RELEASE: ORK to submit official comments to GA EPD on wells

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
08/08/2024
Contact: Meaghan Walsh Gerard
Communications and Administrative Director
meaghan@ogeecheeriverkeeper.org

ORK TO SUBMIT OFFICIAL COMMENTS TO GA EPD ON WELLS
Draft permits do not address known concerns and issues 

Ogeechee Riverkeeper (ORK), a nonprofit focused on preserving water quality in the Ogeechee River basin, plans to submit comments to the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) regarding draft groundwater withdrawal permits for Bryan and Bulloch Counties, intended to supply the Hyundai Megasite and other users. ORK is concerned that the EPD’s review of these permits is inadequate, particularly regarding the impact on the Floridan Aquifer, the effectiveness of conservation measures, and the management of the Well Mitigation Fund.

Key concerns include:

Impact on Aquifer and Rivers: ORK questions the EPD’s assumptions about the lack of hydraulic connection between the Floridan Aquifer and local rivers and springs. Reductions in aquifer levels could negatively affect the Ogeechee and Savannah Rivers and tributaries, as well as endangered species like the Atlantic and shortnose sturgeon.

Conservation Measures: The draft permits lack substantive water conservation plans, relying instead on promises of future actions. ORK urges the EPD to require detailed, actionable conservation measures before issuing permits.

Mitigation Fund: ORK insists the plans for the Well Mitigation Fund need detailed, effective mechanisms for addressing adverse impacts on local wells and water users. There is also a need for stronger enforcement provisions and clear definitions of terms related to impacts.

Transition to Alternative Sources: ORK argues that the proposed 25-year timeline for transitioning to alternative water sources is too long and suggests a shorter, more urgent timeline similar to successful projects elsewhere.

Overall, ORK requests that the EPD deny the permit applications until these issues are resolved, ensuring that all potential impacts are thoroughly reviewed and mitigated.

The public are encouraged to submit their own comments to EPDComments @dnr.ga.gov by Tuesday, August 20.

A copy of ORK’s full comment letter will be available after August 20, 2024.

Not sure how to start on a comment letter? Use this guide or use this email form.

About Ogeechee Riverkeeper: Ogeechee Riverkeeper 501(c)(3) works to protect, preserve, and improve the water quality of the Ogeechee River basin, which includes all of the streams flowing out to Ossabaw Sound and St. Catherine’s Sound. The Canoochee River is about 108 miles long and the Ogeechee River itself is approximately 245 miles long. The Ogeechee River system drains more than 5,500 square miles across 21 counties in Georgia. More at ogeecheeriverkeeper.org.

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PDF of press release

Public Meeting Groundwater Applications for Megasite

Bulloch County has submitted an application to EPD for two Floridan aquifer wells sited in Bulloch County, asking for up to 3.125 million gallons a day (mgd) on an annual average. Bryan County has submitted an application to EPD for two Floridan aquifer wells sited in Bulloch County, asking for up to 3.500 mgd on an annual average. The cumulative total of 6.625 mgd on an annual average will be used to provide water to the Bryan County Mega-Site and associated development.

The draft groundwater withdrawal permits have been released for public comments on EPD websites at https://epd.georgia.gov/water-withdrawal-permitting and https://epd.georgia.gov/watershed-protection-branch-public-announcements.

In addition to the meeting, stakeholders may choose to send written comments to EPD. Written comments may be sent to EPDComments@dnr.ga.gov or mailed to Environmental Protection Division, Watershed Protection Branch, Suite 1470A East Tower, 2 Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr., Atlanta, GA 30334. The comment period closes on Tuesday, August 20. Please include the words “Groundwater Applications for Bryan County Mega-Site” in the subject line to help ensure that your comments will be forwarded to the correct staff.