It’s not near any hazardous site on GA-EPD’s inventory, but it is right next to multiple heavy manufacturing companies and two railroads, in an area full of wetlands, upstream from Knights Creek, which runs into Mud Swamp Creek, then the Alapahoochee River, then the Alapaha River, then the Suwannee River: last night’s chemical leak on Clay Road next to the Lowndes County Schools Transportation Center on Howell Road.

Valorgis: Clay Road, dark grey is zoned heavy manufacturing

According to the Lowndes County Tax Assessors maps, north up Clay Road are Steeda Autosports, Letica, Archer Daniels Midland, and other heavy manufacturing sites. Maybe the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Department and Valdosta Police should be asking them about the leak, instead of imagining a meth lab. What does CSX railroad say?

WWALS watersheds: Clay Road to Knights Creek to Mud Swamp to Alapahoochee to Alapaha to Suwannee River

What does Valdosta Utilities say? The green lines on the VALORGIS map are Valdosta sewer lines, some draining those same heavy manufacturing plants.

Have the Sheriff or Police or emergency management departments asked for help from the Valdosta-Lowndes County Industrial Authority (VLCIA), dba as Valdosta-Lowndes Development Authority (VLDA)?

Seems like some water quality monitoring would be good, too.

 -jsq, John S. Quarterman, Suwannee RIVERKEEPER®

You can join this fun and work by becoming a WWALS member today!

Short Link: