The Okefenokee Swamp, encompassed inside the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, is one of the world’s largest blackwater swamp ecosystems. Miraculously, it has remained almost entirely intact. The Swamp thus provides unique opportunities for scientific research on hydrology, plant ecology, fish and amphibian populations, and other wildlife. Over 700,00 people visit the Refuge each year generating an estimated 750 jobs in the region and over $64 million in revenue annually. Recognized worldwide as a Wetland of International Importance and designated as Wilderness by the U.S. Congress the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is a resource too precious to be risked for relatively short term gain. All of these possible impacts need to be thoroughly evaluated before issuing a permit.
Twin Pines Minerals of Birmingham, Alabama originally applied to the State of Georgia and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in July of 2019 for permits to begin strip mining on thousands of acres adjacent to Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. Opposition to the proposal was so fierce that the permit application was withdrawn.
However, recent changes to the Clean Water Act regulations have resulted in a legal redefinition of wetlands that are under the jurisdiction of the United States. The new definition does not include seasonal wetland habitats which are the bulk of the wetland habitat in the proposed mining area. This now means that Twin Pines Minerals LLC no longer needs to obtain a Clean Water Act, Section 404 permit from the federal government and no further environmental analysis of the proposed mine will be required by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
If the project proceeds on the 600 acres currently proposed, threats to the Okefenokee Swamp will begin and escalate as the mined area expands to include thousands of acres adjacent to the refuge.
Eventually Trail Ridge, which extends along the entire eastern boundary of the refuge, will be threatened. The Ridge serves as a hydrologic barrier keeping water in the Swamp. If altered significantly water levels in the Swamp could decline, threatening the Swamp and all the wildlife that inhabit it.
While slightly smaller in scope the current proposal will eventually lead to the same impacts as the original project. Possible impacts include changes to the hydrology resulting from a disruption of the soil and sand ridge next to the refuge. Application is also being made for the use of groundwater for the mining operation which could further alter the hydrology of the Swamp. Water is critical to the wellbeing of Okefenokee – lowered or altered water levels could easily change the unique ecology of the Swamp. Public use and Wilderness values could be impacted due to the close proximity of the mining activity. Air quality and loss of hundreds of acres of wetlands are anticipated.
The Okefenokee Swamp, encompassed inside the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, is one of the world’s largest blackwater swamp ecosystems. Miraculously, it has remained almost entirely intact. The Swamp thus provides unique opportunities for scientific research on hydrology, plant ecology, fish and amphibian populations, and other wildlife. Over 700,000 people visit the Refuge each year generating an estimated 750 jobs in the region and over $64 million in annual revenue. Recognized worldwide as a Wetland of International Importance and designated as Wilderness by the U.S. Congress the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is a resource too precious to be risked for relatively short-term gain. All of these possible impacts need to be thoroughly evaluated before issuing a permit.
With no federal review now required, opposition to this project must now focus on the ability of the State of Georgia to deny permits to Twin Pines and require the thorough environmental analysis that is needed.
The current Twin Pines proposal is a cynical attempt to avoid the thorough environmental review that it deserves.
READ THE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE ASSOCIATION’S LETTER HERE!
Public comment is critical to making sure that the possible impacts on Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge are addressed fully before deciding to permanently change this special place.