Wilbros Hearing Date Set

In Stephens County, the next hearing date has been set in the ongoing battle between a biofuel and composting company and the State Environmental Protection Division.

Stephens County Attorney Brian Ranck said on April 2nd, a Fulton County Superior Court judge will hear the appeal of Wilbros LLC regarding a decision by a state administrative law judge to close the company’s doors permanently.

Last month, Judge Ronit Walker ruled to uphold an administrative order from the EPD which revoked Wilbros’ solid waste and waste water discharge permits.

EPD officials first issued that administrative order in January 2014.

Wilbros has been at the center of controversy and law suits from citizens of the County and the City of Toccoa to close its doors because of noxious odors coming from the plant.

Ranck said a Fulton County Superior Court judge has granted Wilbros just enough of a stay to allow the Rose Lane facility to continue to take Coats & Clark wastewater and wastewater from the office bathrooms at Wilbros and just enough influent to keep bacteria in Wilbros’ wastewater ponds alive while Fulton County Superior Court hears Wilbros’ appeal.

In return, Ranck said Wilbros is not allowed to accept any new waste for its compost operation while the appeal is being heard and is only allowed continue to turn the piles and do work as long as needed to actually produce the compost for what is out there now.

According to Ranck, Fulton County Superior Court has 30 days to rule on the appeal after hearing the case.