Note: The DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management has updated the Shoal Creek Trunk Sewer replacement project website, which now includes: meeting notices, general FAQs, a fact sheet, the press release, the general meeting presentation, and Midway Woods meeting recording. See here: Shoal Creek Trunk Sewer Replacement Project | DeKalb County GA
Downloads:
Shoal Creek Fact Sheet I Project Frequently Asked Questions
In addition, here are notes from the August Midway Woods neighborhood meeting with the DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management
Date: August 19, 2025
Host: DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management (DWM)
DeKalb County staff met virtually with Midway Woods residents to provide an update on the Shoal Creek Trunk Sewer Replacement Project, part of the County’s $4.27 billion capital improvement program to modernize water and sewer infrastructure.
Why This Project Matters
- The sewer system in our area is more than 70 years old and prone to failures.
- Midway Woods has a Priority Fix List (PFL) site due to repeated sanitary sewer overflows.
- Federal and state regulators (EPA and EPD) require corrective action.
- Improvements will expand system capacity, reduce sewer spills, and protect creeks and rivers.
Project Scope & Timeline
- The project covers 13.3 miles of trunk sewer line in three major sections.
- Midway Woods falls in Section 3B.
- 2026: Construction expected at the PFL site in our neighborhood – this is a section of the creek where two branches of the creek converge near Oldfield Road. Construction access to this area will be from Conway.
- 2034: Broader Section 3B construction anticipated (dates may shift).
What Residents Can Expect
- Easements: Before work begins, some property owners along the creek may be contacted by a third-party to negotiate easements.
- Construction: Typical work will last 2–4 months per location, not the entire project timeline. Crews will dig trenches, replace sewer pipes, and remove trees along the work area.
- Restoration: DWM committed to restoring affected areas “in kind” or better, including creek bank stabilization.
- Tree impacts: A “significant number” of trees will be removed along the sewer line, including parts of Dearborn Park. Replacement will follow permit requirements.
- Manholes: New sealed manholes will be installed; some may extend up to 4 feet above grade, though they may be made flush with yards where possible.
Next Steps
- Easement acquisition begins in 2026 for the PFL site.
- Construction follows, with additional outreach meetings scheduled before work begins.
- A “Pardon Our Dust” session will be held closer to the start of construction to answer neighborhood-specific questions.
Resources
- Project Email: shoalcreektrunksewer@dekalbcountyga.gov
- Project Website: Shoal Creek Trunk Sewer Improvement
- DWM Hotline: 1-800-986-1108 (M–F, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.)
Shoal Creek Trunk Sewer Replacement Project – FAQs
1. When will construction begin in Midway Woods?
Construction will occur in two phases:
- 2026: Work begins on the Priority Fix List (PFL) site in our neighborhood.
- 2034: Broader Section 3B construction, which includes Midway Woods.
Timelines may shift depending on permitting and agency coordination.
2. How long will construction last in our neighborhood?
Although the full project spans years, work in Midway Woods will last 2–4 months per location. Crews will complete work in sections before moving downstream.
3. What should property owners expect if their lot borders the creek?
- Most impacts will be along the creek, where the trunk sewer lies.
- If your property requires an easement, you’ll be contacted by a third-party firm.
- Construction may involve trenching, tree removal, and temporary disruption.
- Stream banks will be protected during construction and restored afterward.
4. Will trees be removed?
Yes. A significant number of trees within the sewer easement (including Dearborn Park) will be removed to allow access. Replacement planting will follow requirements of local permits (DeKalb County or City of Decatur, depending on location).
5. How will the creek be restored?
DWM uses standard, regulator-approved methods to stabilize creek banks, replace aerial crossings, and restore natural conditions after construction.
6. Will construction disrupt the neighborhood for three years?
No. While the overall project timeline spans several years, disruption in any one area (such as Midway Woods) will be limited to a few months.
7. What about manholes—how will they look?
- Manholes will be sealed to prevent flooding.
- They may extend up to 4 feet above grade, but can sometimes be installed flush with the ground in yards.
8. Will the county buy properties along the creek?
At this time, no property acquisitions are planned. The county’s focus is on easements for access rather than purchasing land.
9. How will homeowners be notified before work begins?
- Easement requests will come first (via a third-party firm).
- Before construction starts, DWM will hold a “Pardon Our Dust” meeting where residents can meet the contractor, see detailed plans, and ask site-specific questions.
- Advance notices will also be distributed to affected households.
10. Where can I learn more or ask questions?
Hotline: 1-800-986-1108 (M–F, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.)