Groundwater Use Permits & Well Mitigation Program for Bryan County

On October 7, 2024, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Environmental Protection Division (GA EPD) issued two groundwater use permits to support development in Bryan County.

• Permit No. 016-0013 was granted to the Bryan County Board of Commissioners, allowing for the use of 3.5 million gallons per day (mgd) on both a monthly and annual average from two wells located in Bulloch County.
• Permit No. 016-0014 was issued to the Bulloch County Board of Commissioners, permitting the use of 3.5 mgd on a monthly average and 3.125 mgd on an annual average from two additional wells in Bulloch County.

Together, these four wells will supply water to the Interstate 16 Industrial Mega-Site in Bryan County and other related development projects.

Well Mitigation Program (GSP) 

To manage potential impacts on existing Floridan aquifer wells, Bryan and Bulloch Counties have established a joint Well Mitigation Program (GSP). Each county appoints a Well Mitigation Manager, who:

• Oversees the program’s operations and implementation.
• Ensures compliance with the GA EPD Groundwater Use Permits.
• Assesses and addresses significant impacts on eligible Floridan aquifer wells within the mitigation area.
• Serves as a backup for the other county’s Well Mitigation Manager if needed.

This program is designed to protect water resources and support responsible growth in Bryan County.

Helpful Links and Information:

Licensed Georgia Water Well Drillers

What You Need To Know About Your Water Well

Truth About Water

Program Mission

The mission of the Bryan-Bulloch Groundwater Sustainability Program (GSP) is to conserve, preserve, and protect the Floridan aquifer groundwater resource in Bryan and Bulloch Counties. Furthermore, the GSP shall protect access to the Floridan aquifer and mitigate any existing eligible Floridan aquifer wells that experience significant impacts from the lowering of water levels due to withdrawals from the proposed Bryan and Bulloch wells permitted under Georgia Department of Natural Resources Environmental Protection Division (GA EPD) Permits No. 016-0013 and No. 016-0014

Wells Eligible for the Mitigation Program

Wells that may qualify for mitigation under the Well Mitigation Program (GSP) must be existing private residential drinking wells or permitted non-drinking agricultural wells located within the designated mitigation area. To be eligible, wells must meet the following criteria:

• Construction Date: The well must have been drilled on or before April 1, 2025, or the date the first of the four Bryan and Bulloch County wells becomes operational—whichever occurs later.
• Aquifer Source: The well must withdraw water from the Floridan aquifer.
• Impact: The well must have experienced significant water level reduction due to withdrawals from the permitted Bryan and Bulloch County wells.
• Agricultural Wells: Non-drinking agricultural wells must be permitted by the GA EPD on or before April 1, 2025, or the date the first of the four wells begins operation—whichever is later.
• Public Water Systems: The well must not be used for a public water supply.
• Program Compliance: The well must meet all eligibility requirements under the GSP’s Rules and Policies.

This program ensures that eligible wells affected by groundwater withdrawals are properly assessed and addressed in accordance with the mitigation guidelines.