The City of Atlanta is upgrading its aging sewer and stormwater infrastructure to reduce combined sewer overflows (CSOs) and improve water quality within the Custer Avenue Combined Sewer Basin as required by their USEPA Consent Decree. The Department of Watershed Management (DWM) is undertaking a series of phased projects to reduce flooding and provide temporary storage of combined sewer flows in underground detention vaults during wet weather events. The Custer Avenue Multi-Benefit Capacity Relief Project is constructing one of these vaults in the Peoplestown neighborhood. Under a progressive design-build project led by Ruby Collins, Wade Trim is part of the joint venture team providing construction management services.

The project is being undertaken in coordination with the Southeast Atlanta Green Infrastructure Initiative that is using green and gray infrastructure solutions to improve neighborhoods. In the Peoplestown neighborhood, excess surface runoff and insufficient pipe capacity within the combined sewer system contribute to flooding concerns. A 20-MG underground detention vault, bioretention areas, and a containment area intended to capture potential spills from the Peoplestown Junction Box are being constructed. The additional storage capacity will better manage stormwater runoff and help reduce the frequency and severity of localized ponding events while improving environmental and community outcomes. Water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure upgrades are also included.

Wade Trim’s contract management services encompass review of daily inspection reports, weekly construction status reports, informing inspectors of RFIs and field design changes, biweekly progress meetings, and site visits. Field inspection services include daily observation and documentation of construction activities and site conditions with photographs and daily inspection reports. Drone footage of construction progress is being captured. We also provide safety practice monitoring and support public communications related to resident concerns, detour changes, road closures, and water shutoffs.

Construction began in late 2025 with completion scheduled for fall 2027. Additional utility renovation scopes have been added to the project to improve system capacity and provide greater flood relief in the surrounding area. Once completed, a new public greenspace and community-centered park will be built directly above the detention vault.

The Georgia Association of Water Professionals’ Collaborative Project Delivery Committee and guests toured the project on October 13, 2026.