JEA Celebrates Latest Water Reclamation Facility – 104.5 WOKV

Project Report: Greenland Water Reclamation Facility Inauguration

Executive Summary

JEA, in collaboration with the City of Jacksonville, Haskell Co., and Jacobs, has inaugurated the Greenland Water Reclamation Facility, the first new wastewater treatment facility in Duval County in 48 years. The $148 million project represents a significant investment in sustainable infrastructure, directly aligning with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The facility employs a zero-effluent discharge system, converting all wastewater into reclaimed water, thereby advancing goals for clean water, sustainable communities, and environmental protection.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

The facility is a cornerstone for achieving SDG 6 by ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation.

• Zero-Effluent Discharge: The facility eliminates the discharge of treated wastewater into natural water bodies like the St. Johns River, a critical step in preventing water pollution.
• Water Reclamation: All wastewater is fully disinfected and repurposed as reclaimed water, creating a sustainable water source for non-potable uses and reducing the strain on freshwater resources.
• Service Provision: The plant provides reclaimed water services to 22,800 customers, expanding access to sustainable water management solutions.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

The project enhances urban infrastructure, making communities more inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

• Modern Infrastructure: As the first new facility in 48 years, it provides essential wastewater services to support growing communities, including E-Town, Nocatee, and Twin Creeks.
• Environmental Consideration: A state-of-the-art odor control unit is integrated to minimize the facility’s impact on the surrounding residential areas, improving the quality of urban life.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

The Greenland facility is a testament to building resilient infrastructure and fostering innovation.

• Significant Investment: The $148 million project constitutes a major upgrade to regional infrastructure.
• Technological Advancement: The facility’s design and operational processes represent modern, environmentally friendly technology in wastewater management.

SDG 12 & 14: Responsible Consumption and Production & Life Below Water

The facility’s operational model promotes a circular economy for water and protects aquatic ecosystems.

• Responsible Production (SDG 12): By recycling 100% of wastewater, the facility embodies principles of responsible resource management.
• Protecting Life Below Water (SDG 14): The prevention of effluent discharge directly contributes to the conservation and health of the St. Johns River and its associated ecosystems.

Facility Specifications and Operational Timeline

Key Project Milestones

1. Groundbreaking: April 1, 2022
2. Commencement of Operations: February 2025
3. Official Inauguration: July 28, 2025

Operational Capacity

• Location: 80-acre site at 11458 Apex Trail, near E-Town.
• Current Treatment Capacity: An average of over 4 million gallons of wastewater daily.
• Future Expansion Capacity: The site is designed for future expansion to increase treatment capacity to 12 million gallons daily.
• Project Contractor: Haskell Co.
• Project Engineer: Jacobs.

Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

Explanation

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – This is the most prominent SDG addressed. The article focuses on the Greenland Water Reclamation Facility, a new wastewater treatment plant. Its primary function is to treat wastewater and produce reclaimed water, directly contributing to the goals of water quality and sanitation.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The facility is a critical piece of infrastructure for Duval County and growing communities like E-Town, Nocatee, and Twin Creeks. By providing essential wastewater management services for 22,800 customers, it supports the development of sustainable and resilient urban areas.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – The facility’s “zero effluent discharge” model, where all wastewater is disinfected and distributed back into the reclaimed water system, exemplifies sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources. This practice of water recycling and reuse is a core component of responsible production patterns.

What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Explanation

1. Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally.
   • The article directly addresses this target by describing the facility’s process of treating wastewater and its “zero effluent discharge” policy, which prevents polluted water from entering the St. Johns River or natural wetlands. The entire project is centered on increasing water recycling and reuse.
2. Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
   • The wastewater treatment facility is a form of municipal waste management. By treating millions of gallons of wastewater daily and preventing its discharge into local ecosystems, the project helps reduce the environmental impact of the Jacksonville area. The mention of a “state-of-the-art odor control unit” also relates to minimizing the adverse environmental impact on the community.
3. Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
   • The facility’s core function is to reclaim water, a critical natural resource. By treating wastewater and distributing it for reuse, the project promotes the efficient use of water, reducing the demand on freshwater sources.

Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Explanation

1. Indicator for Target 6.3 (Proportion of wastewater safely treated): The article provides specific data points that serve as local-level indicators for this target.
   • The facility treats “an average of over 4 million gallons of wastewater daily.”
   • The “zero effluent discharge” policy implies that 100% of the wastewater processed by the facility is treated and reclaimed.
   • The planned “future expansion… up to 12 million gallons of treatment capacity” indicates a measurable increase in treatment capacity.
2. Indicator for Target 11.6 (Proportion of municipal solid waste collected and managed in controlled facilities): While focused on wastewater, the principles are the same.
   • The number of customers served, “22,800 customers,” can be used as a proxy indicator for the population whose wastewater (a form of municipal waste) is being managed in a controlled, environmentally friendly facility.
3. Indicator for Target 12.2 (Domestic material consumption): The amount of reclaimed water produced can be seen as a measure of resource reuse, contributing to more sustainable consumption.
   • The production of “4 million gallons” of reclaimed water daily is a direct measure of the volume of a natural resource being efficiently reused.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

Source: wokv.com