• PROJECTS
• PUBLIC INFORMATION
  • Related Links
  • Glossary
  • News Releases
  • Public Presentation/Materials
  • Contact Us
  • Kids Corner
• DOCUMENT REPOSITORY

• Program Overview
• Management Team
• Elements
• Combined Sewer Overflows
• Water Reclamation Centers
• Sanitary Sewer Overflows
• Pump Stations
• Projects
• Capital Projects

• Contact Us
• Glossary
• FAQs
• Document Repository

Overview

In July of 1998, to settle a lawsuit brought against the City by the United States Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA), the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD), the Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper and a citizen downstream, Mayor Bill Campbell signed a Federal Consent Decree committing the City of Atlanta to an accelerated program of activities designed to further improve water quality in metro Atlanta streams and the Chattahoochee and South Rivers. The Consent Decree specifically directed the City of Atlanta to develop and implement, by 2007, a solution that would end water quality violations resulting from combined sewer overflows (CSOs).

The Consent Decree was amended in May 1999 to add projects that would eliminate water quality violations from sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs). Under the first amended Consent Decree, the City will accelerate the ongoing sewer improvements, including an intensive evaluation of sewer pipe conditions; rehabilitation or replacement of defected or capacity limited sewer lines; a grease management program; and a capacity certification program for new development. A series of construction projects designed to improve reliability of the City’s sewage pump stations is also underway. Sanitary sewer related improvements are to be completed by the Consent Decree deadline of July 1, 2014.