By Stephanie Johns
Staff Writer

The possibility of adding a new well to Buckhead came up for discussion during the last meeting of the Buckhead City Council.
City Clerk Cheryl Saffold said that the well they have now is good but old.
“We need a backup plan,” she said. “If we dig a new well today we’re still two years out to use it.”
Buckhead Water Superintendent Tim Saye said that the Environmental Protection Division (EPD) has to approve every step of the process.
“We have to meet EPD specifications,” he said. “That’s why it takes so long.”
EPD State Geologist Jim Kennedy, PhD, PG, said that there is no two-year rule but pointed out that finding the right location for a well, drilling it, testing it and getting it permitted takes time.
“If information the EPD is requesting is provided, we usually get (permits) out very, very quickly,” he said.
Saffold said no votes were taken on this issue.
As to their next two meetings, Saffold said that due to scheduling conflicts they will meet at 7 p.m. March 11 and at 7 p.m. April 22.

Printed in the February 21, 2013 edition