The town of Senoia is going to figure out another way to expand its sewer capacity.

The town’s wish to pump 500,000 gallons a day for treatment into Peachtree City was turned down two weeks ago by the Peachtree City Council. But the town voted Monday night to instruct its engineer to proceed with exploring three other expansion options.

The message to Peachtree City is clear: Senoia will grow even without Peachtree City’s help.

Senoia hasn’t picked which one of the three options it will pursue, and that might be largely dictated by the wishes of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division, which must sign off on the specifics of any sewer expansion.

“We have a long way to go before we get approval,” said Town Manager Richard Ferry.

Ferry estimated the town needed to plan for sewer expansion over the next four years, “so when the time comes we can have that in place so we can go ahead and do it.”

That may give enough time for Rockaway Road, the main entrance into and out of Senoia along Ga. Highway 74 south, to be realigned with the traffic light at Holly Grove Road in Peachtree City. That project is due to be completed when the Georgia Department of Transportation widens Ga. Highway 74 S. from two to four lanes.

Senoia’s three sewer options range in price estimates from $5.2 million to $5.7 million and would involve either expanding the current land application system, adding a system for reuse of the water (perhaps by pumping it to a golf course for irrigation) or building a sewage treatment plant for the town.

Ferry also said the town should petition the North Georgia Metropolitan Water Planning District to change its plan for Senoia to decommission its land application sewage treatment facility in 2025, because the plan calls for Senoia to pump its sewage to Peachtree City for treatment.

“Obviously that’s not an option anymore,” Ferry said.

Senoia will be considering a 157-acre annexation to its eastern border along Ga. Highway 85 near the County Line Tavern. Ferry is urging council to consider annexing more unincorporated land between this parcel and the central area of the town.

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