The Osowaw water treatment facility in Spring Hill was built in 1969. Citizens in the nearby area certainly know it’s there, due to the foul odor coming from the plant. The plant has also had issues with broken pipes and is within a storm surge area. In 2014, commissioners approved a $24.5 million expansion project at the airport water treatment facility in order to be able to divert wastewater from the Spring Hill plant to the airport facility for treatment. Ultimately the plan is to shut down the Osowaw plant.
At the 02/09/16 regular meeting of the Hernando Board of County Commissioners, Environmental Services Director Susan Goebel-Canning explained that the Airport location should be substantially completed by August 2016, with final completion anticipated by September or October. The force main along County Line Road and two master pump stations are currently under construction as well.
The Ms. Goebel-Canning stated the goal is to increase the airport facility’s production from the current one million gallons per day (MGD) to 3.5 MGD, with the potential to expand up to 5 MGD. Once this is online, the water will be diverted from the Osowaw plant and it can be shut down.