Exemptions possible to new marsh rules

Newly-set restrictions on construction near Georgia’s coastal marshlands might not be as set-in-stone as opponents feared. The Savannah Morning News reports that today the state Department of Natural Resources took up a plan to allow for exemptions to the restrictions it passed two months ago. In February, the board approved so-called buffer zones between marshland and docks, walkways, boat ramps, marinas or other bordering structures. Under the amendment being considerated today, the Coastal Marshland Protection Committee would be allowed to grant exemptions to builders if the buffer would create a "substantial hardship."