Community

Wolf Creek Pump Station Gets Maintenance Overhaul

Published

4 years ago

February 23, 2022

Arlinda Smith Broady

Upsizing the gravity sewer pipes between Simpsonwood Park and Jones Bridge Park

Ask any long-time homeowner about maintenance and you’ll probably hear a groan followed by hours of cautionary tales about leaky roofs, busted pipes or sagging foundations. Ask any municipal government and the to-do list is a thousand times longer.

One of the most noticeable maintenance projects in the metro area is keeping up with waterways and sewage systems.

Wolf Creek Pump Station — (Google Earth)

To that end, Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources has begun upsizing approximately two miles of gravity sewer from 20-inch diameter to 36-inch diameter between Simpsonwood Park and Jones Bridge Park.

According to a press release, the pipeline was installed in the early 1980s and runs parallel to the Chattahoochee River. This sewer upgrade project also includes an expansion to the existing Wolf Creek Pump Station located inside Simpsonwood Park to increase the capacity to serve the recent growth in the area. The pump station improvements consist of land clearing and grading to install a new emergency storage basin, electrical building, and generator.

Although 40 years may not seem such a long time to Generation Xers and those born prior to that era, renovation and modernization is needed to ensure continued reliability, according to GCDWR officials.

“This project will improve the reliability of this regional pump station by installing emergency storage, a new generator, an electrical building, grinders and a surge tank,” said GCDWR Director Tyler Richards during an appearance before the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners last year.

She shared the scope and intended outcome of the project.

“The project will also increase the capacity of the pump station for future growth by installing new larger pumps,” she added.

The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the project in November. It was awarded to Lakeshore Engineering Group LLC in an amount capped at just under $10.5 million.

Unlike neighbors DeKalb and Fulton counties, Gwinnett hasn’t had the high rate of sewer leaks and federal government intervention to mandate projects to eliminate discharging untreated sewage into waterways including the Chattahoochee and South Rivers.

The intent of the project is to increase the firm capacity of the Wolf Creek Pump Station by replacing the existing pumps with new larger pumps. Due to the scope of the project, a large number of trees in the area will be removed. The removal of the trees is required to allow for underground storage. Limited re-planting will commence once the project is complete

The project complies with Chattahoochee River Corridor regulations and is expected to take 18-24 months for the pump station and sewer upgrades. Construction is not anticipated to cause any sewer service disruptions, and the impact to the public is estimated to be minimal.

More information can be found at www.gwinnettwaterprojects.com.

Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) Wreak Havoc on Sewer Systems

Pour bacon grease down the sink followed by a stream of hot water may seem like a good way to get rid of unwanted fats, but it can create bigger problems further down the pipe.

Fats, oils and grease can cause serious problems for the sewer system. Fats derived from meats, cheeses, ice cream and butters; oils including vegetable, canola and olive oils, as well as oil-based salad dressings; and grease melted fat from cooking meats that becomes solid again at room temperature will solidify and cling to the walls of the indoor plumbing, as well as the public sewer pipes outside. Eventually, FOG accumulation can completely block these pipes and cause sewage to backup into homes or overflow from manholes and discharge into local streams. These overflows can cost taxpayers and the city money and pose a serious threat to the environment.

That is why consumers are urged to keep fats, oils and grease from going down the drain.

• Absorb small volumes of liquid food wastes such as milkshakes and sauces with paper towels or newspaper, then dispose of it in the trash.

• Pour used oil and grease into a container with a lid and place it in the trash for disposal.

• Wipe FOG from pots, pans and plates before washing to reduce the amount of residue going down the drain. Remember that hot water and detergents do break up FOG, but it will recombine when temperatures drop in the underground pipes and when the detergent is diluted by rinse water.

Information: www.peachtreecornersga.gov and click on “Stormwater,” in the “Government” tab.

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Arlinda Smith Broady

Arlinda Smith Broady is part of the Boomerang Generation of Blacks that moved back to the South after their ancestors moved North. With approximately three decades of journalism experience (she doesn't look it), she's worked in tiny, minority-based newsrooms to major metropolitans. At every endeavor she brings professionalism, passion, pluck, and the desire to spread the news to the people.

City of Peachtree Corners

Summer Concert Series: The Soul Cartel

Published

8 hours ago

June 3, 2026

Peachtree Corners Magazine staff

June 13 on the VoxStage at the Peachtree Corners Town Green

It’s time for another unforgettable summer of live music under the stars as the Peachtree Corners Summer Concert Series returns with high-energy performances, crowd-favorite tribute bands and the unbeatable atmosphere of music on the Town Green.

The Soul Cartel

Prepare to turn up the groove at the VoxStage on June 13 as The Soul Cartel brings an electrifying night of music to the Town Green. Known for their smooth sound and high-energy performances, the Atlanta-based group covers a wide range of genres — from classic and contemporary R&B to funk, soul and today’s pop hits — that will keep you dancing from start to finish.

About the Summer Concert Series

Each concert evening kicks off with live music beginning at 7 p.m., setting the vibe for a relaxed summer night. Featured headliners take to the stage between 8:15 and 8:30 p.m. to deliver the big sound and sing-along hits you know and love.

Bring your lawn chairs and dancing shoes, grab dinner or drinks from one of the many Town Center restaurants and settle in for a night of singing, dancing and community fun. Whether you’re meeting friends, planning a family outing or simply looking for the perfect way to enjoy a summer evening, this Summer Concert Series is the ultimate soundtrack of the season.

Free to attend, and perfect for all ages, these are the kind of summer nights that turn into tradition.

Peachtree Corners Concert Series

May–October; 7 p.m.-10 p.m.
Peachtree Corners Town Green
5140 Town Center Blvd., Peachtree Corners
community.peachtreecornersga.gov

Be sure to register for concerts online at the City’s community calendar to get the most up-to-date information, including any inclement weather updates.

Parking information and rules for the Peachtree Corners Summer Concert Series in 2026.

Community

Debbie Mason Memorial Scholarship for Drama Awarded for 2026

Published

1 week ago

May 27, 2026

Peachtree Corners Magazine staff

A high school senior, member of the drama club, is receiving a $1000 drama scholarship from the Peachtree Corners Festival. An older man is standing next to the student, holding a large check symbolizing the award.

On May 12, the Peachtree Corners Festival awarded its Debbie Mason Memorial Scholarship for Drama to Norcross High School senior, James Lasley. Lasley has been involved in the NHS drama department for four years and has served as an officer of the Drama Club for the past three years.

According to Terry Gabbard, Norcross High School’s theatre director, Lasley has had an unforgettable impact on the school’s theatre program throughout his time at NHS — and that dedication was recognized with the prestigious drama scholarship.

Talent and commitment to the theatre

“As president of the Drama Club, James led with both passion and purpose,” said Gabbard. “He was not only a familiar face in leading roles on the Norcross stage, but also a performer who consistently brought depth, commitment and authenticity to every production. His presence in rehearsals was just as meaningful as his performances — always positive, focused and encouraging those around him.”

Gabbard acknowledged that what truly set Lasley apart was his love for “every aspect of theatre. Whether he was under the spotlight, directing scenes with fellow students or working behind the scenes building scenery, he approached each opportunity with enthusiasm.”

Lasley’s talent was recognized outside of Norcross High School and the local community, as well. He earned a place on the GHSA One-Act Competition All-Star Cast for three consecutive years.

Equally important was the impact Lasley had on his fellow students. “He served as a mentor by example, helping to create a supportive, welcoming environment where younger performers felt encouraged to grow and take risks,” Gabbard said. “His leadership helped shape the culture of Norcross Theatre in lasting ways.”

Lasley’s future plans include attending Kennesaw State University in the fall and studying business management.

About the Debbie Mason Memorial Scholarship

This marks the fourth year that the Peachtree Corners Festival has awarded the drama scholarship in the name of the late Peachtree Corners Festival co-founder, Debbie Mason.

In addition to being the first “First Lady” of the city of Peachtree Corners, Debbie and her family were long-time supporters of the drama program at Norcross High School. After her passing in 2023, the Peachtree Corners Festival established the scholarship as an appropriate way to honor her legacy.

City of Peachtree Corners

Peachtree Corners Summer Concert Series – Big Bam Boom

Published

2 weeks ago

May 20, 2026

Peachtree Corners Magazine staff

Big Bam Boom, a Hall & Oates tribute band on stage at one of their shows.

The Hall & Oates tribute band will take the VoxStage on May 30

Big Bam Boom: America’s Hall & Oates tribute

Kick off the unofficial start of summer with a night of nonstop hits as Big Bam Boom brings high-energy, crowd-pleasing favorites to the VoxStage. This feel-good show captures the smooth grooves and infectious pop-rock sound that made Hall & Oates icons — delivering sing-along songs like “Rich Girl,” “Private Eyes” and “You Make My Dreams (Come True).”

Comprised of seasoned musicians from notable and touring professional bands, Big Bam Boom presents the hits and the energy of Hall & Oates with precision and smooth harmonies, resulting in a high-quality live show.

About the Summer Concert Series

Free to attend, and perfect for all ages, these are the kind of summer nights that turn into tradition.

Peachtree Corners Concert Series

May–October; 7 p.m.-10 p.m.
Peachtree Corners Town Green
5140 Town Center Blvd., Peachtree Corners
community.peachtreecornersga.gov

Be sure to register for concerts online at the City’s community calendar to get the most up-to-date information, including any inclement weather updates.