Planning commission recommends denying proposed Molly Pond Road transfer station after heavy public opposition

The Augusta, Georgia Planning Commission on Thursday recommended denying a special exception that would have allowed a solid-waste transfer station at 927 Molly Pond Road, forwarding the denial to the Augusta Commission with the commission's findings and recommended conditions.

Todd Kennedy of planning staff presented case SE-26-12, describing a proposed enclosed transfer station occupying roughly 5.42 acres with a 20,000-square-foot transfer building and a 3,500-square-foot office. Kennedy summarized staff findings and proposed conditions including downward-facing lighting, no overnight outdoor storage, compliance with the Augusta tree ordinance, and a requirement that municipal solid waste accepted at the facility be taken to the Augusta Deans Bridge Road landfill while construction and demolition (C&D) debris would be routed to a Jefferson/Jenkins County facility.

The applicant's representatives said operations would emphasize rapid transfer from local collection trucks into long-haul trailers. A project representative described the operation as engineered to separate streams, saying: "It it likely will not be there longer than 30 minutes. It comes in on a truck and immediately gets loaded and taken out." (project representative Ben)

Neighborhood leaders and residents urged denial. Myra Hobbs, president of the Turpin Hill Neighborhood Association, said the corridor has a "documented history of environmental injustice" and urged commissioners to deny the proposal or impose strict, enforceable zoning conditions. Patricia Jeter and Octavia Collins of neighborhood groups echoed concerns about flooding near Oats Creek, leachate and groundwater risks, diesel truck traffic, and impacts on property values and public health. "Our citizens deserve to live in a safe environment," Octavia Collins said.

Commissioners pressed staff and the applicant about permitting and monitoring. City staff and the water/wastewater representative said liquids (leachate) captured on-site would drain to a collection grate, be pumped to the Augusta sanitary sewer system and subject to wastewater-plant permitting and monitoring; the project would also require state EPD permits for operation. Staff stressed multiple required permits and periodic inspections by the wastewater plant and by Georgia EPD for solid-waste operations.

After discussion, a motion to approve SE-26-12 with staff conditions failed on roll call; the commission then moved to deny and approved the recommendation to deny the special exception. The denial will be forwarded to the Augusta Commission for final consideration on Aug. 18, 2026.

The commission's staff memo and the petitioner’s concept plans will accompany the referral. The petitioners may appear before the Augusta Commission on Aug. 18, where the final decision on zoning matters will be made.