Pasco approves $418,000 contract work to finalize Pasco Aqua acquisition and clear stormwater sites

Pasco County commissioners approved agenda item C‑34 on Oct. 7 to finish post‑acquisition work for the Pasco Aqua utility system, including sludge removal at the Jasmine Lake wastewater plant and construction of conveyance and bypass work near Palm Terrace ponds.

Joseph Amoy, utilities director, said the county acquired the former Aqua utility system and discovered additional punch‑list work that required contractor services. “There were some few more conversions we needed to do … sludge at the Jasmine Lake Wastewater Treatment Plant that we needed to remove, bypass around the Palm Terrace pond,” Amoy said. The board heard that those measures had already produced local flood relief in the Ironbark/Palm Terrace neighborhood, where previously recurring flooding required residents to place sandbags at home entrances.

Public Works Director Jason Mickle described the emergency response used to clear muck and create larger retention capacity ahead of storm season. He credited coordination with DEP and SWFWMD, quick mobilization of trucks and backhoes, and clearance that reduced recurring street and home flooding in the Pineapple Lane area. Commissioner remarks emphasized using the newly cleared stormwater basins as community assets and exploring parks and walking trails once flood control was secured.

Commissioner Jack Mariano moved approval of the item; the motion passed on voice vote. Staff said they would seek coordination with Parks and Community Development Block Grant—Disaster Recovery (CDBG‑DR) processes for longer‑term neighborhood improvements where eligible.