Sustainable Growth in Action: How Gwinnett County’s Eastern Regional Infrastructure Project Sets a New Standard for Environmental Stewardship
In Gwinnett County, Georgia, the Eastern Regional Infrastructure Project has garnered an Envision Silver Award, a prestigious recognition for outstanding sustainable infrastructure.
The project not only addresses the region's growing population demands but also enhances the quality of life for residents by improving critical water, sewer, and recreational infrastructure, including a five-mile trail system. The project exemplifies the integration of environmental responsibility, community needs, and long-term urban planning.
As Gwinnett County’s eastern region has experienced significant economic and population growth, its infrastructure was struggling to keep pace. In response, the Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources (DWR) and the Department of Community Services (DoCS) collaborated on this expansive infrastructure project.
By updating and expanding existing facilities, the project laid a strong foundation for future economic growth while providing essential services to the community, ensuring sustainable development in the region for years to come.
The scope of this project is extensive, including water main replacements, sewer upgrades, and the creation of a recreational trail. The project involved replacing and upsizing five miles of water mains, enhancing the capacity to meet current and future demands. Water resources are fundamental to any region’s development, and this initiative ensured that Gwinnett County is well-prepared to handle population growth for decades.
In addition, the project entailed the installation of six miles of gravity sewer line, a 14 million-gallon-per-day (MGD) wastewater pump station, and seven miles of parallel force mains. These improvements are expected to significantly increase the region’s sewage processing capacity and facilitate handling the future wastewater needs of the expanding population.
Furthermore, the project introduced a five-mile trail system along the Apalachee River, which not only provides residents with outdoor recreational opportunities but also serves as a sustainable integration of civil infrastructure with natural landscapes, connecting the sewer infrastructure to a public amenity.
One of the standout features of this project is its focus on sustainable design and construction throughout all phases. Gwinnett County implemented a tailored sustainability plan and adhered to environmental best practices from procurement through to operations, culminating in the successful Envision certification.
This certification not only underscores the project’s commitment to green building practices but also serves as a model for future projects. The project team carefully considered factors like climate change and environmental impact during the design phase.
In order to avoid disturbing wetlands and mitigate risks such as flooding, steep slopes, and adverse geology, multiple site and alignment options were evaluated. Moreover, the team worked collaboratively, leveraging the expertise of various professionals to ensure that every phase of the project was both sustainable and innovative.
The leadership of Gwinnett County played a critical role in driving this initiative. Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson remarked, “The Eastern Regional Infrastructure Project is the cornerstone of Gwinnett’s sustainable growth. We are proud to have earned Envision certification for this project, which not only showcases our innovative capabilities but also reflects our commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility.”
The success of the project was also made possible through the collaboration of key partners, including project management firms, engineering design firms, and construction teams. JDS, Freese and Nichols, and the entire project team worked together seamlessly to ensure the project met community needs while minimizing environmental impact.
In addition to the environmental and social benefits, the project has also provided significant economic advantages. It has fostered a partnership with the Rowen Foundation, a 2,000-acre knowledge community focused on medical, environmental, and agricultural initiatives.
This collaboration not only supports the current needs of Gwinnett County’s residents but also secures the infrastructure necessary to accommodate future businesses and high-tech industries, fueling continued economic development in the area.
Furthermore, the construction phase of the project created numerous local job opportunities, stimulating the local workforce and contributing to the region's overall economic growth. By modernizing the county’s infrastructure, the project has also enhanced the convenience and quality of life for its residents.
Throughout the design and construction phases, the project team accounted for the potential impacts of climate change on infrastructure. The project’s wastewater facilities were designed to withstand extreme weather events, reducing the risk of flooding and other environmental challenges. In addition, the resilience of the project extends beyond the physical infrastructure.
By creating a greener, healthier trail system, the project not only offers residents a place to exercise and relax but also contributes to social resilience, improving overall community well-being. This comprehensive approach to resilience ensures that the project will provide reliable infrastructure while supporting long-term sustainable development in the area.
The successful completion of the Eastern Regional Infrastructure Project marks an important milestone for Gwinnett County’s sustainability efforts. It sets a precedent for future infrastructure projects, both in the U.S. and globally, by demonstrating how thoughtful design, innovative solutions, and strong teamwork can drive economic growth, environmental protection, and social well-being simultaneously.
Through such projects, cities can ensure they are not only meeting current demands but are also equipped to face future challenges.
Ultimately, Gwinnett County’s Eastern Regional Infrastructure Project serves as a model for the future of urban development. It highlights how sustainable design, cutting-edge technology, and effective collaboration can come together to create resilient, thriving communities.
As cities around the world continue to grow, more projects like this will be essential in ensuring that urbanization proceeds in a way that is both environmentally responsible and beneficial to the people who live in these communities.
The Eastern Regional Infrastructure Project is proof that smart, sustainable infrastructure planning can lay the groundwork for a prosperous future for both residents and the environment.