State Rep. Al Williams

Guest columnist

Liberty County is at a turning point. Families here work hard every day, and they deserve an economy that works just as hard for them. They also deserve the peace of mind that comes from knowing our natural environment will be protected for generations to come. These two goals are not in conflict. In fact, they depend on each other. A strong economy requires a healthy environment, and a healthy environment requires thoughtful investment in the infrastructure that supports responsible growth.

For more than 20 years, Liberty County has been planning to expand and modernize its wastewater system so that our community can prosper in ways that protect our quality of life. Limited sewer capacity is holding us back economically, socially, and environmentally. The need has become urgent.

Modern industries and retail businesses cannot locate in communities without reliable wastewater solutions. Every opportunity we lose because of inadequate sewer capacity represents lost jobs, lost wages, and lost tax base. Over time, those missed opportunities amount to a significant investment, potentially in the hundreds of millions of dollars, that could support schools, public safety, essential services, and lower taxes for all of us.

The impact of this gap is clear in household data. In 2023, the median household income in Liberty County was $58,308. In Bryan County, it was $94,234.

The state average was $74,632.

More than half of all households in Liberty County live below the ALICE threshold, meaning they struggle to afford the very basics despite working full-time. These differences are not accidental.

Bryan County invested early in wastewater infrastructure, building two treatment facilities over the last 15 years, which allowed it to attract higher-wage employers, diversify its economy, and improve its quality of life.

We want the same opportunities for our families. We want our children and grandchildren to have access to good-paying jobs without having to leave home to find them.

We want a tax base strong enough to support the services our community deserves. We want Liberty County to control its own destiny.

A modern wastewater system is essential to achieving that future.

Much of unincorporated Liberty County still relies on septic systems. Septic systems can work in low-density rural areas, but they become unreliable in areas with growth, poor soils, and high groundwater levels. When septic systems fail, the consequences for local waterways can be severe.

Centralized sewer provides consistent treatment standards, professional oversight, and regulatory accountability. It moves responsibility for wastewater management out of backyards and into a system designed to protect public health and the environment.

That is why the Liberty County Development Authority has been evaluating a water reclamation facility that uses advanced membrane bioreactor technology. This technology produces exceptionally high-quality treated water. It is already in use in communities across Georgia, including Richmond Hill, where it has earned performance awards. The proposed facility would operate under strict state permits, continuous monitoring, and enforceable water quality standards. It would also allow a significant portion of the treated water to be reused for irrigation and industrial cooling, which helps conserve freshwater resources.

Some residents have asked whether the discharge from such a facility would harm the Laurel View River. That question deserves a clear answer. The Georgia Environmental Protection Division conducted an intensive environmental review when this project was first proposed. Their study found that the potential impact would be de minimis, meaning it would be too small to pose a risk. At full build-out over 15-20 years without the planned re-use, the maximum discharge would represent just over one percent of the existing freshwater flow in the river system. In a recent meeting with Liberty County officials, EPD reaffirmed that its findings remain valid. The Coastal Georgia Regional Water Plan underscores the vital role of freshwater inputs from municipal and industrial systems in maintaining coastal ecosystems. We understand that projects of this scale require careful planning and community trust. That is why we are meeting with residents, environmental organizations, and local leaders to answer questions and gather input. We are in active conversations with groups such as Ogeechee Riverkeeper and One Hundred Miles to ensure the project meets their expectations for environmental protection. We are committed to transparency, regulatory oversight, and public accountability. We live here too, and we want the safest and best outcomes for our families, friends, and neighbors.

Doing nothing is not an option.

Without sewer capacity, Liberty County will continue to lose industrial and commercial prospects. Higher wage job creation will remain limited. Household incomes will continue to lag behind neighboring counties. A majority of families will remain financially stretched, which negatively affects educational outcomes, public safety, and health. In addition, the lack of a centralized sewer system will continue to jeopardize our natural environment and limited water resources.

This is a milestone moment for Liberty County. By investing in a modern wastewater system, we can protect our environment, strengthen our economy, and secure a brighter future for the next generation. Growth is coming to our region. The question is whether we will shape it in ways that balance prosperity and quality of life. With thoughtful planning and community partnership, we can.