Saugatuck Dunes Coastal Alliance Applauds EGLE's Denial of Permits for NorthShore of Saugatuck’s Proposed Marina

The Saugatuck Dunes Coastal Alliance commends Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s (EGLE) decision to deny NorthShore of Saugatuck’s applications for permits to build a marina near the mouth of the Kalamazoo River in Saugatuck Township. NorthShore had applied for Part 31, Water Resources Protection, Part 301, Inland Lakes and Streams, and Part 353, Critical Dunes, permits in May 2023.

In a letter to the applicant, Scott Bosgraaf, dated February 9, 2024, which is available on EGLE’s website, the agency noted:

“After due consideration of the permit application, site conditions, and other pertinent materials, your application is denied for the following reasons:

a. The proposed project will have significant adverse effects on the natural resources associated with the Kalamazoo River, the uses of the Kalamazoo River, and the public trust.

b. The hydrologic groundwater modeling that was completed by your consultants and then provided to EGLE for review is inadequate and contains inconsistencies and other issues. Therefore, the application does not demonstrate that the project will not have adverse temporary or permanent environmental impacts.

c. There are feasible and prudent alternatives.”

“EGLE’s decision is a victory for the Saugatuck Dunes, water quality, globally imperiled interdunal wetlands, lake sturgeon, and the archaeological site of Singapore, all of which would be damaged or destroyed if the applicant were permitted to build its marina,” said David Swan, Coastal Alliance co-founder and president of the board of directors. “Equally important, the decision protects the Traditional Cultural Property of the Potawatomi. It also protects the public interest and recognizes that the River Mouth is central to the livelihoods, lifeways, and recreational pursuits of many.”

NorthShore’s first application to build the marina was approved by EGLE in 2018. Those permits expired in January 2023. EGLE held a public hearing about NorthShore’s second application on July 10, 2023, and received public comments that provided significant new evidence to be considered.

“The Coastal Alliance appreciates EGLE’s consideration of new evidence that documents how NorthShore’s proposed marina violates Michigan’s Critical Dunes Act and Inland Lakes and Streams Act,” said Bobbie Gaunt, Coastal Alliance board chair. “By denying the permits, the agency affirmed the public’s significant interests in protecting and preserving the water and land at the Kalamazoo River Mouth.”

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has not yet made a decision about NorthShore’s federal permit application, which was submitted in 2017.

The Coastal Alliance continues to challenge the marina permit granted by Saugatuck Township in 2017. Following an order from the Allegan County Circuit Court, the Township Zoning Board of Appeal (ZBA) is holding public hearings to determine whether the Coastal Alliance has standing to appeal the permit using new criteria issued by the Michigan Supreme Court in July 2022. The next ZBA hearing is expected to be held on May 16, 2024.