10 Environmental Facilities

Introduction

Environmental facilities are critical to the health, safety and welfare of Atlanta's citizens, and to the City's economic viability and quality.  A high quality environment characterizes the vision of the City for all citizens, and should be maintained, enhanced, and protected using the City's environmental facilities and the services they provide. 

The environmental facilities element of the comprehensive development plan is divided into three sub elements:  (1) Water Supply,  (2) Wastewater Systems (Wastewater Treatment, Water Reclamation, Sanitary Sewers, and Storm Drainage), and (3) Solid Waste. 

General policies are as follows:

  1. Encourage citizen participation in the planning process of environmental facilities and in the development and selection of alternatives. 
  2. Assist and/or coordinate with federal, state, regional and local agencies to identify and address issues of concern such as water quality, noise, protection of environmentally sensitive areas.
  3. Develop environmental impact guidelines for consideration in design and construction of City capital improvements or infrastructure projects.
  4. Continue to support monitoring, periodic testing and inspection of City-owned environmental facilities to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.

In 2002, Mayor Shirley Franklin reorganized the City departments that handle environmental facilities.  The new Department of Watershed Management oversees both Water Supply and Wastewater Systems; while the Department of Public Works oversees Solid Waste.