The Georgia Environmental Protection Division has issued an environmental review determination for improvements to the City of Summerville’s Raccoon Creek Water Treatment Plant, a project designed to address potentially harmful chemicals in the city’s drinking water supply.

The notice, issued Wednesday, October 14, outlines plans to install four granular activated carbon treatment systems at the facility. The new equipment is designed to remove per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS, from drinking water and certain discharges from the treatment plant.

PFAS are sometimes called “forever chemicals” because they break down very slowly in the environment. Some PFAS have been linked to health concerns, and federal and state agencies have increased their efforts to reduce exposure through public drinking water systems.

According to the EPD, the proposed improvements would also address water discharged during filter cleaning and sedimentation basin operations before that water is released into Raccoon Creek.

The state agency determined that the project qualifies for a categorical exclusion under Georgia’s environmental review process. This means the improvements can proceed through the funding review process without requiring additional extensive environmental studies, provided applicable requirements are satisfied.

EPD officials determined that the project is not expected to have significant adverse environmental effects. However, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers indicated that streams or wetlands may be present in the project area. The city must coordinate with the Corps to determine whether additional permits or authorizations are necessary.

The determination does not represent final approval of all project requirements.

The public has 30 days from the October 14 notice to submit written comments. After reviewing any comments received, EPD will make a final decision concerning approval of the project planning documents.

Written comments may be submitted to the Georgia Environmental Protection Division, Drinking Water Program, Attention Tamika Samaroo, 2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SE, Suite 1470A East Tower, Atlanta, Georgia 30334-9000.

The project represents another step toward improving drinking water treatment and addressing PFAS contamination concerns in Summerville’s public water system.

Source: Georgia Environmental Protection Division, October 14, 2026.