Bryan County

A state of rapid transition

Communities along America’s coasts are developing faster than localities in any other region of the country and are increasingly vulnerable. As our state and national leaders continue to tout Georgia as the “#1 place to do business,” our longstanding communities, vital wetlands, and iconic landscapes are being replaced by concrete, 24/7 lighting, and truck traffic. The loss—especially to the residents losing their neighborhood character, physical homes, emotional and family ties, and health—is greater than the promised dollar.

Big industry doesn’t just bring jobs: it places enormous pressure on limited resources and fragile ecosystems. With the Hyundai Metaplant guzzling millions of gallons of water daily, the region looks to alternative sources for water—while also making way for additional residential and industrial growth.

“Electrification of the Southeast”

The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy recently released its updated 2024 State and Regional assessment, showing the Southeast leading in electric.

The Cost of Development

The impact of this construction doesn’t stop at the property line or when the project is complete. It creates long-lasting issues like flooding and stormwater runoff, expedited deterioration of local infrastructure, and increased burdens on tax-funded services, such as emergency services, sewer, and water. We must stop developing before infrastructure exists—before small towns like Ellabell, Pembroke, and even parts of Richmond Hill are irrevocably altered.

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What’s happening in Bryan County?

The Current

Nickel Refinery in Richmond Hill?

Westwin Elements has its eyes set on Richmond Hill’s former Caesarstone US stone manufacturing site located in the Belfast Commerce Center, with hopes of building a nickel refinery. After a packed “town hall” where residents and local leaders expressed concern about industrial pollution and infrastructural strain on surrounding neighborhoods, the Richmond Hill city staff released this fact sheet. It affirms that the PUD (Planned Unit Development) in which the Caesarstone site is located does not automatically allow (or is permitted “by-right”) for a nickel refinery. If the company wants to move forward, they’ll need permission from the city council. Caesarstone has appealed this decision and will present their case to the Board of Zoning Appeals on June 2. We encourage concerned residents to show up to the meeting and support the city staff’s original interpretation of the PUD. Please note there will not be an opportunity for the public to speak at this meeting.

Appeals Meeting Details

Privatizing our Water

HB 1146 allows private companies or individuals to receive a permit from EPD to withdraw water from the Floridan Aquifer and sell it to developments without a letter of concurrence from a local water utility or government. The bill allows individuals to profit from the sale of the limited supply of drinking water from the Floridan Aquifer, putting the responsible planning and coordination by local governments and utilities at risk, as well as the long-term sustainability of our water supply. Despite major opposition from residents, environmental groups, and businesses, HB 1146 passed and is now law.

Crossing County Lines

After much contention around water usage, rural character preservation, and warehouses, the Hyundai Motor Group constructed its a $7.6 billion electric vehicle factory, bringing jobs and numerous suppliers to the area. Operations at the Hyundai Metaplant and associated development in Bryan County continue to raise questions and concern—particularly the approximately 7 million gallons needed for daily operations that prompted four new drinking water wells in Bulloch County. Ogeechee Riverkeeper is keeping up with what’s happening at the Hyundai Megasite; check out their website here.

What’s happening at Hyundai?

Stop The Warehouse Takeover

Pressured by developers, leaders push for rezoning residential and agricultural areas to industrial sites, despite community concerns about taxes, EMS services, and area character. Hyundai and accompanying businesses transform the land with millions of square footage of warehouses. The Savannah Port continues to grow (even though the City of Savannah has reported that they do not have enough water for further growth). While it seems many of the area’s leaders are enamored with development, concerned residents have successfully slowed down industrialization in some areas.