Jackie Joseph is association president and said the rule does not require that the latest in technology be used to test water quality.
"It allows for lesser quality going into the lake," she said. "And a degradation of the lake itself."
Joseph added the association may or may not appeal the rule change in court
The DNR approved the change for wastewater treatment that members say was vague and unenforceable.
The vote came as the board met today in Valdosta. The language eliminated says ``the level of treatment required is the highest and best practicable under existing technology.''
Environmental Protection Division officials claim that particular rule is impossible to define and vague.
State environmental regulators recommended the change, saying it would bring state regulations in line with the federal Clean Water Act.
Environmentalists -- especially people in the Lake Lanier area -- opposed the change, saying it will lead to degradation of water quality. But state officials say it will NOT make a difference. They note that 95 percent of pollutants in Georgia's rivers and streams comes from non-source pollution such as runoff from highways and streets.
Cities and counties say the revision is necessary to prevent expenses that would do little to improve water quality.
State environmental regulators recommended the change.
Joseph added the association may or may not appeal the rule change in court
(The Associated Press contributed to this story.)
http://accesswdun.com/article/2005/10/122864