Threats to the Floridan Aquifer

Aquifer Storage & Recovery

The Savannah Group (TSG), a private for-profit water company, has requested permits from the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) to withdraw surface water from the Ogeechee, Altamaha, and Savannah Rivers and to inject the chemically treated water into the Floridan Aquifer, where it would be stored for later withdrawal and sale to residential and commercial customers. The Coastal Environmental Organization maintains that too little is known about the risky practice of using aquifers as storage devices. Prior to implementing TSG's plan, detailed scientific studies must be conducted to prove that aquifer storage would not cause permanent damage to the Floridan Aquifer, which is coastal Georgia's pristine water source.

Contamination of groundwater is irreversible on a human time scale.

--- Hydro-geologist

CONTROVERSIAL TECHNOLOGY

TSG's plan would employ the controversial technology known as Aquifer Storage and Recovery or ASR. ASR has primarily been used in compromised aquifers, e.g., aquifers that have dried up or aquifers plagued by undrinkable water. Luckily, the Floridan Aquifer is neither dry nor undrinkable. As a result, many organizations and municipalities have voiced their criticism of TSG’s plan. Many fear that the experimental technology would cause irreparable damage to the Floridan Aquifer. For example, the injection of chemically treated river water could lead to the formation of calcite deposits which would clog the aquifer's natural filtration system.

EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS

Ogeechee River

Others are concerned by TSG’s request for exclusive water rights to the Ogeechee River. To quote an Atlanta Journal-Constitution editorial, "You have to admire the audacity of [TSG's] plan -- it takes the nerve of a cat burglar to come up with something like that."

LEGISLATIVE MORATORIUM

Due in part to the involvement of The Coastal Environmental Organization, Georgia's legislature imposed a moratorium that prevents the practice of Aquifer Storage & Recovery until 2002. During the moratorium, state agencies will investigate the effects of mixing chemically treated river water with the nearly pure groundwater.

THE BEAST THAT NEVER SLEEPS

In October of 1999, TSG met with state legislators in an attempt to get the moratorium against ASR rescinded. Again, The CEO is educating state legislators on the possible dangers of ASR and the need for in-depth scientific research.

BE VOCAL

Contact the chairman of the House water resources subcommittee: