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SNL Plans Centralized Wastewater Treatment
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Published: January 9, 2009
SEBRING - Plans for a centralized wastewater treatment plant in the southwest end of the district and wastewater reuse system will proceed, if the Sun 'n Lake of Sebring Improvement District Board of Supervisors approve three resolutions Friday morning.
The first resolution asks the board's approval to authorize General Manager Al Grieshaber Jr. to proceed with implementing the plans for the wastewater treatment facility and reclaimed water project.
The second resolution would allow an application to the Southwest Florida Water Management District for up to 50 percent in grants for the water reuse facility at the southern end of Units 6, 7 and 10.
The third resolution allows staff to prepare an application to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for grants and loans, if grants do not cover the entire cost of the project for a centralized wastewater treatment facility.
"This isn't an immediate project," said Grieshaber Jr. on Thursday. "We're thinking ahead. This is a conceptual wastewater treatment plant where we can generate reclaimed water."
The district must have an adequate flow with a centralized plant. At present it has two facilities with three package plants. The first plant in Unit 4 has capacity to treat 250 million gallons per day. Two plants in Unit 23 can treat 350 million gallons per day, but each unit runs on its own.
"What we want to do is combine that capacity," Grieshaber Jr. said.
The district has selected a 95-acre site to the south between Granada Boulevard and the dirt portion of Schumacher Drive and between Palermo Avenue and Gazebo Avenue, which are roads that have been platted but not developed.
Grieshaber Jr. estimated the costs at $11 million for the plant and another $5 million for the reclaimed water project.
"I want to put our plant on a big enough site, 95 acres, where it can be buffered from any residential development," said Grieshaber Jr. "When this plant is built the plan is to eliminate the other plants."
This is a visionary project that's not going to be done in a year, nor does it have to be allocated right away, he said.
National Recreational Properties transferred about 400 lots within the proposed area and the board's approval will signal it's time to send out letters regarding land acquisition on the remaining properties the district needs in part by shifting prospective residents to developed areas.
"We have to demonstrate an intention to use the property for a public purpose to qualify for a public purpose exemption from county real estate taxes," Grieshaber Jr. said. "Prior to January 1 of a tax year you have to have two things, site control and intention. We have a site plan dated Dec. 18, 2008 signed and sealed by a professional engineer."
Next they want to begin applying for grants.
"Contrary to what some folks say, the general manager and the district staff are trying to urbanize this district in a methodical and meticulous manner," Grieshaber Jr. said. "We'll do this on a fair and equitable basis and we'll make the district more attractive by eliminating package plants from the frontage road and by the hospital."
Highlands Today reporter Joe Seelig can be reached at 863-386-5834 or jseelig@highlandstoday.com
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