The Georgia Environmental Protection Division has closed its investigation into an environmental complaint involving the Chattooga County Schools Transportation Department, finding no evidence that state waters were impacted by oil, diesel fuel or other vehicle fluids.

According to the state’s updated complaint tracking system, the investigation was officially closed on October 5, 2026.

The complaint was filed September 23 and involved allegations that drainage from the school system’s bus wash bay and maintenance area at 203 Penn Street in Summerville was flowing into a nearby pond.

EPD investigator Sydni Ladd conducted an inspection of the facility, including the wash bay, nearby creek and pond.

During the inspection, EPD observed what investigators identified as water turnover and iron bacteria rather than oil, coolant, soap or other vehicle fluids.

The agency also confirmed through a follow-up email that the drain near the bus wash bay connects to the City of Summerville’s sewer system.

EPD reported that no state waters were impacted.

However, investigators did identify an oil container that had leaked oil onto the ground. EPD recommended that the container be cleaned up and properly disposed of. The transportation supervisor told investigators that disposal of the container was already underway.

Investigators also referred the facility to EPD’s Scrap Tires Unit because of numerous tires observed on the property.

Chattooga County School Superintendent Michelle Helie previously told WZQZ News that an earlier complaint involving the bus garage had been investigated and determined to be unfounded. She said at the time that she expected the latest investigation to reach a similar conclusion.

The state’s findings confirm that investigators did not identify contamination of state waters from the alleged drainage. The record does, however, document the leaking oil container and the referral concerning scrap tires.

The complaint is now listed by Georgia EPD as Approved/Closed.

Sources: Georgia EPD Complaint Tracking System, Complaint #118381, updated October 10, 2026; previous WZQZ News reporting.