B737-800
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 212; Flight Crew Type 5000
Inflight Event / Encounter Wake Vortex Encounter
Flight Crew Executed Go Around / Missed Approach
Environment - Non Weather Related; Procedure
We were on a visual approach to [Runway] 27L Atlanta following another carrier's B757. We were approximately three miles in trail on the TCAS display. At approximately 100 FT; we encountered wake turbulence from the B757. It was the Captain's leg and he initiated a go-around. We coordinated with Atlanta Tower and Atlanta Approach to sequence back in for another approach. I told the Approach Controller the separation between us and the B757 was too tight and he stated; 'It is our new separation rules.' We landed uneventfully after the second approach. The new rules for separation used by Atlanta Approach are too tight. If they continue to bring aircraft in with minimal separation; there will be more of these events.
B737-800 Firrst Officer reported encountering wake turbulence on approach to ATL in trail of B757 that resulted in a go-around. Reporter cited new minimal ATC separation techniques as causal.