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After a series of steep fines from the Georgia Environmental Protection Division for wastewater spills and other pollution infractions, management has changed at a Carrollton water treatment facility. A $40,000 fine recently billed to the city followed by the same incident yet to be punished seems to have begun a cascade of changes at the citys West Plant. Carrollton officials have hired a contractor to assess the plant, evaluation employees, ascertain the source of past problems and fire individuals as needed.
For almost two years most of Northern Georgia has been under strict outdoor watering bans as a response to serious drought and dangerously low lakes and rivers. This month the Georgia Environmental Protection Division announced that after one of the wettest springs in more than a century, the drought is over and the ban is lifted.
Changes were considered as pressing, as the city designs and completes construction on a new plant and hopes to turn the page on historical, bad and expensive habits. Unity seems to be prevailing amongst the city management, glad that changes have been made to ward off similar environmental damages and regulatory fines. Rindt-McDuff, an engineering firm, had been leading the project on the new plant, and now takes over management of the historical facility. Officials plan on increasing the level of certification required to work at the plant and fire those employees unwilling or unable to meet the standards.
The fruits of their thought is a multi-year recycling awareness effort across tv, radio, the online and billboards featuring the tagline "You gotta be kidding!" The ads feature individuals offering up common excuses for not recycling and then reply the misconceptions. Paid for by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, the campaign aims to get every recyclable out of the states landfills.
Environmental Protection Division Snaps Down on Water Polluters
Georgia, the heart of the Deep South, is right with the rest of America in its new found appreciation for all things green. State efforts would possibly have lacked in several areas, but innovative local activists and governments have helped turn this peach into one of the Southeasts eco powers. Auto salvage is especially renowned in the largely rural state, and auto recycling is only one of Georgias environmental innovations. Heres the latest in Georgias recycling and environmental news.
State Launches Recycling Awareness Ad Campaign
Watering Bans Lifted After Drought Declared Over
Outdoor watering is still regulated, with even and odd numbered addresses getting alternating days to water. Some observers worry that drought could return, but are happy to see the bans lifted no less than for a while.
