ATLANTA, Georgia (Atlanta News First) – The Georgia Department of Environmental Protection may soon decide whether Alabama-based Twin Pines can mine near the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge.

What happens next could result in lawsuits.

Documents submitted to the Twin Pines Environmental Protection Agency show the company plans to drain water from the pit to keep it dry, with 1 million gallons of water evaporating daily.

Michael Lusk of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said federal water rights could be invoked.

“All I can tell you is that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is currently evaluating all options, including asserting federal water rights,” Lusk said.

The federal government could assert federal water rights under the Clean Water Act.

After years of sifting through the permitting process, most environmentalists will tell you that it’s not a question of if the mine will get its permits, but when.

Charlton County Commissioner Drew Jones said the company pays taxes on the land before it makes a dollar, and mining accounts for 10% of the county’s tax revenue.

“I support any legal use of the property that is safe according to the EPD, which may include the mine. We need a catalyst, a stepping stone to longer library hours, better sidewalks, the hospital and all the services that will improve the quality of life for our citizens,” Jones said.

Kim Bednarek, executive director of Okefenokee Swamp Park and Adventures, said any company that takes water from the swamp and the protected area must be able to prove that it does not harm the ecosystem.

“Right now, I’m not sure we have that in the companies that want to do business here in Okefenokee. We want companies that really value what we value,” Bednarek said.

All rights reserved.