Gallatin Public Utilities constructs massive tank to divert water during strong storms

Gallatin Public Utilities is working to complete a project that will prevent strong rain events from overwhelming the sewer system and causing discharges of untreated water into Town Creek. The 10-million gallon tank and pump “equalization basin” off Maple Drive will stagger the flow of water to the treatment plant and resolve the issue. The project was funded at $12,200,000 and is expected to be complete in the summer of 2022. Stormwater is generated during precipitation events. Water that flows off roofs, streets, sidewalks and parking lots drains into a separate stormwater collection system and is diverted directly into waterways without treatment. While these two systems operate independently, heavy rains can enter the sanitary sewer system through cracks in pipes, defective manholes, or illegally connected downspouts and drains, which can overwhelm the system and lead to sanitary sewer overflows. The EQ Basin works by measuring rainwater and water flow in the sanitary sewer system. When a certain volume is reached during a rain event, the system will divert excess water into a storage tank. As flows come back down to normal, stored water is slowly released back into the system. CROM, the project contractor, has built more than 4,000 similar products across the southeast.