A controversial coal-fired power plant could be in the works for South Georgia.

Dozens of people gathered in Early County, Georgia Tuesday (07/28) evening to voice their concerns with a proposed coal-fired power plant.

"The biggest concern we have with this coal plant is the devastation to our environment," Friends of Chattahoochee River President Bobby McLendon said.

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division hosted the hearing to discuss changes to the proposed permit, including the amount of hazardous air pollution that would be released from the plant.

Environmentalists are worried the 1,200-megawatt plant would deposit more than one-hundred pounds of mercury annually into the Chattahoochee and Flint Rivers.

"Mercury is a new toxin that enters the waterways, is eaten by fish and then bigger fish and then ends up on our plates and then enters our neurosystem," GreenLaw Executive Director Justine Thompson said.

Longleaf Energy Associates say that's not the case, they say they're working to make the coal plant environmentally friendly and say it'll benefit the community in the long run.

"The plant will employ about 100 people long term once its operational and at point of direct construction which would average about 800 people over a 5 year period," Longleaf Project Manager Michael Vogt said.

Those on the opposing end say the public health concerns outweigh the economic impact.

"It's one of the largest pollution sources that has come to Georgia in over 20 years and a lot of the pollutants are going to fall close to the plant and impact water and air quality," Thompson explained.

Whether you support it or oppose it, one thing is for sure... the proposed plant would have a major impact to everyone around.

Those who asked questions and voiced their concerns during the hearing will hear back from EPD in the next few weeks.