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Roadblock in Summerville’s Plan to Drill Water Wells

April 27th, 2020 – 10:45 AM

WZQZ Radio –

(via WZQZ Radio) The plan was to drill a couple of wells and infuse the water coming from Raccoon Creek to lower the amount of contaminants in the City of Summerville’s water system.  The problem is, the city has not been able to reach an agreement on purchasing the property where the proposed wells would be drilled.

The city hired a geologist to come up with possible well sites withing a reasonable distance from the water treatment plant on Filter Plant Road.  The geologist came up with a site on Highway 48 near Filter Plant Road.  The problem is, the property owner wants $10,000 for each acre of land that is “disturbed” during the drilling of the wells.

The land is owned by Hancock Timberland VIII.  The company owns around 2,600 acres in Chattooga County.

According to Hancock Timber Resource Group, the parent company of Hancock Timberland VIII, “Hancock Timber Resource Group (HTRG) is a fully integrated investment manager with global timberland management capabilities. We build diversified timberland portfolios for private equity investors including pension funds, insurance companies, taxable corporations, foundations, endowments and family offices.”

City officials say that just drill two test wells, the cost could mount to over $100,000.

The city’s attorney is negotiating with the timber company to try to get a better deal.