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TCDA reports industry outreach and West Fraser/Georgia‑Pacific site updates; state public hearings on wastewater planned
Summary
The Taylor County Development Authority (TCDA) gave a quarterly update on business retention and recruitment and reported on West Fraser/Georgia‑Pacific demolition, groundwater and wastewater permitting steps that will include state‑noticed public input in coming months.
Taylor County Development Authority executive staff reported on recent business outreach and active site work, including West Fraser (former Georgia‑Pacific) site demolition, ongoing asbestos remediation and a pending state review of wastewater and groundwater plans.
TCDA told commissioners it completed outreach visits to existing businesses and reported eight new expressions of interest in the county’s industrial sites. The agency said it is coordinating a multi‑day visit next week with Florida Commerce business retention staff and several local companies to assess expansion needs and support.
On the West Fraser/Georgia‑Pacific site the presenter said the buyer continued demolition and site cleanup; an equipment auction was scheduled for October 4 (the buyer’s timeline in the presentation). Staff reported the state requested a Request for Additional Information (RAI) from Georgia‑Pacific about wastewater treatment, well lines and groundwater monitoring and that the RAI includes an anti‑degradation assessment requiring public input. The presenter described a likely sequence of public touchpoints: a first public input opportunity this fall (state‑noticed), and a second permitting/intent‑to‑issue opportunity in early spring if Georgia‑Pacific pursues a permanent discharge change. Staff said Georgia‑Pacific has also submitted a wastewater permit application and that the company is pursuing a plan‑B discharge location upstream of U.S. 19 while litigation and other processes proceed.
The TCDA presenter also summarized local site and demolition logistics: asbestos remediation schedules were extended while additional contamination was discovered; the site is reportedly withdrawing millions of gallons per day for demolition and dust‑control operations; and the sale closed in July with deadlines for equipment removal identified in October.
Commissioners were advised that the state will publicly notice required comment periods tied to any anti‑degradation assessment or permit changes, and staff recommended commissioners meet with the county’s retained environmental subject‑matter expert (named as Chad Thompson in the transcript) for a working session to prepare for forthcoming public comment opportunities.
No adoption of policy or permits occurred at the meeting; staff said they will notify commissioners when formal public hearings and state notices are issued so the board and the public can participate.
