After three years of preparation, Georgia's statewide water plan will be introduced in the Legislature next week, much to the disappointment of local environmental advocates.
"The main problem is that it simply doesn't protect us," said Frank Carl, the executive director of Savannah Riverkeeper Inc., which has launched a campaign to persuade local lawmakers not to approve the plan.
The main problem is that Atlanta's Metro North Georgia Water Management District is excluded from the statewide plan because it was already in effect.
Because the proposed plan is merely a resolution, and the pre-existing Metro plan is a law, if conflicts arise, the Metro District plan will win every time, Dr. Carl said.
That could, theoretically, lead to or allow interbasin transfers that could affect the Savannah River that supplies Augusta, he said.
The new water policy, ordered by Gov. Sonny Perdue in 2004, lays the groundwork for water planning across Georgia. The document was approved by the state Water Council on Tuesday and must be approved by the Georgia General Assembly.
Dr. Carl is urging concerned residents to visit the state Web site, www.legis.state.ga.us, to find and contact their representative before next week to ask that the plan be postponed or defeated while an alternative plan is devised.
"As we appeal to you today, an alternate plan is being worked out by a partnership between legislators and the Georgia Water Coalition," Dr. Carl's Friday e-mail said. "That plan will be introduced into the Georgia Senate sometime next week."
Mr. Perdue, who visited Augusta this week, contends the plan won't allow Atlanta to raid the Savannah River basin.
"Look closely, and read my lips," Mr. Perdue said in response to a question from the audience at Daniel Field in Augusta. "You have nothing to fear."
Reach Rob Pavey at 868-1222, ext. 119 or rob.pavey@augustachronicle.com.
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