Collins Slams Corps Decision

9th District U.S. Representative Doug Collins is slamming a decision by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to prohibit property owners on Lake Hartwell and Lake Lanier from drawing lake water for irrigation.

The Corps announced earlier this month that a new rule would forbid the use of reservoir water on Hartwell for irrigation.

According to the Corps, Shoreline Use Permit holders with current authority to irrigate from the reservoir may continue to do so until the expiration of their current Shoreline Use Permit.

Corps officials said it was not a change in the policy, but a shift to just enforcing federal terms on what reservoirs are supposed to be used for.

Collins asked that if these changes simply bring shoreline management regulations into line with a federal law that was written back in the 1940’s as the Corps says, why were property owners along these lakes allowed to purchase permits, pumps, and other infrastructure for so many years.

He called this sudden shift in enforcement of the rules highly concerning, saying it goes against common sense.

Collins added that it puts a large burden on property owners who have relied on this system for years.

According to Collins, many residents have spent time and money obtaining permits, installing pumps, and landscaping, and then without notice of a seemingly arbitrary decision, will have to spend more time and money finding an alternative.

The Hall County Republican called on the Corps to publicly explain how this policy change came about and provide any and all documents leading to the change, adding he would like to know why the Corps did not hold a public comment period, or seek ways to engage with the public to rectify the situation.

Finally, Collins said he will be in contact with the Corps to seek a resolution that will not unduly burden taxpayers and will ensure the Corps operates in a more open and transparent way in the future in order to be accountable to taxpayers who live on these reservoirs.