Georgia DEP Files Order Against Atlas

The Georgia Department of Environmental Protection filed a proposed order against Atlas Waste & Recycling, Savannah, due to the company’s operations, which, the agency finds, is creating a health and safety threat at the present time.

The construction and demolition operation also is deemed to be in violation of state law and their permit.

According to Bonnie Pope, an environmental specialist with the Georgia Environmental Protection Divisoin, the company is able to handle material, perform the processing needed and ship the processed material to an end consumer. The non-recyclable material is then expected to be moved to a permitted disposal facility.

However, the company has allowed two large piles to grow – one of concrete that is expected to be processed into a usable end product, and another mountain of material that can’t be recycled into a usable product. The latter pile is causing significant concern. The company had planned to have a landfill sited nearby where they could move the non-recyclable material. However, permits for this facility have been held up, causing the company to lose its planned destination for the non-recycled material.

The order was initially filed Aug. 20, with public comments being accepted until Sept. 19.

Under the order, signed by Atlas, the company is only allowed to operate during posted hours; install and maintain security and silt fences; maintain firefighting readiness; accept no construction and demolition waste, except as obligated by existing contracts; process all the C&D waste by Nov. 30; remove all processed and waste concrete no later than the end of this year; remove all non-C&D waste by no later than June 30, 2003. The company also is required to submit proper weekly reports, provide certification that the facility conforms to its design and operation plan by June 30, 2003.

Earlier this month officials from the city of Savannah attempted to bring the company into compliance with city ordinances and zoning regulations. Officials tried to find closure to its ongoing complaint against Atlas by bringing the case before Chatham County Recorder's Court. The case was continued until Sept. 10.

According to local press reports the consent order is the second the state has filed against the company. The first order was issued February 2000. That consent was taken to the Superior Court where it became a court order.

The crux of the problem has been the company’s inability to operate according to the guidelines established by its permit as a solid waste handling facility.