The Rockdale News Rockdale News Digital Edition February 4, 2015 | Page 5

In Depth Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015 “What harms one, harms all.” Atlanta seeking permit to dump more sewage into South River BY MICHELLE KIM T he city of Atlanta is reportedly seeking a permit from the Ga. Environmental Protection Division that effectively allows Atlanta to dump more biological and solid pollution into the South River, which starts in Fulton County and flows through Rockdale and Newton counties before ending at Lake Jackson. The South River and its tributaries have already been on the state’s list of Impaired Waters repeatedly, with violations such as fecal coliform and polychlorinated biphenyl, or PCB, levels. “If Atlanta succeeds communities in DeKalb, Rockdale, Newton, Henry, Jasper, and Butts Counties will suffer. We all live downstream; what harms one, harms all,” said Jackie Echols, president of South River Watershed Alliance, a watchdog group for the South River. The South River: The Hidden Gem of Rockdale County Check out the current and proposed permits here: Also, don’t miss: Public Hearing: Thursday, February 5, 2015 at 7 p.m. , at the EPD Tradeport Training Room, 4244 International Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30354. Written comments are due Feb. 13 at [email protected] GA EPD, 2 MLK, Jr. Drive, Suite 1152E, Atlanta, GA 30334 These are the only opportunities for public involvement in the permitting process.