Protect the Satilla for swimming, paddling and recreation!
2019 is a big year for water issues, and the Triennial Review is one of the most pressing for the Satilla River. Many of Georgia’s waterways are at risk of losing protection due to a recent rule change that now only affords rivers protections associated with their "Designated Use." Previously, rivers and streams were protected against harm that would interfere with any legitimate uses of the water body.
Our rivers and streams are only guaranteed the protections granted by their current water use designation. A water use designation means the waterway can be categorized as: drinking water, recreational waters, or fishing waters. These are ranked from highest to lowest level of acceptable water quality. One of the most effective ways to grant a waterway greater legal protection is by successfully petitioning a change in its water use designation during the Triennial Review.
Currently, the Satilla River is designated as Fishing (less protective), and we are asking Georgia Environmental Protection Division to change the Satilla River Water Trail to Recreation (more protective.) Not only is Recreation a more protective designated use, it is also a more appropriate designation, as we know many people swim, paddle, and play in the Satilla River each year.
Help us show EPD that our Satilla deserves to be protected, and that our communities deserve safe, clean waters to swim, paddle, play, and fish in through out the year! Take the quick survey to let us know how you enjoy the Satilla, and help us demonstrate that it should be protected for those that use it for recreation.
EPD is accepting initial comments to be considered in the drafting of rule changes under the 2019 Triennial Review process through March 8, 2019. Written comments may be sent to EPD.Comments@dnr.ga.gov with the subject line: “Water Quality Standards 2019 Triennial Review.” For direct mail, attention: Elizabeth Booth, Environmental Protection Division, Watershed Protection Branch, Watershed Planning & Monitoring Program, Suite 1152 East, 2 Martin Luther King, Jr., Dr., Atlanta, GA 30334. A public notice (available here) was distributed by EPD on January 7, 2019 and a public hearing will be held on February 26, 2019 from 1:00-3:00pm in the Environmental Protection Division Training Center, located at 4244 International Parkway, Suite 116, Atlanta, Georgia 30354.
A public notice (available here) was distributed by EPD on January 7, 2019 and a public hearing will be held on February 26, 2019 from 1:00-3:00pm in the Environmental Protection Division Training Center, located at 4244 International Parkway, Suite 116, Atlanta, Georgia 30354.
The Clean Water Act requires that Waters of the US maintain (or are restored to) their chemical, physical, and biological integrity. This is achieved through water quality standards that define the use of the water body and the criteria necessary to protect that use.Georgia's "Designated Use" serves this purpose.
Water Quality Standards are established to:
Protect public health and welfare
Enhance the quality of the water
Provide water quality for the protection and propagation of fish, shellfish, and wildlife and for recreation in and on the water
Do you have additional questions or interest in this initiative? Email us!
