Problems at the Flat Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant in Peachtree City have been corrected after being cited as deficiencies by the Environmental Protection Division.

Water and Sewer Authority manager Larry Turner says he is reporting to EPD that "the deficiencies have been resolved," including old 55-gallon drums left on the property by the previous owner/operators, Georgia Utilities Co. EPD had asked that two barrels found to contain liquid be tested, and that has been done, Turner said.

No hazardous material was found in the tests, he added. One barrel contained only water and the other waste motor oil, Turner said. About 12-13 other empty barrels on the property have been hauled away and properly disposed of, he said, along with mercury-vapor lamps, aerosol cans, machine parts and other junk material left on the site.

Turner also said that accidental dumping of soil into an adjacent wetlands area has been corrected and the earth removed. Seed and straw have been placed to stabilize the area where dirt was removed, he added.

The EPD inspection and subsequent citings came about as a result of visits to Flat Creek and other sites by Dennis Chase, a member of the Southern Conservation Trust and a fisheries biologist. Turner says that WASA is now in ongoing discussions with the trust to help foster a cooperative atmosphere.

"I made a decision 30 years ago that I was concerned about water quality and the environment, when I decided to go into this profession," Turner said. "I think we can accomplish more by working together and having open communications."