Community raises concerns over new waste facility plans

In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the development of a new waste management facility that aims to convert food waste into energy. Concerns were raised about the potential impact on local infrastructure, particularly regarding George Williams Road, which is not currently equipped to handle increased truck traffic. The facility is expected to generate between 10 to 20 truckloads of waste per day, with plans to improve the road to accommodate larger vehicles.

The facility will utilize a depressurized digester system, designed to prevent explosions, and will include two large tanks with a capacity of approximately one million gallons each. The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) is involved in the permitting process, ensuring compliance with regulations related to food waste handling.

Transportation options for the gas produced at the facility include trucking or a four-inch pipeline connecting to a nearby interstate transmission line. The project team is currently negotiating easements with landowners for the pipeline, but if these negotiations fail, trucking will be the alternative.

Local residents expressed concerns about odor and the sourcing of food waste, which will come from various locations, including grocery stores and restaurants. The facility aims to reduce landfill waste while providing a sustainable solution for food waste management. The discussions highlighted the importance of community engagement and transparency as the project moves forward.