of the standard and expanded information, the Council will render a

decision which will be one of the following:

1. Use clearly defined as not requiring a permit from and management

under the Mississippi Coastal Program.

2. Use clearly defined as requiring a permit from and management

under the Mississippi Coastal Program.

If the decision is as specified in number two (2), the next step is to evaluate

the proposed use or portion of the proposed use as to specifics of the permit

and management requirements under the Mississippi Coastal Program.

USE OR PORTION OF USE NEEDING EVALUATION AS TO SPECIFICS OF THE PERMIT AND
MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS UNDER THE MISSISSIPPI COASTAL PROGRAM

As stated previously, the Analysis Framework serves as a tool for systematically

focusing and recording judgements of informed experts and value issues as per-

ceived by the public.

At this point in the analysis framework, the evaluation process is divided i nto

two major categories: (1) Resource Inventory and Evaluation of Resource(s) to

be utilized on the basis of the proposed use, and (2) Evaluation of Use (Proposed

Use) in the Coastal Zone of Mississippi.

Each of these major categories is expanded into sub-categories, and after

evaluation, findings are presented for the sub-categories. The major categories

and their associated sub-categories interrelate, thus the respective findings

become an integral.part upon which the suitability or acceptability of the

proposed use is allowed as proposed, allowed with specified modifications or

not allowed at all in the Coastal Zone of Mississippi.

For clarity in the evaluation procedure, the following. sub-categories are defined:

1. Coastal Zone (of Mississippi) = The coastal zone of the state includes

all the land and water area in the three coast counties of Hancock,

Harrison and Jackson.

2. Regional This includes the areas immediately adjacent to the Coastal

Zone of Mississippi. This includes those counties within the State of

Mississippi which are outside the coastal zone but are included in the

Southern Mississippi Planning and Development District. Also included

in the regional category are the counties/parishes of Alabama and

Louisiana which are adjacent to the coastal zone and regional area of

Mississippi.

3. State = The State of Mississippi other than the coastal zone and

regional areas.

4. National = The territory of the United States with emphasis largely

on the continental United States.

Participation of Organizations in the Evaluation Process Other than the
Mississippi Marine Resources Council

For a proposed use requiring a permit, information from organizations other

than the Mississippi Marine Resources Council will be obtained and will be part

of the evaluation process. This information will be reflected in the decision

as to the acceptability (suitability) of the proposed use in the coastal zone

of Mississippi.

These other organizati ons will be notified of a permit request and upon their

request will be provided the Standard Information and any Expanded Information

submitted to the Mississippi Marine Resources Council for review and evaluation of

the proposed use in the coastal zone.

All respondents will be encouraged to submit their information/statements within

the outline of the Framework Analysis Chart (see Appendix). This will help focus

the responses within an organized framework so that comparative analysis can be