Tampa advances $2.9 billion PIPES program with $31.5 million wastewater upgrade

(UI) — Tampa’s Wastewater Department has completed a new state-of-the-art sludge dewatering facility as part of the city's largest-ever investment in infrastructure.

The $31.5 million project, which finished back in March, is part of the city's $2.9 billion Progressive Infrastructure Plan to Ensure Sustainability (PIPES), launched in 2019.

The new 15,028-square-foot, three-story facility improves the final treatment of biosolids, commonly known as sludge, by removing more water before disposal. This process reduces transportation costs by lowering the sludge's weight. The facility is expected to save the city $500,000 annually in operational costs.

"Sustainability is at the core of all our operations," said the Department of Wastewater. The treated biosolids are sent to EPA-approved sites for regulated agricultural use, diverting waste from landfills.

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor praised the program, saying, "PIPES is a once-in-a-generation program that will transform our 100-year-old infrastructure to continue serving over 700,000 residents. These investments are vital to the health of our community and environment."

Other projects under PIPES include the $92 million rehabilitation of the Main Pumping Station and High Purity Oxygen Reactors, as well as the $21.3 million upgrade to Digester No. 7. These upgrades will modernize Tampa's technology and reduce risks from extreme weather events. Wastewater Director Eric Weiss noted that relocating electrical components 15 feet above ground would protect against sea level rise and storm damage, as the facility is only 10 feet above sea level and surrounded by water.

Since 2019, Tampa’s Wastewater Department has invested over $461 million in infrastructure upgrades as part of the PIPES program.

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