The city of Atlanta has developed a plan to reduce stormwater runoff by up to 225 million gallons annually. With this strategy, stormwater runoff will be managed through a cost-effective grey and green infrastructure design, which will accelerate green space development in urban communities. Green infrastructure infuses elements intended to mimic nature to more effectively manage urban stormwater and reduce flooding, erosion and sewer overflows. In addition to increased capacity reassurance, green infrastructure provides community attributes and buildup. Currently, more than 10 green infrastructure projects are taking place in the city.
The layout for this initiative totals approximately $1.06 billion and identifies the essentials for sustaining, restoring and modernizing the facilities and infrastructure at the cornerstone of the water system. This includes the wastewater system and combined sewer control facilities in the Atlanta service area. The capital program is highlighted by implementation of the water supply program. Under the water supply agenda, watershed management will replace declining infrastructure; including water transmission lines more than 120 years old, and construct a new system to store source water conveyed from the Chattahoochee River. This will connect the river intake facility with a new water storage facility located at the former Bellwood Quarry. Once this multi-million dollar project is effectuated, Atlanta’s water storage capacity will increase by up to 2.4 billion gallons.
The city of Atlanta, like many cities, has continually struggled with managing stormwater runoff that causes flooding, streambank erosion and property damage. Green infrastructure is a cost-effective antidote that promotes infiltration and reuse, and is also a counterpart of the long-standing, engineered course of action in both combined and separated stormwater systems.
