SAVANNAH, Ga. () — The Ogeechee Riverkeeper (ORK) has agreed to dismiss its challenge to the groundwater withdrawal permits issued to Bryan and Bulloch counties after reaching a settlement, a joint statement said.

The ORK reached a settlement agreement with the Savannah Harbor-Interstate 16 Corridor Joint Development Authority (Savannah JDA) on Dec. 27, 2024.

They previously challenged the permit approval and filed appeals to the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) regarding groundwater withdrawal permits for Bryan and Bulloch counties in November 2024. The permits were approved by the Environmental Protection Division (EPD) on Oct. 7, 2024.

The wells in Bulloch County could pump around 6 million gallons of water per day, which will be sent to Bryan County. The county would then provide the water to the Ellabell megasite.

ORK highlighted the length of the permit and potential effects that they said will be felt in the Bulloch, Bryan, Chatham and Hilton Head Island areas.

As part of the agreement, the Savannah JDA will facilitate a reduction in a long-term surface water or alternative water solution for the Hyundai Metaplant and associated developments from 25 years to 15 years, the statement said. They will also provide additional water quality sampling from the permitted groundwater wells.

“This Agreement demonstrates that environmental protection and smart growth are not mutually exclusive,” said ORK Executive Director and Riverkeeper Damon Mullis. “Indeed, this Agreement is a critical first step in ensuring safe and secure water supplies for people, agriculture and industry. Specifically, the shortened timeline and increased monitoring are important first steps in responsible management of our pristine aquifer and prioritizing drinking water and agricultural needs. ORK will continue to work with all regional stakeholders on responsible long range regional water planning.”

The statement said that both the ORK and Savannah JDA are committed to being “responsible stewards” of southeast Georgia’s resources and ensuring industrial water needs are met to sustain economic development.

“The Savannah Harbor-Interstate 16 Corridor Joint Development Authority will continue to bring better opportunities to those that live in the Savannah region. This includes well-paying jobs and preserving the natural resources that make our region such a wonderful place to live,” said Trip Tollison, Savannah Economic Development Authority President and CEO and Savannah JDA Secretary/Treasurer.