Local 3 News is learning more about reports of bald eagles and their nests in Murray County that could be impacted by a proposed natural gas facility.
It was an announcement made by Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia during a public hearing about the proposal that sparked more concern. Hundreds of people attended the hearing Thursday night, and many spoke out against Vanguard Renewable’s proposal.
Bald eagles are a federally protected species in the United States, according to the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act enacted in 1940. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act also protects them from danger or disturbances.
Roland Clary has lived in his home off Berry Bennett Road, outside of Chatsworth, for more than 30 years. He told Local 3 News he has seen two bald eagles in the area.
“Yes, I have seen them. There’s actually two bald eagles. They’ve been flying around. People have noticed them… I keep a lookout on everything,” said Clary.
The 15-acre site Vanguard Renewable’s hopes to use for their natural gas plant is on Berry Bennett Road. The facility would process animal waste, manure, and food waste hauled in from Atlanta and other regions to produce renewable natural gas. The Massachusetts-based company said the proposed plant would power more than 5,300 homes a year. It would also produce fertilizer.
Local 3 News reached out to Georgia’s Department of Natural Resources. Here is their response:
“DNR has not documented a bald eagle nest at the site mentioned. Per our annual bald eagle nest surveys, we’re aware of only two nests in Murray County, one on Carters Lake and one near the Tennessee line. A general review of the area mentioned shows that it does not have what is considered good nesting habitat for bald eagles. In north Georgia in particular, eagles usually nest near significant water resources. However, bald eagles do forage in areas like this – containing small ponds, etc. – so they certainly could be seen there. Also, not all nests in the state are documented and thus not all are included in our surveys.”
Local 3 News has also reached out to a wildlife officer in that region for more information about reports of a nest being found. We are waiting to hear back.
Following the announcement of those reports, Vanguard Renewables said they have not been notified:
“We have not heard anything from the agency, and no outreach has been made to the landowner to survey the land as was suggested.”
The Georgia Environmental Protection Division has the final say if Vanguard Renewable’s proposal will be accepted or not.