Bulloch Action Coalition calls for referendum to oppose water agreement

The Bulloch Action Coalition , a citizens group, held a press conference Monday, Aug. 12, 2024 to announce their petition for referendums aimed at repealing two key agreements between Bulloch and Bryan counties. The group is seeking to overturn the recently passed intergovernmental agreement that provides water and sewer services and a memorandum of understanding for a well mitigation program—both critical to the water supply for the new Hyundai plant in Bryan County.

Concerns over water supply, agriculture

The event, attended by local farmers, business owners, and concerned citizens, brought attention to the potential negative impact of the proposed wells on Bulloch County’s water resources. The wells, if permitted, will be allowed to draw up to 6.6 million gallons of water daily from the Floridan aquifer. That has have sparked fears by the group that the wells could lower the water table, affecting both residential water supplies and agricultural irrigation.

Ray Davis, a sixth-generation farmer and Bulloch County Commissioner-elect, emphasized the long-term consequences of the wells on the county. “These wells could severely impact our water supply, which is the lifeblood of our farms and our communities,” he said, calling for a moratorium on the project until more thorough studies can be conducted.

Lack of transparency

Speakers at the press conference expressed frustration over what they perceive as a lack of transparency and public input from the Bulloch County Commission. Tim Powell, a local businessman and citizens advocate, criticized the commission for approving the well project without proper consultation with the community. “The people of Bulloch County deserve a say in decisions that could have such a profound impact on our future,” Powell stated.

Nick Newkirk, a local businessman and Republican candidate for Bulloch County Commissioner, echoed these concerns. He emphasized that the decision to build the wells was made without involving the residents of Bulloch County, leaving them without a voice in a matter that directly impacts their water supply. “This is our water, our land, and our future. We should have a say in how it’s managed,” Newkirk argued.

Calls for a referendum

The Bulloch Action Coalition is leading a petition drive to force a referendum on the agreements. Lawton Sack, co-founder of the Coalition, urged residents to sign the petition. “We need to ensure that the voices of Bulloch County are heard before any irreversible damage is done to our water supply,” Sack said.

David Bennett, Bulloch County Commission Chair-Elect, reinforced the need for public input. He criticized the county commissioners for not being transparent about the well plans and stressed the importance of a referendum to give citizens the opportunity to decide. “The potential depletion of our aquifer could have severe consequences for homes, businesses, and farms across the county. This is a decision that must be made by the people, not behind closed doors,” Bennett declared.

Impact on local farms

Farmers were particularly vocal at the press conference. Will Anderson, a local farmer, highlighted the risk the wells pose to agriculture. “A drop in the water table could be disastrous for our crops and livelihoods. We’re already facing challenges from drought, and this could be the final straw,” Anderson warned.

Ryan Brannen, another local farmer and candidate for county commissioner, echoed these concerns, noting that the loss of farmland could have far-reaching effects on the local economy and food supply. “Farmers are the best stewards of the land, and we must be heard in this process,” Brannen said.

Personal impact on residents

Jessica Bennett, a concerned resident and landowner and wife of Chair Elect David Bennett, shared her personal fears. “My family has invested everything into our property. If these wells dry up, we won’t have water for our home, our animals, or our garden,” Bennett said, calling for a referendum to give the community a voice.

Next steps

The Bulloch Action Coalition will continue collecting signatures to bring the issue to a vote which could impact the future of the well project—and by extension, the water supply for the Hyundai plant.

County officials have defended the agreements, arguing that the wells are essential for supporting economic development in the region. The EPD has also countered these concerns at multiple meetings and will again offer the public an opportunity to review their research and the extensive geological work done before permitting wells on Tuesday .  At this meeting citizens will be given the opportunity again to ask questions and discuss concerns with the EPD.

The Bulloch County Development Authority provided this statement in the context of other information and meetings regarding groundwater withdrawals and Hyundai: “Since 2014, Bulloch County — led by its elected officials — has prioritized high quality economic development in coordination with the Savannah JDA.  In 2022, after years of trying, we finally landed ‘the big one,’ the Hyundai Motor Group. Working together, we have reduced the poverty and unemployment rate in our community, but Bulloch County still has a 23 percent poverty rate. We can do better, and we are working to do so. During that time, regional leaders, the State of Georgia, South Carolina and USGS have also completed detailed studies of our water supply. Those studies and all other scientific research shows that the water required by Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America will not have a significant impact on the water supply of anyone in Bulloch County. For those who may need to adjust their wells, we have established a mitigation fund in the hundreds of thousands of dollars to pay for those improvements. We are confident there is plenty of water for all users in the region – we would never plan to deliver water to new industry if we cannot take care of our farmers and homeowners.”