Rochelle Residents Claim Racial Bias in Sewage Dumping Lawsuit

ROCHELLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A lawsuit may force the city of Rochelle to rethink its sewage system. Residents on the north side of town say every time it rains, raw sewage flows from the pipes getting into their homes and yards.

John Jackson and his neighbors believe local officials are avoiding the filth because the problems are in a predominantly black community. A few weeks ago, the group filed an intent to sue the city of Rochelle for violating the Clean Water Act.

“It’s been presented to city council over the years and it’s always been pushed under the table,” Jackson said.

The long-time Rochelle homeowner says the dumping has been going for decades. According to Jackson, floods of human waste overflow from sewage pipes and into the yards, churches and homes.

“All the houses on this side of the railroad track have been effected by that,” Jackson said.

On one occasion, sewage overflowed into Piney Grove Baptist Church causing the congregation to cancel Easter service.

“It’s a health issue for blacks and whites,” he said, “We try to keep the kids away from it.”

41NBC reached out to several city leaders, who would not comment due to pending litigation. Rochelle city council members expect to hear an update on the suit at this week’s council meeting on Wednesday at 7 p.m.

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