Tampa Republic

The Department of Wastewater in Tampa has recently completed a new facility at the City’s treatment plant that is set to revolutionize the treatment of biosolids, known as "sludge." According to the latest announcement, the new state-of-the-art Sludge Dewatering Building will not only save money but also improve efficiency significantly.

"PIPES is a once-in-a-generation program that will transform our 100-year-old water and wastewater infrastructure so it can continue to service more than 700,000 people, and counting," stated Mayor Jane Castor regarding the importance of the Progressive Infrastructure Plan to Ensure Sustainability.

The $31.5 million project is part of Tampa's PIPES Program, which was launched in 2019 and aims to gradually update the city's infrastructure over a 20-year period. This particular project at the treatment facility is projected to save $500,000 annually in operational costs, thanks to the advanced technology that removes more water from the sludge, reducing transportation expenses significantly.

In addition to the Sludge Dewatering Building, other projects under the PIPES program include the rehabilitation of the Main Pumping Station (MPS) and High Purity Oxygen Reactors, as well as the rehabilitation of Digester No. 7. These projects, with estimated costs of $92 million and $21.3 million respectively, will not only modernize technology but also enhance resilience against extreme weather events.

Wastewater Director Eric Weiss highlighted the importance of these projects in reducing risks posed by storms, stating, "Raising the electrical components will reduce vulnerability to extreme weather events and sea level rise." Since the initiation of the PIPES program, the Wastewater Department has invested over $461 million in upgrading its infrastructure, ensuring the health of the communities and the environment.

The completion of the new Sludge Dewatering Building marks a significant milestone in Tampa's ongoing efforts to enhance its wastewater system, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and efficiency in vital city operations.