Officials with the city of Dawsonville want to renew a land application permit in preparation for future growth in the Gold Creek area.

"We're just trying to keep the permit alive," said Gary Barr, who oversees the city's water and sewer operations. "It's easier to keep it than to start all over again later on."

While there are no immediate plans for development along Hwy. 136 near the former golf course, the city applied to have its Gold Creek Urban Water Reuse Land Application System reissued in August.

Renewable every five years, the current permit would allow 0.50 MGD of wastewater treated to urban reuse standards to be applied to the golf course property.

"Several years ago, when the economy was doing good and Forestar was planning a big development out at Gold Creek, there were plans for a very high-tech reuse facility at Gold Creek. It was never built," Barr said. "At some point, we're hoping the economy comes back, but right now we're just planning for the future."

Since the urban water reuse facility has not been constructed, the city does not have EPD's authorization to operate the land application system.

Anyone wishing to comment on the proposed permit can submit comments in writing to EPD within 30 days of the city's Aug. 29 public notice.

A public hearing may be held if there is significant public interest in the proposed permit.

The permit application and draft permit are available for review at 4220 International Parkway, Suite 101, Atlanta, GA 30354 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. weekdays and at Dawsonville City Hall during normal business hour