Plant expansions at Big Creek and Johns Creek are three to five years down the road. And that's if the county doesn't run into major problems with the state's environmental department or neighbors. County officials are aware of their questionable reputation and how it could hinder increasing sewage capacity and development in north Fulton. Bob Fulton, the commissioner who represents the area, knows the long-term answer is expanding the two treatment plants. The county has 31 million gallons a day of capacity and needs at least 25 million gallons more over the next 20 years.
Officials say the two plants have space to double capacity.
That is an unacceptable solution until after we've proved it can be better than it is today. Two tests for Fulton County are on the way. If it succeeds, residents might be more accepting of expansion. Also, Fulton has a deal with a firm to build a sewage plant in the Shakerag community in northeast Fulton. The Cauley Creek plant would treat up to 2.5 million gallons a day and relieve the current system.