Land Application System In the late 1970’s the Environmental Protection Division (EPD) mandated wastewater improvements through the Federal Clean Water Act. The Upper Ocmulgee River basin was targeted because of the nutrient loading affecting Jackson Lake. The primary nutrients of concern were nitrogen and phosphorous, each contributing to excessive lake algae. In response to these concerns, the City of Covington and the Newton County Water & Sewerage Authority considered the benefits of nutrient removal by irrigating their treated wastewater.
Through a joint venture, initial construction was completed in 1985 and a treatment capacity of 4.8 million gallons per day (MGD) covered 864 acres. After 20 years of successful operation and growth becoming an issue, the Land Application System (LAS) was then expanded to cover nearly 2000 acres with a treatment capacity of 8.8 MGD.
The Land Application System (LAS) was established in 1985 as a joint venture with the Newton County Water & Sewerage Authority.