As the largest single capital expansion project in Fulton County’s history, the $300 million Big Creek Water Reclamation Facility is using progressive design-build to upgrade and expand the 51-year old plant to meet future demands. In a joint venture with Archer Western, Brown and Caldwell is upgrading and expanding plant capacity from 24 mgd to 32 mgd. The new treatment process incorporates state-of-the-art membrane technology to produce significantly cleaner water than the existing plant. Even at the higher flow capacity, discharges to the river will be reduced by up to 50% from current permit limits. The successful negotiation of a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) in July of 2020 led to the construction groundbreaking in November of 2020. The 46-month construction schedule is expected to conclude in 2024 and efforts will be made to recycle existing site materials, eliminating up to 10,000 truckloads of landfill disposal.
“Fulton County is committed to protecting the Chattahoochee River, our most important natural resource. This important, landmark project reflects our dedication to providing the highest quality services to our citizens in an environmentally sound way while still allowing the growth and economic development throughout the North Fulton County area.”
Fulton County Public Works Director, David Clark, PE