The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) has issued a groundwater use permit on Monday, October 7, 2024 to the Bulloch County Board of Commissioners and the Bryan County Board of Commissioners for the withdrawal of up to 3.5 million gallons of water per day each from wells located in southeastern Bulloch County. This permit is part of an effort to provide water for the Bryan County Industrial Mega-Site and associated developments, including Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA).
"The Hyundai MetaPlant project and related growth will create thousands of jobs, generate billions in economic investment, and foster unmatched opportunities for our community without undermining existing industry, limiting our access to vital resources, or threatening our way of life. Georgia EPD’s well-informed decision after 10 years of review to issue permits is grounded in science and simply affirms that this project is environmentally safe and secure. We hope that EPD’s lengthy and thorough review of the withdrawals will help alleviate concerns of our citizens," Development Authority of Bulloch County.
The water, sourced from the Floridan Aquifer, will support both current and future water needs at the mega-site, which is expected to attract industrial and commercial enterprises. The permit outlines a variety of conditions to ensure sustainable water use and protection of the local aquifer, with an emphasis on reporting, conservation, and future water alternatives. An estimated 4 million gallons per day is going to the mega-site, the rest is for associated development, including some residential.
"Today, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (Georgia EPD) approved the permits for the four wells to support Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) and related developments. We thank the Georgia EPD for its rigorous analysis of the impact this development will have on the area’s water supply. After thoroughly reviewing the science and considering all input from the community, the Georgia EPD concluded that the four wells can meet the interim water needs," stated the Savannah Harbor-Interstate 16 Corridor Joint Development Authority.
The JDA also addressed concerns from local residents, adding, "We appreciate that any time new wells are proposed, nearby residents will be concerned about the impact on their homes and properties, and we hope they will be reassured by the depth of the analysis the Georgia EPD has provided. It validates what we have seen since we started analyzing this site 10 years ago: there is enough water to support industry and agriculture while protecting and preserving the environment. We are excited about the estimated $7.59 billion in investment HMGMA will bring and the 8,500 well-paying new jobs that will be created, and we remain committed to working with the local community to develop this area responsibly."
The permit outlines a variety of conditions to ensure sustainable water use and protection of the local aquifer, with an emphasis on reporting, conservation, and future water alternatives.
Summary of permit conditions:
- Water Withdrawal Limits: In Bryan County, the permit allows for both a maximum monthly average withdrawal of 3.5 million gallons per day and an average annual withdrawal of 3.5 million gallons per day. In Bulloch County, the permit allows for a maximum monthly average withdrawal of 3.5 million gallons per day and an average annual withdrawal of 3.15 million gallons per day. In Bulloch County, the higher monthly average withdrawal figure allows for seasonal variation in use, which is more likely to be important for residential use, especially watering lawns.
- Monitoring & Reporting: The counties are required to report monthly water withdrawals and conduct semi-annual water level measurements from the wells. Annual reports on water conductivity must also be submitted to the EPD.
- Water Conservation Efforts: A Water Conservation Plan must be implemented, and Bulloch and Bryan County are required to demonstrate progress toward water use efficiency every five years. Additionally, the counties must submit a Water Audit once the water system serves over 3,300 individuals.
- Drought & Regional Compliance: The county must abide by drought response requirements and regional water planning guidelines to ensure long-term water sustainability.
- Special Conditions for Long-Term Impact: The counties must develop a plan within 25 years to transition away from groundwater use by implementing surface water or other water alternatives. This includes infrastructure construction to support alternative water sources.
- Mitigation Fund: A joint mitigation fund with Bryan County must be established to address any significant impacts on nearby wells. Any confirmed well issues caused by the groundwater withdrawal will be addressed using this fund.
This permit, which is valid for ten years, represents a significant step in providing critical water resources for the development of the Bryan County Mega-Site while ensuring careful management and future planning for water sustainability in the region.
Click here to view the Bryan County permit.
Click here to view the Bulloch County permit.
