Columbia County has been named Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission’s (GSWCC) Local Issuing Authority (LIA) of the year.

For the first time, the Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission gave a Local Issuing Authority of the Year award. The responsibilities of a LIA include land disturbance permitting, determining the presence of state waters and abiding by those buffers, conducting erosion and sediment control (E&SC) inspections, issuing and resolving E&SC violations, responding to land disturbance related complaints, and upholding the state model ordinance for Soil Erosion, Sedimentation, and Pollution Control. LIA staff are also required to meet the state’s education and certification requirements and submit information on all of these activities in reports.

These extensive responsibilities are handled by the Environmental Services department within the county. Together this team forms a cohesive, dynamic force that makes great strides to limit environmental impact, promote sustainable growth practices, and conserve the community we are so fortunate to live in.