Residents tell Macon County commissioners Army Corps harmed rivers, urge oversight

During the public comment portion of the May 13 meeting, multiple residents told the Macon County Board of Commissioners that recent debris removal by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers damaged river habitat and removed woody debris essential for fish habitat and erosion control.

"I feel there is widespread cleanup that is not necessary," Jason Love told the board. "Wood removal is vital habitat and removal is damaging to the ecosystem."

Nick Potts said the Corps' work had been "disastrous," and urged the board to ensure the Corps follows existing laws and obtains proper permits. "They work for us and we need to hold them accountable," Potts said.

Longtime river advocate Bill McLarney said 35 years of conservation work has been harmed in recent weeks and said the county was "blindsided" by the Corps' actions; he offered to help with future efforts.

Commissioner Josh Young confirmed the county had opted to use the Army Corps for the cleanup, called them "the authority," and said the board has lessons to learn. He said the county will "take a more in-depth look and have the community more involved" in future cleanup work.

Commissioner Gary Shields said he appreciated residents' input and asked the board to consider reestablishing a water quality advisory committee composed of experts to advise on such matters.

Several commenters also raised related concerns about transparency and the need to coordinate with neighboring counties and local experts; the board did not vote on any specific action related to the Corps at the May 13 meeting.