The Georgia Environmental Protection Division adopted changes to the Buffer Variance Procedures and Criteria Rule and the Definitions Rule in the Georgia Rules for Erosion and Sedimentation Control at their October 26-27th meeting. Earlier this fall, EPD convened a stakeholders group to review these proposals and the Council for Quality Growth was represented on that group by David Huetter, Director of Ecological Services, with United Consulting. Attention should be paid to the criteria (k) allowing projects that are not under federal jurisdiction to be eligible for a stream buffer variance. A 30 day public comment period was open and a public hearing was held on September 29th for citizens to voice their comments. Please refer to the information from EPD on the changes found HERE.