One Year Working to Keep the Flint River Clean!
ONE.YEAR.AGO.
One year ago, many of us had never heard of ADEM. Wastewater was not a term we discussed at dinner and we certainly did not think we would be involved in a legal battle over the location of a sewage plant.
One year ago, many of us did not know each other. We never attended an ADEM public forum, Madison County Commission meetings or stood in front of news cameras to share our love and shared use of the Flint River.
In the last year, we have made acquaintances into friends, neighbors into environmental conservationists, and founded a community across North Alabama committed to the health, ecology and recreational use of the Flint River. A neighbor recently said “I never knew I would make so many new friends over a poop plant.”
As you drive around our community this summer, take notice of all of the kayaks strapped to the back of pickups and hanging out of SUVs. When people come to float the Flint, they are supporting much more than just the local kayak businesses. They are grabbing donuts at Kay’s, lunch at Jefferson’s and running into stores for forgotten sunblock. Our community is united by the river that runs through it and it is up to us to protect it.
One Year Update:
LEGAL ACTION:
June 3, 2026: Lawyers from both sides went before a judge in the first of what we believe will be many hearings to prevent the building of a sewage plant off of Winchester Road in New Market that would discharge directly into the Flint River. The presiding judge denied the other side’s motion to dismiss and scheduled the next hearing to take place in August. We are pleased with the outcome of this first hearing and our legal team, Long and King, LLC, will continue to work diligently to pursue permanent injunctive relief, which would prevent the building of a sewage plant on this site.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT/SOCIAL MEDIA:
2,880 neighbors have signed our pledge, over 1,220 Facebook followers, and are still growing. Individuals and local businesses are donating to fund our legal fees. We have a team of Alabama Water Watch trained water testers. We are meeting and networking with other environmental organizations in the Greater Huntsville area to share resources and strategies. We have partnered with our local kayak businesses to spread awareness.
LEGISLATIVE ACTION:
We are communicating with our local and state level officials on legislation and zoning. Madison County is one of the fastest growing counties in Alabama and we need thoughtful, sustainable planning and zoning restrictions to protect the Flint River, respect existing residents, and ensure the same or better quality of life for our future neighbors. We will continue to work with the County Commission and our state delegation to re-introduce our “Clean Rivers Bill” for the upcoming 2027 legislative session, and we will continue to attend and speak at public meetings to express our concerns to our elected officials.
We have come so far in one year and will continue to work to Keep the Flint River Clean!
Thank you!
The April 24-26 Keep the Flint River Clean Community Benefit Sale was a HUGE success! We surpassed our fundraising goals due to the generous support of our community. Legal battles can be long and expensive but our community is united and will not give up!
Every dollar raised will go to support the legal fund and resources to stop the building of this sewage plant and preserve our community’s enjoyment of the Flint River!
Thank you to all who participated in making the sale a success; from ordering t-shirts and hats, donating items to sell, purchasing items, sorting and pricing, dropping off hangers and tarps, and working the long days in the sun. (Prayers were answered and the rain stayed away!)
Thank you to our North Alabama community that have pledged to Keep the Flint River Clean, over 2,550 signatures and growing!
Thank you to The Tiny Jerk Spot Food Truck, A New Leash on Life Pet Adoptions, all the youth helpers, and our neighborhood bakers that made the weekend such a success!
Thank you to Brown Bear, NACK and TGL Adventures for donating float trips for the silent auction!
Unsold items were donated to Blessed Bargains2817 HWY 72 and will continue to benefit our community!
there’s more that you can do to help!
Thank you again for signing the Keep the Flint River Clean pledge—and for helping make the ADEM Community Meeting in October such a strong showing of public support.
Because of that momentum and continuing work, we have next steps:
1) Call or Email the Madison County Commissioners (this week, if possible)
A proposed bill is currently with the Madison County Commission for APPROVAL before it can be sent to the State for voting. We’re asking supporters to contact the Madison County Commissioners and urge them to support moving this bill forward.
What to say (short and simple):
Hello, my name is _________ and I live in/near Madison County. I’m calling/emailing to ask Commissioner ___________ to support the proposed Madison County Clean Rivers Bill to protect the Flint River and to vote to advance it for State consideration. Clean water matters to our families, our health, and our community. Thank you for your time.
2) Attend/Speak at the Next Madison County Commission Meeting
Just showing up matters! A strong turnout sends a powerful message that residents are paying attention and expect action to protect the Flint River.
Meeting details:
—Date/Time: Wednesday, December 17th at 10am (9:45 am to sign up to speak)
—Location: 100 North Side Square, Huntsville, AL
(If you have a Keep The Flint River Clean t-shirt, be sure and wear it to show support!)
Commissioner Contact Information
Below is the full list of Madison County Commissioners and how to reach them via phone and email:
Chairman Ronald “Rex” Vaughn, II | 256-532-330 | rvaughn@madisoncountyal.gov
Tom Brandon | 256-746-2901 | tbrandon@madisoncountyal.gov
Steve Haraway | 256-746-2902 | sharaway@madisoncountyal.gov
Craig Hill | 256-746-2903 | chill@madisoncountyal.gov
Phil Vandiver | 256-746-2904 | pvandiver@madisoncountyal.gov
Phil Riddick | 256-746-2906 | priddick@madisoncountyal.gov
Violet Edwards | 256-519-2040 | dist6@madisoncountyal.gov
If you make a call or send an email, comment below and let us know—just a quick “done” helps us track outreach.
community meeting with adem
The Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) has called a Community Meeting on October 14th at 6:00pm at the Buckhorn High School cafeteria.
So, what does this mean exactly?
Due to the influx of calls and emails to both ADEM and the Madison County Commission, this public meeting has been granted. This is our community’s opportunity to speak and voice concerns with the state organization that will has approval authority for the proposed permit and has oversight of the monitoring and reporting of the proposed facility.
We know that a majority of the community is in opposition of this development, as evident by the large number of locals that have signed the community pledge/petition. But now is the chance to show the large numbers in person!
Come to the meeting in your Keep the Flint River Clean t-shirt
Educate yourself on the details of the permit and statements that have been made in assurance of the quality of this facility and the water it proposes to pour into the Flint River
Bring your kids with you! This affects people of all ages!
Make signs or plan to hold up one of ours! We have plenty made!
Be prepared to listen to what will hopefully be productive dialog between the community and ADEM.
Additional details about the meeting will be shared here as they become available.
Please come and show your support! See you there!
stand up and be heard:
Come Support the flint river at the County Commission Meeting
Wednesday, September 24th | 10:00 - 11:00 am
Madison County Courthouse | 100 Northside Square, Huntsville, AL 35801
Friends, neighbors, and all who care about the future of Madison County:
The Madison County Commission will be discussing the wastewater project at next Wednesday’s meeting. This is a critical moment for our community — these discussions will impact public health, property values, water quality, and our environment for many years to come.
We need your presence in the room. Showing up isn’t just symbolic — when the Commission sees that citizens are paying attention and care deeply, it can make a difference.
Why It Matters
Public health & safety — Wastewater projects touch us all. Proper management and infrastructure are essential to avoid contamination, disease, and damage to our waterways.
Financial impact — Whether through rates, taxes, or potential penalties from failing systems, poor wastewater planning can cost everyone more.
Quality of life — Clean water, reliable service, and protection of our environment ensure our county is a place we’re all proud to call home.
Accountability — Decision-makers need to know that their constituents expect transparency, responsibility, and long-term thinking.
What You Can Do
Attend the meeting next Wednesday. Be there in person if you can. Bring friends, neighbors, anyone who cares.
Hold signs or wear something visible if you like — nothing fancy, just a visible show of solidarity helps.
Share this message — on social media, by word of mouth, in local groups. The more people who show up, the louder our voice.
Details
When: Wednesday, September 24th
Where: Madison County Courthouse | 100 Northside Square, Huntsville, AL 35801 | 3rd Floor
Time: 10:00-11:00am
Notes: Be sure to arrive early to allow time for parking and security measures to enter the building.
Let’s make a strong showing. Let’s remind the Commission that this isn’t just an item on the agenda — it’s our lives, our environment, and our future.
Will you join us? Share & spread the word. See you there.
Sign up for public notice
Sign up for Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) public notice to be notified of upcoming public hearings that will address our concerns about the site for this waste management project.
Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) Industrial/Municipal Branch Chief Scott Ramsey, PE has informed us that the large number of comments received during the Public Notice Period (June 18 - July 18, 2025) caused the Department to hold a public hearing. The date and time have not been finalized. The Department will post a notice on their website: https://adem.alabama.gov/public-notices . The extended public comment period and the notice of the hearing will be posted to the above website.
We encourage you to take the following action:
1. Sign up for the public notice through the ADEM website: https://adem.alabama.gov/public-notices
2. Continue to contact ADEM through: waste-permits@adem.alabama.gov
BE SURE TO REFERENCE THE PERMIT NUMBER EVERY TIME | AL0084447