Violations of the Georgia Forestry Commission's revised edition of the Best Management Practices manual can result in legal prosecution and fines ranging from $25,000 to $125,000 per day.

Designed to protect and improve the state's water quality through responsible forestry practices, the BMP manual recently underwent its first revision process since the original was developed in 1981.

Frank Green, GFC environmental staff forester who coordinated revision of the newly released 64-page manual, said there is a need for clarification on possible penalties if land owners fail to follow certain practices.

The “streamside management zone” revisions are one of the biggest changes land owners may be required to comply with. The BMP's apply mostly to smaller streams and creeks, rivers. Under the state's Comprehensive Growth Planning Act, in these areas it's the final result of the activity that has to be considered. Case in point; Green said that although BMP's are “technically voluntary,” any violations that raise water temperatures more than five degrees Fahrenheit can be prosecuted under the Environmental Protection Division guidelines, and in some cases, violations could be prosecuted on both state and federal levels.

The Georgia Water Quality Control Act makes it unlawful to discharge excessive sediment, nutrients, pesticides, etc. into these waters in amounts harmful to public safety, or welfare to animals, birds, aquatic life, or destructive to stream habitats. Federal laws also become applicable when constructing logging roads and skid trails through state waters, including wetlands.

The Georgia Comprehensive Growth Planning Act designated sensitive areas such as major river corridors, mountain tops and water supply watersheds/reservoirs and provided for local municipalities and counties to adopt such areas for protection from development. Criteria specifically state that forestry activities should be consistent with BMPs when conducted in these areas.

For information or assistance, or for a copy of the new BMP Guidelines, phone 770-254-7218.