Local Residents Challenge Proposed Vegetation Grinding Facility in South Bullock County

The Planning & Zoning Commission meeting held on July 15, 2025, in Bulloch County, Georgia, focused on a proposed zoning change that has sparked significant community concern. The primary discussion centered around a request to rezone a property for use as a vegetative debris storage and processing site, which has raised objections from local residents regarding potential impacts on the area.

Mr. Dunn, the property owner, presented his plan to utilize the site for storing vegetative debris until it can be processed with a horizontal grinding machine. He emphasized that the operation would not involve heavy industrial activity, stating that the site would not have any permanent buildings and that debris would be removed after processing. Dunn assured the commission that operations would be limited to daytime hours, with no weekend or nighttime activity.

However, local farmer Pierce Roberts voiced strong opposition, highlighting concerns about increased traffic, noise, and potential environmental impacts. Roberts pointed out that the area is primarily residential and not equipped for heavy industrial use. He raised issues about traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, and the risk of water runoff affecting the nearby Black Creek watershed.

In response to community concerns, Dunn clarified that the facility would primarily serve arborists and tree trimming contractors, aiming to provide a more environmentally friendly alternative to landfills. He proposed maintaining a vegetative buffer around the site to mitigate noise and environmental impact.

The commission members engaged in discussions about the frequency of truck traffic, with Dunn estimating that there could be up to ten large trucks per day, depending on the volume of debris. He also mentioned that smaller vehicles would likely contribute to the traffic as local contractors bring in materials.

The meeting concluded without a decision, as the commission continues to weigh the potential benefits of the proposed facility against the concerns raised by local residents. The outcome of this proposal will significantly impact the community's landscape and infrastructure, and further discussions are expected in upcoming meetings.