Springs restoration projects identified for funding

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has announced that it and the Florida Water Management Districts have identified 35 springs projects to receive more than $56.6 million. Along with $33.1 million in matching funds at the state and local levels, the total investment in springs projects will be $89.7 million for this new fiscal year.

The 35 statewide projects include:

• Volusia Blue Advance Wastewater Treatment (VOLUSIA BLUE): The project will upgrade and expand the advanced wastewater treatment system from the existing 1.7 million gallons per day (MGD ) to 2.7 MGD, increasing capacity to allow for future septic removal and further reducing nutrient loading into Volusia Blue Spring by approximately 41,000 pounds per year. In addition, the project will reduce groundwater withdrawals, helping to preserve the ecosystem and protect the spring.
• Hernando County's Package Plant Connection Project (WEEKI WACHEE SPRING GROUP): The project will connect several private wastewater package plants within the Weeki Wachee, Homosassa and Aripeka springsheds to Hernando County's central wastewater collection system, reducing nutrients by approximately 1,369 pounds per year. The project will also result in additional reclaimed water for beneficial reuse.
• Septic Connection (WAKULLA SPRINGS): The project will connect up to 130 homes currently on septic tanks to the existing central sewer system within the city of Tallahassee and the priority area for Wakulla Springs. The anticipated nutrient load reduction is 2,526 pounds per year.
• Fanning Springs Wastewater Collection System Extension Phase IV (FANNING SPRINGS): The project will expand the city of Fanning Springs' sewer system, eliminating and preventing 198 septic tanks, reducing nutrient loading to Fanning Springs. This is phase four of the Fanning Springs Sewer Expansion Project, which is anticipated to reduce approximately 4,554 pounds per year of nutrients from Fanning Springs.

Click the link below to see a complete list of projects, which are part of the upcoming budget public hearings to be held by each of the respective water management districts.