The wastewater infrastructure project is funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The project will help create green jobs, boost the local economy, improve aging water infrastructure and protect human health and the environment.
The new wastewater treatment facility, which will be able to process 2 million gallons per day (gpd) will be located on 22 acres west of the Savannah River and less than a mile southeast of I-95.
The new system will use technology to introduce oxygen into the effluent or discharged water, which is a requirement for discharging into the Savannah River. The project will also make use of two superoxygenating cones, also called Speece Cones, which were primarily used by commercial businesses like pulp and paper factories. The project is expected to create and/or preserve approximately 100 jobs in the area.
With $17.5m ARRA funds from EPA, Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (GEFA) distributed $10m of which approximately $4m of the principal will be used as stimulus provision to create jobs and improve infrastructure to foster economic growth. Port Wentworth, also received an additional $7.5m through ARRA from USDA Rural Development.
One year ago, EPA was entrusted with $7.2bn to rebuild infrastructure in Port Wentworth; to invest in jobs and to rekindle a strong economy. President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act on February 17.
Beverly Banister, acting deputy regional administrator of EPA, said: “This Recovery project is about vision, strong partnerships, water reuse and conservation, investment in communities and a strong commitment to safeguarding human health and the environment.
“It will have the benefit of making reclaimed or reuse water for irrigation as a substitute for potable water in an area of limited groundwater resources and will provide for a population expected to increase from less than 10,000 to over 22,000 by the year 2020.”
