A state judge issued a decision on Forsyth County’s discharge permit on May 31st. Administrative Law Judge Kristin Miller ruled the permit allowing Forsyth County to discharge 6 million gallons a day of treated waste water into the Chattahoochee River is illegal. The permit was originally 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 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. Judge Miller said the permitted discharge would violate state and federal laws because it would result in lower water quality in the Chattahoochee. Forsyth County announced on June 8th they will appeal the decision. You can read Judge Miller’s decision at the link below.
2011 ALJ Decision on Discharge Permit