EPD okays plans for Lumpkin sewage treatment plant

DAHLONEGA - Plans for a new sewage treatment plant in Lumpkin County have gotten the go-ahead from the state.

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) has has approved the Design Development Report for the plant which will be located off Red Oak Flats Road and will serve the Georgia 400 industrial/commercial corridor.

The project is a public-private partnership to be constructed with private funds, at not cost to the people of Lumpkin County, according to county officials.

"Commercial development is crucial to balancing our tax digest," said Lumpkin County Sole Commissioner Steve Gooch. "We will benefit for many years from the sales and property taxes generated from this gateway corridor and (a new shopping center to be built in the same area.) Having sewer makes this all possible."

Gooch cited the leadership of Lumpkin County Water and Sewerage Authority Chairman Randy Harvey and the water authority members as key to the agreement's success. Gooch also recognized the city of Dahlonega's role in having the infrastructure in place for growth. Dahlonega, the only water source in the county, sells water to Lumpkin County.

The plant will provide unincorporated Lumpkin County's first-ever sewerage services, serving the crossroads area at Georgia 400 and Georgia 60, as well as the 400 corridor and Long Branch Road.

A lift station at the 400/60 intersection, made possible with the help of a grant from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, will deliver wastewater to the treatment facility.

Plans for the shopping center to be served by the plant were revealed a couple of weeks ago and include a Home Depot that, alone, is expected to create 200 jobs.