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Albany commission approves $1,000 EPD consent order and directs contractors to meet separation deadline
Summary
Public works staff told the commission the city missed an earlier permit deadline and negotiated a consent order with the Georgia EPD that carries a $1,000 fine and an extended compliance date; the commission voted to accept the resolution authorizing payment and to meet the November deadline.
City of Albany public works staff briefed commissioners on a consent order with the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) tied to the city’s combined sewer / stormwater separation project and the commission approved a resolution to accept the consent order and pay the stipulated fine.
Mr. Maples, speaking as director responsible for the project, said the city missed an original permit deadline (June 30, 2025) and that the EPD issued a consent order with a $1,000 fine and a previously set deadline in October 2025. The city appealed; EPD agreed to extend the deadline to Nov. 30, 2025 while keeping the $1,000 fine. Maples outlined remaining work: completion of a northern Leg on North Washington (Oxford is the contractor there), and a Jim Boyd construction crew is to begin this week to disconnect four taps where sewer and storm systems connect.
Maples said staff has communicated the importance of meeting the deadline to contractors and anticipated completion. Commissioners asked for clarifications on the maximum fines the EPD is authorized to levy (Maples replied the statute allows higher daily fines but EPD recognized the city’s efforts and negotiated the current terms).
A resolution authorizing payment of the $1,000 fine and agreeing to the extension was offered, seconded and adopted by voice roll call; the mayor recorded a yes vote. Commissioners also directed staff to continue close coordination with contractors to meet the Nov. 30 deadline.
