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 & 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!
GREENSPACE
FINAL DESIGN CONCEPT
PROJECT TEAM
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Design-Build Lead
Design Lead
Design JV
Greenspace Design
Public Engagement
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Will the project allow for the trees to remain in and around the area?The DWM and the design team will make every effort to save as many trees within the existing project boundaries as possible. However, due to the engineering and construction of the underground storage vault existing trees may be impacted and require removal. The City of Atlanta’s Tree Ordinance will be followed to determine the requirements relating to trees. Please see the Greenspace Final Design Concept above.
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What is the timeline for construction?Construction is anticipated to begin in the 1st half of 2025 and the completion of the storage vault will be 2nd quarter of 2027 with the greenspace/park near the end of 2027. After construction, the occurrence of sewer overflows and localized flooding will be significantly reduced for the surrounding properties and the Custer Avenue Water Basin. See the Construction Timeline above.
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How is the project being funded?The project is being funded utilizing both water and sewer revenues, as well as with additional funding support through the EPA’s Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program.
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What are the impacts of the construction of the storage vault and greenspace on the neighborhood and surrounding residents?During construction, disruptions to utilities are to be expected to be minimal although short-term outages of gas, water, and electricity may be required as new storm infrastructure is installed in streets. Lane closures and road closures for short sections will be common along with added construction traffic and construction noise.
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Where can we find out more information about this project?Revisit this website periodically to check for further project updates. For project questions, contact: bkmorton@atlantaga.gov
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What’s the purpose of the Custer Avenue Capacity Relief Multi-Benefit Project?The City's federally mandated Consent Decree requires that the Department of Watershed Management (DWM) complete the necessary upgrades to its combined and separate sewer systems to reduce sewer overflows and enhance water quality in the Custer Avenue Combined Sewer Basin, including the Peoplestown neighborhood. DWM has planned multiple projects to address sewer system capacity and minimize localized flooding and this one of several proposed projects to address conditions observed within the Peoplestown Community and the surrounding area
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What will be the design of the greenspace and what amenities will be featured?The greenspace will provide the neighborhood and surrounding residents with a new amenity that will serve as a gathering place for recreation and enjoyment. Please reference the Greenspace Final Design Concept above. The amenities for the project were determined based on community input on preferences, priorities, and considerations of what the site can support from a design, engineering, and operations/maintenance standpoint. It will follow the same policies and guidelines for City of Atlanta Parks and will have set open/close times to reduce disruption and noise for surrounding properties and will have enforced rules of conduct for visitors to respect the shared public space.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
For project questions, contact: bkmorton@atlantaga.gov
