Commissioners approve phase‑one design services for RL Sutton solids handling project amid community concern about incineration emissions

The Cobb County Board of Commissioners on June 24 approved a progressive design‑build agreement for phase‑one services to upgrade solids handling at the R.L. Sutton Water Reclamation Facility, a project proponents say is needed to address biosolids disposal after the system's incinerators were previously shut down to comply with federal rules.

Cobb County Water System staff recommended a design‑build agreement with Crowder Construction Company in the amount of $5,305,172 for phase‑one services, which staff described as site investigations, preliminary engineering, design development to about 60% and preparation of a guaranteed maximum price for phase two. The board voted 5‑0 to authorize phase‑one funding only; staff said phase two—final design and construction—would be brought back later for approval.

The item drew public comment from Vinings residents concerned about potential health and environmental impacts from incineration. Melissa Johnson, speaking for the Vinings Village Homeowners Association, told the commission that "many Vinings residents have expressed concern about potential health risks from biosolids incineration" and asked the county to meet or exceed EPA emission standards and to provide assurances about cumulative impacts in the industrial cluster around the R.L. Sutton facility.

Commissioners acknowledged those concerns and described next steps on community engagement and permitting. One commissioner told the audience the county and the water system "will do another community meeting with the vendor present to talk about making sure that the emissions levels are exceeding current EPA emissions for biosolids and other matters," and staff said the EPA will open a virtual public comment period later in the permitting process. The water system said it has retained consultants to guide air‑permit steps and will communicate public comment opportunities when they are scheduled.

Public commenters also raised the area's industrial mix—R.L. Sutton, the R.M. Clayton plant across the river, medical sterilization and nearby asphalt and power operations—and asked the county to address cumulative impacts. Staff said those are matters that will be part of the air‑permit and public comment process conducted by regulatory authorities.

The vote on phase one will allow the county to proceed with preliminary work and to prepare a guaranteed maximum price for consideration of phase two at a future meeting; staff did not request construction funding at this meeting.