Statement on Ogeechee Riverkeeper Administrative Appeal


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The Savannah Harbor-Interstate 16 Corridor Joint Development Authority (Savannah JDA) is disappointed that the Ogeechee Riverkeeper (ORK) has filed an administrative appeal to Georgia Environmental Protection Division (Georgia EPD) regarding groundwater withdrawal permits for Bryan and Bulloch counties intended to supply Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA). We stand by Georgia EPD’s rigorous scientific analysis of this site and its conclusion that there is enough water for all purposes, including industrial, agricultural and private usage.   

The site has been under federal environmental review since 2014, and modeling has shown that the impact will be limited, with only five agricultural wells experiencing a drop over 10 feet. Typically, Georgia EPD considers anything under a 30-foot drop a nonsignificant impact.   

We are confident that the science supports the Georgia EPD and remain steadfast in our goal of supporting industry and agriculture while protecting and preserving the environment. We look forward to a ruling on this appeal.    

For more detailed information, please visit truthaboutwater.org.