CHIPLEY RECEIVES $1.5 MILLION INVESTMENT FROM DEP TO IMPROVE IMPAIRED WATERBODIES

Florida DEP Banner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 2, 2014

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850-245-2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us 

CHIPLEY RECEIVES $1.5 MILLION INVESTMENT FROM DEP TO IMPROVE IMPAIRED WATERBODIES

~Holmes Creek will benefit from investment~

TALLAHASSEE – In an effort to protect Northwest Florida’s environment, the city of Chipley continues to take steps to reduce pollutant loadings thanks to a $1.5 million grant provided by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

“The number one threat to Florida’s water is excess nutrients,” said DEP Secretary Herschel T. Vinyard Jr. “Nitrogen and phosphorus are part of every healthy waterbody, but too much of either is a bad thing. This project addresses excess nutrient loading in the Holmes Creek area and will improve current infrastructure in that area as well.”

“The expansion of waterlines past Interstate 10 will help Chipley compete for new businesses looking to locate in Florida, and I am pleased that the Florida Legislature was able to fund this much-needed project,” said Representative Marti Coley. “With a surplus budget during the 2014 Legislative Session, it was fitting for the state to invest those dollars back into our communities, which will continue to strengthen our economy and provide jobs.”

“The city of Chipley is excited to participate with the state of Florida and the Department of Environmental Protection to expand and improve our utility infrastructure. The city is always eager to do its part in protecting our environment in order to support Florida’s rich tourism heritage while providing our constituents high-quality public utilities,” said Chipley Mayor Linda Cain.

The city has developed a comprehensive plan for the Interstate 10/Highway 77 interchange to include drinking water, wastewater, stormwater and roadway improvements within the area. The project proposes to make necessary infrastructure improvements to protect surrounding environmental features and provide future collection, treatment and distribution of water utilities.   

Phase I of the multi-phased program has been completed to include a new wastewater treatment facility, underground utility improvements and new reuse system for upland disposal. Phase II will incorporate construction of a water well, storage, distribution mains, sewage lift station and gravity system/force main.

The project will improve health and safety welfare in the surrounding area by reducing pollutant loadings. This phase of the comprehensive plan is expected to be complete by January 2017.