FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 April 2016

 Q: What is the purpose of the Snapfinger Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facility Expansion Phase II?
 A: Phase II of the Snapfinger Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant (AWTP) Expansion will improve wastewater treatment and increase capacity to 54 million gallons a day to support DeKalb County’s increasing sewer needs.The purpose of this project is to provide improved wastewater treatment and expand water treatment capacity to 54 MGD in an effort to support DeKalb County’s increasing population, which is expected to increase to 900,000 in 2025.
 Q: What are the benefits of this project?
 A: Snapfinger AWTP Expansion Phase II will improve DeKalb County’s wastewater treatment process and deliver cleaner, higher-quality water into the South River. In addition, the project will ensure treatment capacities that will support future growth of the county. The project will also help reduce the current level of noise, odor and light produced by the treatment plant and surrounding community.
 Q: What construction activities will be included in Phase II of the Snapfinger AWTP Expansion?
 A: Now underway, Phase II of the project will consist of final site preparation and construction of the main location, its major processing facilities and the administration building. Power-reducing equipment and lighting, as well as processes to minimize chemical and operation costs, will also be incorporated during this phase.
 Q: What is the process of blasting?
 A: Blasting is a construction process utilizing controlled explosives that break down or shatter large hard rock so that it can be easily removed. Blasting can result in ground vibrations and air-over pressure (noise) that are easily felt and heard, but rarely cause structural damage.
 Q: When will Phase II blasting take place?
 A: Phase II blasting began the week of April 4, 2016 and will continue through October 4, 2016.
 Q: What are the blasting hours?
A: Blasting may occur between 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday, excluding major holidays.
 Q: How will blasting affect me?
A: You may hear the blast and/or feel the vibration. A test blast conducted in the affected area created vibrations well below project specifications. Tremors will feel similar to those of a heavy truck on a roadway. Also, contractors will continue to monitor blasting impacts using seismic monitors placed throughout the surrounding community.
 Q: What should I do if I believe project blasting has caused damage to my home or business?
A: Damage claims related to Phase II blasting will be handled by the project contractor, Archer Western. To file a claim, property owners must complete and submit a “Blasting Damage Complaint Form” to: Clay Strovinskas (cstrovinskas@walshgroup.com) as quickly as possible after the blast. A third-party insurer, not affiliated with DeKalb County, will contact property owners to complete the claim investigation within 30 days of receipt.
 Q: Who can I contact if I have additional questions or need more information about blasting or the Snapfinger AWTP Expansion Phase II project?
A: Additional information, including a video of the blasting process, is available on the Snapfinger ATWP Expansion website: http://www.snapfingerexpansion.com. For personal assistance, you may contact the DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management’s Community Outreach Info Hotline at:
1-800-986-1108 Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., or email: projectinfo@dekalbcountyga.gov.
Citizens also may request project updates at: projectinfo@dekalbcountyga.gov.
 Q: How long will the blasting in Phase 2 last?
 A: The preparation and survey will take approximately two months, and the blasting activity is expected to last six months.
 Q: Is there assistance available for the senior citizens who may not fully understand the construction activity
associated with the Snapfinger Advance Wastewater Treatment Facility Expansion?
 A: Senior Central will be set-up, in a designated area, at all community meetings for the purpose  of providing personalized attention to senior citizens who have questions or concerns about the project. In addition, they may call (404) 545-7293 and speak to a member of our Community Outreach Team.
 Q: Who do I call with questions or concerns about the Snapfinger Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facility
Expansion?
A: Our Community Outreach Team is available through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. to answer questions or concerns at info@snapfingerexpansion.com or (404) 545-7293. Construction issues may be reported by clicking the link below:http://www.snapfingerexpansion.com/report-an-issue/