$ 41 million for canal remodeling projects in Wekiwa Springs and Pine Hills
From the Orange County Newsroom
Late last week, the state of Florida announced its recommendation to Orange County for a $ 41 million grant for wastewater treatment. The funds are part of a nationwide program under the Clean Waterways Act, which is providing more than $ 114 million to improve water quality and protect Florida’s natural water resources.
“On behalf of the 14 neighborhoods that I headed in 2019 to get involved in subsidies for the septic tank and to work together for it, we are grateful for the accelerated funding for the conversion. We were only expecting to continue with a quarter a year, “said Christine Moore, district 2 commissioner.” With the $ 36 million we are now able to build sewers in 14 neighborhoods or 1,200 homes. “
District 2 Orange County Commissioner Christine Moore
The grant can be used to add nutrient removal technology to traditional sewage treatment plants, provide advanced wastewater treatment, or convert septic tanks into central sewers. In Orange County, the funds will be primarily used to remodel septic tanks at Wekiwa Springs and Pine Hills, which are the Springs focus area.
“We welcome these funds to help Orange County conserve natural water resources like Wekiwa Springs,” said Jerry L. Demings, Orange County Mayor. “It is important to remove septic tanks to improve the health of the springs and keep them as pollutant-free as possible.”
Florida’s natural water resources, such as Wekiwa Springs in central Florida, are sensitive to human activity. High nitrate concentrations – partly due to fertilizer runoff and septic tanks used by residential properties – have a negative impact on the water quality and the ecosystem of the springs.
“I’m excited for this commitment to protecting our natural resources,” said Ed Torres, director of Orange County Utilities. “I can confidently say that Orange County Utilities is wholeheartedly committed to providing sustainable service to our customers. My employees and I look forward to expanding our renovation program and continuing our efforts to protect our region’s waterways. “
Septic tanks have been identified as the source of 29% of the nitrates in the springs. Retrofitting existing sewage treatment plants in the neighborhood is one way of helping the ailing springs by channeling wastewater into a modern sewage treatment plant.
Of the $ 114 million total that has been awarded, the Indian River Lagoon and Orange County’s Septic Conversion Project will receive a large portion of the funding. Indian River Lagoon will receive more than $ 53 million for water quality efforts and Orange County will receive $ 41 million.
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