The newly released Phase 3 report details “corrosion and deterioration” at the 60-year-old facility.
It’s the latest issue for the Wedgefield community, where people are paying some of the highest water bills in the state and double what Orange County Utility customers pay for water.
According to the report, Orange County Utilities found “significant deficiencies in its overall condition, including issues related to water quality, flow capacity, asset condition, redundancy, and safety.”
The report estimates it could cost over $43 million to get Pluris’ facility up to Orange County standards. It says, “Extensive corrosion and deterioration were evident across most structures, necessitating their replacement to address compliance and safety concerns.”
The report further adds regarding Pluris’ Water Treatment Plant: “Given the critical nature of uninterrupted service provision, rehabilitating the existing facility is not feasible.”
The report says of Pluris’ wastewater treatment plant: “The entirety of the Waste Water Treatment Plant Structures have exceeded their anticipated useful life and require comprehensive replacement to ensure compliance and safety.”
Channel 9 brought Mayhew and Grode’s concerns to Pluris as well.
A Pluris spokesperson told Channel 9 that the Phase 3 Report was biased and included misstatements.
That spokesperson specifically called out the county’s Deputy Director of the Utilities Department and slammed the county’s opinion that it would take more than $43 million to bring the system up to its standards.
“Pure fantasy, but not unexpected since it comes from the biased person. The Deputy Utility Director held releasing the report to Pluris until yesterday, 4 business days before the July 30th Commissioner meeting so there is no time for a review by Pluris and likely others including the County’s own outside independent engineering/valuation consultants,” said a Pluris Spokesperson.
The spokesperson also told Channel 9 that Pluris complies with all Florida Department of Environmental Protection standards.
“No safety or water quality concerns exist. Verification of this can be confirmed with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection,” said the Pluris Spokesperson.
Meanwhile, the county did not comment on the Phase 3 report Friday.
A county spokesperson earlier confirmed a Board of County Commissioners meeting on July 30 to discuss the report and possible next steps.
Concerned Wedgefield residents can attend and share opinions via public comment.
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