2026 ACEC Georgia STATE Award – Water/Wastewater: Big Creek Water Reclamation Facility Upgrade & Expansion

The Big Creek Water Reclamation Facility Upgrade & Expansion was recognized with a 2026 ACEC Georgia award in the Water/Wastewater category, highlighting the engineering excellence, innovation and collaboration behind this major wastewater infrastructure modernization project.

The award-winning project was submitted to ACEC Georgia by Brown and Caldwell, a longstanding teaming partner of S. L. King & Associates, Inc. (SLKA). SLKA proudly contributed specialized electrical engineering expertise as part of the project team.

Delivered through a progressive design-build approach, the Big Creek project included significant upgrades to treatment equipment, controls and operating systems to meet current Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) standards and regulatory requirements while strengthening the facility's long-term performance and reliability.

As part of the project's MEP/FP scope, SLKA was responsible for electrical engineering services supporting the replacement and expansion of the odor control system at the Big Creek facility headworks.

The improvements included new scrubbers, pumping and chemical systems contained within a new odor control building serving bar screen and grit chamber equipment. SLKA's electrical engineering scope included motor controls, variable-speed controllers, instrumentation, underground electrical distribution, lighting and fire alarm systems, including systems serving electrically hazardous areas in accordance with applicable NEC requirements.

Value-Added Accomplishments

SLKA's electrical engineering supported the safe and effective integration of new odor-control and process equipment within a complex, active wastewater environment. The work required coordination of power, controls, instrumentation, distribution and life-safety systems within electrically hazardous areas, contributing to improved operational reliability, regulatory compliance and long-term facility performance.

The project's 2026 ACEC Georgia recognition in the Water/Wastewater category further demonstrates the value of collaborative engineering and represents another award-winning project delivered alongside Brown and Caldwell, one of SLKA's longstanding industry partners.

Link: 2026 Georgia Engineering Award Winners - American Council of Engineering Companies of Georgia | ACEC

View ACEC Georgia 2026 Award Winners: 2026 Georgia Engineering Award Winners - American Council of Engineering Companies of Georgia | ACEC