Georgia sees record low temps in July

July was cool and dry across most of Georgia, with many places receiving record low temperatures.

In Atlanta, the monthly average temperature was 78.1 F (1.9 degrees below normal), in Athens 79.2 degrees (.6 degrees below normal), Columbus 79.8 degrees (2.2 degrees below normal), Macon 80.1 degrees (1 degree below normal), Savannah 80.9 degrees(1.2 degrees below normal), Brunswick 81.4 degrees (1 degree below normal), Alma 80.8 degrees (1.2 degrees below normal) and Augusta 79.9 degrees (.9 degree below normal).

Many daily low temperature records were broken mid-month as cool dry air from the northwest entered the state. Macon's daily low temperature on July 21 was 56 degrees, 9 degrees below the previous record set in 1967. On the same day Columbus reported 61 degrees, 6 degrees below the previous record set in 1974.

Rainfall across most of the state was below normal, according to radar estimates. However, rainfall amounts as much as 8 inches were observed along the Georgia coast, particularly near Brunswick, St. Mary and Savannah, and also along the southwest border near Clay County, according to the Georgia Automated Environmental Monitoring Network.

The highest monthly total from National Weather Service reporting stations was 7.17 inches in Brunswick (2.36 inches above normal) and the lowest was in Athens at 1.33 inches (3.08 inches below normal).

Atlanta received 5.02 inches (.1 inch below normal), Columbus 3.83 inches (1.21 inches below normal), Macon 2.19 inches (2.13 inches below normal), Alma 1.91 inches (4.10 inches below normal), Savannah 6.57 inches (.53 inch above normal), and Augusta 3.29 inches (.78 inch below normal).

The highest monthly total rainfall from the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network was 15.29 inches near St. Mary in the far southeastern corner of the state. Another observer near St. Mary reported 14.57 inches. An observer in Morganton reported 11.49 inches for the month, and an observer in Kingsland reported 10.31 inches.

The high daily rainfall reported by CoCoRaHS observers were 4.80 inches in Carnesville on July 11, followed by 4.68 inches in St. Mary on the July 10, 4.44 inches in Tucker on July 13 and 4.29 inches on Skidaway Island on the July 11.

Two one-day record rainfalls occurred in July. One was in Atlanta, where 1.89 inches fell on July 13, and the other in Brunswick where 2.59 inches fell on July 3.

There were no tornadoes reported. There were scattered reports of hail or strong winds somewhere in Georgia on 13 days. Damage from these events was limited to a few trees down or temporary power outages to a few locations.

The dry conditions aided hay harvesting but caused stress on many field crops. The hit-or-miss rainfalls did not provide any wide-spread relief through the state, although some local areas benefitted.

By Pam Knox
University of Georgia

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Atlanta: A Clean Water Success Story

The last decade has seen a remarkable success story unfold in the City of Atlanta, a success story that has had profound repercussions for the City’s future and that of the entire Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River Basin. It’s the product of billions of dollars in spending, the unrelenting patience of Atlanta residents and the expertise and hard work of thousands of people.

It has not come cheap. Atlantans are paying among the highest water/sewer rates of any major metropolitan area in the nation. But what they have gotten in return is priceless: cleaner and safer rivers and streams for Atlantans and our downstream neighbors.

Cleaner rivers and streams
It’s easy to forget where Atlanta has been: frightening headlines, millions of dollars in fines, human waste floating through the City’s creeks. In June, 1997, an article in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution entitled, “A Tide of Pollution That Keeps on Flowing,” contained this paragraph: “The three-mile long Clear Creek, which begins in Piedmont Park, flows through the Ansley Park golf course and empties into Peachtree Creek, is an example of how badly the city’s streams have suffered … The stream is often carpeted with toilet paper, condoms, sanitary napkins and other debris spewing from the CSO upstream. Needles and syringes, some still filled with blood or other substances, are found occasionally in the creek.” Virtually every week saw a new similar story.

“These stories are not fiction,” says Sally Bethea, executive director of Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper (UCR), which, in 1995, sued the City for violations of the state and federal Clean Water Acts. “There were regular health advisories. Residents complained they couldn’t go into their backyards because the smell from the creeks was so strong.” Mayor Shirley Franklin was elected shortly after the signing of two consent decrees mandating that the City reduce combined and sanitary sewer overflows and make improvements to its treatment plants.

“We could have whined and complained,” she says. “But that wouldn’t have gotten the work done, and the work had to be done. So we came up with a plan to do the work and then we implemented it.”

Twelve years after that AJC article appeared, its author, environmental reporter Charles Seabrook joined Mayor Franklin, Department of Watershed Management Commissioner Rob Hunter, City officials and environmental activists to munch on hors d’ouvres and sip punch in a CSO facility. “I never thought I would see this day,” said Seabrook, who served as Master of Ceremonies for the party celebrating the completion of the West Area CSO Tunnel and, with it, the first consent decree.

That tunnel, along with other CSO projects and SSO projects under the ongoing First Amended Consent Decree, have reduced the number of sewer spills into Atlanta’s rivers by 75 percent and the volume of those spills by almost 90 percent.

Sewer capacity relief
Besides the obvious health hazards, Atlanta faced another serious concern because of its antiquated sewer system. Sewers too small to support the City’s astounding growth from 1970 on would regularly back up and overflow. The problem became so acute that, in 2003, the State Environmental Protection Division said that failure to reduce pollution could subject Atlanta to water and sewer system connection moratoriums. In other words, no new development would be allowed. Such moratoriums can have dire consequences for a City’s tax base and ability to generate revenue.

Capacity relief projects undertaken as part of Clean Water Atlanta have nullified that threat and led to an estimated $17.7 billion worth of development that might not have been permitted without the increased capacity. The capacity certification program has allowed development to proceed for 53,100 multi-family units, 24,200 single-family homes, and 2,100 commercial and other non-residential units. (The $17.7 billion is based on estimated selling prices and does not include the economic contribution associated with new businesses and residents.)

Paying for clean water
The UCR lawsuit, which was targeted at the City’s combined sewer overflow (CSO) systems and settled via consent decree in November 1998, prompted a second complaint, this one by the state and federal environmental agencies that targeted Atlanta’s sanitary sewer systems and problems at the treatment plants. That complaint resulted in a 1999 settlement that created what was termed the First Amended Consent Decree. (Atlanta was already under a state consent order mandating improvements in its systems.)

The Consent Decrees were brutal, both in their scope and in their abbreviated deadlines; 2007 (extended by agreement to 2008) for the CSO program and 2014 for the sanitary sewer overflow (SSO) program. Other cities under similar consent decrees were given from 20 to 30 years to implement their solutions. Under Mayor Franklin’s leadership, Clean Water Atlanta, a plan to comply with the consent decrees through a massive overhaul of the City’s sewer system, was born.

Initially, City officials were counting on paying one-third of the program cost through water/sewer rates, one-third through state money and one-third through federal grants. Unfortunately, Clean Water Atlanta came into being during a period of nationwide disinvestment in infrastructure, and the burden of paying for the program fell largely to the City’s residents. Two successive packages of rate increases and voter approval (twice) of a one-cent Municipal Option Sales Tax have provided the bulk of the Clean Water Atlanta financing.

Atlantans are paying those rates despite the fact that the economic crisis has produced an unemployment rate of 10.4 percent in the City, and almost one-quarter of its households are at or below the poverty level. The current monthly water and sewer bill for an average household is more than $120 (6,000 gallons). A household using 10,000 gallons per month has a bill in excess of $215. The MOST indirectly adds an estimated $25 to the monthly bill.

The five cities with the highest water/sewer rates in the country are Seattle, Atlanta, San Francisco, San Diego and Austin, Texas. The other cities have significantly higher median household incomes than Atlanta.

Completed and ongoing projects
Under Clean Water Atlanta, the City has already:
Constructed the 8-mile-long, 16-foot-diameter Nancy Creek Tunnel, which has reduced SSOs in the North Atlanta/Dunwoody area by 70 percent (1,000 overflows in 2000; fewer than 300 in 2008);
Built the Custer Avenue Storage and Dechlorination Facility, which can store up to 10 million gallons of combined sewage for transfer to the South River treatment plant;
Separated 33 miles of combined sewers, reducing stormwater-related overflows in three sewer basins;
Purchased about 2,000 acres of streamside property in eight metro area counties for protection in perpetuity; and
Constructed the 8.5-mile-long, 24 foot-diameter West Area CSO Tunnel, which can store up to 177 million gallons of combined sewage for transfer to a dedicated treatment plant.
Additionally, though it was not required to do so under the consent decrees, the City has replaced about 100 miles of water mains that were aged and leaking.

Infrastructure programs currently ongoing include:
The Sewer System Evaluation Survey and related rehab, under which the City is inspecting every inch of its 1,600 miles of sewer pipe and repairing those that are cracked, leaking or otherwise damaged (to date, 1,287 of a total of 1,580 miles, 82 percent, have been inspected; 314 miles of the estimated 607 that will need repair have been completed);
Cleaning sewers under Operation Clean Sewer, a program to reduce spills associated with stormwater infiltration and blockages from debris and grease, with a goal (exceeded) of 25 percent of the system per year;
Design and construction of a 2.5-billion-gallon drinking water reservoir in Northwest Atlanta, a $190 million project construction of which will likely be accelerated as the City attempts to mitigate the effects of Judge Paul Magnuson’s order in the Tri-State Water Wars;
Grease management inspections that kept 1.15 million gallons of grease of out the system in the first quarter of 2009
Construction of the South River Tunnel, which will capture and store sanitary sewer overflows in South Atlanta;
Construction of new water mains in the Georgia Tech Midtown area;
Meter replacement program, under which the City is replacing or retrofitting 150,000 meters with Automated Meter Reading capability;
Implementation of the Valve & Hydrant Program, under which the City is locating and identifying its valves and hydrants, making necessary repairs and collecting information for inclusion in a Geographic Information System;
Reduction of backlog in the past three years from 3,100 meter leaks to under 100 and from 2,400 service leaks to 150; this stepped-up leak repair program has resulted in the repair of about 750 leaks per month, the same number United Water was repairing a year when it was operating the City’s drinking water system from 1999-2003.
Development and implementation of an upgraded backflow compliance program;
Implementation of a large meter asset management program in January 2009;
Reduction in the number of boil water advisories from nine in 2002 to zero in 2008 and one in 2009;
Design of a number of transmission mains to improve service in a number of South Atlanta communities.

That the projects have been completed on time and on budget, is nothing short of amazing, according to Judge Thomas Thrash, the U.S. District Court Judge who oversees compliance with the consent decrees. “Frankly, I expected excuses, delays, obstruction, incompetence,” the judge said in a 2008 status hearing. “And, under Mayor Franklin’s administration, none of that’s happened. The work’s been done. It’s been done on time, I think pretty much done within budget. And it really is a remarkable accomplishment.”

Population growth and usage reduction
From 2000 to 2008, Atlanta experienced unprecedented population growth, adding almost 30 percent to its population. But it has done so with an emphasis on proper resource management – smart growth policies, infill housing instead of sprawl, extensive capital investment in its systems, a diligent leak detection and repair program and conservation. In fact, Clean Water Atlanta served as a launching pad for green initiatives like construction of a green roof at City Hall, land acquisition for parks, energy conservation projects and a Green Building Ordinance currently pending before the City Council.

A severe drought that began in 2007 and ended earlier this year prompted Atlanta to take serious steps to further reduce water use. The City declared Level 4 restrictions – the strongest – several months before the State implemented them and created a number of conservation programs, distribution of water conservation kits, flush valves and “instant-off” devices for faucets; free water audits; rain barrel construction programs; educational workshops for residents, landscapers and large users; toilet rebates; new toilet installations for low-income, elderly customers; and establishment of the Save Water Atlanta Team to enforce watering restrictions. It already had put in place a three-tiered conservation rate structure that rewards low use.

All those initiatives combined to help Atlantans reduce their drinking water usage by more than 20 percent over the eight years starting in 2000 despite the population boom. And, while Clean Water Atlanta is an infrastructure program, it also is one of Atlanta’s strongest and most extensive green programs.

A model for infrastructure rebuilding
In infrastructure terms, Clean Water Atlanta has become a 21st century model for water and sewer system rebuilding. The program has resulted in cleaner rivers and streams, allowed development to proceed and been accomplished on time and on budget despite oppressively tight deadlines.

“Without Mayor Franklin’s support and encouragement, the Clean Water Atlanta program never would have happened,” Sally Bethea says. While continued investment must be made to finish all the work by 2014, the City and its neighborhoods are already benefiting, thanks to a healthier environment.”

Governor Schedules Water Stakeholder Meetings in Columbus, Albany

Governor Sonny Perdue today announced that he has scheduled water stakeholder meetings in Columbus and Albany next week. A wide array of business people, local officials, elected leaders, agriculture representatives and board members of regional water councils have been invited to the briefings.

“Judge Magnuson’s ruling has impacts up and down the Chattahoochee and Flint basin,” Governor Perdue said. “While much of the media’s focus has been on Atlanta, it is also vitally important that Georgians outside the metro area understand the key role they will play in protecting and managing our water resources.”

The Columbus meeting will take place at Columbus Technical College next Wednesday. On Thursday, the Governor will visit Darton College in Albany. At both meetings, Governor Perdue will meet with local media as well.

North Georgians Continue to Conserve, Even Without Restrictions

June 2009 use up only 1.8 percent from last year, 18 percent lower than June 2007

Georgians have continued to conserve water, even with relaxed outdoor water use restrictions in place, according to June 2009 water use data compiled by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD).

“These numbers indicate that Georgians have made water conservation part of their daily lives,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “Conservation is obviously critical during drought, but I am particularly encouraged to see our efforts continue now that the rains have returned and the drought is over.”

According to water use data collected from water utilities and local governments throughout the 55-county north Georgia area, water use in June rose an average of just 1.8 percent as compared to June 2008. Most types of outdoor water use had been prohibited in those 55 counties since September of 2007. Non-drought schedules took effect June 10, which allow people to water any time of the day up to three days a week determined by odd and even-numbered addresses.

Even more impressive are the comparisons to June 2007 before the drought worsened and outdoor water use was allowed midnight to 10 a.m. three days a week. June 2009 water use was down 18.4 percent as compared to the 2007 data, even though the current schedules are for times of non-drought.

For example, some of the largest metropolitan Atlanta water systems showed significant water savings during June, including the city of Atlanta and Gwinnett, Clayton and Cobb counties. Other large metro water users saw only modest increases in water use, including North Fulton, Cherokee and Fayette counties, and the city of Marietta. EPD is working closely with communities to continue to improve water conservation practices.

Monthly water use data is posted on the EPD web site at www.georgiaepd.com. To learn more about water conservation go to www.conservewatergeorgia.net.
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GEFA Approves Water, Sewer Infrastructure Projects for Communities Around Georgia

Twenty-six projects total $43.1 million

Governor Sonny Perdue announced today the approval of 26 environmental infrastructure project loans totaling $43.1 million. Twenty-three of the projects were either fully or partially financed by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) at a total of $39 million. The GEFA board of directors approved the commitments to help finance water and sewer infrastructure projects in 24 communities.

“Investment in infrastructure creates jobs, promotes economic development and increases our citizens’ quality of life,” said Governor Perdue. “Improving public health and safety is critical to a community’s economic growth and prosperity.”

“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 and the community will close on a 20-year loan of $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 a total cost 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 today:

City of Blairsville

Financed through the ARRA, the city of Blairsville was approved for a Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) loan of $322,800 and a CWSRF subsidy of $753,200 for the rehabilitation of a portion of the city’s sewer system. Consistent with GEFA’s ARRA financing terms for communities that are OneGeorgia-eligible, 70 percent ($753,200) of the principal will be forgiven and the city will pay three percent interest on a ten-year loan of $322,800. The total project cost is $1,076,000 with GEFA providing the entire amount.

City of Braselton

The city of Braselton was approved for two Georgia Fund loans totaling $1,240,000. The loans will finance upgrading and replacing two wastewater pump stations. The total cost of both projects is $1,540,000, with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) committing $300,000 through an Appalachian Regional Commission grant. The city, a WaterFirst community, will pay a 2.81 percent interest rate on the loans, one percent lower than the current Georgia Fund rate. WaterFirst communities are certified by DCA as having met and maintained stringent standards for system management and water conservation. WaterFirst participants are entitled to a lower interest rate on certain GEFA loans.

City of Byron

Financed through the ARRA, the city of Byron was approved for a Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) loan of $816,246 and a CWSRF subsidy of $1,904,574 for the rehabilitation of the city’s wastewater collection system. Consistent with GEFA’s ARRA financing terms for communities that are OneGeorgia-eligible, 70 percent ($1,904,574) of the principal will be forgiven and the city will pay three percent interest on a 20-year loan of $816,246. The total project cost is $2,720,820 with GEFA providing the entire amount.

City of Clarkesville

Financed through the ARRA, the city of Clarkesville was approved for a Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) loan of $528,000 and a CWSRF subsidy of $1,232,000 for the installation of improvements to the city’s wastewater treatment facility. Consistent with GEFA’s ARRA financing terms for communities that are OneGeorgia-eligible, 70 percent ($1,232,000) of the principal will be forgiven and the city will pay three percent interest on a 20-year loan of $528,000. The total project cost is $1,803,200 with GEFA providing $1,760,000 and the city of Clarkesville providing $43,200.

City of Colquitt

Financed through the ARRA, the city of Colquitt was approved for a Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) loan of $420,000 and a CWSRF subsidy of $980,000 for the rehabilitation of the city’s wastewater collection system. Consistent with GEFA’s ARRA financing terms for communities that are OneGeorgia-eligible, 70 percent ($980,000) of the principal will be forgiven and the city will pay three percent interest on a 20-year loan of $420,000. The total project cost is $1,400,000 with GEFA providing the entire amount.

City of Commerce

Financed through the ARRA, the city of Commerce was approved for a Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) loan of $330,000 and a CWSRF subsidy of $770,000 for improvements to two water pollution control plants. Consistent with GEFA’s ARRA financing terms for communities that are OneGeorgia-eligible, 70 percent ($770,000) of the principal will be forgiven and the city will pay three percent interest on a 20-year loan of $330,000. The total project cost is $1,100,000 with GEFA providing the entire amount.

City of Darien

Financed through the ARRA, the city of Darien was approved for a Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) loan of $280,890 and a CWSRF subsidy of $655,410 for the rehabilitation and replacement of equipment at the city’s water pollution control plant. Consistent with GEFA’s ARRA financing terms for communities that are OneGeorgia-eligible, 70 percent ($655,410) of the principal will be forgiven and the city will pay three percent interest on a 20-year loan of $280,890. The total project cost is $936,300 with GEFA providing the entire amount.

City of Demorest

Financed through the ARRA, the city of Demorest was approved for a Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) loan of $153,000 and a CWSRF subsidy of $357,000 for the construction of a sludge dewatering building at the city’s water pollution control plant. Consistent with GEFA’s ARRA financing terms for communities that are OneGeorgia-eligible, 70 percent ($357,000) of the principal will be forgiven and the city will pay three percent interest on a ten-year loan of $153,000. The total project cost is $510,000 with GEFA providing the entire amount.

City of Donalsonville

Financed through the ARRA, the city of Donalsonville was approved for a Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) loan of $150,000 and a CWSRF subsidy of $350,000 for the expansion of the city’s wastewater treatment facility. Consistent with GEFA’s ARRA financing terms for communities that are OneGeorgia-eligible, 70 percent ($350,000) of the principal will be forgiven and the city will pay three percent interest on a 15-year loan of $150,000. The total project cost is $510,000 with GEFA providing $500,000 and the city of Donalsonville providing $10,000.

Gwinnett County

Financed through the ARRA as a green project, Gwinnett County was approved for a Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) loan of $2,000,000 and a CWSRF subsidy of $3,000,000 for the installation of a power generator that will be fueled by gas drawn from anaerobic digesters. The electricity will be used to help power the wastewater treatment facility. Consistent with GEFA’s ARRA financing terms for green projects, 60 percent ($3,000,000) of the principal will be forgiven and the county will pay three percent interest on a 20-year loan of $2,000,000. The total project cost is $5,500,000 with GEFA providing $5,000,000 and Gwinnett County providing $500,000.

City of Helen

Financed through the ARRA, the city of Helen was approved for a Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) loan of $386,400 and a CWSRF subsidy of $901,600 for the rehabilitation of the city’s wastewater collection system. Consistent with GEFA’s ARRA financing terms for communities that are OneGeorgia-eligible, 70 percent ($901,600) of the principal will be forgiven and the city will pay three percent interest on a 20-year loan of $386,400. The total project cost is $1,288,000 with GEFA providing the entire amount.

City of Hinesville

The city of Hinesville was approved for a Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) loan of $2,583,965. The loan will finance watershed improvements at three sites for stormwater control. The city will pay a 3 percent interest rate on the 20-year loan. The total project cost is $2,583,965 with GEFA providing the entire amount.

City of Jefferson

Financed through the ARRA as a green project, the city of Jefferson was approved for a Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) loan of $218,000 and a CWSRF subsidy of $327,000 for the replacement of an impervious-surfaced parking lot with grass filter strips. Consistent with GEFA’s ARRA financing terms for green projects, 60 percent ($327,000) of the principal will be forgiven and the city will pay three percent interest on a 20-year loan of $218,000. The total project cost is $545,000 with GEFA providing the entire amount.

City of LaGrange

Financed through the ARRA, the city of LaGrange was approved for a Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) loan of $4,350,000, which includes $3,572,666 financed through the ARRA. The ARRA portion of the loan includes a CWSRF subsidy of $1,429,066. The loan and subsidy will help finance improvements to the city’s Long Cane Creek water pollution control plant. GEFA’s commitment includes $3,572,666 financed through the ARRA and $777,334 financed by a regular CWSRF loan. Consistent with GEFA’s ARRA financing terms for communities that are not OneGeorgia-eligible, 40 percent ($1,429,066) of the principal on the ARRA portion of the loan will be forgiven and the city will pay three percent interest on a 20-year loan of $2,143,600. The non-ARRA CWSRF loan of $777,334 that finances the remainder of the project is also a 20-year loan with a three percent interest rate. The total project cost is $4,350,000 with GEFA providing the entire amount.

City of Maysville

Financed through the ARRA, the city of Maysville was approved for a Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) loan of $225,000 and a CWSRF subsidy of $525,000 for the rehabilitation of the city’s wastewater collection system. Consistent with GEFA’s ARRA financing terms for communities that are OneGeorgia-eligible, 70 percent ($525,000) of the principal will be forgiven and the city will pay three percent interest on a 20-year loan of $225,000. The total project cost is $750,000 with GEFA providing the entire amount.

City of Milledgeville

Financed through the ARRA, the city of Milledgeville was approved for a Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) loan of $362,085 and a DWSRF subsidy of $844,865 for the replacement of failing water lines in the residential neighborhoods of Allenwood and Brookwood. Consistent with GEFA’s ARRA financing terms for OneGeorgia-eligible communities, 70 percent ($844,865) of the principal will be forgiven and the city will pay three percent interest on a 15-year loan of $362,085. The total project cost is $1,206,950 with GEFA providing the entire amount.

City of Moultrie

Financed through the ARRA, the city of Moultrie was approved for a Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) loan of $1,015,350 and a CWSRF subsidy of $2,369,150 for the installation of improvements to the city’s wastewater treatment facility. Consistent with GEFA’s ARRA financing terms for communities that are OneGeorgia-eligible, 70 percent ($2,369,150) of the principal will be forgiven and the city will pay three percent interest on a 20-year loan of $1,015,350. The total project cost is $3,384,500 with GEFA providing the entire amount.

Financed through the ARRA as a green project, the city of Moultrie was approved for a Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) $1,400,000 loan and a CWSRF subsidy of $2,100,000 for the installation of a biogas recovery system that will provide process heat for the city’s wastewater treatment plant digester. Consistent with GEFA’s ARRA financing terms for green projects, 60 percent ($2,100,000) of the principal will be forgiven and the city will pay three percent interest on a 20-year loan of $1,400,000. The total project cost is $3,500,000 with GEFA providing the entire amount.

City of Sardis

Financed through the ARRA, the city of Sardis was approved for a Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) loan of $330,000 and a CWSRF subsidy of $770,000 for improvements to the city’s wastewater treatment plant. Consistent with GEFA’s ARRA financing terms for communities that are OneGeorgia-eligible, 70 percent ($770,000) of the principal will be forgiven and the city will pay three percent interest on a 20-year loan of $330,000. The total project cost is $1,100,000 with GEFA providing the entire amount.

City of Sparks

Financed through the ARRA, the city of Sparks was approved for a Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) loan of $84,000 and a CWSRF subsidy of $196,000 for the replacement of a wastewater pump station. Consistent with GEFA’s ARRA financing terms for communities that are OneGeorgia-eligible, 70 percent ($196,000) of the principal will be forgiven and the city will pay three percent interest on a one-year loan of $84,000. The total project cost is $300,000 with GEFA providing $280,000 and the city of Sparks providing $20,000.

City of Tennille

Financed through the ARRA, the city of Tennille was approved for a Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) loan of $90,000 and a CWSRF subsidy of $210,000 for the replacement of a wastewater pump station. Consistent with GEFA’s ARRA financing terms for communities that are OneGeorgia-eligible, 70 percent ($210,000) of the principal will be forgiven and the city will pay three percent interest on a five-year loan of $90,000. The total project cost is $300,000 with GEFA providing the entire amount.

City of Thomaston

Financed through the ARRA, the city of Thomaston was approved for a Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) loan of $1,020,000 and a DWSRF subsidy of $2,380,000 for the replacement of water mains within the city’s Westside service area. Consistent with GEFA’s ARRA financing terms for OneGeorgia-eligible communities, 70 percent ($2,380,000) of the principal will be forgiven and the city will pay three percent interest on a 20-year loan of $1,020,000. The total project cost is $3,400,000 with GEFA providing the entire amount.

City of Toccoa

Financed through the ARRA, the city of Toccoa was approved for a Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) loan of $300,000 and a CWSRF subsidy of $700,000 for improvements to the Eastanollee Creek Waste Water Treatment Plant. Consistent with GEFA’s ARRA financing terms for communities that are OneGeorgia-eligible, 70 percent ($700,000) of the principal will be forgiven and the city will pay three percent interest on a five-year loan of $300,000. The total project cost is $1,000,000 with GEFA providing the entire amount.

City of Union Point

Financed through the ARRA, the city of Union Point was approved for a Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) loan of $360,000 and a CWSRF subsidy of $840,000 for the rehabilitation of the city’s wastewater collection system. Consistent with GEFA’s ARRA financing terms for communities that are OneGeorgia-eligible, 70 percent ($840,000) of the principal will be forgiven and the city will pay three percent interest on a 20-year loan of $360,000. The total project cost is $1,200,000 with GEFA providing the entire amount.

City of Warrenton

Financed through the ARRA, the city of Warrenton was approved for a Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) loan of $600,000 and a CWSRF subsidy of $1,400,000 for improvements to the city’s wastewater collection system. Consistent with GEFA’s ARRA financing terms for communities that are OneGeorgia-eligible, 70 percent ($1,400,000) of the principal will be forgiven and the city will pay three percent interest on a 15-year loan of $600,000. The total project cost is $2,000,000 with GEFA providing the entire amount.

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

The Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (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 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 and solid waste infrastructure.
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Atlantans Urged To Continue To Respect Limited Water Resources

Mayor Shirley Franklin has urged Atlantans not to take advantage of the fact that the statewide drought declaration has been lifted, noting, “Our water resources are not unlimited. The City of Atlanta is doing its part with the $4 billion Clean Water Atlanta water and sewer infrastructure overhaul, and we hope that Atlantans continue to do their part by conserving water wherever possible.”

Atlantans rose to the challenge over the last two years during the recent drought, cutting their usage by 17 percent over pre-drought usage. In addition, Atlantans’ outdoor water use is very low compared with that of our neighbors, with a 23 percent to 26 percent increase during the summer months; many of the metro area counties see an increase between 50 percent and 100 percent over the summer.

Programs put in place to encourage water conservation in the commercial/industrial community have yielded impressive results, as well. Atlanta’s Top 50 users, which range from hotels to soft drink plants to tourist destinations like the Georgia Aquarium have cut their use dramatically. All 50 have shown usage decreases, some by as much as 45 percent.

Hotels and the hospitality industry have shown great leadership in water conservation; other facilities like the Aquarium and Delta Air Lines have been extremely creative in their use of water efficiency technologies; and other facilities, like Zoo Atlanta and Atlanta’s City Hall, have instituted educational campaigns and gone to great lengths to change customer behavior.

The City itself has implemented numerous programs designed to encourage conservation, including distribution of water conservation kits, flush valves and “instant-off” devices for faucets; free water audits; rain barrel construction programs; educational workshops for residents, landscapers and large users; toilet rebates; new toilet installations for low-income, elderly customers; establishment of the Save Water Atlanta Team to enforce watering restrictions; and implementation of three-tiered conservation rates that reward low use.

Additionally, at Mayor Franklin’s direction, the City has created a Sustainable Building Ordinance that significantly tightens water efficiency standards for new buildings, The ordinance is currently pending before the City Council.

Programs completed or currently under way as part of Clean Water Atlanta also are contributing to decreased usage by eliminating leaks that waste millions of gallons of water. The City is spending hundreds of millions of dollars to inspect every inch of its 1,600 miles of sewer pipe, repairing or replacing pipe when it is deemed necessary. To date, Atlanta has evaluated almost 1,300 miles of pipe and completed rehabilitation of 314 miles of the 600 miles it is estimated will need to be rehabbed.



Atlanta also purchased the Bellwood gravel quarry, which will eventually be a 1.2-billion-gallon reservoir. Design on the project, which will be part of what will become the City’s largest park, is ongoing.

The City also has replaced about 100 miles of water mains, some of which were originally installed in the early 1900s, and it is repairing more than 750 reported leaks every month (for comparison purposes, the contractor that ran the drinking water system prior to 2003 repaired about 750 leaks a year!)

In fact, Clean Water Atlanta is the largest water/sewer infrastructure overhaul currently under way in the United States.

It is not only dramatically reducing leaks, it also is resulting in a cleaner, healthier Chattahoochee River. Sally Bethea, executive director of the river’s watchdog, the Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, says that the work the City is doing is having a demonstrable effect on the river’s health. Improvements to the City’s combined and sanitary sewer systems, including construction of two eight-mile-long tunnels and separation of three combined sewer basins, are ensuring that the wastewater returned to the river meets and exceeds all federal Clean Water standards. (Of the water taken from the Chattahoochee for drinking and other purposes, the City returns about 85 percent in the form of highly treated wastewater.)

Despite all this, however, Mayor Franklin urges Atlantans to continue their conservation efforts. “Take shorter showers,” she advises. “Turn off the tap when you brush your teeth, limit your outdoor water use, if you have leaks at your house, repair them. Running toilets can waste thousands of gallons of water a day! The State has lifted its drought declaration, but those of us who have been around a while know that another drought could be – and, in fact, very likely is – lurking around the corner. We need to conserve to make sure that our children and their children have access to clean, safe drinking water and can enjoy the same quality of life that we have.”
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Graves’ Statement Regarding Tri-State Water Dispute

Republican State Representative Tom Graves (R-Ranger), candidate for the 9th Congressional District of Georgia, released the following statement after last Friday’s ruling by U.S. District Judge Paul Magnuson that shifts Lake Lanier’s water allocation to Congress concerning the tri-state water dispute:

“I am troubled by the federal judge’s decision regarding Lake Lanier’s water. His ruling Friday could be one of the largest takings of state’s rights that this country has seen in modern history. Giving the federal government this enormous power to decide a dispute that should be delegated among the states is unconscionable. I urge our Governor to take the necessary steps to a speedy resolution of this matter. As the next Congressman for North Georgia, I will vehemently oppose attempts by those in Washington to try and take our most precious resource whose genesis is in the mountains of North Georgia and will unite with other Georgia leaders to fight for a fair and equitable solution that's right for Georgia.”
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Statement of Governor Perdue Regarding Ruling in Water Litigation

Governor Sonny Perdue issued the following statement today regarding ruling in water litigation:

“Obviously, I am deeply disappointed by Judge Magnuson’s decision today. His conclusions rely on decades-old assumptions about the construction of federal reservoirs and the role those reservoirs play in providing water supply for growing states such as Georgia. Our country has changed substantially since the 1940s, when many of these reservoirs were constructed, and I will use this opportunity not only to appeal the judge's decision but, most importantly, to urge Congress to address the realities of modern reservoir usage. The judge’s ruling allows a three-year window for either Congressional action or an agreement by the states and we will work diligently with Georgia’s delegation and members of Congress to re-establish the proper use of federal reservoirs throughout the country.”

Lt. Governor Casey Cagle Statement on Tri-State Water Litigation

Lt. Governor Casey Cagle today released the following statement in response to U.S. District Judge Paul Magnuson’s ruling in the tri-state water litigation:

“Today’s ruling is an extremely frustrating one for me. Georgia has grown while being good stewards of our water resources, including Lake Lanier. I am looking forward to working with Georgia’s Congressional delegation in an effort to resolve this issue.”

Gingrey Statement on Court Ruling on Tri-State Water Usage

U.S. Congressman Phil Gingrey made the following statement in response to the ruling by U.S. District Judge Paul Magnuson that delegates the responsibility to Congress to determine how much water may be used from Lake Lanier to supply the metro Atlanta area:

“While I am greatly disappointed by the Court's ruling, the decision leaves little choice but to seek consensus through the legislative process. Congressional inaction is no longer an option, and I stand ready and committed to work in a bipartisan way for a fair resolution that respects and protects the interests of Georgia, Florida, and Alabama.”

Tri-State Water Litigation Court Order

We've posted the Tri-State water ruling on the Georgia Front Page in the "Issues: Water" section.

http://www.georgiafrontpage.com/issues/water.html

City of Atlanta’s Response to Judge Magnuson’s Order

“Water is a critical resource. The City of Atlanta is spending billions of dollars rebuilding its water infrastructure under federal consent decrees. As mayor, I recognize the seriousness of the ruling and also the value of proper resource stewardship. Clean water is needed for public health, fire protection and economic development for every person and community in Georgia. The Governor and the State have the lead in this case and we and the other Metro Area water providers are following their lead. This is not only a local or regional issue, but a national issue. We welcome the opportunity to resolve it fairly and amicably.”

- Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin

Isakson, Chambliss Joint Statement on Court Ruling on Tri-State Water Usage

U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., and Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., today issued the following joint statement regarding the ruling by U.S. District Judge Paul Magnuson that gives the U.S. Congress the responsibility to determine how much water from Lake Lanier may be used to supply the metro Atlanta area.

“The judge’s ruling places the decision of allocation of water from Lake Lanier solely on the shoulders of Congress. As members of the U.S. Senate from Georgia, we will work tirelessly to reach an agreement that is in the best interest of Georgia while at the same time respecting the interests and concerns of Florida and Alabama. This is a huge challenge, but it is a challenge we must meet.”
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Proposed Water Trust Fund Bill Would Provide Solid Foundation for Improvement

/PRNewswire/ -- As Americans, we owe our health and much of our quality of life to the improvements that have been made during the past century to the drinking water and wastewater systems on which we rely. Despite the importance of those systems to our daily lives and the nation's economy, our water infrastructure currently faces a five-year funding shortfall of more than $100 billion.

At a press conference this morning to announce Rep. Earl Blumenauer's plan to introduce legislation to create a Water Trust Fund (the Water Protection and Reinvestment Act), the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) expressed strong support for the creation of a stable, long-term funding mechanism and commended Blumenauer for his support for the nation's infrastructure. The Society noted that such a commitment will be essential to the renewal of these vital national resources, but that provisions--such as making the program deficit-neutral and including budgetary firewalls to prevent the diversion of monies collected--must be included to ensure long-term, sustainable success.

In the Society's 2009 Report Card for America's Infrastructure, ASCE assigned both wastewater and drinking water systems a barely passing grade of D-. According to ASCE president D. Wayne Klotz, P.E., D.WRE, F.ASCE, "Every day we rely on seemingly invisible water and wastewater systems to support our quality of life and the nation's economy, and yet they suffer from inattention and underfunding. A long-term, dedicated funding source, like the one proposed by Congressman Blumenauer, will go a long way in ensuring that these vital systems can continue to support the health and safety of the American people."

Later in the afternoon, a representative from ASCE's Report Card for America's Infrastructure Advisory Council, Dale Jacobson, P.E., BCEE, F.ASCE will testify before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee's Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment about the potential challenges facing the trust fund proposal, as well as the potential opportunities and benefits such a program could bring.

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June starts wet, ends dry, remained hot

High pressure dominated Georgia’s weather in June, leading to temperatures that were well above normal. Lack of rainfall in most areas contributed to general drying of the soils in most counties and put stress on some crops.

In spite of the heat, the only record temperatures that were tied or broken this month were in Brunswick. The daily maximum tied at 98 F on the 17th and was broken at 98 F on the 21st.

The monthly average temperatures were: Atlanta at 79.8 degrees (3 degrees above normal), Athens at 79.9 degrees (3.6 degrees above normal), Columbus at 81.3 degrees (2.1 degrees above normal), Macon 80.8 degrees (2.8 degrees above normal), Savannah 81.9 degrees (3.1 degrees above normal), Brunswick 82.4 degrees (3 degrees above normal), Alma 81.6 degrees (2.3 degrees above normal) and Augusta 80.3 degrees (2.8 degrees above normal).

Rainfall across the state was below normal, according to radar estimates. The only exception was a small area near Jesup in southeast Georgia. More than 10 inches of rain fell in an isolated area in Wayne and Long counties. The rest of the state was 1 inch to 3 inches below normal.

The highest monthly total from National Weather Service airport reporting stations was 4.40 inches in Savannah (1.09 inches below normal). The lowest was in Athens at 1.66 inches (2.28 inches below normal).

Atlanta received 2.34 inches (1.29 below normal), Columbus 3.79 inches (.28 above normal), Macon 2.82 inches (.72 inches below normal), Alma 2.26 inches (3.23 inches below normal), Brunswick 4.10 inches (.95 inches below normal) and Augusta 3.78 inches (.41 inches below normal).

The highest monthly total rainfall from the CoCoRaHS volunteer reporting network during June was 8.49 inches measured near St. Mary in the far southeastern corner of the state. Observers at Clarkesville measured 7.48 inches for the month. Kingsland reported 7.35 inches, and Brooklet measured 7 inches over the month.

The highest daily rainfall amount reported by a CoCoRaHS observer was 3.90 inches northwest of Gainesville on June 5. Blairsville reported 3.25 inches on the 18th and Rome reported 3.0 inches on the 5th.

Much of the rain in north Georgia came with scattered storms arriving from the northwest in the large-scale circulation around the high pressure that was centered just to the west of Georgia.

One tornado was reported. It occurred on June 4 about 6 miles west of Brunswick, when a funnel briefly touched down, causing minimal damage. In addition, there were reports of hail or strong winds somewhere in Georgia on 13 additional dates. In Augusta on the 18th, it was reported that 8,500 households were without power in association with one of these storms.

Early in the month, farmers had problems doing field work and crop planting due to wet conditions. Problems with tobacco virus and sprouted wheat were reported by University of Georgia Cooperative Extension agents. Lack of rain later in the month, combined with the hot temperatures, many crops became stressed, especially in non-irrigated fields.

By Pam Knox
University of Georgia

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