A federal agency will be reviewing the environmental permit granted to Hyundai’s $7.6 billion electric vehicle plant in Georgia. This decision follows a complaint from a conservation group, highlighting concerns about the factory’s potential impact on the region’s water supply.
The Army Corps of Engineers expressed that there was a lack of information regarding Hyundai’s intention to withdraw up to 6.6 million gallons of water per day from an underground aquifer, a crucial source of drinking water in the area. The agency plans to reassess its previous determination that the project would only have minimal impacts.
The Ogeechee Riverkeeper conservation group also received a similar letter from the Army Corps, acknowledging their concerns and indicating a willingness to review the permit. The group had previously threatened legal action if the permit was not revisited.
Hyundai aims to begin production at the massive 2,900-acre plant in Bryan County this year. The facility will manufacture electric vehicles and batteries, employing around 8,000 workers. Despite the permit reassessment, there are no immediate disruptions to construction activities at the site.
Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, the company overseeing the factory, has pledged to cooperate with the Army Corps to provide necessary information. They emphasized their commitment to being responsible neighbors and safeguarding the local water resources.
The scrutiny from the federal government is not expected to delay Georgia regulators’ final decision on permitting wells for the Hyundai project, according to a spokesperson from the state Environmental Protection Division. The agency issued draft permits for the wells in July and is currently reviewing public feedback.
State regulators have raised concerns that water withdrawals by the Hyundai plant could impact private wells in the vicinity. However, they believe that most wells, which are deeper, will not be significantly affected. They also stated that surrounding rivers and streams are unlikely to be impacted due to natural geological barriers.
The Ogeechee Riverkeeper hopes that the Army Corps’ reevaluation will provide a more comprehensive analysis of the potential impacts on water resources. They stress the importance of considering these factors before significant construction takes place.
