Gray Hill residents urge Troup County to slow growth, cite closed landfill and aquifer risks

Doug Roberts, who identified himself as a long-time landowner in the Gray/Grama Hill community, told the board the area's "rural feel" and groundwater resources are at risk from rapid industrial growth and potential redevelopment of a former landfill site.

Roberts said the parcels at issue were "previously used as a solid waste landfill, which is now closed," and noted the property sits within a designated groundwater recharge area. He read staff-report language warning that rezoning to general industrial "may excessively increase the traffic congestion" and could "pose environmental impacts, particularly on water resources due to the site's location within a designated groundwater recharge area and its history as a closed landfill." Roberts asked the board to "slow down" development, publish impact studies and include Gray Hill residents in review of methods and baseline water testing for wells and springs.

Roberts also referenced public discussion and local press about proposed data-center projects (Project West and Project Thor) and asked commissioners whether those proposals remain under consideration for the Gray Hill area. Chair (S1) and staff said at the time only one data-center proposal in the county (a site inside the county industrial park/old bridal property) was active; staff urged that developers must complete water and power studies before moving forward.

Roberts requested the board consider a slow-growth or protection zone, incentives for local food infrastructure, and greater transparency about tax-assessment notices. He said the community gathered more than 200 petition signatures opposing the rezoning before the application was withdrawn and asked the board to protect the aquifer and the community's character.