Review of Alternatives Continue on Proposed Water Reclamation Facility

Liberty County, GA - Continuing its commitment to explore the best possible alternatives for a modern wastewater system to serve Liberty County, the Liberty County Development Authority (LCDA) is vetting a potential outfall location on the North Newport River for the proposed Water Reclamation Facility (WRF).

If determined to be environmentally viable and cost-effective, discharge from the WRF could occur at this location instead of the Laurel View River. To advance the necessary analysis of the proposed alternative, LCDA has submitted a request for a wasteload allocation to the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD).  The recent closure of the International Paper mill in Riceboro has significantly reduced discharge into that system, opening the potential to introduce clean, highly treated water at a much lower capacity. 

Since presenting initial plans for a WRF to the community early this year, LCDA has been meeting with community members and groups, responding to questions, and gathering input on the critical need for a modern wastewater management system for Liberty County.  The proposed state-of-the-art WRF with advanced membrane bioreactor (MBR) technology was selected for wastewater treatment to near-drinking water quality, providing a high level of environmental protection and consistent monitoring. The technology is already being used in North Bryan County and Richmond Hill. The high level of purification makes it ideal for safe reuse in irrigation or industrial applications, helping conserve local water resources.

As the process moves forward, the project remains subject to rigorous state and federal review. EPD will evaluate all proposed plans through a formal permitting process that requires detailed environmental analysis, water-quality modeling, and public input.

For more information about the proposed WRF, visit https://comegrow.global/.

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