#EnvironmentalProtection

November 6, 2026

Georgia EPD Clears Summerville Waterway Following October Soy Oil Spill

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The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) has officially advised the City of Summerville that no additional cleanup, remediation or water testing is necessary following an October spill involving food-grade soybean oil from a trucking facility.

According to information released by the City of Summerville, the decision follows a month of daily water testing conducted both upstream and downstream from the spill site.

Laboratory analysis confirmed that the water samples produced results consistent with the initial reports identifying the spilled material as food-grade soybean oil.

Importantly, the laboratory testing also ruled out the release of raw sewage into the waterway, addressing concerns raised following the incident.

The Georgia EPD has now determined that no further remediation, follow-up monitoring or additional testing is required.

Summerville City Clerk Angie White shared the findings and thanked residents who initially reported concerns about the spill, as well as those who remained patient while city crews and state environmental personnel investigated the situation.

The city said the testing and monitoring were conducted to help ensure the health and safety of local waterways.

With the state agency’s review complete, the city considers the matter resolved, with no additional environmental response required.

November 4, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Walker County Panel Recommends Tougher Regulations For Data Center Development

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Walker County is moving closer to establishing new regulations governing the construction and operation of large data centers, with a special study committee recommending tighter restrictions on backup generators, water use and financial protections for the county.

October 8, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Walker County Data Center Committee Reviews Proposed Development Standards

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Walker County officials are continuing work on proposed regulations governing future data center development, with a county study committee now reviewing a draft ordinance section by section.

October 7, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Sewer Line Backup Sends Cooking-Based Oil Into Creek Near Lyerly Street

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Summerville Police said Tuesday afternoon that city police and fire personnel were notified of a discolored material in the creek near Lyerly Street.

After consulting with other city departments, officials learned that the Georgia Environmental Protection Division had reported the material to the city earlier in the day, prompting personnel from Summerville’s Water and Sewer Department and Wastewater Treatment Plant to respond.

During the inspection, city crews identified a sewer line backup at a trucking facility on the former Georgia Rug Mill property. According to the city, a displaced manhole allowed some of the backed-up material to enter the creek.

City crews were able to vacuum up a quantity of the visible material from the creek and dispose of it at the city’s wastewater treatment plant.

The trucking company told city officials that the substance was a cooking-based oil. City workers collected water samples for laboratory analysis and also sent samples to EPD.

Summerville Police said once the assessment of the incident and the material is complete, required regulatory reports will be submitted. At this time, ongoing monitoring is not expected to be necessary.

City officials thanked residents for reporting potential hazards and said the quick notification allowed crews to respond and address the situation.

September 16, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Northwest Georgia Regional Commission Receives $1.5 Million EPA Brownfields Grant

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The Northwest Georgia Regional Commission has been awarded a $1.5 million federal Brownfields grant to help identify, assess and prepare properties across the region for potential redevelopment.

September 11, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Summerville PFAS Lawsuit Moves Forward Against Major Chemical Manufacturers

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A federal lawsuit over PFAS contamination of Summerville’s drinking water supply continues moving toward trial after a federal judge rejected efforts by major chemical manufacturers to dispose of significant portions of the case.

May 27, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Floyd County Expands Fight Against PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals’ Contamination

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Tuesday evening, the Floyd County Commission approved Arnold & Itkin LLP as lead counsel to represent the county in pursuing legal claims connected to PFAS contamination affecting local landfills, drinking water wells, parks, and other public properties.

April 19, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Swim Guide Returns to Monitor Water Safety Across Northwest Georgia and Northeast Alabama

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As warmer weather settles into Northwest Georgia, the Coosa River Basin Initiative is gearing up for another season of water safety monitoring ahead of the busy summer months.

February 23, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Holly Chaney Announces Candidacy for Georgia State House District 12

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Holly Chaney has announced she is running to represent District 12 in the Georgia State House, a district that includes Chattooga County and portions of Floyd County.