State Senator Jim Whitehead has been appointed to the Senate Septage Disposal Study Committee. The appointment was made by the Senate Committee on Assignments, which is made up of President Pro Tempore Eric Johnson, Senate Majority Leader Tommie Williams, and Lt. Gov. Mark Taylor.

"When adequately managed, septic systems in Georgia are a viable and long-term solution for meeting public health and water quality goals, particularly in less densely populated areas of our state. Proper disposal of the septage is important to preserve the state's creeks and rivers and to public health." Johnson said concerning his naming of Whitehead to the committee.

"The Senate Septage Disposal Study Committee will take an indepth look at the issues surrounding septage disposal in the state and make recommendations concerning the more than 2 million active individual on-site waste-water treatment systems or septic tanks in Georgia.

The Septage Disposal Study Committee, chaired by Sen. Bulloch, will be composed of Sen. Ross Tolleson, Whitehead, and Sen. Johnny Grant. The committee will make a report of its findings and recommendations, with suggestions for proposed legislation, if any, by December 31, 2006.

Whitehead represents the 24th Senate District which includes Columbia, Glascock, Lincoln, McDuffie and Wilkes counties and portions of Elbert and Warren counties. He can be reached at 404.656.5114 or via e-mail at jim.whitehead@ senate.ga.gov.