Atlanta Dept. of Watershed Management Response to H.B. 406

On Tuesday the Senate Rules Committee passed onto the floor a special interest bill that works against the common interests of all Georgians. It undermines investment in drinking water projects, including new reservoirs. It does this by jeopardizing infrastructure revenue bonds for the entire state of Georgia.

"House Bill 406 turns upside down the progress Georgia has made in water resource planning. It allows special interest projects to bypass the tried and true processes for project permitting and service delivery," says DWM Commissioner Robert Hunter.

H.B. 406 is designed to allow a local pump-storage reservoir in South Fulton County to avoid state requirements that have been in place for decades. The reservoir would constitute a new water withdrawal from the Chattahoochee River. One consequence of the statewide legislation would be to fundamentally change the process to decide which utility provides services within any given area. This change would make Georgia law and regulation significantly different from that of other States and would also significantly increase the risk to Georgia revenue bonds. Published reports by bond rating agencies verify that the stability of service areas is an important rating factor for revenue bonds.

"The national bond market is very unstable at the moment and even more so in Georgia where we have seen water system revenues drop by as much as 20 percent due to the drought. This is absolutely the wrong time to increase the risk to our infrastructure bonds by increasing the uncertainty of service areas and the revenues needed to pay the bond debt," says Hunter.
H.B. 406 will not increase investment in drinking water infrastructure or reservoir development. "It will, in fact, harm future reservoir development," says Hunter.
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Georgia Citizens in Storm Affected Area Water Alert

Public Water and Wastewater Systems located in the potential impact area of Severe Weather
For Citizens in the Storm-Affected Areas:

The possibility of severe weather that includes heavy rains, large hail, gusty winds and isolated tornados threatens the majority of Georgia. Numerous portions of southwest and south-central Georgia have experienced heavy soaking rains over the past several days. This has caused minor to moderate flooding in numerous southwest Georgia counties. A large frontal system remains over the majority of Georgia. This front will sweep through Georgia tonight and the impact of these storms may cause problems with the supply of drinking water to citizens. The heavy rains have also overwhelmed several wastewater treatment plants causing them to by-pass water. The high winds or flooding may result in a loss of electrical power, flooding or damage to drinking water and wastewater facilities. A possible health hazard could then exist from the introduction of water of unknown quality into the water distribution system, storage tanks and sources of water supply.

If citizens experience a water supply outage or low water pressure, the Environmental Protection Division advises that all water be “boiled” prior to use for drinking, cooking, or preparing baby food in order to protect themselves from a potential health hazard. The water should be boiled for at least one minute after reaching a rolling boil, let it cool, and store it in clean containers with covers. Citizens should continue to boil their water before use until they are notified by their drinking water utility that the water system has been restored to full operation, and that the microbiological quality of the water in the distribution system is safe for human consumption. Unopened bottled water does not need to be boiled.

If boiling water is not feasible or bottled water is unavailable, then emergency disinfection of drinking water should be considered. Water disinfection procedures can be found on the United States Environmental Protection Agency website at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/faq/emerg.html. It is recommended that the instructions be printed and saved for use later if needed.

For additional information, please visit the Environmental Protection Division's website, www.gaepd.org. For specific questions please contact EPD's Drinking Water Program at 404-656-2750.
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Georgia Water Coalition Airs TV Ads to Raise Awareness of Threats to Well Water

On Monday, the Georgia Water Coalition (GWC) began airing television commercials in Middle Georgia informing citizens about proposals to pump chemically treated sewage and river water into our groundwater. This practice (known as aquifer storage and recovery or ASR) can contaminate vital drinking water sources for many Georgians, an issue the GWC wants Georgians to be sure to know about.

The GWC is comprised of 174 groups, ranging from hunting and fishing groups, to religious organizations, environmental groups, and businesses, all working together to aggressively ensure enough clean water for current and future generations. “We are vigorously defending clean water in Georgia and making sure citizens know about the threats our water faces,” said Chandra Brown, the Ogeechee Canoochee Riverkeeper, which is a member of the Georgia Water Coalition.

Chemically treated water injected into groundwater is a threat to drinking water and poses a significant health risk to hundreds of thousands of Georgians who rely on groundwater to drink. The General Assembly twice passed a moratorium on aquifer storage and recovery to protect drinking water, which is scheduled to sunset in 2009. The Senate is now considering HB 155 which would extend the moratorium 5 more years.

The ads encourage viewers to contact Senator Ross Tolleson, from Perry, who is the Chairman of the Senate Natural Resources Committee, who will first consider the bill in the Senate.

“Senator Tolleson has the opportunity to be a real champion for protecting clean water for current and future generations. He has stepped up to the plate before, and we are counting on him now,” said Gordon Rogers, the Satilla Riverkeeper from Waynesville, GA.

Earlier this year, the GWC released poll results showing that ensuring enough clean water continues to top Georgians’ environmental concerns. Of those surveyed, 73 percent supported extending a ban on aquifer storage and recovery.

Recently, ASR has been proposed as an alternative to dispose of chemically treated sewage in Liberty County. Among the concerns are contamination by pharmaceuticals and personal care products, which are actively present in all treated sewage discharges.

“These issues are too often decided without the public knowing about it or getting involved” said April Ingle, Executive Director of the Georgia River Network. “We’re changing that.”

In response to this legislative proposal, 4 local governments on the coast have passed resolutions supporting the ban on the practice. The reasoning offered in the resolutions includes protecting their primary source of drinking water and concerns about injecting lower quality water into their high quality aquifer. The resolutions cite concerns that these risks could result in damage to the aquifer and drinking water supply with severe negative consequences for coastal Georgia's economy and environment.

The National Research Council found in 2001 that a proposal for ASR in south Florida posed significant risks to groundwater, including potentially increasing heavy metal concentrations, such as mercury. This report also found that the chemically treated surface water could contain bacteria and pathogens and contaminate groundwater. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers found levels of arsenic that exceeded safe drinking water levels in areas using ASR in South Florida.

Analysis of a project in South Carolina by the U.S. Geological Survey found that less than 25% of the water pumped into an aquifer would be available to reuse. This study also found that injecting water into aquifers did not help increase groundwater levels in wells near the injection site.

These studies indicate that the use of ASR may risk contaminating drinking water with very little recovery. The Georgia Water Coalition will continue to work w/ the Georgia Legislature throughout their 2009 Legislative Session to ban pumping chemically treated water into the groundwater and keep citizens informed and engaged on the issue.

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GEMA Distributes Repetitive Flood Claims Funds to DeKalb County

The Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA), on behalf of Governor Sonny Perdue, recently reimbursed DeKalb County $1,025,250 for the costs associated with the acquisition of three properties in the Clairmont Road neighborhood which is impacted by the south fork of Peachtree Creek. The total approved cost for the grant is $1,159,150 with 100 percent federal cost assistance.

The Repetitive Flood Claims grant program was authorized by the Bunning-Bereuter-Blumenauer Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2004, which amended the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968. Up to $10 million is available annually for FEMA to provide Repetitive Flood Claim funds to assist states and communities reduce flood damages to insured properties that have had one or more claims to the National Flood Insurance Program.

For additional information on the mitigation grant programs please visit the GEMA Web site at www.gema.ga.gov.
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Mayor Franklin's Statement Regarding Department of Watershed Management’s Hearing at the State Planning and Community Affairs Committee

As one of the largest water utilities in the southeast, the City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management is constantly striving to effectively and efficiently maintain, manage and operate a water and wastewater system that serves more than a million customers. Over the past eight years, the Department has turned the corner on upgrading an aging water and wastewater infrastructure, and we will continue those efforts.

Commissioner Rob Hunter and I appreciated the opportunity to hear from Chairman Tommy Smith and others today and to share information about the strides we have made in the management of our system. It was also a chance to thank the General Assembly for its support over the years as Atlanta moves to improve not just our infrastructure, but our customer service as well. The City generates more than two million bills every year, and, with that number, there are bound to be issues -- many of which are due to leaks, running toilets, meter mis-reads and mere high usage, but some of which are due to mistakes on our part.

Aside from infrastructure work, like tunnel construction, sewer separation, sewer rehabilitation and water main replacement projects, the Department has made major improvements that include a new customer service call center, installation of new meters capable of being read remotely and facility upgrades in an effort to continue our efforts to become a Best Practice model.

We welcome the chance to hear the concerns of our customers, and we believe it is our solemn obligation to give our ratepayers the service they deserve. It is an obligation we take seriously.

- Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin
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Governor, Lt. Governor, Speaker Announce Appointments to Regional Water Councils

Councils were created with passage of Statewide Water Management Plan

Governor Sonny Perdue, Lt. Governor Casey Cagle and Speaker of the House Glenn Richardson announced today their selections for members of Georgia’s regional water planning councils, which will have a key role in the statewide water planning process.

“The individuals we have selected are solution-oriented and will provide visionary water resource planning,” said Governor Perdue. “These appointments reflect a diverse group of Georgians and each one has a unique skill set and knowledge base, which will allow the councils to focus on water resource issues while also addressing the state’s economic needs.”

The Comprehensive Statewide Water Management Plan, approved by the General Assembly in 2008, created ten water planning regions. Each of these regions will have a water planning council to represent the water interests unique to their respective regions.

“Water will remain a key issue for our state and I am very pleased with the group of individuals selected to move forward with a responsible, long-term plan,” said Lt. Governor Cagle. “This list includes well-rounded men and women who expand across industries and regions. It was an honor to work so closely with Governor Perdue and Speaker Richardson on these nominations and the Comprehensive Statewide Water Management Plan.”

Each council consists of 25 members, three alternates and an ex-officio member from both the House and Senate. The councils include representatives from agriculture, forestry, industry, commerce, local governments, water utilities, regional development centers, tourism, recreation and environmental groups.

“The appointments named today represent Georgians with the right experience and background to serve their region’s water needs,” said Speaker Richardson. “Their service will ensure our water resources are used prudently as we continue to implement water planning and conservation strategies.”

The councils will oversee preparation of regional water development and conservation plans for their planning regions. These plans will focus on both water quantity and water quality issues, and will include forecasts of future water supply and wastewater treatment needs.

Under requirements of the plan, the Governor selects 13 members of each council. In addition, the Governor selects one alternate member who will attend all meetings and vote if needed to establish a quorum. The Lieutenant Governor and the Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives select the remaining council members including non-voting ex officio members from the Senate and the House.

A list of the appointments is below and a map of the water planning regions is at www.georgiawaterplanning.org.

Water Council appointments by Region:

Altamaha
Name City County
Mike Polski Cochran Bleckley
Brinson Lanier Metter Candler
Cleve Edenfield Swainsboro Emanuel
Gary Bell Claxton Evans
James Mark Burns Tarrytown Montgomery
James E. Strickland Glennville Tattnall
Sue Sammons Lumber City Telfair
Dent L. Temples Lyons Toombs
Lindsay Thomas Screven Wayne
Edward S. Jeffords Jesup Wayne
Larry Windham Glenwood Wheeler
Guy Rex Bullock Pitts Wilcox
William G. Tomberlin Abbeville Wilcox
Greg Wolff Metter Candler
Doug Sharp Jesup Wayne
Jim Free Swainsboro Emanuel
Russ Yeomans Swainsboro Emanuel
Michael Williams Cochran Bleckley
Buddy Pittman Eastman Dodge
Randy Giddens Eastman Dodge
Dan McCranie Eastman Dodge
Steve Meeks Kite Johnson
John Roller Mount Vernon Montgomery
Phillip Jennings Soperton Treutlen
Len Hauss Jesup Wayne
Alternate Paul Stavriotis Glennville Tattnall
Alternate Randy Branch Baxley Appling
Alternate Gerald DeWitt Jesup Wayne
Ex-Officio Rep. Greg Morris
Ex-Officio Sen. Tommie Williams

Coastal Georgia
Name City County
Michael J. Melton Richmond Hill Bryan
John F. Godbee Brooklet Bulloch
Roger A. Weaver St Marys Camden
Horace Waller Bloomingdale Chatham
Larry M. Stuber Savannah Chatham
Randal Morris Brunswick Glynn
Don Hogan Brunswick Glynn
Bryan Thompson Brunswick Glynn
James Thomas Hinesville Liberty
John McIver Riceboro Liberty
Thomas J. Ratcliffe Hinesville Liberty
Marky Waters Ludowici Long
Frank E. Field Darien McIntosh
Fred Blitch Statesboro Bulloch
Benjamin Thompson Statesboro Bulloch
Dennis Baxter Bloomingdale Chatham
Reginald Loper Springfield Effingham
Michelle Liotta Rincon Effingham
Tony Sammons St. Simons Glynn
Rick Gardner Pembroke Bryan
Billy Hatcher Savannah Chatham
Keith Post St. Marys Camden
Chris Blocker Port Wentworth Chatham
Mark Smith Savannah Chatham
Kay Cantrell St. Simons Glynn
Alternate Phil Odom Hinesville Liberty
Alternate Duane Harris St. Simons Glynn
Alternate William Guthrie Savannah Chatham
Ex-Officio Rep. Cecily Hill
Ex-Officio Sen. Eric Johnson

Coosa-North Georgia
Name City County
Sherry Loudermilk Epworth Fannin
Jerry Jennings Rome Floyd
David Westmoreland Ellijay Gilmer
Sam Payne Calhoun Gordon
Todd Pealock Clarkesville Habersham
Gerald R. Dunham Cornelia Habersham
Jimmy Petty Chatsworth Murray
Richard H Martin Cedartown Polk
Frank M. Riley Hiawassee Towns
Lamar Parris Blairsville Union
David Ashburn LaFayette Walker
Tom O'Bryant Cleveland White
David Pennington Dalton Whitfield
Stephen Gray Clarkesville Habersham
Mike Berg Dawsonville Dawson
Irwin Bagwell Rome Floyd
Kelly Cornwell Fairmount Gordon
James Cope Dalton Whitfield
Charlie Bethel Dalton Whitfield
Tim Bowden Dahlonega Lumpkin
William Mercier Blue Ridge Fannin
John Bennett Rome Floyd
Kenneth Beasely Dahlonega Lumpkin
Pat Gober Dawsonville Dawson
Doug Anderton Lookout Mountain Dade
Alternate Keith Coffee Ringgold Catoosa
Alternate Haynes Johnson Jasper Pickens
Alternate Susan Mayfield Rome Floyd
Ex-Officio Rep. Katie Dempsey
Ex-Officio Sen. Chip Pearson

Lower Flint
Name City County
T.E. Moye Newton Baker
Mike Newberry Arlington Calhoun
Rick Moss Doerun Colquitt
Dean Burke Bainbridge Decatur
James S. Singletary Blakely Early
Jerry Lee Cairo Grady
Gary Ledden Leesburg Lee
Howard Small Colquitt Miller
John Bailey Donalsonville Seminole
Josh Herring Boston Thomas
Steve Sykes Thomasville Thomas
Jimmy Champion Sylvester Worth
Bill Yearta Sylvester Worth
Terry Clark Moultrie Colquitt
John Bridges Brinson Decatur
Greg Murray Bainbridge Decatur
Richard Royal Camilla Mitchell
John Heath Dawson Terrell
Jim Quinn Leesburg Lee
Jerry Chapman Colquitt Miller
Will Vereen Moultrie Colquitt
Jimmy Webb Leary Calhoun
Hal Haddock Damascus Early
Chris Hobby Bainbridge Decatur
Chuck Lingle Albany Dougherty
Alternate Doyle Medders Sylvester Worth
Alternate Harold R. Hudgens, Jr. Albany Dougherty
Alternate George McIntosh Dawson Terrell
Ex-Officio Rep. Gerald Greene
Ex-Officio Sen. John Bulloch

Middle Chattahoochee
Name City County
James Knight Whitesburg Carroll
Matt Windom Bowdon Carroll
Larry F. Dillard Cusseta Chattahoochee
Walter Rosso Cusseta Chattahoochee
Kenneth Penuel Fort Gaines Clay
Paul Chappell Pine Mountain Harris
Denney Rogers Ephesus Heard
Steven R Davis Columbus Muscogee
Gordon Moss Columbus Muscogee
Larry Clark Georgetown Quitman
Jimmy Bradley Cuthbert Randolph
Brad Yates Franklin Heard
James Woods West Point Troup
Aaron McWhorter Whitesburg Carroll
Randy Simpkins Carrollton Carroll
Alan Bell Bremen Haralson
Joseph Griffith Buchanan Haralson
Gardiner Garrard Columbus Muscogee
Jeff Lukken LaGrange Troup
Robert York Bowden Carroll
Philip Eidson Tallapoosa Haralson
Thomas Ellis Tallapoosa Haralson
Harry Lange Cataula Harris
Robert Watkins Hamilton Harris
Jeffrey Brown LaGrange Troup
Alternate William C. Gregory LaGrange Troup
Alternate Jimmy Thompson Shellman Randolph
Alternate Don Watson LaGrange Troup
Ex-Officio Rep. Bob Hanner
Ex-Officio Sen. Bill Heath

Middle Ocmulgee
Name City County
Thomas Wicker Macon Bibb
Elmo A. Richardson Macon Bibb
Robert L. Dickey Musella Crawford
Russell R. Adams Warner Robins Houston
Jason Briley Gray Jones
William R. Lazenby Gray Jones
Eva Turpin Persons Forsyth Monroe
Bobby Hamby Porterdale Newton
Ben Copeland, Jr. Fort Valley Peach
Tony Bass Fort Valley Peach
Jerry D. Davis Hawkinsville Pulaski
John Bembry Hawkinsville Pulaski
Jay Matthews Barnesville Lamar
Harvey Norris Flovilla Butts
Tony Rojas Macon Bibb
Charles Harris Musella Crawford
Barry Peters Forsyth Monroe
Lawrence McSwain Covington Newton
Van Whaller Jackson Butts
Hal Newberry Macon Bibb
Keith Dalton Covington Newton
Paul Leath Macon Bibb
Blair Cleveland Macon Bibb
Terry Scarborough Warner Robins Houston
Jim Hamm Smarr Monroe
Alternate Robert Ray Fort Valley Peach
Alternate William Whitten Monticello Jasper
Alternate Richard Haddock Macon Bibb
Ex-Officio Rep. David Knight
Ex-Officio Sen. Ross Tolleson

Savannah-Upper Ogeechee
Name City County
R. Lee Webster Waynesboro Burke
Jerry Boling Homer Banks
Larry Guest Elberton Elbert
Barry W. Cronic Canon Franklin
Thomas C. Jordan Louisville Jefferson
Toye Hill Lincolnton Lincoln
Robert Jenkins Millen Jenkins
Charles G. Newton Thomson McDuffie
Larry S. Walker Lakemont Rabun
Phil Sanders Stephens Oglethorpe
Ron Cross Evans Columbia
Donald E. Dye Toccoa Stephens
Chris McCorkle Warrenton Warren
Charles Cawthon Lavonia Franklin
Tenia Workman Hartwell Hart
Bruce Azevedo Colbert Madison
Eddie Madden Elberton Elbert
Braye Boardman Augusta Richmond
Deke Copenhaver Augusta Richmond
Tim McGill Martinez Columbia
Scott MacGregor Augusta Richmond
Tom Wiedmeyer Augusta Richmond
Stan Shepphard Sylvania Screven
James Newsome Warren Warrenton
Mike Eskew Washington Wilkes
Alternate Pat Goodwin Evans Columbia
Alternate Patrick D. Goran Hartwell Hart
Alternate Dan Fowler Wrens Jefferson
Ex-Officio Rep. Tom McCall
Ex-Officio Sen. Ralph Hudgens

Suwannee-Satilla
Name City County
Linda Tanner Pearson Atkinson
Eugene Dyal Alma Bacon
Michael E. Edgy Waynesville Brantley
Doyle Weltzbarker Quitman Brooks
Alva Joseph Hopkins Folkston Charlton
Miles A. Stone Fargo Clinch
Carroll Coarsey Brookfield Tift
Donald H. McCallum Wray Irwin
Darvin Eason Lenox Cook
Scott Downing Fitzgerald Ben Hill
Joe Lewis Tifton Tift
Jim Hedges Ashburn Turner
James R. Willis Waycross Ware
Hanson Carter Nashville Berrien
Gordon Rogers Waynesville Brantley
Grady Thompson Tifton Tift
R.R. Rusty McCall Valdosta Lowndes
William L. Brim Tifton Tift
Dan Raines Ashburn Turner
Earl Brice Douglas Coffee
Greg Evans Douglas Coffee
Jackie Wilson Douglas Coffee
Wesley Langdale Valdosta Lowndes
Ben Copeland Lakeland Lanier
Scotty Raines Sycamore Turner
Alternate Frank Sisk Blackshear Pierce
Alternate Don Johnson Nicholls Coffee
Alternate Joseph Boyett Waycross Ware
Ex-Officio Rep. Jay Shaw
Ex-Officio Sen. Greg Goggins

Upper Flint
Name City County
Charles M. Leger Cordele Crisp
William Culpepper Cordele Crisp
Eddie Freeman Griffin Spalding
Donald G. Chase Oglethorpe Macon
Gary Powell Buena Vista Marion
Robert Purvis Woodbury Meriwether
Thomas R. Burnsed Meansville Pike
James G. Barineau Ellaville Schley
Mike Beres Zebulon Pike
Jim Reid Americus Sumter
Clifford J. Arnett Talbotton Talbot
Gene Brunson Reynolds Taylor
Hays Arnold Thomaston Upson
Beth English Vienna Dooly
Benjamin Wood Cordele Crisp
Terrell Hudson Unadilla Dooly
Randall Starling Oglethorpe Macon
Charles Rucks Brooks Spalding
Harold Fallin Thomaston Upson
Michael Bowens Vienna Dooly
William Sawyer Oglethorpe Macon
Frank Keller Greenville Meriwether
Dick Morrow Griffin Spalding
Mike Donnelly Americus Sumter
Raines Jordon Talbotton Talbot
Alternate Lamar Perlis Cordele Crisp
Alternate Jack Holbrook Preston Webster
Alternate Brant Keller Griffin Spalding
Ex-Officio Rep. Lynmore James
Ex-Officio Sen. George Hooks

Upper Oconee
Name City County
Patricia Graham Braselton Barrow
Drew Marczak Athens Clarke
W. Rabun Neal Greensboro Greene
Hunter Bicknell Jefferson Jackson
Danny Hogan Dexter Laurens
Jennifer Davis Dublin Laurens
Patrick H. Hardy, Sr. Madison Morgan
Richard McSpadden Bogart Oconee
Melvin Davis Watkinsville Oconee
Vincent Ciampa Eatonton Putnam
Richard Bentley Milledgeville Baldwin
Allen Hodges Sandersville Washington
Dennis W. Holder Irwinton Wilkinson
David Bennett Milledgeville Baldwin
Roger Folson Dublin Laurens
Benji Tarbutton Sandersville Washington
Charles Jordan Sandersville Washington
Jimmy Andrews Sandersville Washington
Kevin Little Monroe Walton
Bill Ross Statham Barrow
Charles Armentrout Athens Clarke
Dana Heil Athens Clarke
Linda Gantt Watkinsville Oconee
Alan Foster Eatonton Putnam
Greg Thompson Monroe Walton
Alternate Larry J. Eley White Plains Greene
Alternate David Allen Athens Clarke
Alternate Stuart Cofer Watkinsville Oconee
Ex-Officio Rep. Terry England
Ex-Officio Sen. Bill Cowsert
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GEFA Board of Directors Approves $9.4 Million in Loans to Finance Water and Sewer Infrastructure Improvements

As part of Governor Sonny Perdue’s vision for sustainable economic development, Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (GEFA) Executive Director Chris Clark announced today the approval of four Georgia Fund loan commitments of $7,932,800 and one Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) sewer loan of $1,500,000. The GEFA board of directors approved the commitments to help finance water and sewer infrastructure projects for Bartow County, Madison County, Rockdale County and the cities of Monroe and Remerton.

“Infrastructure improvements increase the quality of life for Georgia citizens, and they help cities and counties create jobs and promote economic development,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “I’m pleased these investments are being made in water and sewer infrastructure.”

“GEFA’s programs are a tangible commitment by Governor Perdue and the General Assembly to assist local governments across the state with their efforts to provide clean water, sewer and solid waste improvements,” said Chris Clark. “In addition to the public’s health and safety, these projects are critical to a community’s ability to prosper economically.”

Clark expressed appreciation to Governor Perdue and the Georgia General Assembly for their support. He credited Governor Perdue’s commitment to helping Georgia cities and counties finance infrastructure development as one of the main contributors to GEFA’s success.

“The projects that we agreed to finance today illustrate how GEFA helps communities of all sizes, in all areas of the state,” said Matt Beasley, chairman of the GEFA board of directors and mayor of the city of Hartwell. “From the smallest of communities to the largest, GEFA is investing in communities that are willing to invest in themselves.”

GEFA helps communities prepare for economic growth and development through the provision of low interest loans and grants. The Georgia Fund is a state funded loan program administered by GEFA for water, wastewater and solid waste infrastructure projects. The loan program has maximum flexibility and accessibility, providing fast loan approvals. The Georgia Fund finances loans to local government for projects such as water and sewer lines, treatment plants, pumping stations, wells, water storage tanks and water meters. Low interest loans from this program range from $20,000 to $50 million.

The CWSRF is a federal loan program administered by GEFA for wastewater infrastructure projects. Eligible projects include a wide variety of wastewater collection and treatment project and storm water projects.
Details of the loans approved today are below:

Bartow County

Bartow County was approved for a Georgia Fund loan of $2,500,000 to install and relocate water lines. Bartow County will pay a 4.27 percent interest rate on the 20-year loan.

Madison County Industrial Development and Building Authority

The Madison County Industrial Development and Building Authority (IDBA) was approved for a Georgia Fund loan of $1,611,000 to construct a wastewater treatment and disposal system serving commercial development along the US 29 corridor. The project includes collection lines, a lift station and a six-inch force main. The Madison County IDBA will pay a 4.27 percent interest rate on the 20-year loan.

City of Monroe

The city of Monroe was approved for a Georgia Fund loan of $3,429,800 to construct water mains that convey raw water from Briscoe Reservoir to the city’s water treatment plant. Monroe will pay a 4.27 percent interest rate on the 20-year loan.

City of Remerton

The city of Remerton was approved for a Georgia Fund loan of $392,000 to install meters and backflow assemblies to connect to the city of Valdosta’s water system. The city of Remerton is eligible for a discounted loan rate as a Georgia Signature Community, and will pay a 3.77 percent interest rate on the 15-year loan.

Rockdale County

Rockdale County was approved for a Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan of $1,500,000 to implement watershed restoration measures in the Lakefield urban watershed for the purposes of improving water quality, reducing flooding, reducing stream bank erosion and improving aquatic habitat downstream. Rockdale County will pay three percent interest on the 20-year loan.

Cities and counties interested in more information regarding GEFA loans should visit www.gefa.org or call (404) 584-1000.
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New Facility Pours Needed Water Into Baghdad

A ceremony marked the official opening of a new water treatment facility that will deliver much-needed fresh water to the people of northeastern Baghdad.

About 200 people, including Baghdad Mayor Navet Al Essawi and U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan C. Crocker, attended the Jan. 21 ceremony at the Sadr City Rusafa Water Treatment Facility, located in the Hay Ur neighborhood of Baghdad's Adhamiyah district.

The modern facility will help shape the future of Baghdad and Iraq, Crocker said.

"This is truly a strategic project," the ambassador said. "It provides 96,000 cubic meters of water to Baghdad per day, and the United States of America is proud and pleased to have financed this project and to see it through to completion with our close friends and our partners in the mayoralty and the government."

The $65 million facility, completed in October, took three years to build. It provides 4,000 cubic meters of fresh water per hour to northeastern Baghdad, to include 27 sectors of Sadr City.

"This project is the most important and probably the biggest project for Sadr City," Al Essawi said. "This project and others like it will clear the path of terrorism."

The ceremony served not only to demonstrate a return of essential services to the region, but was a symbol of closure for an area that had been marred by violence for so long, said Maj. Brian Horine, the civil military operations officer for the 4th Infantry Division's 3rd Brigade Combat Team.

"This opening is about what the government of Iraq has done for the people. This facility was started more than two years ago when Sadr City was in the height of bad times," the Phoenix native said. "Today, security and stability has returned, allowing this to happen."

The mayor thanked coalition forces for their help and guidance in making the new facility a reality.

Horine said the water treatment facility is just a start to many equally important projects soon to be completed, including a nearby electric substation that will distribute reliable power to the people of Sadr City.

Baghdad and Afghan government officials are committed to the people, the mayor said.

"The people of Sadr City and their neighbors have suffered from a water deficiency for 10 years. Now they can rest and be secure that they have someone to look after them," Al Essawi said.

(Author Maj. Mike Humphreys serves in the 4th Infantry Division's 3rd Brigade Combat Team.) ---
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Governor Perdue Recommends Phil Foil for GEFA Executive Director

Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that Phil Foil, deputy commissioner of operations and federal affairs for the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA), is his recommended choice to succeed Chris Clark as the executive director of the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (GEFA). The GEFA board of directors will meet January 27, to consider the Governor’s recommendation.

“It is my privilege to recommend Phil Foil as GEFA’s new executive director,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “Phil is a respected leader at DCA and throughout state government. The GEFA staff and the customers they serve will benefit greatly from his leadership.”

GEFA provides financial assistance and administers programs that encourage stewardship of the environment and promote economic development statewide. GEFA is the lead state agency for energy planning and alternative fuels; manages Conserve Georgia, the Governor’s Energy Challenge and the Georgia Land Conservation Program; maintains state-owned fuel storage tanks; and offers financing for reservoir and water supply, water quality, storm water, solid waste and recycling infrastructure.

“I deeply appreciate the Governor’s recommendation that I serve as the GEFA executive director,” said Phil Foil. “Through its many programs and initiatives, GEFA promotes sustainable economic development and the conservation of Georgia’s natural resources. I look forward to this mission that is so vital to the future of our state.”

Foil, 41, has served in a senior management position with DCA since July 2003. He currently manages the agency’s operations and serves as DCA’s federal affairs and congressional liaison. Foil successfully led DCA’s pursuit of the 2008 Georgia Oglethorpe Progress Award (the Georgia version of the Malcolm Baldrige Quality Award). Prior to joining DCA, Foil was a public relations consultant and a client services manager for Automatic Data Processing (ADP).

Foil earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Georgia. He is also a graduate of the Georgia Leadership Institute’s Executive Development Program and the National Council of State Housing Agencies’ Advanced Executive Development Program at Notre Dame University.

Foil resides in Winder with his wife, Paula, and their two daughters.
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Statement from Governor Sonny Perdue Concerning Denial of Supreme Court Review of Water Case

Governor Sonny Perdue issued the following statement today concerning the denial by the U.S. Supreme Court of a Georgia request for the Court to review one issue of the ongoing tri-state water negotiations:

“While we are disappointed with the Supreme Court’s decision today to not correct a flawed ruling by the D.C. Circuit, it is important to remember that this decision simply maintains the status quo in terms of the operation of Lake Lanier by the Army Corps of Engineers.

We felt strongly that Supreme Court review of this case could have resolved a major piece of our ongoing water negotiations, and we will now move forward continuing to work with our neighbors and other stakeholders to reach consensus on a plan that fairly shares our limited resources and adequately protects the headwaters of the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River Basin”
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Fayette County's Whitewater High School Student Inventors Win $10,000 MIT Grant

The five Whitewater High students who won a $10,000 grant from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to make a prototype invention of a combined dehydrator/condenser have caught the attention of the Discovery Channel.

Their invention, aimed at dehydrating algae for use as biodiesel while simultaneously collecting purified water for drinking and other uses, is now featured on Discovery’s website as part of the channel’s sustainable news section. This will bring a lot of exposure to the students since almost six million people a day sign on to the website.

“This is really a honor for our students to be featured. People all over the world will know about their work and achievement,” says Carolyn Smith, one of the teachers working with the students on the invention.

The InvenTeam at Whitewater was one of only 16 high school teams across the country chosen to receive the Lemelson-MIT grant that will enable them to build a prototype of their idea and present it at a conference at MIT this spring. They are the first team in Fayette County to win a grant and only the second from Georgia.

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Troup County's Long Cane Creek Project Nears Completion

Local efforts currently in progress are nearing completion on Long Cane Creek, and nearing completion. In conjunction with Ronny D. Jones Enterprises Inc., the culvert project has recently entered its second phase of progress, during which the portable dam system was moved and reconfigured to render construction possible.

The system, appropriately named Portadam, allows for a versatile range of water diversion purposes.

Due to its innovative design, it was maneuvered to address the specific on-site needs of the Ronny D. Jones Enterprises, Inc. crew, increasing the overall timeliness and efficiency of this municipal project.

Portadam’s technology makes use of a steel frame structure that supports an impermeable fabric liner, which can form a wall capable of holding back up to ten feet of standing or running water.

As a result, working areas that were previously hazardous or hidden under water are dry and easily accessible for work and repair.

Portadam allows water to be temporarily diverted and is environmentally preferred over sandbags or cumbersome cofferdams.

The system literally parts the water in order to allow for access to or construction of structures which would typically be submerged.

Trees Fall Victim to Georgia's Drought

An increasing number of trees are falling victim to Georgia’s ongoing drought, according to the Georgia Forestry Commission. “The lack of rainfall is impacting shade trees and has also caused a decrease in timber production for the past growing season,” said James Johnson, GFC Staff Forester. “Both pine trees and hardwoods are dying, but species within the red oak group in urban areas are prompting the most attention. Homeowners should be taking preventive measures now,” he said, “because by the time obvious symptoms appear, it may be too late.”

Johnson said large trees require several hundred gallons of water each day to stay healthy, but any supplemental water applied will be beneficial. Trees should be watered thoroughly underneath their “drip line,” the area beneath the canopy where rainfall drips to the ground from the tree’s foliage and where “feeder roots” transport moisture to the trunk.

“Certain types of “gray water” can be used to sustain your trees,” explained Johnson. “Water from dish or clothes washing can be used without fear because they are diluted solutions that won’t harm the tree.”

Johnson said drought-stressed trees should not be fertilized because that can spur branch growth and put further strain on the tree’s limited water supply. One thorough watering each week is more effective than several light waterings, according to Johnson. “Trees suffering from the drought are also more susceptible to diseases and insects,” Johnson said, “so check them regularly to prevent damage.” Johnson recommended mulching to help hold moisture in the soil, which is especially beneficial for shallow-rooted species such as dogwood. As cooler weather approaches, trees will require less moisture and supplemental water isn’t necessary, according to Johnson.

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Governor Recognizes Clarkesville for Excellence in Water Reduction

Governor Perdue today recognized the city of Clarkesville for its water reduction efforts. During his environmental address at the Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful luncheon, Governor Perdue recognized several municipalities, communities and industries who have shown a significant reduction in water use.

“I am proud to see so many Georgia communities and businesses cutting back on water usage during this unprecedented drought. Whether a large company, a small business or a family; Georgians stepped up in droves during this difficult time,” said Governor Sonny Perdue.

“Georgians are making conservation a part of their daily routine, being more conscientious than ever before about what they consume. We are growing, and while that growth brings challenges; we find ourselves moving in the right direction, focused collectively on making a difference for our state.”

In October of 2007, Governor Perdue directed the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) to achieve a 10 percent reduction in withdrawals for permit holders in the 61 North Georgia counties. Permit holders were asked to reduce water withdrawals by 10 percent compared to the permit holder’s water usage of December 2006 through end of March 2007.
The city of Clarkesville pumps water from the Soque River, a tributary to the Chattahoochee River in its upper reaches. In addition to improving its connections with neighboring water systems to improve system reliability, initiating efforts to improve its ability to withdraw water from the Soque, and improved leak detection, repair and metering efforts, the city has demonstrated remarkable success in getting its customers to reduce their water use. On average, Clarkesville managed to reduce its water use by 23% between November 2007 and July 2008 when compared to the same period a year ago.

Winter water use in Clarkesville during November 2007 through March 2008 dropped by an amazing 21% compared to the same period a year earlier meaning Clarkesville used, on average, 100,000 gallons per day less this past winter than they did the previous winter. This is 10% more than the average of the winter reductions achieved for the entire 55 county area.
Despite its small size and the influx of summer tourists, Clarkesville has managed to not only keep pace with summer reductions achieved by other communities in the Level IV drought response area, they have exceeded the average reductions across the 55 county area.

Governor Perdue also recognized the efforts of Upper Oconee Basin Water Authority partners which includes: Athens-Clarke, Oconee, Barrow and Jackson Counties. The Upper Oconee Basin Water Authority implemented extraordinary measures within the service areas of each county last year to reduce demands on the troubled reservoir to give it time to be refilled. Because of these efforts, the Bear Creek Reservoir is full once again, providing a supply of water adequate to meet the reduced demands of its customers. From November 2007 through July 2008, these systems reduced their water use by an average of 25% when compared to the same period a year earlier. While they were only required to reduce their usage by 10% during the months of November of 2007 through March of 2008, they actually achieved reductions of 22% when compared to the same period a year earlier. Summer reductions were equally impressive with water use between April and July of this year being reduced by 33% of what was used for the same months a year earlier.

22 Industrial Permitted Water Users in the 55 county drought area reduced their water usage by 33% or more from November 2007 through July 2008 compared to the same period a year earlier.
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Governor Recognizes Water Savings at Covington General Mills Plant

Celebrating the partnership between industry and municipality during one of the worst droughts in Georgia’s history, Governor Sonny Perdue joined employees at the General Mills Covington facility for a tour and firsthand look at the water conservation efforts created by the plant’s state-of-the-art wastewater treatment facility.

“General Mills is playing a leading role in changing the way we do business in Georgia,” Governor Perdue said. “Through our Conserve Georgia initiative, we are asking our citizens and our businesses to make conservation a daily part of their routine. The savings here at General Mills not only represent less water usage, but also cost savings to the company. This company is the perfect example of how conserving can not only help our environment, but also its bottom line.”
The treatment facility came online in August 2006 and is able to restore about half of the plant’s process wastewater so it is clean enough to use for other purposes. The purified water is then reused for non-food contact purposes such as dust removal and cooling.

As a result, the treatment facility has trimmed the plant’s water consumption by an average of 46 percent – or about 5.3 million gallons per month, which is enough to supply about 1,000 homes.

Last March, The Georgia Association of Water Professionals gave General Mills the “2007 Water Conservation and Reuse Award” and the “2007 Industrial Pollution Control Award for an Indirect Wastewater Discharger”.

“This water treatment and recycling project is one more example of General Mills’ commitment to its role as a corporate citizen, to the community and to the environment,” said Mark Bible, plant manager of General Mills’ Covington facility.

In addition to helping preserve the environment, it’s estimated that the treatment facility saves General Mills about $840,000 per year in annual water utility costs and surcharges. While this type of treatment and reuse system is common in Europe where water costs are high, it is rare in the United States where water costs are typically low.

“This project is a huge step toward sustainable manufacturing,” said Jeff Hanratty, manager of safety and environmental for General Mills. “We hope to take some of the concepts we’ve learned at Covington and apply them to other facilities around the world.”
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Fay Comes to Fayette County, Georgia

Fayette County remains under a Flash Flood Watch through this evening. Taking a look at the weather for the next few days, all we saw was rain and more rain. Be careful and keep an eye out if you live near water sources or if you're in areas prone to the dangers from flooding. According to the warning the worst of the flood potential is above the I-20 line, but we're already seeing some creeks spilling over their beds.
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Gwinnett Mitigation Bank Protects Streams, Wetlands

The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners voted today to record a restrictive covenant on a stream restoration project site along Sweetwater Creek to ensure the property will remain in a restored or preserved state in perpetuity. A recorded restrictive covenant is required to establish the project as a mitigation banking site, thereby allowing stream or wetland restoration credits to be awarded by the US Army Corps of Engineers, deposited into the county’s mitigation bank and later sold by the county. Credits are awarded when the County restores, enhances or preserves streams and/or wetlands.

When public and private entities incur unavoidable losses to streams and wetlands during construction, they must offset that loss by completing restoration work themselves or purchasing restoration credits from a mitigation bank. It is expected that selling credits will help the county offset current project costs at the Sweetwater Creek site and also generate funds to conduct additional stream restoration projects elsewhere. The Gwinnett County Mitigation Bank, along with each credit-generating project, is authorized by the US Army Corps of Engineers with input from the US EPA, US Fish and Wildlife and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

Once the restrictive covenant is recorded, the US Army Corps of Engineers will release the first 15 percent of the total mitigation credits for the Sweetwater Creek restoration project. This will be the first deposit of credits into the county’s bank. In total this project will generate approximately 10,200 stream mitigation credits over a seven-year period. At the current market rate for stream credits of approximately $70 to $100 per credit, the project is expected to generate revenues in the range of $700,000 to $1 million.

“These stream restoration projects are necessary to help restore the natural balance in our watersheds,” said Lynn Smarr, Acting Director of the County Water Resources Department. She added that Gwinnett County’s previous establishment of the mitigation bank, and current work with the US Army Corps of Engineers to obtain credits on the Sweetwater Creek project, will reduce the total cost of implementing this and future stream and wetlands restoration projects.
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EPA Grants Help Clean Up Gwinnett Stream

The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners today voted to accept a United States Environmental Protection Agency Section 319 grant to help stabilize and clean up an impacted tributary to the North Fork of Peachtree Creek in south Gwinnett. The amount of the grant is $600,000 and will require local matching funds in the amount of $400,000 for a total project budget of $1 million.

The project is located on County-owned property along a tributary of the North Fork of Peachtree Creek west of Jimmy Carter Boulevard and just south of Interstate 85. This stream currently does not meet the State of Georgia’s water quality standards and is considered one of the more impacted streams in the County.

Gwinnett County is required under various permits to evaluate and take action to improve the water quality in such streams identified as being in non-compliance. The county has spent the last several years identifying and prioritizing these impacted stream segments throughout most watersheds in the county and has now prepared plans for corrective action. This comprehensive watershed-wide planning approach allows for the location of projects strategically where they will provide the greatest benefit to the watershed overall. The major goals of the project on North Fork Peachtree Creek, and of the program overall, are to stabilize eroding streambanks and improve water quality and aquatic habitat.

“Gwinnett County is committed to protecting the environment and improving the quality of water in our local streams through implementation of projects like this one,” said Lynn Smarr, Acting Director of the County’s Department of Water Resources.
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Gwinnett County, Partners Celebrate Dam Safety

Fourteen dams built to keep agricultural land in Gwinnett County from flooding are being upgraded to meet modern safety standards. The County originally partnered with the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and several local agencies, including the Upper Ocmulgee River Resource Conservation and Development Council, the Gwinnett County Soil and Water Conservation District and the Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission to design and build the dams between 1965 and 1980. But a rapidly growing population and changing land-use patterns now require new design criteria, primarily to expand spillway capacity.

Gwinnett began a capital improvement program in 1999 to upgrade all 14 dams. Construction is finished at seven dams and upgrade designs are being completed for another three. Two already met the new criteria and the remaining two are considered low-hazard but will be upgraded due to potential future development nearby.

According to Stormwater Division Director Steve Leo, three of the seven dams that have been upgraded were accomplished through the NRCS Dam Upgrade Cost Share Program, which provides 65 percent funding from the federal government. The three structures, No. Y-14, Y-15 and Y-17, are located within the Yellow River drainage basin.

A ceremony to recognize the improvements made to the three structures was held on Aug. 13 at Collins Hill Park in the Lawrenceville area.
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West Georgia Excels in Water Conservation

Water conservation is still a hot topic as government agencies grapple on how to conserve water during the dry summer months. The 10-month state mandate on water conservation continues and so does the University of West Georgia’s highly successful water conservation program.

UWG has exceeded the state’s mandate for reduction of water consumption despite record enrollment numbers and a continuing drought. Since Gov. Sonny Perdue gave the executive order for state institutions to reduce water consumption by 10 to 15 percent last October, UWG has complied by 39 percent for the month of November and has maintained an average monthly reduction of 23 percent in water consumption.

The university’s water conservation plan began years before the mandate and that is one reason for the university’s success, said Robert Watkins, director of facilities.

“The university has been proactive in conserving resources with a goal of sustainability on this campus and in the community,” said Watkins. “We have succeeded on many levels and look forward to the new academic year with more successes under our belts.”

In response to the governor’s mandate, UWG implemented additional conservation initiatives that include postponing landscaping projects, extensive training of UWG staff in water conservation, a change in dish washing and food disposal in food services and discontinuing washing state fleet vehicles. UWG crews also increased surveys of university water fountains, faucets and other plumbing for leaks and repaired the equipment as needed.

In 2005, the university’s energy and resource conservation program intensified after an Ad Hoc Energy Conservation Committee formed in response to a request from UWG President Beheruz N. Sethna. For several months the group met to assess ways to reduce natural gas, electric and water usage throughout the campus.

"I am very proud of our water management,” said Sethna. “From the entire spectrum of finding aquifers through the exceptional work of Dr. Randy Kath and our other geosciences faculty twenty years ago to the present day conservation efforts headed by Facilities and Grounds and then the implementation by faculty, staff and students of the University of West Georgia. Water conservation is a way of life at this campus.”

As a result of the committee’s findings, West Georgia began a progressive conservation program that has saved thousands of dollars in energy costs and hundreds of thousands of gallons in water resources.

In addition to the successful conservation efforts on campus, West Georgia’s conservation efforts are being realized off campus. The university has partnered with the city of Carrollton and using one of several artesian wells operating on campus, a water usage agreement allows the city to take 15,000 gallons of water daily, an amount that totals 300,000 gallons a month. Dan Lewis, coordinator of Business and Finance development, said it is a service gladly given to university neighbors.

“This is a way West Georgia helps its community,” said Lewis, who posts a UWG Energy Report each month on the university website. “The wells are a tremendous resource and thanks to those professors in our geosciences department that helped to locate these resources, we are able to utilize them on and off campus.”