Weracoba Creek Water Quality Improvements

Weracoba Creek, which runs through the heart of the historic district in Columbus, Georgia, was considered an impaired stream due to water quality issues.  Columbus Water Works and WWETCO applied for and received an EPA grant to implement an experimental technology involving a network solution to the problem – a unique flow control structure allowing aquatic biology migration with wet weather facilities for filtration and disinfection. 

When put out to bid, the Weracoba Creek project faced cancellation due to unexpectedly high bids. To prevent project cancellation, WWPS teamed with WWETCO to find a cost-effective solution. Working together to analyze project costs, the team was able to identify significant opportunities for cost savings. The team suggested cast-in-place concrete structures in lieu of pre-cast concrete.  Using cast-in-place concrete reduced the cost of the material and transportation expenses, and this change also eliminated the expense of a 150 ton crane that would have been required for setting pre-cast concrete. 

Facilities included several structures for the control, filtration and UV disinfection of flows in Weracoba Creek. Construction challenges included working within a watershed from which 1,344 acres of storm water drained.  During storm events, water levels quickly change from a meandering stream less than a foot deep to a rushing wall of water more seven feet high.  This project required the team to excavate ten feet below the creek bed and form, reinforce and pour concrete structures. In order to complete the work safely, WWPS used total containment coffer dams, dry and wet weather diversions, and build and flood techniques. WWPS self-performed more than 90% of the project.

AON Build America Merit Award – Environmental-New Category
1st Place Build Georgia Award