On December 31st, 2011, a 12-inch kaolin pipeline ruptured near Wrens, GA at Reedy Creek and Highway 17. The transfer pipe belonged to KaMin LLC, a Wrens-based kaolin plant. After surveying the impact for over 7 days, The Savannah Riverkeeper estimates that over 678 tons of kaolin and surfactin slurry made its way into Reedy Creek. The kaolin spill affected approximately 30 miles of waterway and heavily impacted approximately 18 miles. At this time, there have been no reports of any impacts on fish or other wildlife.
The Reedy Creek Kaolin Spill marked a new direction in communication for the Savannah Riverkeeper, as Tonya provided daily YouTube updates to keep the general public informed of all developments.
The Savannah Riverkeeper continues its efforts to pressure the Georgia EPD to ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable.
March 2012:
On March 23rd, another Kaolin Spill occurred on Reedy Creek- the 3rd spill in 6 months. The spill was traced to a broken valve of the Thiele Kaolin facility in Sanderville, GA.