St. Pete Standard

At a recent meeting, the St. Petersburg City Council approved projects aimed at enhancing disaster resiliency at two key wastewater reclamation facilities. These initiatives are part of the city's broader St. Pete Agile Resilience Plan (SPAR), which focuses on strengthening infrastructure against climate-related challenges.

The council accepted a proposal from Wharton-Smith, Inc., amounting to $3,500,000 for construction phase services related to the Northeast Wastewater Reclamation Facility (NEWRF) Vulnerability Assessment Implementation Project. This facility is situated approximately five feet above sea level and faces potential risks from sea level rise and storm surges. The project aims to bolster flood protection as well as improve electrical and instrumentation control resilience.

The NEWRF is already undergoing modifications under a larger $70 million improvement project that began in 2023. Following hurricanes in 2024, additional flood resilience measures were considered necessary and will be integrated with ongoing improvements.

Similarly, the council approved another $3,500,000 proposal from Wharton-Smith, Inc., for the Southwest Wastewater Reclamation Facility (SWWRF) Vulnerability Assessment Implementation Project. Located about seven feet above sea level, this facility also requires enhanced flood protection and improved electrical systems to maintain its long-term functionality.

These resolutions allow the city to proceed with construction services and begin implementing these crucial resiliency efforts at both facilities.

The St. Pete Agile Resilience Plan underscores a proactive approach by emphasizing rapid action and adaptation to ensure infrastructure longevity amidst climate change threats. Further details on SPAR can be accessed at www.stpete.org/spar.