Editor, 

Like many Georgians, Ogeechee Riverkeeper supports the effort to transition away from fossil fuels for our transportation needs.  It’s clear that reducing exhaust emissions is a crucial component for a healthy environment. 

Ogeechee Riverkeeper is calling upon Kia/Hyundai, local municipalities and counties, state leaders, and the companies and developers involved in the Bryan County project to consider the impacts to the Ogeechee River. It is imperative that  the most effective technologies and best management practices are implemented at each and every decision point.

From wastewater treatment, stormwater run-off,  buffers, litter mitigation, groundwater withdrawals, impact to wetlands, and shipping corridors – the choices made  on these issues  today will have long-lasting impacts on our water resources and our local communities.

Kia/Hyundai, the Development Authority, and the State of Georgia have a great opportunity to make this project a model for developing  a low-to-no negative impact electric car manufacturing facility. Ogeechee Riverkeeper is asking all the stakeholders to come to the table to make this happen - for our river and for our citizens.

Damon Mullis, Ogeechee Riverkeeper