FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 29, 2014
DEP FUNDS EXPANSION OF BLOUNTSTOWN
WASTEWATER SYSTEM
~Antiquated wastewater system will be upgraded and expanded by summer 2016~
TALLAHASSEE
– The city of Blountstown now has the capability to upgrade and expand its more
aging wastewater-collection system thanks to a $900,000 grant from
the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
“This project is an
example of the department’s continued focus on improving water quality and
quantity,” said DEP Secretary Herschel T. Vinyard Jr. “This additional lift
station will help prevent harmful nitrates from reaching surface waters.”
“Water quality is
essential to public health and economic growth,” said Senator Bill Montford. “I commend the local leaders of the city of
Blountstown, Calhoun County and the Northwest Florida Water Management for their vision
and commitment to making Calhoun County an even better place to live. It's a great example of intergovernmental
cooperation.”
“This project is crucial to the future growth
and sustainability of Blountstown,” said Representative Halsey Beshears. “I am
thankful that DEP and the Northwest Florida Water Management District continue to
recognize the importance of projects like these for the people of Calhoun
County and Blountstown.”
“The city of Blountstown is grateful for this
funding assistance from DEP,” said Traci Hall, interim city manager and finance
director for the city of Blountstown. “Without this funding, the city would not
be able to design and construct this new lift station, which is greatly needed
to better serve our citizens and accommodate for future growth. We appreciate
DEP providing this opportunity for the city of Blountstown.”
Blountstown has seen significant growth in the last 50
years. At this point, one basin in particular has grown to exceed its designed
capacity. The funds from the department will go specifically to the design and
construction of a new lift station and associated forcemain. In order to reduce
the flow of the collection basin, the new lift station will allow for a
bifurcation of current flow.
The addition of a new
lift station will provide assurances that the currently strained system will
have relief and not overflow. This protects surface water from increased
nutrients, which can cause algae blooms and other negative consequences.
It is anticipated that
this first phase of the project will be complete by late summer 2016.
Eventually, the city would like to expand its collection system to bring on
line the nearby town of Altha and to serve the Calhoun County Catalyst Site.
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