Long County ATV park proposal draws environmental concerns from neighbors

LONG COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) — A proposed ATV park in Long County is facing opposition from environmental groups and neighbors who say the location could cause environmental damage and safety concerns.

Maggie Van Cantfort of the Altamaha Coastkeeper said the proposed location raises concerns about wetland protection.

“Jones Creek runs through the property, then you have residential property, waste water facility, cemetery and school zone,” Van Cantfort said.

Van Cantfort said her organization wants to know if other locations in the county have been considered.

“We would also like to know if there is conversation about them looking at anywhere else around the county that is high and dry land,” she said.

Tuesday the Long County Commission heard once again from the owners of the planned park during their work session

Environmental impact concerns

Van Cantfort said the property contains significant water features that could be damaged by off-road vehicle activity.

“There is a lot of water in the property, and while it might be fun to ride off road vehicles in wet places, it’s very damaging to wetlands and would increase erosion, damage habitat and impair water quality,” she said.

Neighbors surrounding the property share similar concerns about increased activity in an area already prone to flooding. The Hendrix’s, who own property beside the proposed park, provided photos showing flooding on the same road during wet seasons.

Safety and location concerns

Some community members have raised safety concerns about the park’s proximity to a school.

“See if there is somewhere else it could go,” said Jerry Young, a community member.

Developer’s response

Emimax MotorPark LLC said they have made accommodations to address environmental and safety concerns. The company said they have reworked some trails to avoid environmental impacts and widened the buffer between the school and the closest trail.

The company said they have spoken with the Environmental Protection Division and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to work with local environmental departments for permits and impact assessments.

Greg Daw of Emimax MotorPark LLC presented the idea to the county commission earlier this month. No vote has been taken on the proposal

The company is hosting a community question and answer session at the Long County Library on December 29 at 5 p.m.