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Views: 222 Author: Carie Publish Time: 2025-05-24 Origin: Site
Content Menu
● Overview of Dawsonville's Wastewater Treatment Facility
>> Location and Contact Information
● Infrastructure and Technology at Dawsonville's Sewage Treatment Plant
>> Gravity Sewer System and Pump Stations
● Recent and Ongoing Improvements
● Environmental and Regulatory Compliance
>> High Strength Wastewater Surcharge
● Challenges and Community Impact
>> Industrial Wastewater Concerns
● Community Engagement and Education
● Future Plans for Dawsonville's Wastewater System
● FAQ
>> 1. Where exactly is Dawsonville's sewage treatment plant located?
>> 2. How much wastewater can the Dawsonville plant treat daily?
>> 3. What technology does Dawsonville use for wastewater treatment?
>> 4. How does Dawsonville manage industrial wastewater discharges?
>> 5. Are there any ongoing upgrades to the wastewater treatment facilities in the Dawsonville area?
Dawsonville, Georgia, is a growing city that takes its wastewater management seriously to protect the environment and public health. This article provides an in-depth look at the location, infrastructure, operations, and ongoing improvements of Dawsonville's sewage treatment plant facility. We will also explore the technology used, challenges faced, and future plans for wastewater treatment in Dawsonville, supported by visual aids and videos where applicable.
The City of Dawsonville operates a wastewater treatment facility designed to treat up to 400,000 gallons of sewage per day. This facility is essential for removing pollutants from wastewater before it is released back into the environment, ensuring compliance with strict government regulations and minimizing environmental impact.
The Dawsonville Water Department, which manages the wastewater services, is located at:
- Address: City Hall, 415 Hwy. 53 East, Suite 100, Dawsonville, GA 30534
The wastewater treatment plant itself is part of the city's utilities infrastructure, with a system of sewer lines, manholes, and pump stations that collect and transport sewage to the plant for treatment.
Dawsonville employs a gravity sewer system as the most efficient method to collect wastewater. Gravity sewers do not require mechanical parts or electricity, relying on natural slope to move sewage. However, in some locations, pump stations (lift stations) are necessary to move wastewater uphill or over long distances.
- The city maintains nine lift stations monitored by a Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) system that tracks performance and alerts operators to failures.
The treatment process at Dawsonville's facility includes:
- An aerated treatment pond where biological processes break down organic matter.
- A land application storage pond and twelve spray fields used for treated wastewater disposal.
This multi-stage treatment ensures that wastewater is purified before being released, protecting downstream waters and neighbors.
Restaurants in Dawsonville are required to install grease traps to prevent fats, oils, and grease from entering the sewer system, which can cause blockages and damage. These traps are either outdoor grease interceptors or indoor under-sink units, maintained regularly and inspected by the Water/Sewer Department.
The City of Dawson (nearby Dawsonville) is undertaking significant upgrades to its wastewater treatment plant to improve efficiency and reliability. Although this project is for the City of Dawson (not Dawsonville), it reflects regional efforts to modernize wastewater treatment infrastructure.
- Full replacement of the raw sewage influent pumping station.
- Retrofit of the emergency pumping station.
- Replacement of the emergency power backup generator.
- Installation of a new headworks unit with screens and grit removal.
- Rehabilitation of clarifiers and aerobic sludge digesters.
These upgrades involve extensive mechanical, electrical, and civil works with a project duration of about 420 calendar days and are funded by the Clean Water State Revolving Fund administered by the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA).
Dawsonville's wastewater treatment facility operates under permits from the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD). The plant must meet stringent limits on pollutants such as biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), nitrogen compounds, phosphorus, and oil/grease levels.
Industries discharging wastewater with high pollutant concentrations face surcharges to offset the increased treatment costs. This policy helps protect the sewer system and treatment plant from damage caused by high-strength waste discharges.
Gold Creek Foods, a local processor, has been cited for discharging high-strength wastewater that has damaged Dawsonville's sewer system and treatment plant, leading to legal actions and fines totaling $1.7 million. This highlights the ongoing challenge of managing industrial wastewater to protect municipal infrastructure.
The city works to minimize odors and nuisance complaints through effective treatment and maintenance programs, ensuring a good quality of life for residents near the treatment facilities.
Dawsonville actively promotes public awareness about wastewater treatment and environmental protection. The Water Department regularly hosts workshops and provides educational materials to residents and businesses about proper wastewater disposal, the importance of grease trap maintenance, and ways to reduce water pollution.
Community members are encouraged to report sewer overflows, illegal dumping, or any unusual odors to the Water Department. This cooperative approach helps the city respond quickly to issues and maintain system integrity.
Looking ahead, Dawsonville plans to expand its wastewater infrastructure to accommodate population growth and increased demand. Planned initiatives include:
- Upgrading sewer lines to reduce infiltration and inflow during heavy rains.
- Implementing advanced treatment technologies to improve effluent quality.
- Expanding capacity of pump stations and treatment ponds.
- Enhancing monitoring systems with real-time data analytics for better operational control.
These forward-looking projects aim to ensure sustainable wastewater management for decades to come.
Dawsonville's sewage treatment plant facility is a critical component of the city's infrastructure, designed to treat up to 400,000 gallons of wastewater daily. Utilizing a gravity sewer system supplemented by pump stations, the plant employs aerated ponds and spray fields to treat sewage effectively while minimizing environmental impact. The city enforces strict regulations on industrial discharges and grease trap maintenance to protect the system. Ongoing improvements and upgrades, supported by state and federal funding, aim to enhance the plant's capacity and reliability. Despite challenges such as industrial wastewater damage, Dawsonville continues to prioritize sustainable wastewater management to safeguard public health and the environment. Community engagement and future infrastructure plans further reinforce the city's commitment to maintaining a clean and healthy environment for its residents.
The wastewater treatment plant facility is managed by the Dawsonville Water Department located at City Hall, 415 Hwy. 53 East, Suite 100, Dawsonville, GA 30534. The plant itself is integrated into the city's sewer infrastructure but the exact physical treatment ponds and spray fields are within the city limits and managed by city staff.
The plant is permitted to treat up to 400,000 gallons of wastewater per day under Georgia Environmental Protection Division regulations.
Dawsonville uses an aerated treatment pond system combined with land application storage ponds and spray fields. The city also uses SCADA technology to monitor pump stations and maintain system performance.
Industries discharging high-strength wastewater are subject to surcharges and strict monitoring to prevent damage to the sewer system. The city enforces compliance through testing and legal action if necessary.
While Dawsonville itself maintains its existing system, nearby City of Dawson is undergoing major upgrades including pump station replacements and clarifier rehabilitations, reflecting regional efforts to improve wastewater infrastructure.
