The People Have Spoken

Thank you! You’ve responded to the threat to the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in astounding numbers. Well over 60,000 people submitted comments regarding Twin Pines Minerals’ applications to mine Trail Ridge (the geological “dam” of the Swamp) in the search for titanium.
- Twin Pines’ March permit application alone (the second one for a smaller area which, we believe, was nothing more than a bid to evade an Environmental Impact Statement) drew 44,000 comments from 50 U.S. states, 4 U.S. territories, and over 30 countries.
- In response to Twin Pines’ March permit application, 34 national, state, regional and local conservation organizations signed a joint comment letter to the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), outlining their deep concerns about Twin Pines’ proposed project.
- On May 13th, the USACE held a virtual public meeting about the proposed project. The video-conference lines were filled to capacity.
The entire nation and much of the world has spoken: protect the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, and the St. Marys and Suwannee Rivers. 

Georgia State Bill 36

Our thanks to St. Marys City Council for their unanimous approval of a Resolution Supporting Georgia State Bill 36:  

“A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 3 of Chapter 5 of Title 12 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to wells and drinking water, so as to prohibit the injection of ground water into the Floridan aquifer in certain counties; to provide for a short title; to provide for legislative findings; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.” http://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/en-US/Display/20152016/SB/36

Thus far, The Camden County Commissioners, the Camden County Chamber of Commerce, the City of Woodbine, and St. Marys have all signed resolutions supporting SB 36. It's simply "a tool in our toolbox" in terms of protecting our crucial water-resources by providing greater regulatory protections.

The Suwannee River and St. Johns River water management districts are in the process of developing four conceptual regional recharge projects to replenish the Upper Floridan aquifer. Potential sources of recharge water include reclaimed water and surface water within both districts.

There are considerable risks involved in ASR (Aquifer Storage and Recovery)* and if Georgia is to be in a position to protect our resources we must have clear and enforceable regulations and a strong voice.

*http://water.epa.gov/type/groundwater/uic/aquiferrecharge.cfm