At their meeting on November 19, 2024, the Bulloch County Commissioners, received a presentation by Tony Rojas from TPR Consulting Services and Trent Thompson from Thomas & Hutton Engineering that reviewed the proposed groundwater sustainability and well mitigation program.
In response to the increasing demand for groundwater from the Floridan aquifer, the Bryan-Bulloch Groundwater Sustainability Program (GSP) has been established to safeguard private drinking wells and agricultural wells within a five-mile radius of the I-16 and Highway 119 interchange.
This new initiative, a collaboration between Bryan and Bulloch Counties, is designed to protect residents and farmers in the region by mitigating any negative effects caused by new groundwater withdrawals.
Background and Purpose of the Program
In October 2024, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GA EPD) granted permits to Bryan and Bulloch Counties, allowing them to withdraw up to 3.5 million gallons of water per day each from the Floridan aquifer. The withdrawals are intended to support the water needs of the Interstate 16 Industrial Mega-Site and related developments.
As a condition of the permit, the EPD is requiring the establishment of this fund and program to protect citizens from reduced water levels in nearby private wells, particularly in existing Floridan aquifer wells. This drawdown is a phenomenon where groundwater levels lower due to the water being pumped out of the aquifer.
To mitigate any adverse effects on local well owners, both counties have agreed to establish the Bryan-Bulloch Groundwater Sustainability Program, which is designed to compensate well owners who experience significant water level declines in their wells. The program will offer both short-term solutions, such as emergency water supplies, and long-term remediation measures, such as well modifications or the construction of new wells.
Click here to review the GSP
Key Elements of the Groundwater Sustainability Program
1. Mitigation Fund
The heart of the GSP is the Mitigation Fund, which has been initially funded with $1 million. This fund is designed to cover the costs of implementing mitigation measures, investigating claims, and providing emergency water supplies for affected residents. The funding is provided by the Bryan and Bulloch County Development Authorities, Hyundai Motorgroup Metaplant America, and the Savannah Harbor-Interstate 16 Corridor Joint Development Authority (JDA), with future contributions expected as needed to maintain the fund’s balance.
- The fund is managed by the GSP, with contributions from the permit holders (Bryan and Bulloch Counties) and potentially other entities, such as local businesses and industries.
- The Mitigation Fund will cover costs associated with the program, including assessments, contractor fees, equipment, and emergency water provisions.
2. Mitigation Measures
The program will offer a variety of mitigation measures to address impacts on wells:
Drinking Water Wells: For private domestic wells, solutions may include the lowering of well pumps to reach remaining groundwater, replacement of the well, or connection to a nearby public water system.
Non-Drinking Water/Agricultural Wells: Non-drinking water wells, including those used for irrigation, may require similar pump modifications or the installation of new wells.
The program recognizes two tracks for claims:
Drinking Water Well Mitigation: This track applies to private drinking wells, providing either emergency drinking water supplies or long-term solutions such as well deepening or the construction of new wells.
Non-Drinking Water/Agricultural Well Mitigation: For agricultural or irrigation wells, this track offers full mitigation measures such as well modifications or the drilling of new wells, but does not provide emergency drinking water supplies.
3. Proactive Mitigation and Monitoring
In addition to addressing individual claims, the GSP will engage in proactive mitigation and monitoring efforts to prevent problems before they occur. This includes:
- Installing water level monitoring equipment on existing wells to detect early signs of significant water level drops.
- Regular data collection from wells in the mitigation area and other nearby sites to monitor the impact of the proposed Bryan and Bulloch wells on local groundwater levels.
- Proactive installation of monitoring wells and additional data gathering in collaboration with local educational institutions, such as Georgia Southern University.
This proactive approach is aimed at preventing issues before they escalate, allowing the GSP to address potential problems early on.
4. Well Registration Program
A non-mandatory well registration program will be established by the GSP by March 1, 2025. The purpose of this program is to create a comprehensive well inventory and establish a baseline record for all wells in the mitigation area. This will help identify which wells may be at risk and allow for faster and more efficient claims processing.
Well owners will be asked to provide basic information about their well, including its location, depth, and pump settings. While registration is not a requirement for claiming mitigation, having a well registered will speed up the claims process in the event that the well is affected by the drawdown.
5. Stakeholder Outreach and Education
The GSP is committed to educating the public about the program and ensuring transparency throughout the mitigation process. Stakeholder outreach will include:
- Public presentations at Bryan and Bulloch County Commission meetings.
- Creation of a dedicated GSP website with detailed information about the mitigation process, eligibility criteria, and contact information for well owners.
- Distribution of flyers, door hangers, and social media campaigns to raise awareness about the program.
- Workshops, at least one of which will be scheduled between February and April 2025, to explain how to submit claims, what mitigation measures are available, and how well owners can participate in the program.
6. Claims Process
Well owners who believe their wells have been affected by the groundwater withdrawals from the Bryan and Bulloch wells will be able to submit claims through a formal process outlined in the program. The process includes:
- Claim Submission: Well owners can submit claims via the GSP website or by calling the hotline.
- Claim Assessment: The GSP will initiate an assessment within 24 hours of receiving a claim. This includes reviewing well data, conducting field surveys, and evaluating the impact on well water levels.
- Mitigation Actions: If the claim qualifies, the GSP will implement the necessary mitigation measures, which may include lowering the pump, drilling a new well, or connecting the claimant to a public water system.
7. Advisory Committee and Program Oversight
An Advisory Committee of up to six individuals, with three representatives from each county, will be established to advise the GSP Well Mitigation Managers on program administration, goals, and other relevant matters. The advisory group will meet quarterly and as necessary to provide recommendations on how to improve the program.
Additionally, the GSP Well Mitigation Managers will meet no less than quarterly to review the program's progress and make adjustments as needed. Public meetings will be held in compliance with Georgia's Open Meetings law, ensuring transparency in all decision-making.
8. Program Evaluation and Evolution
The GSP is designed to be evolving. As new information comes in and lessons are learned, the program will be refined to improve its effectiveness. The managers will adjust mitigation strategies, refine public education efforts, and modify the claims process based on data collected during the implementation of the program. This ongoing adjustment will ensure that the program remains effective and responsive to the needs of well owners.
9. Liability and Legal Protections
The program also includes provisions for dispute resolution. If a claimant disagrees with a determination made by the GSP, they can appeal the decision through administrative or judicial channels. The GSP also ensures that there will be no legal liability for actions taken under the program, except in cases of gross negligence or malfeasance.
Conclusion
The Bryan-Bulloch Groundwater Sustainability Program represents a collaborative effort to safeguard vital water resources and protect citizens from the impacts of increased groundwater withdrawals. By providing a structure for mitigation, proactive monitoring, and ongoing education, the program aims to ensure that well owners in the Bryan and Bulloch County areas can continue to access reliable water supplies, even as regional development progresses.
Commissioners did not vote on this plan and said they would bring it up at another meeting in the future to allow citizens more input.
