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Utility staff brief commissioners on Ellisville wastewater consent order, received $1.9M appropriation and schedule for engineering work
Summary
Utility staff told the Board they have submitted engineering evaluations to DEP for the Ellisville wastewater plant consent order, described a recent major water line repair and scheduled vendor visits; they reported receipt of a $1.9 million legislative appropriation and said they expect vendor cost estimates in roughly two weeks to inform design and potential requests for additional DEP time.
Utility and engineering staff updated the Columbia County Board Jan. 14 on compliance and capital work tied to the Ellisville wastewater plant.
Staff said they submitted engineering evaluations to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) as the initial step in a consent‑order process and plan a follow‑up call to discuss the engineering design phase. The engineering portion of the consent order has a 90‑day timeline, and staff said they intend to ask DEP for additional time as needed to develop a practicable plan to return the plant to compliance.
Operations staff described a major water‑main repair completed Jan. 7 involving a 10‑inch line and a valve connection that required excavation and removal of sediment to access valves. Utilities staff scheduled a vendor from Fluid Control Specialties to visit Fort White on Jan. 21 to evaluate an altitude valve that intermittently failed to shut, and said they do not yet know if the work is warranty‑covered or will require county funds.
Staff also reported that 12 firms responded to an engineering RFQ (closed Jan. 12) and that tabulation and scoring will be brought to the utility board in February; an emergency services RFP closes Jan. 26. Importantly, staff said the county received grant paperwork for a $1,900,000 legislative appropriation from DEP for Ellisville wastewater improvements and expected to bring the paperwork to the board for signature the next week.
County engineer Greg Bailey and staff described debris and shavings in new HDPE force mains that have fouled meters and valves; the consultant recommended vendor troubleshooting and confirmed several operational fixes are in progress. Commissioners requested cost estimates and contingencies and directed staff to return with a recommended timeline and budget once vendor quotes are received.
Staff said they will pursue additional time from DEP if the engineering design requires more than the initial 90 days; the board asked for follow‑up cost information and scheduled the utilities engineering scoring and procurement discussions for upcoming meetings.
