Project Summary

2. Habitat Restoration/Protection
Wetlands
River systems
Beaches/Dunes
Offshore areas
Mangroves
Assisting Species at Risk
Pollution Mitigation
Non-Point Source Pollution
Other (describe)

3. Project description (100 words or less)

The Suwannee River is Florida's second largest river in terms of discharge and is listed as an Outstanding Florida Water. Residential development has been the most significant land use change in the District over the last four decades, primarily in the form of one-to ten-acre tracts. Natural and managed forests, and former agricultural lands, are being converted to low density residential uses. The Lower Suwannee River is an integral part of the watershed communities and impacts the quality of life for all who live there. Watershed protection directly affects surface an groundwater resources that are used for recreational purposes, drinking water and the seafood industry. Inadequate wastewater treatment has an adverse impact on water quality. As funding for centralized wastewater collection and treatment has diminished there is an interest of the SRWMD towards decentralized wastewater technologies that can be environmentally compatible and cost-effective. SRWMD would like to find practical, affordable solutions to the wastewater treatment problems in the watershed. Many small community areas in the Lower Suwannee River Watershed currently have failing septic systems. The SRWMD would like to learn more about options of small community treatment plants and decentralized systems which would use wetlands for transformation and removal of pollutants created by human activity. Wetlands can be inexpensive and effective treatment systems to operate and maintain. The SRWMD is interested in learning more on the wetland structure and function; the effects of wetlands on water quality; project planning and design; and wetland treatment systems establishment, operation, an maintenance.

Description of the Proposed Project

Rural electric cooperatives have partnered with small wastewater utilities to improve local management capacity and to protect critical water sources. The concept of decentralized sewage treatment is being piloted in northern Alabama. The Joe Wheeler Electric Cooperative is taking on the responsibility of managing sewage collection and treatment for a cluster of homes and collecting fees via the electric bill.

The GMPO has previously set up an introductory conference call between the Alabama Dept. Of Public Health and the Suwanne Water Management District.

The GMP will schedule a tour of the Joe Wheeler Community and the University of West Alabama in Livingston where there is a training center on various types of sewage treatment techniques.

OBJECTIVES:

• Acquaint SRWMD with all aspects of the latest in decentralized wastewater technology
• Introduce SRWMD via a tour and discussion to the demonstration project sponsored by Joe Wheeler, TVA, and EPRI
• Share critical information on decentralized wastewater technology, funding and partnering

4. Goals/Benefits (quantify where possible using measures of success list) Was a cost-benefit study conducted for this project? yes/no If yes, provide a summary of findings.

5. Partners (include each participant's responsibilities - funding, permitting, etc.)

6. Funding/Contributions (organization and amount)

Cash

Federal

Non Federal

State government
Local government
Private industry
Public interest groups

Total

In-Kind Services (hours, equipment, or other forms of assistance and estimated dollar value)

Volunteers (number of people and hours, and estimated dollar value)

7. Legislative authorities used by each participant

8. Value added by Coastal America Partnership including Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) goals achieved through this collaboration (500 words or less)

9. Project Status

• Initiation date:
• Completion date:
• Current stage: (Initiated - I, Underway - U or Completed - C)

10. Contacts

11. Any additional information/comments