Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD)

24-hour Emergency Hotline 1-800-241-4113

Report emergencies involving the release of any material that impacts public health or the environment, including chemicals, petroleum, manure, fires/explosions, or to make an emergency notification as required by law or by permit.

“EPD's Emergency Response Program, which operates from the District Offices, performs these duties:

• Responds to spills and releases of oil or hazardous materials on a 24-hour basis
• Investigates high-priority complaints
• Maintains Right-to-Know (SARA/Title III) information
• Serves as staff to the State Emergency Response Commission
• Implements provisions of the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act

All incoming calls to the State Warning Point are both digitally and voice recorded and subject to release under the Georgia Open Records Act. Therefore, anonymous calls cannot be accepted. This number is to be used to report emergencies. All non-emergency calls should be directed to the appropriate Branch or District Office.”

• Source, Georgia EPD https://epd.georgia.gov/emergency-response

Environmental Crimes: Fiscal Year 2010, Case 1:09-CR-00124

One of nine Clean Water Act Prosecutions in Georgia since 1986

Public Works Director sentenced to five years probation and a $10,000 fine for making false statements about effluent discharge

The former Public Works Director for Sardis water and wastewater treatment plants plead guilty to falsifying wastewater discharge reports, making it appear that wastewater effluent release was compliant with the terms of the discharge permit, among other charges. Indicted on ten counts under the Clean Water Act for making false statements and knowingly submitting false reports, including the level of Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Total Suspended Solids (TSS) contributed to the sentencing, 60 months probation, special assessment fee of $200 and federal fine of $10,000.

SDWA Violations

Safe Drinking Water Act Compliance in Georgia

89.7% compliant

- 2376 total Drinking Water Facilities in the state of GA

• 288 with Current Violations (8.7%)
• 33 with Significant Violations (0.4%)
• 37 with Formal Enforcement Actions (in the last 5 yrs) (1.6%)
• 0 Criminal Prosecutions under the Safe Drinking Water Act