The Environmental Protection Division scheduled the meeting for next month after receiving 223 letters and 85 signatures on a private electronic petition expressing discontent.

The EPD is considering whether to issue a draft National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit to the Liberty County Development Authority for construction of what it is calling a wastewater reclamation facility in the Tradeport East Business Center.

Commotion from local and surrounding counties spawned out of concern for how the up to 3 million gallon per day discharge to the Laurel View River in the Ogeechee River Basin may affect estuaries and overall ecosystem.

A public meeting is set for 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Jan. 27 at the Midway civic center where officials will provide details on the project and explain the permit.

The public hearing will start at 8 p.m. for citizens to express concerns.

Read Friday's Courier for the story.