Water Contingency Task Force Presents Final Recommendations

A statewide task force of business leaders, elected officials, community representatives and conservation organizations presented their final recommendations to Governor Sonny Perdue December 22 for creating a contingency plan to address Georgia’s water issues if a federal judge’s ruling from this summer remains in effect in 2012.

“The task force has done a tremendous job of analyzing all possible options and providing fact-based feedback that will drive the decisions we make moving forward,” said Governor Perdue. “I am very appreciative of the commitment shown by the co-chairs, the time invested by task force members and the professional analysis provided pro bono by The Boston Consulting Group and the rest of the technical team. Their dedication will help us as we move forward to find solutions for Georgia.”

More than 80 business, environmental and government officials have been studying a long list of options since October, after Judge Paul Magnuson ruled that metro Atlanta’s use of Lake Lanier for drinking water would be reduced in 2012.

“We believe in a three part strategy - conserve, capture and control,” said John Brock, chairman and CEO of Coca-Cola Enterprises and co-chair of the Water Contingency Task Force. “There’s no single magic solution. We must conserve more water, capture the water we do receive, and control our water supplies through progressive water policies.”

On a separate track, Governor Perdue is pursuing a legal appeal, congressional action and negotiations with Florida and Alabama. But the job of the Water Contingency Task Force was to consider options if the judge’s ruling stands.

The final report reaffirms the gap cannot be closed between the water we have and the water we need by 2012 under the reduced withdrawals called for in the judge’s ruling. As Governor Perdue has said repeatedly, using Lake Lanier for water supply is our most cost-effective and environmentally friendly option. The thorough analysis of the different options, likely worth more than $2 million, was provided at no cost by The Boston Consulting Group and a team of expert engineering and consulting firms.

The task force found that if given additional time past the 2012 deadline, more options become available. These additional contingency options can be implemented by 2015 and 2020. Emergency solutions are extremely costly, but having a few more years gives more and better choices should the judge’s ruling stand.

The task force found metro Atlanta alone would take a $26 billion annual hit to its economy if no action is taken to address the judge’s ruling, causing a devastating ripple effect throughout Georgia and the Southeast.

“Our work is not over,” said Tim Lowe of Lowe Engineers and co-chair of the Water Contingency Task Force. “In fact, now an even more critical chapter begins. As the Georgia General Assembly convenes in January, we will continue to work with the Governor and elected officials as our recommendations are considered.”

More information and the full report from the Water Contingency Planning Task Force can be found on Governor Perdue’s website at http://gov.georgia.gov/00/channel_modifieddate/0,2096,78006749_154453222,00.html.

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Georgia, Alabama and Florida Governors to Meet About Water

Governor Sonny Perdue announced December 7 that he will meet with the governors of Alabama and Florida in Montgomery, Alabama on Tuesday, December 15 at 1:30 p.m. Eastern time (12:30 p.m. Central time) to discuss the ongoing water dispute between the three states.

The meeting will take place at the Wynfield Estate at the Wynton M. Blount Cultural Park in Montgomery.

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GEFA Approves Five Water, Sewer Infrastructure Projects Totaling $6.7 Million for Georgia Communities

Governor Sonny Perdue announced October 20 the approval of five environmental infrastructure project loans totaling just over $6.7 million. Two of the projects were fully financed by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) at a total of $936,550. The GEFA board of directors approved the commitments to help finance water and sewer infrastructure projects in five communities throughout Georgia.

“Investment in our state’s water and sewer infrastructure stimulates the economy, promotes the stewardship of our natural resources, and helps to meet Georgia’s future water needs,” said Governor Perdue. “The projects approved today will improve water system efficiency and will ensure clean and safe water.”

“The federal water and sewer programs administered by GEFA assist local governments with improving their environmental infrastructure,” said GEFA Executive Director Phil Foil. “Financing water and sewer projects encourages economic growth and the stewardship of our environment.”

Foil expressed appreciation to Governor Perdue, Georgia’s Congressional delegation and the members of the 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. The Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) is a federal loan program administered by GEFA for wastewater infrastructure and water pollution abatement projects. Eligible projects include a wide variety of storm water and wastewater collection and treatment projects. The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) is a federal loan program administered by GEFA for water infrastructure projects. Eligible projects include public health-related water supply construction.

In February, Congress approved and the President signed the ARRA, which included a substantial investment in the CWSRF and the DWSRF programs. The ARRA also directs the states to reserve 20 percent of the ARRA funding for “…projects to address green infrastructure, water or energy efficiency improvements or other environmentally innovative activities.”

Under the ARRA financing terms adopted by the GEFA board of directors, cities or counties that are OneGeorgia-eligible qualify for a 70 percent subsidy. Cities or counties that are not OneGeorgia-eligible qualify for a 40 percent subsidy. Cities or counties with eligible green projects qualify for a 60 percent subsidy. For example, if a OneGeorgia-eligible community applies for a $1 million loan, then 70 percent of the loan will be forgiven, up to a maximum of $700,000, subject to the loan contract provisions. The community will close on a loan of up to$300,000 at a three percent interest rate. OneGeorgia-eligible communities are located outside the state’s metropolitan areas and have a population of 50,000 or less with a poverty rate of ten percent or greater. The unprecedented amounts of subsidy in the ARRA financing terms will help Georgia meet the ARRA’s short-term goals of job creation and economic stimulus.

Georgia local governments expressed a tremendous amount of interest in the ARRA funds. Cities and counties submitted more than 1,600 clean water, drinking water and green projects with total costs exceeding $6 billion. Total available funding for projects through the ARRA is $144 million. Funding is obligated to projects on a first-come-first-served basis.

Below are details of the loans approved:

Eatonton-Putnam County Water and Sewer Authority (WSA)

Financed through the ARRA, Eatonton-Putnam County WSA was approved for a green project through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF). The loan of $128,620 and a DWSRF subsidy of $192,930 were approved to upgrade commercial and residential water meters to increase meter reading accuracy. The total project cost is $321,550 with GEFA providing the entire amount. Consistent with GEFA’s ARRA financing terms for green projects, 60 percent (up to a maximum of $192,930) of the principal will be forgiven, subject to the loan contract provisions. The Eatonton-Putnam County WSA will pay three percent interest on the loan portion, up to a maximum of $128,620, for 20 years.

City of Hagan

The city of Hagan was approved for a Georgia Fund loan of $110,000 to help finance a new well, pump and pumphouse for the city’s water system. The city will pay 3.81 percent interest rate on the 15-year loan. The total project cost is $220,000 with a grant of $110,000 from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs providing the remainder.

Macon Water Authority

The Macon Water Authority was approved for a Georgia Fund loan of $5,100,348 to help finance new lines in the city’s sanitary sewer system. The Macon Water Authority will pay a 3.81 percent interest rate on the 20-year loan. The total project cost is $5,100,348 with GEFA financing the entire amount.

City of Waleska

Financed through the ARRA, the city of Waleska was approved for a Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) loan of $369,000 and a DWSRF subsidy of $246,000 for the replacement of water mains. The total project cost is $615,000 with GEFA providing the entire amount. Consistent with GEFA’s ARRA financing terms for communities that are not OneGeorgia-eligible, 40 percent (up to a maximum of $246,000) of the principal will be forgiven, subject to the loan contract provisions. The city will pay three percent interest on the loan portion, up to a maximum of $369,000, for 20 years.

City of Walthourville

The city of Walthourville was approved for a Georgia Fund loan of $556,500 for a new well, well house and chemical feed equipment. The city will pay 3.81 percent interest rate on the 20-year loan. The total project cost is $556,500 with GEFA financing the entire amount.

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Governor Announces Water Contingency Task Force

Earlier this week, Governor Sonny Perdue announced the creation of a task force that will help develop contingencies for water consumption as a result of the recent water ruling limiting the access of Lake Lanier for water supply.

Contingency planning is part of the Governor’s four-pronged strategy for addressing the impact of the ruling. The other strategies include congressional action, negotiations and appeal of the decision.

“While I am confident we will be successful in securing the ability to draw water supply from Lake Lanier, we cannot take that for granted and must plan accordingly,” said Governor Perdue. “We will consider conservation measures as well as opportunities to enhance our water supply options.”

The task force will include several dozen leaders from business, government and environmental organizations.

Coca-Cola Enterprises CEO John Brock and Tim Lowe of Lowe Engineers have agreed to co-chair the task force, which will meet throughout the fall and present recommendations before the January 2010 legislative session.

“We applaud Governor Perdue for taking this action and convening this water task force to address conservation and water supply,” Brock said. “Water is the most pressing issue facing Metro Atlanta and Georgia today. The business community stands ready to support this effort and lead, where necessary, to ensure that our quality of life and economy are sustainable for the long term.”

“We are honored to assist Governor Perdue in this important endeavor and are confident that this task force will be able to identify a number of sound recommendations to meet this critical challenge,” Lowe added.

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Georgia Water Coalition Applauds Governor, Legislators for Protecting Well Water

The Georgia Water Coalition (GWC) applauded Governor Perdue and state legislators today for passing and signing into law House Bill 552 (HB 552), a bill that extends the existing moratorium on injecting chemically treated water into the Floridan aquifer through 2014. The General Assembly had previously passed a five year moratorium twice on these types of injections to protect drinking water. The current moratorium would have sunset in 2009.

Ogeechee-Canoochee Riverkeeper Chandra Brown said, “As a coastal resident and mother, I am going to feel better about the security and health of our main water supply, the Floridan Aquifer, thanks to the work of the entire coastal delegation.”

During the legislative session, the GWC aired television commercials in Middle Georgia informing citizens about proposals to pump chemically treated sewage and river water into our groundwater. This practice, also known as aquifer storage and recovery, can contaminate vital drinking water sources for many Georgians.

Satilla Riverkeeper Gordon Rogers said, “Coastal Georgia is downstream from everyone in Georgia, and too often our rivers and streams suffer the consequences. We have been blessed with one of the finest sources for drinking water in the entire world, and I certainly appreciate that our legislature and our Governor have extended this necessary protection for another five years.”

Recently, injecting chemically treated sewage was 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. Earlier this year, the GWC released poll results from a survey conducted by The Schapiro Group showing that ensuring enough clean water continues to top Georgians’ environmental concerns. Of those surveyed, 73 percent supported extending a ban on injecting chemically treated water into aquifers.

“These issues are too often decided without the public knowing about them or getting involved” said April Ingle, Executive Director of the Georgia River Network. “The Georgia Water Coalition is changing that.”

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. The coalition is committed to continuing to raise the profile of clean water challenges and solutions available to our state’s leaders through an earned media campaign.

In response to HB 552, four local governments on the coast – the City of Savannah, Chatham County, City of Tybee, and Bryan County - passed resolutions supporting the ban on the practice because of their concerns about the damage that may be caused by injecting lower quality water into their high quality aquifer. The resolutions state that if injections were allowed, their drinking water supply could suffer negative consequences for coastal Georgia's economy and environment.

The National Research Council reported that a proposal to inject chemically treated water in South Florida aquifers 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 the practice in South Florida.

“The Georgia Water Coalition is proud to vigorously defend clean water in Georgia and making sure citizens know about the importance of safeguarding water quality in Georgia’s communities,” said Dave Kyler, Executive Director of the Center for a Sustainable Coast, a member of the Georgia Water Coalition.

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Georgia Water Coalition Urges Governor Perdue to Embrace Cost-Effective Water Solutions in Tight Fiscal Times

Members of the Georgia Water Coalition (GWC) today (September 18, 2008) urge Governor Sonny Perdue, after he delivered his annual State of the Environment speech, to continue to recognize the importance of water conservation by embracing water efficiency as the cheapest, most timely solution to addressing our water shortage.

“The Governor can show real leadership by investing in water assessments and water efficiency to get the fastest and cheapest water savings,” said Joe Cook, Upper Coosa Riverkeeper. “It’s been shown that water conservation and efficiency are the most cost-effective ways of extending our water supplies. Because of the fiscal crunch, our state may not be able to afford new reservoirs, but investing in water conservation is very economical.”

According to the Georgia EPD, water efficiency measures cost a mere $.50 to $1.40 per 1,000 gallons of water saved while reservoirs cost $4,000.00 per 1,000 gallons.

In October 2008, Governor Perdue mandated water utilities and permit holders in 61 North Georgia counties to reduce their water use by 10 percent. Later, the Governor and the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) reported that November water use in those counties was reduced by 350 million gallons a day – an amount above and beyond the 10 percent goal and December water use was down 13 percent compared to the previous year.

“We applaud Governor Perdue for his past efforts to require water conservation and urge him to support the most cost-effective, most timely solutions to address our ongoing water shortage,” said Jim Stokes, President of the Georgia Conservancy.

The Georgia Water Coalition today urged the Governor to look at more fiscally sound approaches during these tight times, such as conservation pricing, retrofits of old-fashioned indoor plumbing, drought-tolerant landscaping, fixing leaks in municipal water lines and requiring sewer hook-up for homes instead of septic tanks in urbanized areas.

For example, according to the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District (Metro District), the Metro Atlanta area could reduce its demand for water by 91 million gallons per day (mgd) by 2035 if these top 12 top water efficiency measures are implemented (in mgd):

Conservation pricing: 24.0

Replace older, inefficient plumbing fixtures: 9.2

Pre-rinse spray valve retrofit education program: 0.0

Rain sensor shut off devices on irrigation controllers: 2.5

Multi-family sub-metering requirement: 4.8

Water loss reduction: 36.7

Residential water audits: 0.2

Low flow showerhead & aerator distribution: 1.9

Commercial water audits: 8.7

Public education program: 1.3

HETs & high efficiency urinals in government buildings: 0.9

Require car washes to recycle water: 0.6

The Metro District projected a 152.3 mgd reduction in water supply if these conservation measures are implemented and combined with water savings that will automatically occur over time as people upgrade appliances and fixtures. That’s enough water to quench the thirst of each one of DeKalb County’s 700,000-plus residents (or fill up the Georgia Aquarium more than 12 times every day.)

“We can create new economic opportunities across the state by requiring all sectors of water users to get more out of a gallon of water,” said April Ingle, Director of the Georgia River Network. “History shows that incredible innovations are made in the toughest of economic times if the political will exists.”

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News to Use in Fayetteville, Atlanta, Savannah, Peachtree City and all of Georgia

Governor Announces GEFA Loans and Grants

Governor Sonny Perdue announced today the approval of three Georgia Fund commitments totaling $5,410,842, one Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) commitment of $2,933,874, and one water reuse grant of $300,000. The Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (GEFA) Executive Committee approved the loans and grant to help finance water, sewer and solid waste infrastructure projects for Lamar County, the Middle Georgia Regional Solid Waste Authority, and the cities of Springfield, Woodstock and Hinesville.

“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, sewer, and solid waste 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 GEFA Executive Director 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. Governor Perdue recommended and the General Assembly approved Amended FY2008 and FY2009 budget appropriations of $120 million for water infrastructure and reservoir development.

“The projects that we agreed to finance today illustrate how GEFA helps communities of all sizes, in all areas of the state,” said J.C. Warren, chairman of the GEFA board of directors and a member of the Screven County board of commissioners. “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 governments 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 DWSRF is a federal loan program administered by GEFA for drinking water infrastructure projects.

Details of the loans and grants approved today are below:

Lamar County

Lamar County was approved for a DWSRF loan of $2,433,874 to help finance water system infrastructure improvements. The project will add new customers to the water system by eliminating approximately 176 private wells. Lamar County will pay zero percent interest on the 20-year loan along with a $500,000 subsidy. GEFA is financing the entire estimated cost of the $2,933,874 project.

City of Springfield

The city of Springfield was approved for a Georgia Fund loan of $1,380,842 to help finance improvements to the water system infrastructure. The city will pay 4.27 percent interest on the 20-year loan. The total project cost is $2,523,484 with the Effingham County Industrial Development Authority providing the remaining funds of $1,142,642.

City of Woodstock

The city of Woodstock was approved for a Georgia Fund loan of $3,500,000 to help finance repairs and replacement of sewer system infrastructure. The city will pay 4.27 percent interest on the 20-year loan. The total cost is $3,500,000 with GEFA providing the entire amount.

City of Hinesville

The city of Hinesville was approved for a water reuse grant of $300,000 to help finance construction of reuse water distribution lines to provide irrigation at county facilities, the Cherokee Rose Country Club and Fort Stewart.

Middle Georgia Regional Solid Waste Authority

The Middle Georgia Regional Solid Waste Authority was approved for a Georgia Fund loan of $530,000 to help finance the construction of two new cells at the authority’s landfill. The authority will pay 4.27 percent interest on the 20-year loan. The total cost is $530,000 with GEFA providing the entire amount.

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Governor Perdue Announces $19.5 Million in Loans and Grants to Finance Water and Sewer System Infrastructure Improvements

Today Governor Sonny Perdue announced the approval of four Georgia Fund commitments totaling $2,749,923, one Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) commitment totaling $1,750,000 and one Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) commitment totaling $15,000,000. The Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority’s (GEFA) Board of Directors approved the loans and grants to help finance water and sewer infrastructure projects for the Madison County Industrial Development & Building Authority, Lake Lanier Islands Development Authority, and the cities of Cornelia, Millen, Statham and West Point.

“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 and sewer 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.”

Governor Perdue recommended and the General Assembly approved Amended FY2008 and FY2009 budget appropriations of $120 million for water infrastructure and reservoir development.

“The projects that we agreed to finance today show how GEFA helps communities of all sizes, in all areas of the state,” said J.C. Warren, chairman of the GEFA board of directors and a member of the Screven County board of commissioners. “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 governments 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 DWSRF and CWSRF are federal loan programs administered by GEFA for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects respectively. Eligible projects include a wide variety of public health-related water supply, wastewater collection and treatment projects.
Details of the loans and grants approved today are below:

Madison County Industrial Development & Building Authority

The Madison County Industrial Development & Building Authority was approved for a DWSRF loan of $1,365,000 and a subsidy of $385,000 to help finance the construction of new water mains to provide interconnections to the county’s Hull and Madico systems, the construction of new water mains to serve additional areas of the county and maintain water pressures within the system, and the construction of new wells to provide additional supply. The Madison County Industrial Development & Building Authority will pay zero percent interest on the 20-year loan. GEFA is financing the entire estimated cost of $1,750,000.

Lake Lanier Islands Development Authority

The Lake Lanier Islands Development Authority (LLIDA) was approved for a CWSRF loan of $15,000,000 for the construction of a new 500,000 gallon-per-day wastewater treatment plant. LLIDA will pay 3.75 percent interest on the 15-year loan. GEFA is financing the entire estimated cost of $15,000,000.

City of Cornelia

The city of Cornelia was approved for a Georgia Fund sewer grant of $100,000 to help finance a sewer extension to residents who are currently on septic tanks. Sixty homes in the area will be able to discontinue the use of septic tanks. The total project cost is $1,215,071 with GEFA providing $100,000 in a sewer grant, the Department of Community Affairs providing $500,000 in a Community Development Block Grant and the city of Cornelia providing $615,071 in local funds.

City of Millen

The city of Millen was approved for a Georgia Fund sewer grant of $99,623 to help finance a sewer extension to residents who are currently on septic tanks. Eighteen homes in the area will be able to discontinue the use of septic tanks. GEFA is financing the entire estimated cost of $99,623.

City of Statham

The city of Statham was approved for a Georgia Fund sewer grant of $100,000 to help finance a sewer extension to residents who are currently on septic tanks. One hundred fifty-three homes in the area will be able to discontinue the use of septic tanks. The total project cost is $3,036,273, with GEFA providing $2,790,000 in a previously approved Georgia Fund Loan and the city providing $146,273 in local funds.

City of West Point

The city of West Point was approved for a Georgia Fund loan of $2,450,300 to help finance the construction of water and sewer lines to support economic development in the city. The city will pay 4.1 percent interest on the 20-year loan. The total cost is $3,950,300 with two OneGeorgia grants totaling $1,500,000 providing the balance.

Cities and counties interested in more information regarding GEFA loans and grants should visit www.gefa.org or call (404) 584-1000.