The Army Corps of Engineers reasserted jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act over a mining project on the edge of the wildlife refuge containing the freshwater swamp. A federal court overturned a Trump regime rule change limiting the types of waterways covered under the Clean Water Act. A Corps memo issued on Friday said the agency was reversing its position on regulating the Twin Pine project and that new applications would have to be made. The project will require the consultation of the Muskogee Creek Nation before moving forward.
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| along the Red Tail water trail, credit: AP |
Conservationists are concerned that the project will disturb the swamp rim that holds freshwater in a a shallow basin covering over 438,000 acres. Located in southeast Georgia it is home to numerous protected species and draws many visitors to experience the primal nature of the place. Senator John Ossoff (D Ga.) advocated for the protection of what he called, "one of Georgia's most precious lands". Du Pont proposed mining in the area two decades ago, but retreated after severe opposition to its project arose. Twin Pines wants to mine a fraction of the same acreage. In a statement to the press, the mining company said it was willing to comply with regulations affecting the land. The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is the largest east of the Mississippi River.