News Summary
The Georgia Environmental Protection Division has removed the SeaPoint Industrial Terminal Complex from the Hazardous Site Inventory, marking a significant milestone for Savannah. This comes after a $38 million cleanup project that involved Dulany Industries and various partners, paving the way for future development. Over 600 acres are now available for new industries, potentially generating thousands of jobs and billions in economic benefit. The site, recognized for its environmental excellence, is set to play a vital role in Savannah’s sustainable growth.
Big Changes Ahead for Savannah: SeaPoint Industrial Terminal Complex Cleared from Hazardous Site List
Exciting news is making waves in Savannah! The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) has officially taken the SeaPoint Industrial Terminal Complex off the Hazardous Site Inventory. This marks a pivotal moment for the area, making way for future development after a massive environmental cleanup project.
A Cleaning Tale Like No Other
The cleanup effort was led by Dulany Industries, Inc. and involved collaboration with the Greenfield Environmental Trust and Terracon Consultants. Together, they tackled a sizeable challenge across approximately 755 acres, making it the largest environmental remediation project since the inception of the Georgia Brownfield Program. The comprehensive project included 84 separate work elements, costing a staggering $38 million.
This project wasn’t just about cleaning dirt; it has set a new standard for environmental excellence in Georgia. The successful remediation means that the land can finally be put to new use, bringing potential investment and job opportunities to the community. There’s an estimated potential for several thousand new jobs and billions of dollars in economic benefits just around the corner!
What’s Next for SeaPoint?
The SeaPoint site is particularly attractive for future development. With over 600 upland acres up for grabs and a mile of deepwater access right on the Savannah River, it’s a prime spot for industries looking to set up operations. Add in existing rail links, utilities, and office space—and it quickly becomes an irresistible package for investors. To top it all off, SeaPoint is qualified as a Federal Opportunity Zone, sweetening the deal even further.
Located right at the intersection of sustainability and business, this site is already home to a solar farm and a bee apiary, supported by the local community. This shows just how serious Savannah is about blending industry with environmental care.
Turning a New Leaf
The history of SeaPoint hasn’t been all smooth sailing. Originally developed back in the 1950s, it has seen many ownership changes, including a tough period during which Tronox filed for bankruptcy in 2009. The fallout resulted in significant job and tax base losses for Chatham County. However, the land was designated to the Greenfield Environmental Trust as part of the bankruptcy settlement, which kicked off the road to recovery for this industrial site.
In 2014, Dulany Industries recognized the land’s potential and purchased the nearly 1,600-acre site, driving plans for a cleanup. By 2017, the newly approved six-year Corrective Action Plan (CAP) laid the groundwork for revitalizing this area. As part of their commitment to environmental protection, Dulany Industries also deeded 728 acres specifically for marshland conservation.
Recognized for Excellence
SeaPoint has garnered attention not just locally but nationally. In 2020, the administrator of the U.S. EPA hailed the site as a national model for remediation efforts. Local officials and community leaders have rallied around SeaPoint, championing its sustainable vision for the future.
The economic impact of the cleanup is expected to be substantial as well. A recent study from the University of Georgia projects that SeaPoint could generate over 1,700 high-wage jobs in the area and contribute nearly $1 billion annually to the local economy.
Doubling Down on Environmental Efforts
As if that wasn’t enough, Dulany Industries isn’t stopping at SeaPoint. They are also gearing up for a similar project at SeaGate Savannah. This ongoing commitment to environmental remediation aligns with the broader vision for a cleaner, more sustainable future in Georgia.
So, it seems Savannah is heading into an era filled with opportunities, jobs, and elevated environmental standards. While SeaPoint’s past may have been rocky, its bright future is something that everyone in the community can enthusiastically look forward to!
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Additional Resources
- Savannah Business Journal: SeaPoint Removed from Hazardous Site Inventory
- Wikipedia: Environmental Remediation
- WTOC: Little Neck Road Spill
- Google Search: Georgia Environmental Protection Division
- Augusta Chronicle: Georgia Denied Extension on Hurricane Helene Help
- Google Scholar: Environmental Cleanup Georgia
- AP News: Georgia Voter Removal Software
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Environmental Protection
- Grice Connect: Bulloch County Resource Guide
- Google News: SeaPoint Industrial Terminal
