Regional Water Strategy Discussed

Water and Sewer Director Daryl McCorkle and City Manager Bret Bell attended an EPD listening session last week focused on permitting strategies for the Upper Floridan Aquifer in Coastal Georgia. Representatives from across the region were invited to this and a previous session held two months ago to discuss regional water resource issues in preparation for the EPD’s upcoming issuance of new withdrawal permits over the next several years.

A key topic of discussion centered on the closure of International Paper, which currently holds a permit allowing the withdrawal of more than 11 million gallons of water per day from the Upper Floridan. By comparison, the City of Tybee Island is permitted to withdraw up to 1.6 million gallons per day during the summer season.

EPD officials noted that International Paper is expected to retain its current allocation for at least another two years while the future of the facility is determined.