Clean Water Advocacy - Newsroom - AMSA in the News
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Copyright (c) 2003 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, All Rights Reserved
Monday, February 17, 2003
Gwinnett
Water award
Gwinnett County's first advanced water reclamation facility has won
the Georgia Water and Pollution Control Association's 2003 Plant of the
Year Award in its category for treatment capacity.
Built in 1975, the Jackson Creek Water Reclamation Facility,
discharges into Jackson Creek, a tributary of the Yellow River in the
upper Ocmulgee River basin. The original flow design was 2.4 million
gallons per day, and the plant later was upgraded to 3.0 mgd after the
county proved the treatment process would meet National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System permit requirements.
The plant has operated for more than eight years without an NPDES
permit violation, said Tommy Furlow, director of the Gwinnett County
Department of Public Utilities.
"Gwinnett County takes pride in the operation and management of its
water reclamation facilities, with the continued upgrade of equipment
and the implementation of new technologies," Furlow added.
In addition to this year's top award, the plant has received numerous
commendations over the years from the Georgia Water and Pollution
Control Association and the Association of Metropolitan Sewerage
Agencies.
The 2003 Plant of the Year Award will be presented April 15 during
the Georgia Water and Pollution Control Association's spring conference
in Macon.
The Jackson Creek WRF staff includes four teams that operate on
12-hour shifts for continuous coverage. Two mechanics service the
equipment needs for corrective maintenance, and two additional mechanics
service equipment for preventive maintenance. Over the years, the
facility has undergone many equipment upgrades to meet the needs of the
growing county.
For additional information about Jackson Creek Water Reclamation
Facility or other operations of the Department of Public Utilities, call
Tyler Richards at 678-376-6923.