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Meeting on DRT America to be Wednesday night
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A public hearing regarding DRT America and the potential hazard it could cause to Ebenezer Creek will be held tonight at 7 p.m. at the Effingham County Administrative Complex in Springfield.

The issue has been on the minds of many Effingham County citizens lately as information has become known that potential hazardous industrial wastewater with numerous harmful chemicals in it could be discharged from DRT America’s plant in the county to Ebenezer Creek.

Tuesday afternoon, Springfield Mayor, Barton Aldermon, released a statement on the issue: “The City of Springfield is monitoring the process of DRT America’s application for a Pre-Treatment Permit from the EPD in which it seeks a permit to discharge pre-treated industrial wastewater to the City of Springfield’s wastewater treatment plant. DRT’s facility is not located within the City limits, and thus the City has no control over issues such as zoning or permitting related to the facility.  The City of Springfield has been in discussions with DRT America and the other government agencies in Effingham County regarding the possibility of the City’s wastewater treatment plant processing DRT’s pre-treated industrial wastewater.  While the City has agreed to provide water service and domestic wastewater service for bathrooms, the City is not currently obligated to accept DRT’s industrial wastewater.  The City has cautiously approached the issue to ensure that the environment and best interests of the City and its citizens are protected.  The City will continue to do so.  The City’s position has been clearly stated from the early stages of this project, which is, that an agreement for the industrial wastewater with DRT will not be approved until after a Pre-Treatment permit is issued, and not until all of its questions are answered satisfactorily, including questions related to the nature of the discharges and any potential impact the treated industrial wastewater would have on the environment, particularly Ebenezer Creek.”

  Anyone who wishes to learn more about the issue or speak out on the permit application is urged to attend tonight’s meeting.