Picture of freshwater river with green trees on shore

Bryan County Taps Bulloch County’s Groundwater Supply

THE COMMENT PERIOD FOR THIS ACTION HAS NOW CLOSED. Read more about the action below.

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Georgia’s Environmental Protection Division (EPD) has released draft permits for four wells supplying the Hyundai Megasite. Unfortunately, it seems that no one adequately planned for the site’s incredible thirst (6+ million gallons of water daily), nor the water needs of associated industrial and residential development.

EPD is accepting public comments on the applications for these four wells. It can be hard to know where to start writing to an agency or an official. Use this simple form to write and send your comments to EPD by August 20. Customize the letter with your concerns, questions, and comments; keep it professional, polite, and short. Please review your letter before you click send!

Ogeechee Riverkeeper and One Hundred Miles share these concerns:

  • Impact to surface water flows: The proposed wells will tap the deep Floridan aquifer; withdrawing 6+ MGD will affect artesian pressure, reducing spring and well-flow that feeds surface water wetlands and streams.
  • Impact to endangered wildlife: Reducing groundwater pressure and surface flow will impact endangered wildlife, including the federally-protected Atlantic and shortnose sturgeon.
  • Impact to communities: The special mitigation fund proposed to help with the inevitable adverse effects on agriculture, environment, and residents is incomplete and functionally ineffective in its current state.
  • Lack of priorities: Pristine water from the aquifer should be used for living things. Industrial needs should be served by surface water. 
  • Lack of water conservation and hazard mitigation plans: This draft permit does not identify the required effective conservation measures before water is withdrawn. SUGGESTED: At a minimum, EPD permits must identify effective conservation measures before water can be withdrawn.
  • Lack of efficient switch to supply alternatives to the aquifer: EPD is not requiring the applicant to identify additional water sources to the aquifer before approving the permit. EPD is also allowing Bryan and Bulloch Counties too long of a timeline to switch to alternative sources.
  • Lack of consequences: EPD must include clear and enforceable consequences for the applicant’s non-compliance.

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