Fulton County is set to unveil the major renovations completed on the Big Creek Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) with a ribbon-cutting ceremony slated for tomorrow. Located at 1030 Marietta Highway in Roswell, GA, the event will begin promptly at 10 a.m. and mark a new chapter in the county's commitment to infrastructure and environmental stewardship.
The revamped Big Creek WRF, which is positioned just west of the Chattahoochee River, now boasts the capacity to treat up to 32 million gallons per day (MGD)—an increase designed to meet to better accommodate the burgeoning population and economic growth of North Fulton. As the Fulton County's biggest investment in infrastructure, with a hefty price tag of $350 million—including $300 million in construction costs and an additional $50 million for related enhancements—the project signals a clear emphasis on developing sustainable facilities.
According to a statement obtained by Fulton County, "The work that is being done at Big Creek is a testament to the commitment and dedication of the Fulton County Public Works Department." The upgraded facility is now the second largest flat-membrane treatment plant in the United States, setting a high bar for future developments in water treatment technology.
Fulton County District 2 Commissioner Bob Ellis underscored the importance of the project. "North Fulton is an area that continues to see growth in its population, along with ongoing economic development," he said to Fulton County website. "To meet the wastewater capacity demands these increases produce, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners recognizes the expansion of the Big Creek Water Reclamation Facility is critical in providing this vital resource to support both current and future growth." The facility is not only an essential service for today but also built with foresight, including capabilities to allow for seamless expansions up to 38 MGD in the future.
Comprehensive upgrades go beyond capacity enhancements, with the Big Creek WRF implementing state-of-the-art technology for cleaner water output into the Chattahoochee River. It's also designed to increase resilience against emergencies, featuring a network of backup generators to ensure that wastewater treatment is not interrupted, even during significant power outages. Moreover, the facility puts in effort to ameliorate the living conditions surrounding it, with considerations made for odor control, noise, and lighting in response to community concerns.
Built more than fifty years ago, the original plant had a capacity of just 750,000 gallons per day. The recent extension promises to adequately serve the region's needs for the next half-century. Initiated in 2017, the renovation project was spearheaded by the Archer Western–Brown and Caldwell Joint Venture Team, highlighting an investment in both the present welfare and the enduring legacy of Fulton County's environmental infrastructure.
