City reacts to EPD Lanier proposal

GAINESVILLE - Gainesville City Manager Bryan Shuler said Thursday the city is working to support Lake Lanier's water quality in the wake of reports that EPD is proposing to place Lanier on the state's Water Quality List. (See separate story.)

The city has wastewater treatment plants around the lake, and, according to EPD, discharges from such "point sources" can contribute to the water quality problems.

"As it relates to our treatment plants, which would be the most directly affected, potentially, we're already doing a lot of things positively in support of our permit application," Shuler said.

"Nonpoint source" pollution, including stormwater runoff from paved areas such as streets and parking lots, also are to blame but Shuler said the city is meeting storm water discharge guidelines.