VALDOSTA, Ga. – In April 2009, Valdosta suffered a federally declared disaster flood that would be the catalyst for years of sewage overflows and millions of gallons worth of sewage seeping into rivers and yards.

More than seven years and numerous complaints from residents in both South Georgia and North Florida, sewage overflows are expected to be a thing of the past. 

City and state officials gathered Tuesday morning to cut the ribbon and officially declare the new Withlacoochee Wastewater Treatment Plant open for business.

The facility is purposely set nearly 60 feet higher in elevation than its predecessor. It is expected to remain outside the flood plain. It is state-of-the-art and held to higher standards than required, officials said.

“We built it to standards not yet adopted in Georgia,” Valdosta City Manager Larry Hanson said. “Both Macon and Savannah are looking at using Valdosta’s model.” 

Valdosta Mayor John Gayle said opening the new plant demonstrates the city’s commitment to listening to residents and addressing and resolving their problems. 

“Quite honestly, it shows the citizens that we listen to them,” Gayle said. “It shows we are conscious of the problem and shows that we are willing to do what it takes to solve the problems that they complain about.” 

The new facility not only alleviates stress from the political arena but also from public works employees who faced the problems daily. 

“This has been a long time coming,” said John Waite, wastewater plant superintendent. “During the 2009 flood, one third of the plant was entirely underwater. We couldn’t operate it for nine days. With the new facility and all the work we’ve been doing to reduce inflow and infiltration, the facility will serve this community and do what it needs to do.”

With two heavy rainfalls already under the new plant’s belt and no sewage spills, Waite said he believes the spills are a thing of the past. 

“We’ve gotten a very black eye in Florida from sending pollution into the Suwanee River but now that is over,” he said. “We had no issues here (from the rainfall). We would’ve been working constantly, but there were no issues at all.”

The project finished 16 months ahead of schedule and cost nearly $60 million including the update to the force main sewer system. The Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax VII and a low interest loan from the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority funded the projects.

Jennifer Dandron is a Reporter at the Valdosta Daily Times. She can be reached at (229)244-3400 ext. 1255.