AGP Executive Report

Water Security: Hackers targeted Coweta County’s water system, trying to change passwords and take control of pumps/valves; officials say drinking water wasn’t affected and operators switched to manual after losing automated control. Cybersecurity Policy: A broader push is growing for stronger federal direction and funding as water systems across multiple states face malicious cyber activity. Wildlife & Coasts: Georgia DNR and partners freed an entangled manatee near St. Simons/Brunswick in what’s described as the state’s first documented manatee entanglement; responders attached a tracking tag after removing the trap line. Local Nature Alerts: Hancock County schools closed for a week after snake sightings near and inside a school; inspections are underway before reopening. Community Enforcement: Carroll County authorities made another arrest in a tire-dumping scheme tied to illegal hazardous waste disposal charges. Energy Transition: A solar farm plan advanced in a Georgia county, with projected local tax revenue and requirements for decommissioning and bonding. Data Centers Backlash: Georgia’s data center boom continues to spark organized resident opposition, including moratoriums and disputes over impacts like power, noise, pollution, and historic sites.

Wildlife Rescue: Georgia DNR and partners freed the state’s first documented entangled manatee near St. Simons after it was wrapped in commercial crab trap lines, with a tracking tag added before responders cut away the gear and completed the rescue. School Safety: Hancock County schools shut down for the week after multiple snake sightings, including a venomous snake inside a building, plus squirrels and raccoons; classes are set to resume Aug. 10 pending inspections. Climate & Conservation: UNESCO added the Okefenokee Swamp to the World Heritage list, highlighting its biodiversity and role as a natural carbon sink in southeast Georgia. Water Security: Federal and regional officials are investigating cyberattacks on municipal water systems, including Georgia’s Clayton County Water Authority, which reported a pressure drop and a boil-water advisory after remote-control disruption. Local Waste Reduction: Chamblee launched a curbside composting program with weekly pickup, aiming to cut landfill methane by diverting food scraps to local farms and community gardens. Community Cleanliness Messaging: New UGA research suggests positive, personal-benefit framing can boost litter cleanup volunteering in coastal regions like Georgia.

Wildlife Rescue: Georgia DNR and federal partners rescued an adult female manatee entangled in crab trap lines near St. Simons Island and Brunswick, marking the first documented manatee entanglement in the state; officials say the public should report injured or tangled manatees and not try to intervene. Home Insurance & Climate: A LendingTree analysis finds Georgia homeowners saw average home insurance costs rise 7.3% in 2025, with climate-driven disasters and rebuilding costs cited as key drivers. Local Composting: Chamblee launched a voluntary weekly curbside compost pickup via CompostNow, using a “third bin” for food scraps starting in October to cut landfill trips and costs. School Safety: Hancock County schools closed early for a campus sweep after snakes and squirrels were spotted, with an environmental assessment planned. Outdoor Learning: Georgia Project Learning Tree awarded a $1,000 mini-grant to Richmond Hill & Carver Elementary to build an outdoor education program focused on forests, wildlife, and stewardship. Data Centers Backlash: Chamblee and Leesburg are advancing or drafting rules and moratoriums as residents push for stronger environmental and quality-of-life protections.

Wildlife & Public Safety: Georgia DNR is asking outdoor folks to report wild turkey sightings through Aug. 31, including hens, lone gobblers, young poults, and even “no turkeys seen,” to track reproduction and guide management. Water Quality: Rockdale County extended a boil water advisory for parts of the north side after a water main break, with residents north of I-20 told to keep boiling until Georgia EPD confirms results. Coastal Wildlife: Georgia wildlife crews freed an entangled manatee off the coast near St. Simons Island and Brunswick after removing crab trap lines and a buoy over two days, in the state’s first documented manatee entanglement. Waste & Climate: Chamblee launched an opt-in curbside composting service starting in October, offering weekly pickup of food scraps for $19/month, with compost returned to metro Atlanta farms and gardens. Air & Health: Metro Atlanta residents also get a reminder of how fast conditions can shift—elsewhere in the U.S., wildfire smoke advisories are driving “high health risk” air alerts. Pollution Permitting: Georgia EPD posted a public notice for a modified NPDES permit for the Cartersville Water Pollution Control Plant, proposing updated limits and monitoring for expanded treated wastewater discharge to the Etowah River.

Illegal Logging Crackdown: Georgia’s Environmental Supervision Department flagged 112 illegal forest-use cases in July alone, including illegal timber extraction/transport and sawmill violations; since the start of 2026, 1,026 cases have been identified, with hundreds of cubic meters of timber seized and multiple sawmills sealed. Manatee Rescue: GDNR officers helped free a manatee off St. Simons Island after it was tightly entangled in a commercial crab pot and buoy line; responders attached a satellite tag and removed the trap before weather halted further work, with a multi-agency team completing the disentanglement. Wildlife & Hunting Updates: Georgia’s squirrel hunting season opens Aug. 15 (gray and fox squirrels; 12 per day statewide, with tighter limits on WMAs), and quota dove/deer hunts are also approaching key application deadlines. Water System Cyberattacks: Federal officials say Iran-linked hackers may be behind cyberattacks on water systems in at least a dozen states, including Georgia’s Clayton County Water Authority, which issued a boil-water advisory after a pressure drop. Local Planning & Data Centers: Bulloch County delayed a data-center prohibition zoning change for 30 days, while Lowndes County leaders discussed drafting data-center regulations to address noise, light, setbacks, and water use before projects move forward.

Water & Cybersecurity: Federal warnings say hackers are targeting internet-connected drinking-water control systems; Georgia is among states reporting incidents, including a metro Atlanta case tied to an Iran-linked water hack affecting about 300,000 homes. Local Sustainability: Chamblee is rolling out optional curbside composting starting in October, with weekly pickup via a subscription service—following Decatur’s earlier launch. Wildlife Rescue: A team freed an entangled manatee near St. Simons after a crab-trap line wrapped around the animal, marking the first documented manatee entanglement in Georgia. Outdoor & Wildlife Management: Georgia’s squirrel hunting season runs Aug. 15, 2026–Feb. 28, 2027 (gray and fox squirrels; daily bag limits apply), with quota dove and firearms deer hunts also scheduled on state wildlife areas. Climate Watch: A new roundup highlights Georgia’s hottest Augusts since 1895, underscoring how extreme heat is becoming more common. Data Centers Backlash: Atlanta residents again raised concerns about a proposed Digital Realty data center, citing noise, tree loss, and strain on utilities. Environment Tech & Industry: CDM Smith expanded its Bellevue research lab to tackle water, wastewater, PFAS, and emerging contaminants.

PFAS Accountability in Georgia: A federal judge let Summerville-area residents’ PFAS cleanup and higher water-rate lawsuit against major chemical companies move forward, rejecting summary judgment and keeping key questions about contamination and warnings in play. Pipeline Permits Fight: The Southern Environmental Law Center sued the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers over a nationwide permit it says lets oil and gas pipelines cross waterways without proper protections for waterways and rare species, including a proposed line running through Georgia’s region. Local Water & Septic Safety: Gray Septic Solutions urged Coastal Georgia homeowners to pump and inspect septic systems now—before saturated ground from storms—citing federal guidance that pump-outs during flooded conditions can worsen problems. Data Center Backlash (Statesboro): Statesboro’s planning commission recommended rezoning nearly 27 acres on Burkhalter Road for a two-story data center, with residents raising concerns about noise, water, electricity, and environmental impacts before a City Council hearing. Wildlife & Outdoor Life: Georgia’s squirrel hunting season opens Aug. 15 through Feb. 28 with a 12-squirrel daily limit (and one fox squirrel per day on WMAs/state lands), and officials highlighted it as a beginner-friendly entry point.

Coastal Resilience: New University of Georgia research digs into why Georgia’s iconic salt marsh grass (Spartina) is losing belowground roots even as the surface looks healthy—scientists are testing what’s driving the underground decline. Water & Public Health: Atlanta approved about $15.6 million to upgrade a Flint River pump station near Hartsfield-Jackson, days after environmental groups announced plans to sue over alleged Flint River pollution. Clean Water Funding: U.S. Sens. Warnock and Ossoff announced $3.3 million for rural Georgia clean-water emergency response after disasters, aimed at preventing sewer overflows and keeping drinking water safe. Wildlife & Safety: Georgia’s squirrel hunting season runs Aug. 15, 2026 through Feb. 28, 2027, with rules including a 12-per-day bag limit and a one-per-day fox squirrel limit on certain lands. Conservation Spotlight: Okefenokee’s UNESCO World Heritage status is celebrated as a major win for biodiversity and habitat protection in Georgia. Local Governance: Milton City Council unanimously transmitted its 2026 comprehensive plan update, with sustainability and rural character among stated priorities. Schools & Tech: Savannah-Chatham students push back on a new cellphone ban for K-8, arguing it was rolled out too soon despite district claims it will improve learning. Community & Environment: DeKalb health officials warn restaurants about a YouTuber impersonating a health inspector, urging businesses to verify photo ID before allowing inspections.

Extreme Heat Response: Atlanta City Council ordered city departments to build a science-based extreme heat plan after criticism of the Fourth of July heat response, including more cooling centers, targeted outreach for seniors and people without central air, and faster heat-warning delivery. Data Centers & Water: Paulding County paused new data center projects until 2027 as residents push for clearer rules; elsewhere, Georgia lawmakers and local officials are weighing how to track and limit large-volume water use. Flint River Pollution Fight: Environmental groups are threatening legal action over alleged pollution tied to the Atlanta airport, keeping pressure on regulators and city officials. Okefenokee Conservation Win: The Okefenokee Swamp clinched World Heritage status, a major boost for Georgia’s conservation profile. Public Health & Safety: DeKalb County warned about a YouTuber impersonating a health inspector at restaurants, saying it can violate state law and undermine trust in real environmental health specialists. Wildlife & Disease Watch: Multiple mosquitoes in DeKalb tested positive for West Nile Virus, adding urgency to bite-prevention guidance. Research & Community Action: A University of Georgia study suggests people may be more likely to volunteer for cleanups when messages highlight personal benefits alongside environmental gains.

Data Centers & Power Bills: Lakeland, Florida approved a one-year moratorium on new high-power data centers, citing unknown impacts on electricity, water, noise, property values, and utility customers—an issue Georgia Democrats are trying to turn into a fight over Public Service Commission control. Flint River Pollution Lawsuit: Flint Riverkeeper says Hartsfield-Jackson has repeatedly spilled jet fuel and PFAS into waterways feeding the Flint River, filing a notice of intent to sue under the Clean Water Act. Water System Cybersecurity: Georgia is named in a federal investigation into cyberattacks targeting municipal water systems, with the FBI and EPA warning utilities to strengthen defenses. Food Safety: Publix recalled GreenWise frozen organic blueberries and mixed berries in eight states, including Georgia, over possible E. coli contamination. Wildlife Conservation: The Orianne Society warns proposed oil and gas leasing in Alabama’s Conecuh National Forest could derail Eastern indigo snake recovery efforts. Public Health & Climate: A CDC-linked Atlanta-area study finds invasive fungal infections in hospitals may be far more deadly than previously thought, with about one in three patients dying.

Heat Safety: The CDC is urging Georgians to limit outdoor activity during the hottest hours, drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol and sugary/caffeinated drinks, and never leave kids or pets in parked cars as heat waves intensify with climate change. Flood Watch: Jackson and Banks counties were under a flash flood warning after heavy downpours dumped more than three inches of rain in about an hour, with dangerous driving conditions along I-85. Okefenokee Milestone: The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Georgia’s first, adding a new spotlight on protecting the swamp’s “outstanding universal value.” Reforestation Help for Storm Recovery: UGA’s Grow Back Project is building an interactive tree-selection website for Augusta-area homeowners still recovering from Hurricane Helene. Agriculture & Pests: Experts report cotton jassid monitoring remains “quiet” so far in the Lower Southeast, but early 2026 detections are being tracked closely. Wildlife Tech: Emory and Georgia Tech researchers unveiled CapuchinAI, using AI to identify individual capuchin monkeys in the wild for more precise cognition studies.

Data Centers vs. Communities: Albany, Ga. commissioners approved a 12-month moratorium on new data center development, aiming to slow growth while the city drafts rules on where projects can go and what requirements they must meet. Pollution Lawsuit Push: Flint Riverkeeper has filed a precursor to sue Hartsfield-Jackson, alleging repeated spills and discharges of jet fuel and “forever chemicals” into the Flint River that supplies drinking water for hundreds of thousands. Local Infrastructure Repairs: Milton’s City Council will consider grant-funded structural repairs to the historic McConnell-Chadwick House and a separate bridge repair analysis for Thompson Road. Wildlife & Health: Georgia residents are reminded to watch for rabies after a raccoon tested positive following an attack on a metro Atlanta resident. Outdoor Safety: Search-and-rescue at Lake Blackshear ended with the recovery of a drowning victim near Georgia Veterans State Park. Sustainability at City Hall: Dunwoody’s volunteer Sustainability Committee highlights solar installations and native-plant outreach as it advises on lowering the city’s environmental footprint.

Data Center Backlash in Georgia: Albany commissioners voted unanimously to pause new data center development for 12 months, giving officials time to draft rules on where projects can go and what requirements they must meet after resident concerns. Water Pollution Lawsuit: Flint Riverkeeper has filed the first step toward suing Hartsfield-Jackson, alleging repeated spills of jet fuel and “forever chemicals” into the Flint River that supplies drinking water for about 400,000 metro Atlantans. Local Food Access: Winterville’s Marigold Collective market is expanding access to fresh produce in a USDA-classified food desert, accepting EBT and redistributing leftover food to residents who can’t afford groceries. Wildlife & Health: A CDC-linked University of Georgia study finds everyday stress can leave measurable fingerprints in the gut microbiome, adding to the growing gut-brain health conversation. Invasive Species Watch: Colorado officials warn Asian jumping worms have been detected along the Front Range, threatening soil health and plant growth.

Invasive Species Watch: Asian jumping worms have been found along Colorado’s Front Range, with officials warning they can strip nutrients from topsoil and weaken gardens and natural areas. Local Food Access: In Winterville, the Marigold Collective’s Saturday market is helping address Athens-Clarke County’s food-desert status by accepting EBT and redistributing leftover produce. EV Infrastructure in Metro Atlanta: Bojangles opened a “charge-and-dine” EV charging hub in Fairburn, adding Level 2 and Level 3 chargers through a local partnership. Public Health Alert: A raccoon that bit a person in the Sandy Springs/Dunwoody area tested positive for rabies, prompting warnings for pet owners and anyone exposed to seek medical help. Georgia Rankings: U.S. News placed Georgia at No. 22 overall in its 2026 best-states list, with strengths in fiscal stability and natural environment. Flint River Pollution Fight: Environmental groups renewed threats to sue Atlanta over alleged Flint River pollution tied to Hartsfield-Jackson. Data Center Pressure in Effingham: Residents raised concerns about OpenAI’s proposed Effingham County data center, including environmental impact, traffic, and tax abatements during a public meeting.

Data Centers & Water Use: Columbia County approved a major Google data center plan—8 million square feet—after community input, with officials saying it will recycle water to cool operations, while nearby residents raised alarms about health, property values, and quality of life. Public Health: A raccoon that bit a person in the Sandy Springs/Dunwoody area tested positive for rabies; Fulton County urged pet owners to keep vaccinations current and anyone exposed to seek medical help and contact the county health board. School Safety & Distraction: Marion County Schools is going further than state requirements by banning cell phones and personal devices district-wide, using secure pouches and grade-level turn-in rules. Wildlife & Disease Risk: Georgia’s rabies alert follows broader concerns about wildlife contact—health officials emphasized calling for removal of strange-acting animals. Policy & Enforcement: The U.S. Justice Department expanded fraud-fighting partnerships with Georgia and other states to improve data sharing and coordinate investigations across Medicaid, SNAP, housing assistance, and other programs. Environment & Community: Georgia’s Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List, spotlighting conservation of one of the state’s most iconic ecosystems.

PFAS Lawsuit: A federal judge ruled Georgia residents can pursue PFAS “forever chemicals” remediation cost claims, keeping major companies in a Summerville-area water contamination case in play. Airport Pollution: Flint Riverkeeper and the Southern Environmental Law Center say Hartsfield-Jackson has repeatedly polluted waterways and plan Clean Water Act and solid-waste lawsuits. Water Contamination Claims: Advocates also allege the airport discharged tens of thousands of gallons of pollutants, escalating pressure on Atlanta’s stormwater and spill controls. Food Safety: Publix expanded a frozen blueberry recall in multiple states, including Georgia, after E. coli illnesses and hospitalizations. Wildlife & Habitat: Georgia’s Okefenokee Swamp was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List, spotlighting conservation momentum. Outdoor/Ag Fuel: LanzaJet advanced sustainable aviation fuel via a rail transload operation in Evans County, linking local infrastructure to SAF growth. Community Health: Healthy Savannah and the Coastal Health District host a free breastfeeding awareness event in Savannah for World Breastfeeding Week. Data Centers & Water/Energy: A DOJ-linked national fraud push and separate national debate over AI data centers’ impacts on local water and power continue to ripple into Georgia policy conversations.