DeKalb County began operating its Snapfinger Water Pollution Control Plant in 1961. It opened amid complaints from nearby residents of foul odors coming from the facility. The situation worsened with time and approximately 15 years later, residents filed a lawsuit seeking relief from noise, odors, and further pollution of the South River.
The Snapfinger Wastewater Treatment Facility has been expanded and upgraded four times. The current facility has been treating wastewater from homes, schools and businesses in southwest DeKalb County since 1968.
In 1983, the plant was expanded to treat a capacity of 36 million gallons of wastewater per day (MGD) for discharge into the South River. It will be able to treat an average of 54 MGD, and a peak hourly flow rate of 80 MGD. The expansion also incorporates features that continue the mitigation of issues related to noise, light and odor emission into the community. These improvements are being made to meet the needs of DeKalb County’s increasing population, which is expected to reach nearly 900,000 by 2025.
Expansion of the Snapfinger Wastewater Treatment Facility began in June 2012. The expansion will improve service to ratepayers and meet state and federal water-quality standards. The project will also create job opportunities for DeKalb County residents.
1300 Commerce Drive Decatur, GA 30030
