Anuvia and Apopka's Wastewater System

FACT SHEET Presented as background information- note the date of 2/14/2017
City of Apopka Update: 2.14.2017
BACKGROUND
The City of Apopka is growing and transforming. Staff continue to identify and pursue opportunities that contribute to new efficiencies, operations and an ever-improving quality of life for citizens. Change is never easy. As this City moves forward, it has become apparent that some individuals continue to challenge the City’s efforts to make progress. The issue we are currently managing is an example.

• Recent television news coverage reported that problems existed with the City’s wastewater treatment plant, including claims that effluent had been improperly redirected onto City property. The story also included information regarding the resignation of several employees, but to protect employees’ privacy, we never discuss personnel issues publicly.
• While this issue was made known to news media, residents should have received facts from their local government. Today I am correcting the communication by providing the facts, not gossip or sensational and false implications or allegations. Our goal is to ensure that the public is made aware of how their government operates, including the good and the bad.
  THESE ARE THE FACTS

• Apopka’s wastewater system is outdated. Under the 2004 Wekiva Parkway and Protection Act, the City was compelled by the state of Florida to launch a $32-million plant upgrade 13 years ago. That project was ignored until recently. A new wastewater treatment plant project is underway and at an unavoidable cost of $64 million.
• Recently, it was discovered that the City’s wastewater treatment plant had been compromised for a variety of reasons including age of the system, wear and tear, environmental factors, and in some cases, general neglect over a period of years.
• Some of these issues were observed and confirmed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) as violations. We were aware that these issues would need to be repaired. We continue to work closely with DEP on issues associated with compliance.
• As part of the DEP’s review, we were assured no public health hazards existed with the system.

• To ensure thorough and proper resolution, the City retained Woodard & Curran, an outside engineering firm, to review and evaluate the wastewater system to identify the specific issues and causes. After a multi-week review, the Woodard & Curran consultants have identified several issues that require repair, upgrading and correction. Additionally, they stated they found nothing that would not be found at any other wastewater plant that would cause a health hazard.
• As part of the review, City management also asked the firm for operational, procedural and management recommendations to ensure its proper function as we simultaneously move forward with building of a new wastewater treatment system. Those recommendations are in the Woodard & Curran report.
• From the beginning of this issue, the City has worked closely and transparently with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to ensure a proper process would be conducted.
• As evidenced by the report, one of several issues raised was the City’s failure to notify the state about system compromises, putting the City in violation of reporting standards. We have acknowledged these issues and have notified state officials that the City’s lack of reporting was unintentional. Had the administration been aware of these matters, we would have followed protocol.
• We have already begun correcting and repairing issues and will continue this process until all matters have been resolved. Additionally, we are implementing new operational procedures, including enhanced reporting and training practices.
• One significant issue contributing to the wastewater system’s problems has been a growing inventory of residual bio-solids that has built up over many months and which must be removed. The build-up of sludge is directly related to the depletion of oxygen and to the present and problematic condition of plant, causing it to be septic and in turn, having a strong odor. This will be a major project anticipated to take between two and four months at an estimated cost exceeding $100,000.
• The Department of Environmental Protection informed the City that it seeks nearly $9,000 in civil penalties attached to the nine violations cited.
• The DEP has agreed that in lieu of paying the full penalty, the penalty can be offset through implementation of an approved Pollution Prevention Project, which will be of great benefit to the environment and the City. We intend to pursue the implementation of a Pollution Prevention Project.
• During this series of events, the City explored the possibility of the system being compromised by a new and significant commercial customer, Anuvia Plant Nutrients, a

multi-million-dollar fertilizer manufacturer based in Zellwood. The company’s leadership has been very cooperative since this issue was raised.

• The City considered shutting Anuvia off from our system, but determined that doing so would significantly affect their business operations. Because we believed no health issues existed, we made the responsible decision to examine the system through other procedures and avoid interrupting a customer’s business.
• That review determined that Anuvia’s discharge includes excessively high amounts of organic material in the wastewater. It was determined that the company’s original discharge permit limits were not stringent enough. These discharge permits are being renegotiated and new limits may necessitate the company constructing and operating pre-treatment facilities to ensure a properly working system.
• Apopka is committed to the safety of its residents and employees. We are also committed to being a good business partner. Shutting Anuvia down completely would have hurt their business, and prevented a proper evaluation of the problem.
• Decisions and practices of the past have contributed to our current circumstances. We are taking the responsible steps to identify the cause and fix the problem. We will keep you informed as we move forward.
  These are the facts associated with this issue. Again, as I just stated: We will continue to update Apopka residents as this matter progresses.