City officials address Milton wastewater plant site and PFAS concerns

In a recent Santa Rosa County Commission Special Rezoning Meeting held on April 24, 2025, significant discussions centered around the proposed relocation of a wastewater treatment plant, highlighting environmental concerns and the challenges of managing treated effluent. The current facility, which has been operational for over 50 years, discharges approximately 2 million gallons of treated effluent daily into the Blackwater River. Officials emphasized that the existing plant is nearing the end of its useful life and cannot be expanded, necessitating the search for a new site.

The proposed new location for the plant is situated one mile away from the river, at a higher elevation of 130 feet, compared to the current facility's elevation of 8 feet. This elevation change is crucial for mitigating flooding risks associated with category 1 storms. However, the site also presents challenges, particularly concerning nearby wetlands. Officials stated that they would not disturb the wetlands identified in the area, which complicates the potential for using the land for a spray field.

A key point of contention during the meeting was the presence of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in the water supply. While concerns were raised about PFAS levels in the region, officials clarified that the treated effluent from the current plant shows low to no detection of these substances. They noted that PFAS contamination is a broader issue affecting many areas and is not solely linked to the wastewater treatment process.

The hydrology of the proposed site was also discussed, with officials asserting that water from the new plant would flow northwest, away from well field protection areas. This assertion aims to alleviate fears regarding the potential contamination of local drinking water sources.

Despite the pressing need for a new plant, officials acknowledged the complexities involved in addressing PFAS treatment. They indicated that no full-scale PFAS treatment processes are currently operational in wastewater treatment facilities, and implementing such technology could require significant financial investment.

The meeting underscored the community's urgent need for a reliable wastewater treatment solution while navigating environmental regulations and public health concerns. As discussions continue, the commission faces the challenge of balancing infrastructure development with environmental stewardship and public safety. The next steps will likely involve further evaluations of the proposed site and ongoing dialogue with community stakeholders to address their concerns.