Involve GA-EPD if necessary

See GA-EPD Enforcement Order on Valdosta

• In addition to a fine and many other requirements,
• Requires Valdosta to test the Withlacoochee River
• 40 Withlacoochee River miles, 6 sites, 3 times/week
• +1 Okapilco Creek site
• WWALS did not do that alone, but we were in the middle with
• A dozen downstream Florida counties
• Local, state, and national elected officials from two states and many irate citizens
• Florida and U.S. environmental protection agencies
• GA-EPD to Valdosta, July 11, 2023
• (Valdosta had sent its written report four days after a spill.)
• “In the future, please let us know once you are aware of the spill, even if it is still ongoing.
• “This allows us to know about the spill as it is occurring and also helps us inform citizens if we receive complaints/questions.”
• Valdosta spills have become smaller, fewer, and with better reporting.

Notes:

https://wwals.net/2020/05/10/send-your-comment-on-ga-epd-valdosta-wastewater-consent-order-albany-herald/ https://wwals.net/2020/01/30/florida-counties-task-force-in-valdosta-about-sewage-2020-01-08/ https://wwals.net/2023/07/26/valdosta-notified-ga-epd-four-days-after-the-latest-knights-creek-sewage-spill-2023-07-06/