Georgia EPD considers toughened regulations on chemical discharges into Savannah River

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division is reviewing a proposal to limit chemical discharges into the Savannah River from industries and cities.

Dissolved oxygen breaks down chemical pollutants in the Savannah River.

The pollutants come from 64 industrial and municipal wastewater treatment sites and their levels are so high, they're using up the oxygen.

That, in turn, means more chemicals in the water. And that can kill fish.

The EPD is holding public hearings on their proposal in Augusta on Thursday, Savannah on Friday and Atlanta on Monday.

"These discharges are too high, so we're going to have to look at a way to re-parcel the pie," says Jeff Larson, of the EPD.

The depletion of dissolved oxygen is threatening striped bass and the endangered sturgeon in the Savannah Harbor.