Nitrate Contamination in Silver Springs: Feasibility Study for Expansion of Silver Springs Regional Wastewater Collection System and Treatment Plant

Marion County received a Community Budget Issue Request (CBIR) Grant from the State of Florida to address the issue abatement of pollution sources that are up gradient of Silver Springs. The project area has a high concentration of wells and septic tanks and is located within the primary protection area for Silver Springs, which is being impacted by high nitrates and other wastewater pollutants. The project implemented a feasibility study and the development of a model (using GIS analytical tools) for expanding the Silver Springs Regional Wastewater Collection System and Treatment Plant to prevent the proliferation of new septic tanks and associated direct contamination through the removal of existing septic tanks. Such an expansion would not only promote health, safety, and public welfare but also provide a regional environmental benefit through enhanced protection of Silver Springs.