On a pivotal afternoon at the RM Clayton Water Reclamation Center, the City of Atlanta welcomed officials, community members, and the press to deliver an important update on the state of the city’s largest wastewater treatment plant. The event served as both a progress report and a forward-looking vision under the leadership of the newly appointed Commissioner Greg Eyerly of the Department of Watershed Management.
“We invited you here to show you—not just tell you—how far we’ve come, and where we’re going,” began the opening address from city leadership. “RM Clayton is a critical piece of Atlanta’s infrastructure. And we’re approaching its future with urgency and purpose.”
A Century-Old Giant Serving the Southeast
Located along the Chattahoochee River, the RM Clayton Water Reclamation Center is one of the largest wastewater treatment facilities in the Southeastern United States. With a permitted capacity of 240 million gallons per day, it is essential to maintaining water quality, environmental protection, and public health across the region.
But age presents challenges.
Built nearly 100 years ago, RM Clayton’s aging systems were tested in 2023, when disruptions in wastewater processing led to permit exceedances, further exacerbated by a series of significant storm events. A follow-up site inspection in March 2024 by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) revealed that several key components were still not operational.
Turning the Corner: Major Improvements and Measurable Results
Since that inspection, the City has taken swift, sustained action. In close collaboration with the EPD, RM Clayton staff and contractors have overhauled vital infrastructure, including:
- Primary and secondary clarifiers
- Sand filters
- Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection systems
- Air handling and odor control units
“These changes are already achieving results,” city leadership announced. “We have not had a single E. coli exceedance in over a year—a major milestone for environmental compliance.”
A New Commissioner, A New Vision
The event also marked the public debut of Commissioner Greg Eyerly, a veteran of the wastewater industry with over 32 years of operational and executive experience, including his most recent leadership in Houston’s 38-plant utility system.
“I’ve walked RM Clayton several times in just my first week,” said Commissioner Eyerly. “And I’m encouraged. We’re seeing real progress—and we’re just getting started.”
His vision for the facility includes:
- Continued maintenance and modernization of core systems
- Expansion of odor control and anaerobic digestion to improve air quality and energy efficiency
- Integration of AI and smart technologies for system optimization
- Increased training and recruitment for the next-generation workforce
- Stronger relationships with neighbors and the public to foster transparency and shared responsibility
Building for the Future, Protecting the River
As Commissioner Eyerly emphasized, water treatment is not just a utility function—it’s a community safeguard.
“We’re building a plant for the future,” he said. “To support growth, resilience, and water security—not just for Atlanta, but for the region.”
RM Clayton’s progress reflects a deeper commitment to the Chattahoochee River, the ecological artery that has served the city for generations. The City is continuing to invest in the facility while remaining open to community partnerships and stakeholder engagement to enhance performance and accountability.
Experience It Firsthand
Following the press conference, guests toured the facility to:
- Witness how wastewater is treated and monitored
- Explore the site’s latest infrastructure upgrades
- Learn about future investments currently in planning or design
The event concluded with an open Q&A led by Commissioner Eyerly, reinforcing transparency and the City’s dedication to public trust.
Learn More
For updates on Atlanta’s water infrastructure and to learn how you can support efforts to protect the Chattahoochee:
Visit www.atlantawatershed.org
Follow @ATLDirectNews
