It can be hard to know where to start writing to an agency or an official. Remember to keep it professional, polite, and short. Here is a guide to writing a letter to Georgia Environmental Protection Division regarding the four Bryan/Bulloch County wells.
Tip: Need more ideas? Here are some of the reasons ORK is concerned about these wells.
[Introduction: Briefly state the purpose of the comment letter and explain your connection to the issue.] I am writing today to express my concern about digging four wells for the Hyundai Megasite’s water needs. These permits are [add your description].
[Name 2-3 concerns: What are your top reasons for wanting to write about this issue? This could be well levels dropping, water conservation, wildlife and ecology, mitigation plans – or anything else that you are concerned about. For example, if you are a resident of Bryan or Bulloch County, if you have a Floridan Aquifer well, or if you recreate in the area.] I am concerned about [list concerns here].
[Expand on the concerns: Take each concern, one by one, and in a couple of sentences, explain more about how that will affect you. Be specific. It is also helpful if you can provide evidence or an example to explain your concern.] Example: I am a farmer and I use water to feed my livestock. These wells could lower the water level and make it difficult or impossible for me to manage my farm. In the past, my wells dropped x feet during droughts and I am worried the same will happen with these withdrawals.
[Request for Action: Urge the EPD to either pause or deny the permits until all concerns are addressed, or request that the EPD reevaluate the permits.] Example: Please do not approve these permits until these concerns have been fully addressed. The consequences may be irreversible.
[Conclusion: Summarize key points and express willingness to provide further information or clarification.] Example: These are just a few of the reasons I am concerned about these wells. I have many decades of experience on my farm and know what it requires to be successful. I am available to answer any questions EPD has.
Thank you for considering my comments.
Write and send your comments to EPD by August 20, 2024.
Environmental Protection Division, Watershed Protection Branch
Suite 1470A, East Tower
2 Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr., Atlanta, GA 30334
Or email to: EPDComments@dnr.ga.gov
Or use this guided email form