Discharge Permit Update

Final arguments were heard over whether Forsyth County could discharge water from its Fowler plant and proposed Shakerag facility on March 29th.  Forsyth County was issued a discharge permit in August 2010 by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division.  The permit is being challenged by the Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper on the grounds that it allows higher levels of pollutants in the discharge than are currently in that area of the river.  Attorneys for the EPD and Forsyth County argue the purity standards required are stringent enough and are in compliance with other discharge permits along the Chattahoochee including Atlanta and Fulton County.  A ruling on the matter is not expected until late May.