CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (October 6, 2025) – A major milestone in the City’s
efforts to prevent sewer overflows and protect local waterways is being
constructed alongside Interstate 75 where Chattanooga’s Environmental and
Economic Infrastructure Improvements (e2i2) project is now visible.
The e2i2 project, part of the broader Clear Chattanooga initiative
<https://clearchattanooga.com/> following the U.S. EPA consent decree,
consists of the construction of two wet weather equalization stations that
will store approximately 40 million gallons of excess wastewater during
heavy rain events.
The equalization stations temporarily store excess flow during storms, then
gradually release it to the treatment system when conditions improve. This
technology prevents untreated wastewater from entering South Chickamauga
Creek and ultimately the Tennessee River while also creating infrastructure
capacity for future development.
The South Lee Highway facility, featuring a 10-million-gallon tank visible
from I-75, has completed scaffolding and wall preparations, with diversion
structures poured and electrical buildings under construction. The facility
includes nearly a mile of improved sewer infrastructure that crosses
beneath the interstate.
At the West Chickamauga location near the I-75/I-24 split, the larger
30-million-gallon facility is taking shape with completed base slabs,
ongoing pump station construction, and finished retaining walls. Both
facilities are being built by the design-build team of Brasfield & Gorrie
and Gresham Smith, with program management by Jacobs.
“These structures represent one of the largest environmental investments in
the city’s history – a visible commitment to protecting our waterways and
supporting Chattanooga’s sustainable growth,” said Mark Heinzer, Wastewater
Department Administrator. “The equalization stations will dramatically
reduce sanitary sewer overflows.”
The project remains on schedule for completion in 2027.
The visible progress from I-75 demonstrates Chattanooga’s proactive
approach to infrastructure modernization. The project is a collaboration
between the City of Chattanooga and Hamilton County Water and Wastewater
Treatment Authority, managed through the City of Chattanooga Industrial
Development Board.
For more information about the e2i2 program and Clear Chattanooga
initiatives, visit clearchattanooga.com.