Not the Title We Want

The Savannah River is the most polluted river in the state and among the most polluted in the country, according to a report just released by Environment Georgia.

Higher toxic chemical loads were found only for the Ohio, New and Mississippi Rivers.

Data shows that industrial facilities dumped more than 7 million pounds of toxins into the Savannah River in 2007.  And this data comes from the EPA’s Toxics Release Inventory.

Out of the 7 million pounds of toxins, more than 38 thousand pounds are known to cause cancers.

The report claims the number one polluter in the state from 2007 was DSM Chemicals in Augusta.  This company makes raw materials for plastics, and it dumped more than 3 million pounds of toxic waste into the Savannah River.

Experts say these levels are actually legal, but some experts believe these levels are too high.

So what can be done?

Well, some experts say industries need to switch to less toxic chemicals where possible.  Also, some say Georgia needs to start charging for discharge permits.  This way regulatory agencies such as the Georgia Environmental Protection Division get the funding they need.