Florida DEP opens two new wastewater treatment facilities in the state

SPRINGFIELD & GREENVILLE, FL, FEBRUARY 17, 2017 -- The Florida Department of Environmental Protection recently awarded the city of Springfield $5.6 million to rehabilitate the city's wastewater collection system, and joined the town of Greenville and local officials in celebrating the groundbreaking of a new wastewater treatment facility. Both projects were funded through the state's Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) loan program.

"Projects like this help protect public health and our environment," said Drew Bartlett, DEP deputy secretary for ecosystems restoration.

Recently, the city of Springfield held a groundbreaking ceremony for the project, which consists of rehabilitating and constructing a new gravity sewer, and reducing the amount of stormwater entering the city's collection system by replacing deteriorating infrastructure. A significant portion of the $5.6 million loan, $4.1 million, has principal forgiveness and does not need to be repaid by the community.

"We are grateful to DEP for funding to assist the city with this pipe replacement," said Donald "Lee" Penton, Springfield city clerk. "Our residents and community will certainly benefit by having a reliable sewer system that won't harm the environment."

The Greenville mayor, along with representatives from DEP, Talcon Group, Greenville Council and Madison County celebrate construction beginning on the project.

The town of Greenville was awarded more than $1.5 million for the construction of a new 75,000 gallon per day treatment plant and new operations building. A significant portion of this loan, more than $1.4 million, has principal forgiveness and does not need to be paid back by the community.

The CWSRF Program has awarded approximately $1.1 billion in funding for nearly 120 wastewater and stormwater improvement projects during the past five years, and a total of $4 billion in loan funds since its inception in 1989. The program is funded by federal grants, state matching funds, loan repayments and interest earnings.

About DEP's Division of Water Restoration Assistance
The Division of Water Restoration Assistance is responsible for providing loans and grants for projects that improve the quality and quantity of the state's water resources and provide a significant benefit to the environment and local communities. Projects in several program areas are funded that improve stormwater quality, reduce pollutants entering surface water and groundwater, protect springs, collect and treat wastewater, produce and distribute drinking water, nourish beaches and reclaim mined land. For more information, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/water/waterprojectfunding/