FAIRHOPE— As Baldwin County continues to rank among the fastest-growing metro areas in the nation, residents gathered last week to discuss how that growth is affecting local land and waterways.

Wade Perry, community engagement director for Mobile Baykeeper, an environmental nonprofit that hosted the event at the Fairhope Public Library, said rapid change is unfolding across South, Central and North Baldwin.

"As all of you are probably painfully aware, things are changing fast here," Perry said.

He told attendees the group is not anti-growth but advocates for what it calls "smart growth" — development guided by planning, best practices and environmental safeguards.

"Smart growth means there's some positives to growth, as long as we do it the right way," he said.

Perry said the organization's mission is both defensive and restorative.

"It's not enough just to stop the damage. We have to begin to repair," he said, adding that success will come "when no one has to question whether the fish are safe or the water is safe to swim in."

The meeting also featured remarks from residents concerned about wastewater infrastructure and stormwater management as new subdivisions move forward.

Fairhope resident Paul Orcutt, who said he has lived in the area about three years, described his involvement in wastewater detection work through the Mobile Bay National Estuary Program. He said increasing population density without adequate expertise or oversight poses risks.

"As we start to increase population in these areas, we don't have — we as in the community, and I don't believe our leadership or our elected officials — have the proper education to make the proper decisions when they issue a permit," Orcutt said.

He raised concerns about impermeable surfaces and runoff tied to high-density development, warning that removing natural vegetation limits the land's ability to absorb water and could increase flooding and sediment flowing into nearby waterways.

"Ask your officials. Please, try to educate yourself," he said. "I'm asking the questions. I'm not getting a lot of quick answers, but I'll keep pushing."

Cassie Bates, staff scientist at Mobile Baykeeper, outlined the group's water quality monitoring efforts, including regular bacteria testing at popular swimming areas around the bay. She said heavy rain events often trigger sewage overflows when aging or damaged sewer systems become overwhelmed.

"You'll get a heavy rain event … it overwhelms the system, and then you get a sewer overflow event," Bates said, explaining that untreated waste can enter streets and waterways.

She shared data showing sewage spill trends in Baldwin County from 2021 to 2024.

"The main thing I want y'all to take away is that Baldwin County, in its entirety, is doing better than some places, but there's a lot of room for improvement," Bates said. "We're working towards a future where no one has to question whether waters are safe to swim in."

The meeting marked the third in a series of Baldwin County gatherings organized by Mobile Baykeeper to collect community feedback and encourage residents to engage with local leaders about how development is shaping the county's future.

Gabriella Chavez is a Report for America corps member who writes about growth and development in Baldwin County and our natural spaces for Gulf Coast Media. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep her writing stories like this one; please consider making a tax-deductible gift of any amount today by visiting https://tinyurl.com/yaf8yf5n.