Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Wastewater topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Consultants present wastewater master plan, estimate $24.5M in multi‑year projects
Summary
Hazen and Sawyer presented a wastewater master plan for Oldsmar that finds the plant performing above model expectations, outlines resiliency work after past floods, and proposes a $24.5 million multi‑year capital program with $2.6M in year‑one needs and grant-funded items.
Tim Ware of Hazen and Sawyer told the Oldsmar City Council the wastewater master plan is a long‑term roadmap covering the treatment plant, collection system, pump stations and pipelines. He said the plant is rated for roughly 2,250,000 gallons per day and staff currently operate it more efficiently than the model predicts.
"One of the coolest things we found is that your plant runs more efficiently largely due to the staff than what our model said it should do," Ware said. He recommended selective capacity increases—including projects that could raise capacity toward 2.99 million gpd—but warned that reaching 3,000,000 gpd would trigger 24‑hour staffing requirements that raise operating costs.
The consultant described collection‑system modeling that identified local problem spots (including a manhole on St. Petersburg Drive) and recommended targeted pipeline relocations and pump‑station tweaks to reduce storm impacts. He also presented a resiliency assessment, noting parts of the plant flooded during Milton (2024) and urging storm‑hardening of critical electrical and control assets.
Ware outlined estimated costs and phasing: about $2.6 million in year 1 (roughly $1 million covered by an existing springs grant), about $6.6 million in year 2 (including approximately $4.5 million for new tanks if the city elects to expand capacity), and a multi‑year total near $24.5 million with four large projects making up most of that figure. He said grant programs, SRF loans and federal funding mechanisms could shift priorities and timing.
Council members praised operations staff and asked questions about resilience and regulatory trends. Ware highlighted regulatory drivers—changes affecting land application of Class B biosolids and a DEP rule requiring quarterly PFAS sampling for facilities larger than 25,000 gpd—and said those requirements are increasing disposal costs and data needs.
The presentation concluded with staff and consultants noting additional capital projects included in the city’s draft budget; councilmembers thanked the team and signaled support for pursuing grants and staged implementation.
