Department
Public Works
Requested Action (Identify appropriate Action or Motion, purpose, cost, timeframe, etc.)
title
Request approval and adoption of revisions and updates to the Fulton County Standard Details, Specifications, and Pump Station Manual with regards to water and wastewater infrastructure. The proposed updates establish the new standard details, specifications, and guidelines that the development community will be required to follow. Effective upon BOC approval. (APPROVED)
body
Requirement for Board Action (Cite specific Board policy, statute or code requirement)
Board action is required pursuant to Article 9, § 2, Par. 1(a) of the Georgia Constitution, which states in relevant part that, “[t]he governing authority of each county shall have legislative power to adopt clearly reasonable ordinances, resolutions, or regulations relating to its property, affairs, and local government for which no provision has been made by general law and which is not inconsistent with this Constitution or any local law applicable thereto.”
Strategic Priority Area related to this item (If yes, note strategic priority area below)
Health and Human Services
Commission Districts Affected
All Districts ☐
District 1 ☒
District 2 ☒
District 3 ☒
District 4 ☐
District 5 ☒
District 6 ☒
Is this a purchasing item?
No
Summary & Background: Fulton County water/wastewater details are technical drawings that provide information as to how infrastructure is to be constructed, installed, and function as part of the overall system. These drawings are necessary to convey Fulton County’s expectations to the development community with the idea of ensuring consistent quality control, repeatable construction techniques, and uniformity within constructed infrastructure. Specifications describe allowable materials and detail performance/testing requirements.
The current Public Works Department water and wastewater standard specifications, construction details do not incorporate modern design practices and advanced construction techniques. In addition, the current standards & specifications do not have established requirements and guidelines for low pressure sanitary sewer systems and pump stations. Therefore, the Public Works Department has created new standard specifications and details to reflect best management practices and industry standards that reflect modern changes as to how distribution and collection network facilities are designed and constructed.
To gather feedback and additional insight, the Department held public hearings on Thursday, November 19, 2024 in South Fulton at the Wolf Creek Library located at 3100 Enon Road and on November 21, 2024 at the North Fulton Customer Services Center located in Alpharetta at 11575 Maxwell Road. The public and members of the development community were also encouraged to provide feedback online via the Fulton County website.
Scope of Work: The Fulton County Standard Details and Specifications have been updated to reflect current construction industry practices and specific methods/means associated with the Fulton County Water and Wastewater Systems. The update includes modifications to the water and wastewater details and the addition of several new aspects. Some of the more relevant changes are highlighted below:
* Updated specification numbering system to reflect current industry best practices.
* New details and specifications that reflect new acceptable material used and construction methods.
* A new Pump Station Manual that includes new requirements, including an amended buffer area requirement.
* New low pressure sanitary sewer systems specifications for areas that cannot be served by traditional gravity sewer systems.
* Expanded high-density polyethylene material usage as pipes and manholes along with applicable details and specifications.
A description of the attachments to this Item are as follows:
Water and Sewer Details - Detailed engineering drawings and layouts illustrating proposed water distribution and wastewater collection systems, including pipe alignments, sizes, and connection points.
Specifications - Technical specifications outlining material standards, installation requirements, and quality control measures for all water and sewer components.
New Pump Station Manual - Operational and maintenance manual for new proposed pump stations, including design parameters, equipment specifications, safety protocols, and performance guidelines.
Low-Pressure System Overview - Design and operational details for the low-pressure sewer system, including grinder pump configurations, service connections, and system performance criteria.
These new details and specifications will be provided to the development community on projects submitted after BOC approval for their immediate use.
Community Impact: The modifications that are presented in this action will help ensure the proper design/installation of facilities serving the County’s water and wastewater customers.
Department Recommendation: The Public Works Department recommends approval of this Item.
Project Implications: Failure to approve this item would require the Department to continue using outdated details and specifications. It would also prevent the Department from implementing an updated low‑pressure systems and newly established pump station manual standards.
Community Issues/Concerns: The modifications as proposed will help ensure water and wastewater services provided by the County are in accordance with current best management practices and development standards. Community issues/concerns were solicited and addressed through a series of public hearings and virtual meetings.
Department Issues/Concerns: The Public Works Department does not have any concerns or issues with this item as presented.
Exhibits Attached
Exhibit 1: Water and Sewer Details
Exhibit 2: Technical Specifications
Exhibit 3: New Pump Station Manual
Exhibit 4: Low-Pressure System Overview
Fiscal Impact / Funding Source
Funding Line 1:
N/A