Coalition stops petitions against Hyundai wells in Bulloch County

BULLOCH COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - A year long fight against Hyundai water wells in Bulloch County is stopping after a non-profit group says they are stopping their petitions against the wells. 

WTOC was out in Bulloch County talking to group leaders about this decision. 

The persistent fight against the Hyundai wells has been put on hold by a local nonprofit organization who has gained attention across the region over the past year- called the Bulloch Action Coalition.

Over the past year, Bulloch County residents have grown used to seeing bright yellow petition signs and billboards around the county.

A constant reminder of the fight against Hyundai water wells moving into the county. 

“We drew up language for a referendum and we hit the ground running,” said Co-Founder of B.A.C, Lawton Sack.

Bulloch County Commissioners approved the wells in 2024.

The Bulloch Action Coalition, led by Sack, hit the ground running with petitions.

SEE: Bulloch County residents petition for referendum on Hyundai Wells

They collected thousands of signatures from locals hoping to eventually turn into a referendum. 

Sack tells us the BAC was close to collecting almost double the signatures they needed to turn into a probate judge for consideration. 

“Last thing we wanted to do is miss it by one or two signatures so the support from the community was wonderful,” said Sack.

However, Sack tells WTOC that they are officially stopping the collection of signatures. 

This decision was made after the state approved around $502 million to provide surface water resources to meet the needs of the Hyundai wells. 

Governor Kemp endorsed this plan and signed the approval in March. 

Sack said they see this as a victory and not defeat. 

SEE: The Hyundai wells are coming online soon

“We are thankful that the leaders of the state heard our voices. This petition we were hoping for was going to get more attention locally from our local elected officials, but we are just glad that somebody was listening to us. Part of this whole process was just educating people as we did these petitions,” said Sack.

Sack also said that another reason for stopping the petitions was the costs that lay ahead for the movement. 

“It would’ve been a long, drawn-out process. There would’ve been legal battles from our county commissioners here that we estimate that at the minimum would have cost about $300,000. It would have cost a lot more in tax money locally,” said Sack.

Although there will no longer be an active referendum against the wells, Sack says they will still be active when it comes to monitoring the progress of the surface water program from the state.