Appeal denied: Agri-Cycle to remain closed

“Today’s ruling by the Georgia Supreme Court is a significant step forward in the state’s efforts to protect the community as well as the valuable watershed surrounding the Agri-Cycle facility in North Georgia,” said attorney general Thurbert Baker. “My office has made protecting our state’s natural resources a priority; this litigation is just one part of that overall effort.”

In the ruling, the Supreme Court wrote: “There was adequate proof that Agri-Cycle violated the act. Thus, the trial court did not err in granting an injunction.

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division documented numerous alleged violations of the permit during several inspections. After a fire was reported at the holding pond, the EPD asked the Superior Court to shout down the plant. In October, 2007, Motes issued a temporary restraining order to stop any operations at the business.

For more information on this issue, see this week's Jackson Herald.