That Smell in Tangerine, Florida and Nearby Neighborhoods

On February 5, 2021, FDEP issued a Notice of Intent to Issue a wastewater permit authorizing Shelley’s to continue to operate their Biosolids Treatment Facility (BTF). The public and other stakeholders have the opportunity to provide input by petitioning FDEP for an administrative hearing within 14 days of the Notice. Rules for petitioning can be found online. A time extension to file a petition may also be requested. Either request should be made directly through the Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of General Counsel. The mailing address is 3900 Commonwealth Blvd., Mail Station 35, Tallahassee, FL 32399-3000, or via electronic correspondence at Agency_Clerk@dep.state.fl.us followed by a mailed copy of the petition.

Due to smell complaints this morning, I called the Mount Dora wastewater plant administrator and we talked about the plant by Stoneybrook Hills. (His number is 352-735-7151.) Richard was quite open and informative. There are two times that an odor can be detected, when the dirty water enters the plant and is aerated and when the tank with the sludge is emptied. The tank is emptied when its full and the process takes about 12 hours. He also mentioned that cold weather can hold the smell to the ground especially when there is low lying fog. (Temperature inversion) He is aware of the smells that are coming from Jones Avenue knew that they have permeated the city of Mount Dora at times. He welcomes the DEP to visit his plant at any time. I explained that I was doing my due diligence and didn't think it was his plant today. There is a possibility of re-routed the water as it enters the plant to remove that odor, but it could cost around $250,000 to make that change. He can al...

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...