SANFORD, Fla. – Significant upgrades may soon be on the horizon for Sanford’s problematic wastewater treatment plant.
On Monday, local commissioners are set to decide on allocating funds to bolster the facility’s infrastructure against potential hurricane damage.
The proposal includes a $19 million loan from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, notable for its 100% loan forgiveness, meaning no repayment will be required.
In addition, commissioners will consider approving $3.5 million from city resources to install advanced clarifying equipment.
This decision follows a concerted effort by workers over several months to address persistent odor issues at the facility.
[WATCH: Sanford officials explore funding options for a new water treatment plant]
Residents began noticing the foul smell in September near downtown.
The city said an odor control unit at the plant near Lake Monroe went down, one of many repairs the plant needed, and it was going to take time to replace the unit.
A temporary fix was installed in October, but that exhaust fan failed.
[WATCH: Sanford residents frustrated as odor issue drags on; city awaits permanent fix]
A few weeks later, the city announced the installation of a permanent component to the North Water Reclamation Facility.
Residents have said they’ve noticed an improvement, but sometimes the smell returns.
“They did something to it, but then again, it all depends on which way the wind’s blowing too,” Kirby Kelley said.
The city has not said if the new projects would have an impact on foul odors emitted from the facility.
Commissioners will vote on the funding during their meeting on Monday at 7 p.m.
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