City of Eustis begins eastern wastewater treatment plant expansion project
The City of Eustis Public Works Department broke ground on the $6.85 million upgrade and expansion project at their Eastern Wastewater Treatment Plant (EWWTP). The plant, located on Cardinal Lane in Sorrento, outside of current corporate City limits, serves the region at SR44 and SR46A. The project is funded in part by a $2.475 million cost-share funding grant from the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD).
“This project will allow the City of Eustis to provide wastewater services in the new, proposed Eustis growth areas,” said City Manager Ron Neibert. “We would not have been able to complete this project without the support of the St. Johns River Water Management District and we are so thankful for their project grant and for partnering with us to provide quality utility services to Eastern Lake County.”
The project, which was ranked fourth out of the 78 total project applications received by the SJRWMD for fiscal year 2016-17 funding, will expand the capacity of the EWWTP to serve more capacity in the Sorrento area. The City currently serves this area, including the Sorrento Springs and Red Tail subdivisions, with water utility services including potable water, public access reuse water for irrigation and wastewater treatment. The project will also eliminate the need for the installation of many septic tanks in near-future development in this area which is located in the Wekiva River Basin.
“Through partnerships, we can help local governments and water suppliers stretch their dollars for great projects they otherwise may not be able to achieve,” SJRWMD executive Director Dr. Ann Shortelle said in a news release.
Upon completion of the EWWTP expansion project, the plant will increase capacity from 0.3 million gallons per day to 1.3 million gallons per day. The earthwork, which began at the end of December 2016, and the associated piping for the infiltration basins, will be constructed utilizing City of Eustis personnel. The plant expansion construction package will be out for bid in mid-January with an expected award in March. The project is expected to be fully functional in the first quarter of 2018.