EPD Public Hearing for a Fieldale Farms permit, raises concerns of citizens

The Environmental Protection Division held a public hearing Thursday at the Stephens County Historic Courthouse for citizens in Stephens County to ask questions regarding a Fieldale Farms request to continue using part of its property on Highway 145 in Eastanollee as a spray field.

Wastewater Regulatory Program Manager Audra Dickson provided the residents with a presentation highlighting Fieldale Farms request.

“So at this time the EPD is considering an LAS permit from Fieldale Farms Corporation for the issuance for the LAS permit for Fieldale Farms located at 270 Byproducts Drive, in Eastanollee to discharge treated wastewater via land application to 130.65 acres,” Dickson said. “The purpose of this hearing is to solicit public comment for the draft of the wastewater discharge permit for the Fieldale Farms Corporation.”

Fieldale President Tom Hensley spoke before the group of citizens saying they have no plans to increase production.

“We have 80 people employed there and most of them live in Stephens County,” Hensley said. “We have about 35 million dollars invested. We pay $200,000 a year in property taxes. I think we’re a good corporate citizen, we contribute to United Way, FFA. Two of our guys Len Stovall and Mark Smith are on the school board. So I want to assure you we are not expanding production at the plant, all we’re trying to  do is renew the permit we’ve had for 30 years.”

Bryan Dooley was one citizen who spoke during the public hearing.

He asked for the truth citing conflicting details from both the EPD and Fieldale.

“I guess y’all remember the issue we had with Wilboro’s who is affiliated with Fieldale,” Dooley said. “I was the Chairman of the Concerned Citizens of Toccoa-Stephens County. Mr. Hensley, I recall hearing you on the radio making statements that there were no changes to anything. Well I have the fact sheet  that specifically states, marked and checked out, that there are substantial changes. So who’s telling the truth?

Dooley continued to say that he’s most concerned about the odors.

“The biggest concern I have is the odors. We know that there have been issues in the past where they have had complaints and have been fined for it. Is this true, yes it is. Is this fact, yes it is,” he said.

Following the public hearing Dickson told WNEG News about the next step for the EPD.

“So the next step is we are going to review all the comments received from this evening and the ones we’ve received from the public comment period. We will review those comments, and then provide a path for them,” Dickson said.

You may submit a written comment or question to the EPD at [email protected].

If you choose to e-mail your comments, please be sure to include the words “LAS Permit Reissuance – Fieldale Farms Corporation” in the subject line.

The deadline to submit comments by email is Monday, Jan. 21 by 5 p.m.