The Desoto County Regional Utility Authority recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Johnson Creek Wastewater Treatment Facility (JCWWTF).  JCWWTF is one of two regional facilities designed to serve the wastewater treatment requirements of DeSoto County, MS.  (Click here for more information on this overall project.) It is located in Walls, MS, off Highway 61 and will be built in phases as population growth and needs develop in the western portion of the county.  The first phase of the facility is underway and is expected to be operational by March 2013.  Max Foote Construction of Birmingham, AL, is the prime contractor for this $13.8 million phase.  Upon completion, three antiquated and poor-performing facilities in the Walls and Horn Lake area will be shut down and their flow diverted to this new plant for treatment.  Pickering designed the plant with up-to-date, energy-efficient equipment and processes that will provide a treated effluent, significantly minimizing environmental impact while at the same time reducing operating and maintenance costs.