New Market, Madison County, October 17, 2025
News Summary
Residents of New Market, Madison County, are rallying against a proposed wastewater treatment plant by Integra Water. Concerns center around potential pollution of the Flint River and a drop in property values. Community members aim to protect their environment and quality of life as ADEM prepares to hold a public meeting for feedback on the proposal. Activists, including a local couple, have gathered over 900 signatures against the project and are pushing for stronger zoning laws.
New Market, Madison County residents are voicing strong opposition to a proposed wastewater treatment plant by Integra Water, which they fear could negatively impact their community and the nearby Flint River. The Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) is set to hold a public meeting regarding the proposal at the Buckhorn High School Cafeteria on Tuesday at 6 p.m., where residents will share their concerns.
Since learning of the sewage plant’s potential location in July, community members have been gathering weekly to rally support against the project. Local residents Benjamin and Melissa Stafford have taken the lead in an initiative called “Keep the Flint River Clean,” working to protect their environment and quality of life. Concerns revolve around the anticipated decrease in property values, the potential for pollution in the Flint River—which serves as a spot for kayaking and fishing—and the overall impact on residents’ quality of life.
Residents, including community leaders and the Staffords, worry the facility will introduce strong odors and pollutants into their neighborhood and that it may undermine the peaceful character of their rapidly growing community, which has grown from just four to 144 homes. They were alarmed to discover that the wastewater facility is intended to service new subdivisions, while current residents are dependent on personal septic systems.
Approximately 50 residents expressed their concerns during an ADEM meeting, highlighting issues of pollution and reduced property values. Participation in the public discussion was initially hindered due to insufficient notice, providing residents with only one day to submit comments to ADEM after learning about the proposal. Following an outpouring of feedback, including around 400 emails, ADEM extended the public comment period.
Community members have gathered over 900 signatures in opposition to the facility, actively reaching out to local representatives for support. Integra Water has already secured land for the facility but requires a building permit from the Madison County Commission before proceeding. The Staffords and other residents argue that the area needs stronger zoning laws to prevent treatment plants and landfills from being constructed close to residential areas.
Concerns also extend to safety, with Melissa Stafford recalling a traumatic incident involving gunshots near the proposed site. The Flint River has been classified as “Fish and Wildlife” by ADEM, making it essential for both recreation and local wildlife habitat. Existing wastewater treatment facilities along the river have previously led to negative experiences for residents, including pollution and unpleasant odors. Integra Water faced legal issues in the past, including a $100,000 fine in 2021 for polluting drinking water in Mobile.
ADEM acknowledged the community’s feelings of being inadequately informed but reiterated that residents still had opportunities to participate in the decision-making process. The public comment period for the proposal is set to end on October 15, after which ADEM will review all feedback prior to reaching a decision. Integra Water maintains that its proposed facility will adhere to strict safety standards and will feature modern equipment designed to minimize odors and noise.
FAQ
What is the proposal by Integra Water?
What concerns do local residents have?
How many signatures have residents gathered against the facility?
When is the public meeting regarding the proposal?
What is the deadline for public comments on the proposal?
Key Features of the Proposed Wastewater Treatment Plant
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Berry Hill neighborhood, New Market, Madison County |
| Purpose | To service new subdivisions while current residents use septic systems |
| Community Concerns | Decreased quality of life, reduced property values, pollution risks |
| Public Comments Deadline | October 15 |
| Residents’ Engagement | Over 900 signatures and public meetings organized |
| ADEMs Response | Acknowledged residents’ concerns and extended public comment period |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Madison County Board Approves $51.3 Million Budget
Investigation Underway Over Grand Canyon Lodge Fire
Grand Canyon Lodge Lost to Wildfires: A Tragic Loss
Additional Resources
- WAFF: Madison County Community Members Speak Out
- Wikipedia: Wastewater Treatment
- Al.com: Keep Flint River Clean – Alabama Residents
- Google Search: Wastewater Treatment Plants
- Online Madison: Madison Loses Wastewater Increase Fight
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pollution
- Northside Sun: Madison County Wastewater Authority Issues Statement
- Google News: Wastewater Pollution
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
