GA EPD Press Releases

Georgia EPD Declares Statewide Level 1 Drought Response for Public Water Systems

On April 27, 2026, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division declared a state-wide Drought Response Level 1 for all public water systems using surface water and/or groundwater. This declaration, following conference calls with public water systems on April 21, 2026 and a three-day feedback period, triggers mandatory public information campaign requirements for affected water systems. Required outreach must include notice of drought conditions and conservation information through newspaper or online ads, bill inserts, social media, and/or public library postings. Outdoor water use between 4 PM and 10 AM remains permissible, and public water systems may not impose stricter outdoor watering restrictions without obtaining a variance from EPD.

Annual Open Burning Ban Begins May 1 for 54 Georgia Counties

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division announces the annual open burning ban takes effect May 1, 2025, covering 54 counties in north and central Georgia. The ban prohibits burning yard and land-clearing debris during the summer ozone season (May 1 through September 30). Campfires and grilling remain exempt, and a year-round statewide prohibition on burning household garbage continues.

Unified Command Established for Brunswick East River Mystery Sheen Response

A Unified Command has been established in Brunswick, Georgia to coordinate response actions for the ongoing Brunswick East River Mystery Sheen (BERMS) investigation. The multi-agency response, including US Coast Guard, EPA, and Georgia DNR, has been working since February 2019 to identify the source and contain any discharge. Spill response contractors are actively working to locate and secure the source to prevent environmental impacts.

Annual Open Burning Ban Begins May 1 Across 54 Georgia Counties

Georgia EPD announces its annual open burning ban takes effect May 1 through September 30, covering 54 counties in north and central Georgia. The ban prohibits burning yard and land-clearing debris to reduce ground-level ozone and particulate pollution during the summer ozone season. Citizens and businesses may use alternatives such as composting, chipping, or hauling debris to commercial processing facilities.

Construction Stormwater Permits Remain in Force During Appeal

Georgia EPD reissued three construction stormwater general permits (GAR100001, GAR100002, GAR100003) on June 20, 2023, with an August 1, 2023 effective date. A petition filed in July 2023 appealing the 2023 permits has automatically stayed them under state law O.C.G.A. § 12-2-2(c)(2)(B). As a result, the 2018 versions of these permits remain in force until the appeal is resolved.

Lifts Water Permit Suspension for Southwest Georgia Farmers

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division is modifying the 2012 agricultural permitting suspension in Southwest Georgia to allow new and modified surface water withdrawal permits in the Suwannee and Ochlockonee portions of the suspension area. Assessments indicate additional surface water withdrawal from those areas would have no impact on stream flows in the Flint basin. Agricultural water withdrawal permitting from the Floridan aquifer remains suspended.