SW Regional WRF Biological Nutrient Removal Project

Utilizing a joint collaboration between Volusia County Water Resources and Utilities, St John’s
Water Regional Management District (SJRWMD), and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), the Southwest WRF Biological Nutrient Removal Project was designed to help reduce the Phosphorus and Nitrogen levels in the Blue Spring State Park.

Based on a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) analysis, the Blue Springs were seeing
concentrations of nutrients that were causing an imbalance in the natural populations of aquatic
plants and animals. In July 2014, the DEP mandated new water quality standards for these springs, thus the Southwest WRF Nutrient Removal Project was developed. Utilizing the Bardenpho Wastewater Treatment Process, the existing plant was retrofitted with a five stage process that will reduce over 27,000 pounds of Nitrogen per year, and 14,000 pounds per year in Phosphorus. The plant was expanded to accommodate 2.7 million gallons per day (MGD) from the original 1.7 MGD treatment capacity. This expansion will serve a vital role as the City of DeBary (and surrounding area) continues to expand and will accommodate additional future flows from the conversion of existing septic tanks to a sewer system.