Georgia Power Confirms Coal Ash Ponds Fail to Meet Federal Siting Restrictions
Two Georgia Power plants, Wansley and Yates, sit along the banks of Chattahoochee River. (© Craig Tanner)
Atlanta, GA—At least 10 of Georgia Power’s toxic, unlined coal ash ponds sit dangerously close to the groundwater beneath them, according to the utility’s recent filings required under the federal Coal Combustion Residuals rule.
According to the utility’s disclosures for 10 of its 29 coal ash ponds statewide, all 10 ponds fail to comply with the location restriction that requires at least a five-foot buffer between the bottom of a coal ash pond and the underlying groundwater aquifer. In at least some cases, the coal ash ponds appear to be sitting in groundwater.
“Georgia Power’s coal ash ponds were built in the worst places possible – near streams, lakes, floodplains, next to rivers, and right above groundwater, and we now know that at least 10 of its ponds sit too close to the groundwater aquifer,” said SELC Senior Attorney Chris Bowers. “Where Georgia Power plans to just cap many of its unlined coal ash ponds in place, the utility’s own disclosures show the danger this ill-advised strategy poses to Georgia communities.”
Georgia Illegal alien driver’s license/ID reform is past due
by State Rep. Jeff Jones | Dec 6, 2018
For those who are not yet aware, Georgia issues driver’s licenses to non-citizens who, according to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), do not have legal immigration status.
To increase the “head-scratcher” quotient on this, there is no difference - none - between the driver/ID credentials issued to these lucky illegal aliens and those issued to legal immigrants (green card holders) or foreign students and guest workers who obeyed American law and are here on legal, temporary visas.
While it is illegal for non-citizens to vote in elections in Georgia, state law considers the driver’s licenses and ID Cards we are granting to them to be “proper ID” at our polls.
That’s why I will soon introduce driver’s license/ID reform legislation to change this bizarre situation.
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153rd Legislative Session of the Georgia General Assembly
Jeff's Blog
Georgia Power Confirms Coal Ash Ponds Fail to Meet Federal Siting Restrictions
Posted by Jeffrey Sewell · January 05, 2019 8:24 AM
Congratulations Norwich Baptist Church on 100-Years of Service
Posted by Jeffrey Sewell · December 13, 2018 9:40 AM
On December 4th Vote Raffensperger!
Posted by Jeffrey Sewell · November 26, 2018 1:56 PM
Editorial: Support Georgia’s oyster industry
"Oysters are more than just tasty bivalves pulled from local waterways and enjoyed at local oyster roasts. They’re potentially big business for Georgia." Read the full story here.
"Legislative support needed
"Rep. Jeff Jones, R-St. Simons Island, has already pledged to bring oyster farming legislation up in Atlanta during the next legislative session. Our local elected officials in the Savannah area should do everything in their power to support this initiative."
Sources: Savannah Morning News, GPB
Kemp for Governor Bus Tour Visits SSI
Kemp for Georgia Bus Tour stops at Brogens in St. Simons Island Village to an enthusiastic crowd of supporters and undecideds. The tide is quickly turning in Secretary of State Kemp's favor with AJC/WSB poll now showing Brian Kemp up by 4% and climbing. The more the public learns of the distinct differences in the two gubernatorial candidates, the greater Kemp's lead becomes. Early vote now and through July 20 or on July 24th, election day.
Pictured: David O'Quinn, D2 School Board Candidate; Glynn County Sheriff Neal Jump; Marty Kemp, Brian's wife; Rep Jeff Jones D167, Rep Don Hogan D179; Dale Provenzano, Glynn County Kemp for Governor Chairman
Brunswick Jobs Corps hoopsters honored by State for third National title win
Last Friday State Representative Jeff Jones (Dist. 167) (center right) presented the Brunswick Job Corps men’s basketball team with a proclamation from the Georgia General Assembly honoring the team for their third National Job Corps Basketball Championship in a row. Attending the event at the Brunswick Golden Isles Chamber of Commerce were: (left to right) Basketball Coach Ashton Stripling, Antonio Foster, Myles Hunter, Cleophus Johnson, Jr., Dosnumu Mohammed, Jalee’n Payton, Amon Williams, Davarrio Merriweather, Jr., Kendric Taylor, Antonio Jenkins, Travees Bussey. Brunswick Job Corps Director Mel Gaines is on the far right.
Photo credit: The Islander
Read morePress Release: Georgia Water Coalition applauds legislators
For Immediate Release:
February 8, 2018
For More Information: Jennette Gayer
o-404-370-1764, c-703-475-3228
jennette@environmentgeorgia.org
Bills to Protect Communities from Coal Waste Introduced
Georgia Water Coalition applauds legislators for taking steps to protect communities and waterways
Atlanta, GA—The Georgia Water Coalition (GWC) applauds state Representative Jeff Jones (R-Brunswick) and a bipartisan list of cosponsors for their work to protect communities around Georgia from the toxic contaminants found in coal ash. After working to address concerns from Georgia Power and the Georgia Environmental Protection Division regarding legislation filed last year, Representative Jones introduced two bills that will help keep coal ash out of the water in which we swim and from which we drink, and people informed about coal ash present in their communities.
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