UMATILLA WATER TREATMENT PLANT TO RECEIVE NEARLY $700,000 IN IMPROVEMENTS

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 15, 2014

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

UMATILLA WATER TREATMENT PLANT TO RECEIVE NEARLY $700,000 IN IMPROVEMENTS

~Funding will safeguard water source for fire protection~

TALLAHASSEE – The Umatilla Water Treatment Plant will soon receive a host of upgrades thanks to a $677,050 grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The upgrades are part of the city’s long-term capital improvement comprehensive work plan to ensure the potable-water needs of the city will be met by 2020. 

“Senator Hays has been focused on improving water quality since he arrived in Tallahassee,” said DEP Secretary Herschel T. Vinyard Jr. “This project is one of many that Senator Hays has supported to help communities improve wastewater treatment.” 

“These monies are vital to the safety and protection of all the citizens of Umatilla,” said Senator Alan Hays. “The upgrade will enable the city to provide adequate pressures to fight fires in all areas of the city when called upon. I am pleased to have been able to play a small role in the awarding of this grant. Governor Scott and Secretary Vinyard are the two gentlemen to whom most of the thanks should go. This project may not have a lot of 'sizzle' because it is work being done behind the scenes, but it is very important to provide proper fire protection for our citizens.” 

“I am pleased to hear about the finalized contract between the city of Umatilla and the Department of Environmental Protection, which will allow the city to make a critical upgrade to the city’s water treatment plant,” said Representative Bryan Nelson. “This $677,050 upgrade to the city’s infrastructure is welcome news and part of our state’s critical effort to ensure the highest-quality water reaches our citizens. The city leaders of Umatilla and the DEP can both be proud of this agreement.” 

The water-plant upgrades and improvements will consist of replacing the existing high-service pumps, including controls and electrical components, construction of a new 150,000 gallon ground storage tank with cascade aeration, and installation of new yard piping to replace existing connecting piping. In addition, the facility will replace the existing standby generator for emergency operation of the water plant. The funding will also help to upgrade the existing disinfection/chlorination system.  

The project will provide significant public-health benefits when completed. The system operating conditions will be improved, including pressure and volumes that can meet peak daily demands and enhanced fire protection.  

The project is estimated to be completed by September 2015.