FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 10, 2014
NEW TREATMENT SYSTEM PROVIDES MANY ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS
~Ft. Pierce Utilities Authority opens new facility to improve efficiency and protect the environment~
FT. PIERCE – Today, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s
Southeast District joined the Ft. Pierce Utilities Authority (FPUA) to
celebrate the grand opening of their biosolids treatment system. Michael
Bechtold, an engineer with the department, spoke about the accomplishment of FPUA’s new
biosolids treatment process.
The state-of-the-art system includes CleanB®
chlorine dioxide disinfection,
dewatering and disposition of the materials. The CleanB® treatment system is patented by BCR Environmental based in Jacksonville. The system converts municipal
biosolids to odor-free stabilized Class B material in 10 minutes. Class B biosolids have reduced levels of
pathogens and vector attraction reduction, protecting public health and the
environment.
DEP issued a permit revision on Aug. 26, 2014, to
allow construction and subsequent operation of the system at FPUA’s wastewater
treatment plant. The finished product allows biosolids generated by the
facility to be applied beneficially to the land, transferred to a DEP-approved
biosolids treatment facility and/or used as a biofuel. In the first year alone, the system is
expected to save FPUA approximately $150,000 to $200,000 by reducing
energy consumption, simplifying treatment operations and lowering operating
costs.
“The
Florida Department of Environmental Protection is pleased to work with the Ft. Pierce Utilities Authority to improve their energy footprint by incorporating
this system into their wastewater treatment plant,” said Jill Creech, director
of the Southeast District. “Improving
wastewater byproducts for beneficial use protects the public and the
environment and is environmentally responsible.”
“Ft. Pierce Utilities Authority has a long history of
implementing environmentally conscious programs in our wastewater, water and
energy programs,” said Bill Thiess, director of Utilities at FPUA. “This new
system will not only conserve energy but will also process wastewater that is more
environmentally friendly, keeping Fort Pierce beautiful for all to enjoy.”
In 1972, Ft. Pierce citizens voted by referendum to create
the FPUA. The FPUA governing board consists of the mayor of the city of Fort
Pierce along with four officials appointed by the city of Ft. Pierce
Commission.
FPUA is a
municipally owned utility whose mission is “to provide our customers with
economical, reliable and friendly service in a continuous effort to enhance the
quality of life in our community.” The FPUA wastewater system serves the city
of Fort Pierce and the immediate surrounding area, encompassing nearly 30
square miles.
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