Wastewater Treatment Facilities Plan

About the Study

The Wastewater Treatment Facilities Plan is being conducted by Leon County to analyze cost-effective options to improve water quality throughout the County by identifying alternatives to conventional septic-systems.

Public Meetings

Leon County will hold a series of public meetings on the Comprehensive Wastewater Treatment Facilities Plan the week of October 17. The plan evaluates cost-effective options to improve water quality throughout the County by identifying alternatives to conventional septic systems that will reduce nitrogen output. The plan includes location-specific recommendations for the most efficient and cost-effective wastewater system that will help improve the water quality of Leon County waterbodies and Wakulla Springs.

The purpose of the meetings is to educate and inform citizens by presenting the recommendations and to obtain public input.

  • Monday, October 17 at 6 p.m. – Virtual Webinar
  • Tuesday, October 18 at 6 p.m. – Oak Ridge Elementary School, 4530 Shelfer Road
  • Wednesday, October 19 at 6 p.m. – Ft. Braden Elementary School, 15100 Blountstown Hwy
  • Thursday, October 20 at 6 p.m. – Celebration Baptist Church, 3300 Shamrock St E
  • Friday, October 21 at 12 p.m. – Watch the Webinar

Submit Public Comment

To submit public comment, please download and complete the form below and return it via email to PadillaA@leoncountyfl.gov and marcy.frick@tetratech.com by close of business on Friday, October 28, 2021.

Leon County Comprehensive Wastewater Treatment Facilities Plan.DOC

Project History

In 2019, Leon County received a Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Small Community Wastewater Treatment Grant to support the development of a Wastewater Treatment Feasibility Analysis for the Upper Wakulla River Basin Management Action Plan Focus Area. This grant is a part of FDEP's program to fund wastewater treatment feasibility analyses for counties implementing a septic system remediation plan. The grant requires Leon County to conduct a septic system inventory; assess existing wastewater treatment capacity and infrastructure as well as potential infrastructure upgrade and expansion options; and evaluate cost-effective project solutions, financing alternatives and potential rate-payer and homeowner impacts.  

Comprehensive Wastewater Treatment Facilities Plan 

Leon County has worked with Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency on the Comprehensive Wastewater Treatment Facilities Plan study, which evaluates wastewater management alternatives to traditional septic systems in order to reduce nitrogen entering the groundwater. The end product will provide recommendations and direction on which type of wastewater technology should be used to improve existing structures and future developments to improve water quality throughout the unincorporated area. 

Public Meetings are now scheduled to educate and inform citizens about technologies that may work for their geographic area. These meetings will present findings on the different types of wastewater treatment systems for their cost effectiveness and ability to reduce nitrogen loads entering the aquifer. The County is developing these plans to achieve state water quality requirements.

Learn more about the project by visiting the Primary Springs Protection Zone project website.

 

Project Goals

Review, evaluate and update the current septic system inventory and identify those that need remediation.

Identify waste-water infrastructure needs.

Determine environmental and economic benefits of proposed projects.

Determine areas to be served by upgraded septic systems that provide nitrogen treatment.

Determine areas to be served by public sewer systems.

Identify costs of alternative approaches.

Identify options for financial assistance to property owners who may be impacted by septic to sewer conversions.

 

Community Benefits

Restore and protect the County’s natural environment, including our springs, wildlife and vegetation.

Maintain the health of groundwater sources.

Expand the availability of sewer services throughout the county.

Improve recreational experiences around our springs, including fishing, boating and kayaking.

Enhance the economic vitality of the community through tourism and smart development.

Reduce maintenance burdens for homeowners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find the answers to common questions as well as explanations of terms found throughout this site.

Click here for FAQs.