October XX, 2009

District Engineer
U.S. Army Engineer District, Mobile
Attention: Regulatory Division, Inland Branch
Post Office Box 2288
Mobile, Alabama 36628-0001

RE: Public Notice Number SAM-2009-1111-SMZ

Dear Sir or Madam:

Please accept these comments on the proposed filling of 121.8 acres of wetlands and impoundment of 13,557 feet of streambed in Aiken, Flat, and Rains Creeks for the construction of 4 recreational lakes in Stockton, AL by Stockton at Highway 59, LLC. I have serious concerns about the proposed project’s direct and indirect impacts to water quality, wetlands, wildlife habitat, and potential effects on the Tensaw River watershed.

Wetlands within this area of Baldwin County are a finite resource, and already under pressure from residential and commercial development. This proposal marks the 3rd time an application for large-scale fill and impoundment has been submitted for this site and I am very concerned about plans for further development at the property. In light of the project site’s proximity to critical areas of the watershed, the ecological significance of the area’s wetlands, and potential degradation to water quality, the Corps should undertake a full and critical National Environmental Policy Act review. A project of this scale warrants an environmental impact statement that fully assesses the cumulative and secondary impacts of the proposed wetlands fill and impoundment on Aiken, Flat, and Rains Creeks. I would also request that a public hearing be held to give local residents the opportunity to learn more about the project and provide additional comment.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

cc: Alabama Department of Environmental Management