Proposed Savannah Harbor Deepening and Possible Impact on Floridan Aquifer.

Abstract

The proposed deepening of the Savannah Harbor by the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) from its current 42 feet below mean sea level (msl) to as much as 48 feet below msl has generated considerable public interest. Possible wide-reaching adverse environmental impacts range from substantial loss of freshwater marshes, incremental capture of additional sand that nourish downdrift beaches, to an increase in the downward movement of saltwater through the upper confining unit and into the Upper Floridan aquifer.