The City of Bunnell saw ground break on its wastewater treatment plant expansion on Friday, the city government announced that day. The City of Bunnell, working alongside PC Construction and CPH Consulting on the project, says the expansion will be a step in bringing the facility into the modern era in treatment techniques and environmental standards.
This newest expansion will be only the third upgrade the facility has had since being constructed in the early 1970’s. Prior to this two biological treatment units and a flow equalization basin were added in 1992, and an oxidation ditch, reuse ground storage tank, and a process to produce reclaimed water were added in 2004. The last time improvements were added, the population of Flagler County was around half of what it is now.
Once the current expansion is complete, the City of Bunnell says the plant will double its treatment capacity from 600k gallons per day to 1.2 million. Additionally, wet water discharges will be eliminated in order to cut down on nitrogen and phosphorus loads to receiving waters.
“Today is the next step toward progress for the City of Bunnell as we continue to move forward with just one of several projects occurring in the city,” said Bunnell Mayor Catherine Robinson. “All the projects the city has taken on will enhance the quality of life for current citizens and businesses and future citizens and businesses.”
The move will be key to Bunnell’s newly revealed plans to grow parallel to its neighbor Palm Coast, potentially skyrocketing its population far higher than it’s ever been. With more residents, the strain on the city’s infrastructure will be one of the key hurdles to a successful transition.
“We are committed to our vision of ensuring our community is functional, sustainable and ready for the growth we anticipate,” Mayor Robinson continued. “The expansion of our Wastewater Treatment Plant will more than double the City’s ability to treat and process wastewater. This is a testament to what we can achieve as we work together for the City of Bunnell and it underscores our commitment to preparing for Bunnell’s growth, progress, and continued excellence.”
Robinson isn’t the only project stakeholder expressing their excitement to undertake the treatment plant expansion. “PC Construction is excited to partner with the City of Bunnell to upgrade its wastewater treatment facility,” said PC Construction President & CEO Matt Cooke. “This region is home to many of our employee owners, all who are committed to securing safe water and wastewater infrastructure for Florida’s future. This project is a shining example of how improving aging facilities will keep growing communities safe, sustainable and vibrant.”
