Video Massive mulch fire causes environmental devastation along the South River
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A three-story-high mulch pile containing chemical substances caught on fire in Lakewood Heights on September 5. The fire raged on for four days, causing devastation to the South River.
Industrial sites along the South River are required to have an industrial stormwater permit. The Georgia Environmental Protection Division confirmed the mulching facility did not have the appropriate permits.
According to Dr. Jacqueline Echols, City of Atlanta leadership often fails to enforce code violations in Southeast Atlanta due to decades of environmental racism.
“This area is targeted with polluting industries that violate regulations that regulators know about because of who lives here,” said Echols.
The City of Atlanta issued the following statement regarding the matter.
“The Department of Watershed Management (DWM) is currently collaborating with other City departments to address the recent mulch fire in the Lakewood neighborhood, which has impacted the headwaters of the South River.
DWM has implemented a double row of silt fencing along the stream to protect the surface water. Where warranted, citations will be issued by the City of Atlanta to those responsible.
The Administration has remained in close communication with Councilmember Jason Winston, who has visited the site, regarding the impact of the situation on his district.
The City is highly committed to ensuring the safety and integrity of the state waters in Georgia that traverse through the City of Atlanta.”
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