Serenbe Community Wastewater Collection, Treatment and Reuse System

Project Description

Located within a half-hour’s drive from Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, the 100-acre Serenebe community is a model for the future of balanced development in the U.S. Focused on land preservation, agriculture, energy efficiency, green and high density building, walkability, arts and culture, and community living for multiple generations, the development includes private residential homes, commercial space, art galleries, original shops, stables, and a 20-room inn with conference facilities.

Serenbe’s land plan calls for the preservation of at least 70% of its acreage while accommodating as many, or more people as traditional subdivision-style developments, which typically disturb nearly 80%. Thirty acres are devoted to farming. The Serenbe Farm is certified organic and biodynamic, with a thriving Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) program and Saturday markets. Dubbed “Sonoma for the New South” by the New York Times, the community is home to three thriving restaurants.

Biohabitats designed and permitted a community wastewater collection, treatment and reuse system that is in keeping with the development’s environmental stewardship goals. A small diameter collection system minimized construction impact and damage to the environment by following the topography of the land and being kept within the roadways. The system consists of primary treatment (septic tanks at each home), subsurface flow constructed wetlands, recirculating sand filters and UV disinfection. Treated wastewater is supplied to a subsurface irrigation system in a beautiful pasture. The current operating system has approximately 30,000 gallons per day. As additional phases of the project are developed, another collection treatment system will go on line. Future systems will  include a reuse water system that will deliver a non potable supply for landscape irrigation and toilet flushing throughout the development.

Serenebe has garnered numerous awards, including The Atlanta chapter of the Urban Land Institute’s inaugural Sustainability Award, the Atlanta Regional Commission’s “Development of Excellence.” In 2008, it was named by EarthCraft Development of the Year.