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Residents say proposed plant would threaten baptisms, recreation and home values
Summary
Church representatives and homeowners told ADEM the Flint River is used for baptisms, swimming and family recreation; speakers warned of odor, noise, light and property‑value declines if the plant is built and suggested buffer and zoning changes.
Faith leaders and longtime homeowners told the hearing the Flint River is central to local religious and recreational life and that the proposed discharge threatens that use.
Meredith Fields, speaking for River Hills Church, described annual baptisms held in the Flint River for nearly a decade and said the event is "one of the best days in the life" of the congregation. "I'm asking the Alabama Department of Environmental Management to stop the building of this plant to ensure the safety and natural habitat of the Flint River," she said.
Nearby homeowners described worries about constant noise, odors they say are already associated with existing facilities, increased truck traffic and light pollution. Cindy Cooper said the proposed site would be about 400 feet from her backyard and cited realtor statements that homes near sewage facilities can sell for less; she told the hearing that loss in value could reach "up to 22 and 0.5 percent," as quoted from a realtor in her remarks. Speakers asked county leaders and ADEM to require protective buffers, odor and noise limits and more transparent notice before future permitting decisions.
