Advisory committee recommends six‑well monitoring program by Georgia Southern to county commissioners

The Groundwater Sustainability Program Advisory Committee voted to recommend that the county commissions approve a six‑well groundwater monitoring program and to forward the lower‑cost proposal from Georgia Southern University for funding consideration.

Committee staff presented two proposals for long‑term monitoring and asked the panel to weigh scientific coverage and budget. John Stevenson of Georgia Southern said the university’s proposal was prepared for six wells but could be adjusted on a per‑well basis. “Our budget already is prepared for 6 wells,” Georgia Southern’s Dr. Aslan said. “As the well numbers change, we can adjust it.”

Dr. Aslan and hydrologist Victor Avi explained the technical rationale for six wells: the set was designed to capture spatial variability across an approximately 5‑mile radius while keeping the study scientifically defensible and within expected program funding. Avi said reducing the number of wells increases variability and error; “6 wells is fine so that we can capture...where the most impact is happening,” he said.

Committee staff also presented a revenue forecast tied to the planned water sale. James Pope said the program expects a ramp up in withdrawals and projected revenue, noting that at $0.10 per 1,000 gallons the program would generate roughly $527,000 over five years in addition to an initial $1,000,000 mitigation balance—funding the monitoring options presented.

John Stevenson described data‑access features in Georgia Southern’s proposal, including dashboards and frequent communications: data would be collected at 15‑minute intervals and made available to the board and stakeholders to flag anomalies in near real time.

Committee members asked Georgia Southern to supply a per‑well, pro‑rata budget breakdown so the scope and cost could be adjusted if fewer or more wells are selected. The committee also discussed using voluntary private wells for monitoring to reduce drilling costs and confirmed the team could begin equipment procurement within a month of site selection.

After discussion the committee made and seconded a motion to recommend that the two county commissions approve the monitoring program beginning with six wells and to present Georgia Southern’s bid as the low proposal. The motion passed by voice vote. Staff will arrange presentations to each commission and committee members volunteered to assist.

The committee concluded that the monitoring program, as scoped, balances technical rigor and budget constraints and recommended the commissions fund the work with the understanding that the scope can be adjusted as needed.