Georgia Environmental Protection Division

03/31/2026

03/03/2026

This Women’s History Month, we celebrate the trailblazing scientists of Georgia Environmental Protection Division whose expertise and commitment shaped our laboratory’s history.

Their work laid the foundation for the strong, innovative team we have today. Here’s to the women who came before us—and to those continuing their legacy! ❤️

02/26/2026

EPD Represents at the State Capitol! 🏛️

Last week on Feb. 18th, Director Jeff Cown and Deputy Director Anita Truszcynski spoke to leadership from Bulloch County during a legislative meeting at the state capitol to discuss EPD’s impact on the county, including ongoing environmental issues, grant opportunities, and ongoing projects.

At EPD, it’s our job to take every step necessary to ensure the preservation of our environment and in turn, serve those who live within it!

02/13/2026

Take a look at how drought conditions have evolved across the state this week.

02/02/2026

February 1-7 is Prescribed Fire Awareness Week, sponsored by the Georgia Forestry Commission. Prescribed fire is one of 13 types of allowed open-burn activities (https://epd.georgia.gov/burn-types) in the state.

Prescribed burning serves many useful purposes including the maintenance and protection of commercial timber stands, land clearing for agriculture, the reduction of vegetative fuels for wildfire prevention, and the management of fire dependent ecosystems. The Georgia Environmental Protection Division works in partnership with the Georgia Wildlife Resources Division and the Georgia Forestry Commission to minimize the impact of wildfires and prescribed fire events on air quality.

Learn more about current air quality conditions, wildfires, prescribed burning, and protective measures individuals can take to reduce smoke exposure by visiting the following websites:
• Georgia Forestry Commission’s Interactive Burn Permit Map (https://georgiafc.firesponse.com/public/)
o At the top of the page, click “WILDFIRES” for wildfires in Georgia or “RESTRICTIONS & PERMITS” for prescribed fires
o At the bottom-right of the page, click the legend to add layers: (1) burn restrictions, (2) burn permits, (3) PM2.5, (4) NOAA HMS smoke plumes, (5) wind vectors, and (6) smoke forecast.
• EPA’s AirNow Fire and Smoke Map (https://fire.airnow.gov/)
• EPA’s AirNow When Smoke Is in the Air (https://www.airnow.gov/wildfires/when-smoke-is-in-the-air/)
• EPA’s AirNow Prepare for Fire Season (https://www.airnow.gov/sites/default/files/2020-10/prepare-for-fire-season.pdf)
• EPA’s Smoke-ready Toolbox for Wildfires (https://www.epa.gov/air-research/smoke-ready-toolbox-wildfires)
• Georgia Wildlife Resources Division – Prescribed Fire Information (https://georgiawildlife.com/prescribed-fire)

If you see or smell smoke and have respiratory concerns you may need to move indoors, close windows and doors, and possibly turn off your ventilation system, depending on the impact and the parameters of your HVAC system. You can use the sources above, as well as https://airgeorgia.org and https://www.airnow.gov, to help you determine when to continue outdoor activities and/or restart your ventilation system.

For more information about open burning in Georgia, please visit: https://epd.georgia.gov/air-protection-branch/open-burning-rules-georgia.

02/01/2026

❄️ Extreme Cold Warning ❄️
An Extreme Cold Warning remains in effect for all of North and Central Georgia until 1 p.m. today. Wind chills between -15 and 5 degrees are expected, creating dangerously cold conditions. Gusty winds up to 30 mph may continue through noon before easing later today.
🔥 Warming Stations Open
Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites - Georgia DNR are open as warming stations for those impacted by power outages or travel disruptions. ParkPass fees are waived for anyone using a warming station.
➡️ Find locations and updates: gastateparks.org/Alerts
Please follow guidance from the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency and local emergency officials.

02/01/2026

02/01/2026

🔥 Warming Stations Available 🔥
Warming stations are open at Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites - Georgia DNR for those affected by power outages or travel disruptions. ParkPass fees are waived for anyone using a warming station.
📍 Find locations and updates: gastateparks.org/Alerts
Please continue to follow guidance from the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency and your local emergency management officials. Stay informed. Stay safe.

01/31/2026

01/31/2026

01/31/2026

Winter weather makes travel dangerous. We strongly urge everyone to stay home and avoid travel unless absolutely necessary. Limiting travel helps protect you and others and allows essential public safety, utility, GDOT, and public works crews to continue treating roads, responding to emergencies, and carrying out their duties throughout winter weather response efforts.
If travel is unavoidable:
• Slow down and move over for emergency and disabled vehicles
• Allow extra travel time
• Stay alert for rapidly changing road conditions
Response efforts will continue throughout this winter weather event. Please stay informed as conditions change and prioritize safety.

01/31/2026

❄️ Winter Weather Expected Across Georgia
Wintry precipitation is impacting much of North and Central Georgia this weekend, with sub-freezing temperatures expected through Monday. Multiple inches of snow are possible in some areas, along with hazardous travel conditions and the risk of burst pipes.
🔥 Warming Stations Available
To support those who may experience power outages or travel disruptions, Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites - Georgia DNR are opening warming stations today Saturday, January 31. ParkPass fees are waived for anyone using a warming station.
📍 Find warming station locations and the latest updates:
👉 https://gastateparks.org/Alerts
Please continue to follow guidance from the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency and your local emergency management officials.
Plan ahead. Stay informed. Stay safe.