The city of Atlanta is reportedly seeking a permit from the Ga. Environmental Protection Division that effectively allows Atlanta to dump more biological and solid pollution into the South River, which starts in Fulton County and flows through Rockdale and Newton counties before ending at Lake Jackson.

"If Atlanta succeeds communities in DeKalb, Rockdale, Newton, Henry, Jasper, and Butts Counties will suffer. We all live downstream; what harms one, harms all," said Jackie Echols, president of South River Watershed Alliance, a watchdog group for the South River.

"Atlanta and GA EPD should be actively pursuing ways to eliminate discharges, not trying to turn back the clock," continued Echols. "As anyone who knows me will tell you, I am passionate about the benefits of this permit... First because it is the law and second, it provides the most reliable protection surface waters have under the federal Clean Water Act."

GA EPD is holding a public hearing on Atlanta's proposed permit Thursday, February 5, 2015 at 7 p.m. at the EPD Tradeport Training Room located at 4244 International Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30354.

Written comments from the public are due to GA EPD, 2 MLK, Jr. Drive, Suite 1152E, Atlanta, GA 30334 or via email at EPDcomments@dnr.state.ga.us by Friday, February 13, 2015. In comments by email, use the words "NPDES Permit Reissuance - City of Atlanta Combined Sewer System" in the subject line.

These are the only opportunities for public involvement in the permitting process.

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