Resident warns Bulloch County commissioners septic system demand outpacing local disposal

Keith Hamilton, a local septic-services contractor and resident of 11111 Arcova Road, addressed the Bulloch County Board of Commissioners during public comment to warn that septic-system demand and off‑site disposal are straining local capacity.

Hamilton said the county has seen rapid growth and that “in 40 years, our population has tripled,” and he reported his estimate that Bulloch County has about 55,000 residential septic tanks and has averaged roughly 500 new septic permits per year in recent years. He said county pumpers remove an estimated 1,600 tanks per year and out‑of‑county haulers take about 800 more, meaning roughly 2,400–2,500 tanks are pumped annually—an average of once every 20 years per tank by his calculation.

The comments drew attention from commissioners and staff, who acknowledged disposal constraints raised by Hamilton. One commissioner asked him to return with a fuller presentation; Hamilton agreed and the board scheduled him for a follow‑up presentation at a morning meeting so members could review his research in greater detail.

Why it matters: Hamilton told the commission that most septage is transported out of Bulloch County for treatment—he identified Savannah and Effingham County as disposal destinations—and warned this reliance creates long‑term cost and capacity risks as the county grows. Commissioners noted the issue affects health, environmental compliance and future infrastructure planning.

Hamilton described the local industry: he and his son operate a septic contracting business in the county and said there are seven in‑county haulers plus at least nine from outside the county that service Bulloch County. He said most in‑county haulers work six days a week and that disposal limits at local facilities constrain operations. Hamilton also said some local disposal sites (he named regional systems) accept limited volumes and that bulk septage leaves the county for treatment elsewhere.

The board did not take formal action during the public‑comment period. Commissioners asked staff and Mr. Hamilton to provide more detailed data at a scheduled follow‑up so the board can assess needed options, including whether to pursue local treatment capacity, intergovernmental agreements, or other disposal strategies.

Ending: The commission invited members of the public to attend the follow‑up morning meeting where Hamilton will present his full numbers and sources. No formal policy or funding decision was made at the public meeting; the item was listed for further study and presentation.