Augusta, Ga. – A last-minute push is underway to urge Georgia’s Environmental Protection Division (EPD) to reject proposed modifications to the Solvay chemical plant’s permit, which critics argue could significantly worsen air quality in Augusta. The Solvay plant, which has been a part of the local industrial landscape for years, is seeking approval to release more emissions as part of an expansion plan tied to its new electric vehicle industry venture.

The EPD had originally scheduled a public comment period during the busy holiday season, but due to growing concern from local environmental groups, the agency agreed to extend the comment period until Tuesday. This extension allowed for further public input on the matter, including a Zoom hearing held on Tuesday evening, which ran from 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.

At the meeting, representatives from the Savannah Riverkeeper and the Southern Environmental Law Center raised alarms about the potential health risks posed by the proposed increase in emissions. Both organizations emphasized that releasing additional pollutants could negatively impact the air quality in Augusta, particularly for residents living on both sides of the Savannah River, which forms the natural boundary between Georgia and South Carolina.

Solvay, which had already announced plans to expand its operations last spring, argues that the changes are necessary to meet the demands of its new role within the electric vehicle industry. As part of its expansion, the plant would need to modify its existing emissions permit, which currently sets strict limits on the amount of pollutants the facility can release into the air.

According to the company, the modifications are essential for the plant to keep up with growing production needs, particularly for components that will support the electric vehicle market. However, the concerns raised by local environmental groups suggest that the changes could come at a significant cost to the health and well-being of Augusta’s residents.

Opponents of the permit modification warn that any increase in emissions could exacerbate respiratory issues and other health problems for local families. With the public comment period now closed, the EPD will review the feedback before making a decision on whether to approve or deny the proposed changes.

As the debate over Solvay’s permit modification continues, it highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing economic growth with environmental and public health concerns in industrial regions like Augusta.