Natural Resources

As the Atlanta Region continues to grow, protecting our natural environment becomes increasingly important for healthy, safe, livable communities. Strategic management of our valuable natural resources (water, air, and greenspace) is pivotal to realizing this goal. ARC implements programs to protect these resources including the Metropolitan River Protection Act, which establishes the Chattahoochee River Corridor protection requirements; staffing for the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District, which develops and implements a long-term comprehensive water management program for the 15-county Atlanta region; and other sustainability and resilience efforts needed to meet our vision of being “One Great Region.”

Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District

ARC provides planning staff for the Metro Water District, which develops and implements a long-term comprehensive water management program for the 15-county Atlanta region.

Georgia Stormwater Management Manual

This document, known as the “Blue Book,” provides an up-to-date tool for managing stormwater, including state-of-the-industry practices and information specific to Georgia.

Metropolitan River Protection Act

ARC is responsible for maintaining a plan to protect a green buffer on either side of the Chattahoochee River Corridor and reviewing any development plans that may affect the area.

Tri-State Water Litigation

ARC helps secure water supplies in the Atlanta region by spearheading Metro Atlanta’s defense in the “Tri-State Water Wars” involving the ACF and ACT basins.

Climate Change and Resilience

ARC is working on climate mitigation and resilience plans and projects to ensure the help mitigate climate change and become more resilient to extreme weather conditions.

Green Communities

Green Communities is a voluntary sustainability certification program that helps local governments reduce their environmental impact through actionable measures.