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The City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management (DWM) is excited to share that the long-anticipated stormwater vault project will begin soon!

PROJECT BACKGROUND

FAQS

Project Background

PROJECT BACKGROUND & STORAGE VAULT OVERVIEW

MESSAGE FROM CITY OF ATLANTA

With responsibility for strategic planning and oversight for the operations of water treatment and distribution, wastewater collection and treatment services, and stormwater management, the Office of the Commissioner ensures that the City complies with all federal and state regulations regarding water resource management; identifies potential environmental issues and develops strategies to effectively respond; ensures the City is aware of proposed environmental standards, trends and technologies; and provides engineering reviews and design and construction management services on capital improvement projects.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Consent Decree requires that the City of Atlanta. (COA) improve its aging sewer and stormwater infrastructure to significantly reduce Combined Sewer Overflows (CSO) and improve water quality and management in the Custer Avenue Combined Sewer Basin, which includes the Peoplestown neighborhood.

The COA Department of Watershed Management (DWM) has planned multiple projects to be implemented in separate phases to improve the management of surface water and provide temporary underground storage of stormwater. This project is one of a series of underground storage vaults designed to temporarily store and release high stormwater flows during major storm events.

Conceptual Below Ground View

GREENSPACE DESIGN OVERVIEW

Conceptual Open Space View

In addition to solving a long-standing stormwater management problem, the Custer Avenue Capacity Relief Multi-Benefit Project aims to:

Improve and repurpose this land by creating a public greenspace for neighborhood enjoyment

In 2024, our team hosted multiple public engagement events to collect and incorporate public feedback into the design

Existing Greenspaces in the Area

The end product will include a new

5-acre public park for multigenerational use and recreation

PHASE II CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

DWM contractors Ruby Collins/Benchmark began mobilizing this week to begin clearing and grading the area. This includes shoring up the soil to safely dig deep into the ground, approximately 20 to 30 feet below street level. This work is important because it will prepare the site for major improvements to the neighborhood's stormwater system, which will reduce flooding and improve drainage.

Crews will work from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, and the entire project is expected to be completed by October 2027. The following locations may experience temporary lane closures during the initial phase of work.

● Atlanta Ave. between Hank Aaron Dr. & Connelly St.

● Ormond St. between Hank Aaron Dr. & Connelly St.

● Connelly St. & Greenfield St. at Atlanta Ave & Ormond St.

All DWM and contractor personnel will be required to wear identification badges, and we will work to minimize disruption to affected property owners and residents. Traffic control measures and signage will direct motorists around the work zone. Residents and businesses within the work zone will continue to have access to their homes, mail and package delivery, emergency services, and trash collection.

This project exemplifies Mayor Andre Dickens’ vision of making Atlanta A City Built for the Future. We are excited to get started. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact PIO Bruce Morton at bkmorton@atlantaga.gov.

Thank you for your cooperation and patience as we work to improve the infrastructure that serves the Peoplestown community!