ATLANTA – The Department of Watershed Management (DWM) is aware of the intermittent odors near RM Clayton Water Reclamation Center. As reported last week, the RM Clayton Water Reclamation Center did experience issues with the odor control units; however, since then, no problems have been reported.

We completed extensive field surveillance and inspected our larger sewers that traverse through the community. It was determined that there were no issues within the collection system that may be contributing to the conditions. In addition, DWM met with Cobb County officials at RL Sutton Water Reclamation Facility to inform them of the odor issue, and complaints from residents, and inquire about their operations. The Cobb County facility is currently processing biosolids on-site which are also likely contributing to the odors.

Meanwhile, we continue to promptly assess and closely monitor our operations to address our facility’s contributions to the odor conditions. We did find an issue with the diffusers not working in one of the basins that contributed to this morning’s odors. We are working immediately to address that issue and have taken the basin offline. The staff has incorporated new nutrients to enhance the biological process to eliminate odors. We are seeing improvements, and plant conditions are stabilizing. We have also continued to operate odor-mitigating sprayers around the plant’s perimeter to help further decrease odor emissions from the plant.

Regulatory compliance is a top priority for the department, as well as protecting the health and safety of our customers. Treating our wastewater to the highest standard possible is essential, and we want to ensure that we perform this work in a manner that does not result in any adverse impacts on the community. DWM is dedicated to safeguarding the residents’ well-being throughout the City of Atlanta. We apologize for any inconvenience that this issue has caused to the community.

If you have additional questions or concerns, contact 404-546-3257 or dwmmediainquiries@atlantaga.gov