Complaints Filed with EPD, EPA Over Allegations Toxic Wastes Buried at Reed Bingham Park

According to the Moultrie Observer, a complaint has been filed over the illegal dumping of possibly toxic chemicals at Reed Bingham State Park. The complaint was filed with both federal and state environmental agencies. A park employee has reportedly given statements to the Department of Natural Resource officials that the dumping did take place. The dumping involves used motor oil and paint. It is important to note that this park has been embroiled in a myriad of hot issues recently.

An initial complaint of buried toxic wastes was filed in recent days with the federal Environmental Protection Agency. Shortly afterward, the complaint was received at the state’s Environmental Protection Division. An EPD spokesman in Atlanta said he had referred the case to the regional EPD office in Albany. Ken Shepard, of the Albany EPD office, said the complaint “will be investigated soon.”

The dumping issue is just one of several hot topics that has embroiled Reed Bingham State Park recently. The firing of park manager Chet Powell after he opposed clear cutting of timber at the state park has drawn a storm of protests from “Friends of Reed Bingham,” a volunteer group that has worked closely with Powell on significant improvements at the park. Sources told The Observer that the dumping took place before Powell was appointed.

Earlier, Becky Kelley, head of the DNR’s Parks and Recreation Division, referred to Powell and his management as “past baggage” in a letter to the editor printed recently in The Moultrie Observer. She encouraged the public to support the new management at the park. DNR has not offered specifics to the public about why Powell was fired except that it has charged he misused state funds.

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Posted in: Chet Powell,Dept. of Natural Resources,EPA,EPD,illegal dumping,Reed Bingham Park,toxic waste