Ogeechee Riverkeeper files appeal on Hyundai well permits

ELLABELL, Ga. (WSAV) — The Ogeechee Riverkeeper (ORK) announced that they have filed an appeal to the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) regarding groundwater withdrawal permits for Bryan and Bulloch Counties.

The permits are intended to supply the Hyundai Megasite, who started production of consumer vehicles in October, and others in the general area. ORK highlighted the length of the permit and potential effects that they said will be felt in the Bulloch, Bryan, Chatham and Hilton Head Island areas.

"With all of the potential impacts – acknowledged by the need for a well mitigation fund – and the enormous public concern, EPD still chose to issue groundwater permits with loose margins," ORK said. "The issued permit gives 25 years for the users to find an alternative source of water. ORK maintains a quarter of a century is too long, especially when water usage and aquifer impacts are already being felt."

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ORK also said that the EPD noted that the Savannah area would experience a further drop of 1-3 feet and the Hilton Head area could face a 6-inch drop. They said that this will further exacerbate their ongoing issues of aquifer protection and saltwater intrusion.

"EPD has a mandate to not issue permits that would cause ‘unreasonable adverse effects;’ however ORK doesn’t agree with EPD’s standard of up to a 30-foot water drop as ‘reasonable,'" ORK said. "Additionally, EPD does not explain why that level is acceptable in the coastal region."

They also said that the EPD did not conduct a critical evaluation of the amount of water that was requested in these permits.

"In a groundwater-constrained region, EPD approved these permits without the ability to critically review the requested need or make any necessary reductions in permitted amounts," ORK said.

The appeal will require an administrative hearing. They previously filed a letter of intent (LOI) to suein June 2024.

To read their full press release, visit the Ogeechee Riverkeeper website.