Atlanta Targets CSO System Improvements
The City of Atlanta plans to spend much of its capital improvement budget on its combined sewer overflow system, including the move of one facility upstream to improve its disinfection capabilities. The city will also put money towards its wastewater treatment plants and its sewers.
The capital improvement projects for wastewater include work designed to limit CSOs. Atlanta has completed projects at four westside CSO treatment facilities. The improvements include trash and floatables removal and disinfection facilities. To address short-term remedial measures required by a consent decree, Atlanta is planning other improvements to the westside facilities.
As a result of a recent study conducted by an engineering firm, it has been determined that the chlorination facilities at westside facilities should be moved upstream in the combined sewers to allow for additional contact time for disinfection. The city also plans to acquire greenways to meet additional requirements of the consent decree.
The three eastside CSO facilities, built in the early 1980s, will be upgraded to improve their performance and meet the Environmental Protection Agencys nine minimum control requirements. Recommended improvements include additional grit handling facilities, upgraded instrumentation and equipment, improvements to flow monitoring and disinfection, and structural repairs.
Wastewater Improvements
Three of Atlantas water reclamation centers (R.M. Clayton, South River and Utoy Creek) and its 14 pump stations will be improved to prevent spills, meet stricter state and federal clean water regulations and keep up with the demands of a growing Atlanta region.
Wastewater Improvements
The Intrenchment Creek wastewater treatment plant also will be improved. It currently only provides primary treatment of wastewater that is then sent to the South River WRC for final treatment.
Wastewater Improvements
Once work is completed on expanding and improving the R.M. Clayton plant, its treatment capacity will increase from 100 mgd to 122 mgd. Ten new clarifiers and effluent filters, along with a new ultraviolet disinfection system, will be installed. Similar types of major improvements will occur at the other WRCs.
Wastewater Improvements
Once the massive capital improvements are complete, the systems overall treatment capacity will rise from 188 mgd to 220 mgd. Atlanta is also working to establish a stormwater utility and improve its sanitary sewer collection system.