Georgia halts McLemore Resort expansion over wastewater violations
(UI) — Georgia environmental regulators have suspended approvals for new construction at McLemore Resort in Rising Fawn following repeated wastewater permit violations and two sewage spills, according to a report by Discover Dade.
The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) has also proposed a $111,875 civil penalty against the resort over alleged violations tied to its wastewater treatment system.
As reported by Discover Dade, state records show the McLemore Water Reclamation Facility experienced two lift station failures that released untreated wastewater into Mill Creek. The first spill occurred in October 2025 and discharged about 60,000 gallons of sewage, followed by a second release of approximately 9,300 gallons in January 2026.
State records also indicate the facility has accumulated 112 wastewater permit violations since McLemore assumed ownership of the system in 2022. The reported violations include exceedances for E. coli, turbidity, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and total suspended solids.
According to the report, the Georgia EPD has suspended approvals for additional development at the resort until the wastewater system can demonstrate reliable performance and compliance with state permit requirements. The construction freeze affects planned expansion projects, including additional hotel facilities, golf amenities, swimming pools and event space.
The proposed penalty could be reduced or eliminated if the resort's spending on corrective actions and wastewater system improvements meets or exceeds the assessed amount.
In a statement cited by the report, McLemore officials said the resort would never intentionally allow untreated wastewater to be discharged and noted that water quality monitoring continued after the incidents. The company also said it inherited an aging wastewater treatment system in 2022 and has since invested in upgrades while designing a long-term expansion to increase treatment capacity.
Resort officials said the expansion project has received the necessary regulatory approvals and will proceed once financing is secured, adding that they remain committed to improving the system and working with state regulators to achieve long-term compliance.
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