Protect Georgia’s Okefenokee Swamp

Inscribed on a wooden bench in the Okefenokee swamp are the words “The earth has music for those who listen.” At a time when we are losing many of the magical sounds of nature, one of the things that makes the Okefenokee such a special, magical place are its auditory wonders: echoing barred owls and sandhill cranes, explosive pig frogs, chirping crickets and drumming woodpeckers.

Last year, the Okefenokee turned 50. President Richard Nixon designated a National Natural Landmark which later became a National Wildlife Refuge–the largest east of the Mississippi. Visitors can boat, hike, camp, and catch a glimpse of the thousands of animals who call the refuge home. According to the International Dark Sky Association (IDA), the Okefenokee is home to the most brilliant view of stars in the South. 

All this is being put at risk by a proposed titanium dioxide mine less than 3 miles from the Okefenokee. The proposed mine would dig 50-foot-deep pits into Trail Ridge, the ridge that serves as the eastern boundary of the Okefenokee 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The mine would deliver noise, light and toxic pollution to one of the most pristine parts of Georgia. 

Scientists have also raised concerns that dewatered mining pits, water withdrawals and altered hydrology on Trail Ridge could all combine to lower water levels in the swamp, destroying habitat and increasing the risk of uncontrollable wildfires.

In 2017, the 152,515-acre West Mims Fire cost taxpayers an estimated $45.5 million to suppress. Changes to the water table could also degrade carbon-rich peat soils, in turn reducing the capacity of the swamp to capture carbon, a process which helps to control planet-warming greenhouse gasses and climate change. 

Over the course of several decades and multiple phases of mining, the mining company hopes to eventually mine roughly 8,000-acres along the edge of the swamp.

The primary mineral being mined is titanium dioxide which has been banned in food and drink in Europe due to health concerns. It has also been classified as an occupational carcinogen by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, posing a potential risk for workers involved in mining operations as well as those who live or work near the mine.

Titanium dioxide is mostly used as a whitener in products such as milk, paint, coffee creamer, salad dressing and cookies. Are we prepared to put at risk an ancient place of outstanding and rare natural beauty so that we can make our candy and salad dressing whiter? As former interior-secretary Bruce Babbit put it in 1997,  “Titanium is a common mineral, while the Okefenokee is a very uncommon swamp.”

It’s not surprising that according to a recent poll, nine out of ten Georgia voters are opposed to the mine. Notably, the poll showed strong opposition to the mine across party lines, with 90% of Democrats, 81% of Republicans, and 73% of Independents opposed. 

The company working to build the mine, Twin Pines Minerals LLC, claims that the mine will pose no significant threat to the Okefenokee, but a detailed National Park Service assessment highlighted nine “critical shortcomings” in the model used by the company to determine the threat level.

Governor Brian Kemp has the power to protect the swamp. His Environmental Protection Division (EPD) is currently considering proposed permits. He should direct the Georgia EPD to deny permits to the proposed mine and pursue efforts to expand the Okefenokee. Join us in urging the Governor to champion the amazing Okefenokee and ensure this amazing place is protected for future generations.