The Liberty County Development Authority (LCDA) is actively exploring alternatives for a modern wastewater system to serve Liberty County. One option under consideration is a potential outfall location on the North Newport River for the proposed Water Reclamation Facility (WRF). If this location is deemed environmentally viable and cost-effective, it could replace the current discharge site at the Laurel View River. To facilitate this assessment, LCDA has requested a wasteload allocation from the state Environmental Protection Division (EPD). The recent closure of the International Paper mill in Riceboro has decreased discharge into the system, allowing for the introduction of clean, highly treated water at a reduced capacity.
Since unveiling initial plans for the WRF earlier this year, LCDA has engaged with community members and groups to address questions and gather feedback on the urgent need for a modern wastewater management system in Liberty County. The proposed WRF will utilize advanced membrane bioreactor (MBR) technology, achieving near-drinking water quality and offering significant environmental protection. This high level of purification is suitable for safe reuse in irrigation or industrial applications, aiding in local water conservation efforts. The technology is already in use in North Bryan County and Richmond Hill.
As the project progresses, it will undergo thorough state and federal evaluations. The EPD will review all plans through a formal permitting process, which includes detailed environmental analysis, water-quality modeling, and public input.
