R.L. SUTTON WATER RECLAMATION FACILITY
This Is About the Air We Breathe
Cobb County is proposing to restart the incineration of biosolids — processed sewage sludge — at the R.L. Sutton Water Reclamation Facility on Atlanta Road. The county plans to spend $75 million upgrading the incinerators, with construction beginning in 2027 and completing in 2029. Officials say it pays for itself in ten years. But for Vinings residents, the bottom line isn't financial — it's about the air we breathe every day.
On March 18th, columnist Dick Yarbrough of the Marietta Daily Journal laid out exactly what's at stake for our neighborhood:
More Emissions in an Already Impacted Area
Vinings already neighbors six industrial pollution sources. This adds another.
Independent Testing Denied
Requests for independent, third-party air quality testing have been declined, leaving residents without unbiased data.
“Trust Us” Is Not a Plan
Residents are being asked to rely on assurances rather than transparent, verifiable data about safety. We trusted them about Sterigenics too.
project background
Cobb County Water staff presented this project to VVHA residents at our Annual Meeting on May 5, 2025
About the Facility
The R.L. Sutton Water Reclamation Facility on Atlanta Road is the largest of Cobb County's four wastewater treatment facilities, serving Vinings, East Cobb, and parts of Smyrna and Marietta. It sits along the Chattahoochee River and has operated since 1971.
Project Background
Cobb County is proposing to restart biosolids incineration at R.L. Sutton — a significant change that directly affects our neighborhood. Here is the timeline:
- 1982: The facility began incinerating biosolids on-site, replacing landfill disposal. Capacity more than doubled, and a second incinerator was added in 1991.
- 2008: Two new fluidized bed incinerators replaced the older equipment.
- 2016: All incinerators were shut down when the EPA tightened emission standards. At the time, trucking biosolids to a landfill was the more cost-effective option.
- Today: Landfill costs have risen sharply and long-term landfill access is uncertain. Cobb County now believes restarting and upgrading the incinerators is the best long-term solution.
What's Proposed
Cobb Water is seeking proposals to rehabilitate the existing incinerators and upgrade the air pollution control system to meet current EPA emission standards. The project also includes upgrades to biosolids processing equipment. If approved, construction is expected to be complete by 2029.
VVHA is monitoring this project closely. We encourage all residents to review the documents below, stay informed, and make their voices heard.
SHOPS AT VININGS RIDGE
RETAIL CENTER COMING 2025 (now april 2026)
Zoning Application: “OB- 29” Revised Site Plan
Approved: May 2024
Developer: D&A Investment Group
Address: Corner of Paces Ferry & Vinings Slope at Vinings Ridge
Description: Upscale one story retail center with restaurants & shops
Construction Timeline:
- Ground breaking: November 2024
- Approximately one year construction timeline with projected April 2026 completion.
Tenants: Just Brunch Breakfast Bar, Fedex Office, Nail Salon, national dentist office.