Florida DEP Awards $150,000 Grant for Wastewater Infrastructure Improvements

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection recently awarded a $150,000 grant for wastewater infrastructure improvements in Midway to eliminate failing septic tanks and provide sewer services. The project was funded through a 2016-17 state legislative appropriation.

“We are pleased to partner with the city of Midway to help eliminate failing septic tanks by connecting 35 homes to a central sewer system,” said DEP Secretary Jon Steverson. “Septic tank conversion projects, like this one, are key to helping improve the water quality and health of Florida’s rivers, springs and other waterways.”

Septic tanks can be a significant source of nitrates to both surface and groundwater, especially in areas where septic tanks are densely clustered. This is why the department continues to work with stakeholders to identify and provide funding assistance for specific wastewater management strategies and projects, such as septic tank removal, wastewater system upgrades and service connections to municipal systems, to achieve restoration goals.

“We are thankful for DEP’s partnership in funding these infrastructure improvements for our city,” said Auburn Ford, Midway city manager. “Projects like these help Midway to continue to be a city of progress and possibilities.”

Phase I of the Midway wastewater infrastructure improvements project will include the design of a sewer system and pump station to eliminate failing septic tanks and provide sewer service to 35 homes in the Rustling Pines neighborhood. The force main from the pump station will be constructed under Interstate 10 and tie into the Talquin Electric wastewater treatment plant. This project will benefit local groundwater which flows though Monroe Creek, the Little River and ultimately into the Ochlockonee River, an Outstanding Florida Water, at Lake Talquin.

“Because of years of research, we know septic tank conversion projects such as this are a vital part of the plan to restore and improve our local waters,” said Brett Cyphers, Executive Director of the Northwest Florida Water Management District. “We are excited for this project to get underway to help us get one step closer to that goal.”

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