Clean, safe water has been a cornerstone of Mead & Hunt’s mission since our founding by hydrologic engineer Daniel W. Mead in 1900. As we commemorate our 125th anniversary, we reflect on our standing commitment to serving communities nationwide, exemplified by our long-standing partnership with the City of DeLand, Florida.
For over 36 years, Market Leader Brad Blais has collaborated closely with DeLand, initiating his career alongside the city’s association with Mead & Hunt. This enduring relationship underscores our core values: taking care of people, doing the right thing, and implementing sensible solutions.
Values in Action: Florida Water Treatment Plant Project
Our latest endeavor with DeLand involves an $80 million upgrade to the city’s wastewater treatment plant, with half the funding secured through grants. This project introduces a dual-train, five-stage Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) process, initially increasing treatment capacity to 5 million gallons per day (MGD), with future expansion potential to 7.5 MGD.
Upgrades to existing facilities will achieve advanced wastewater treatment, culminating in a total capacity of 8 MGD at annual average daily flow. These enhancements will enable the Water Reclamation Facility to meet stringent effluent limits of 5-5-3-1 for BOD-TSS, TN, and TP, respectively. (5 mg/L for Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), 5 mg/L for Total Suspended Solids (TSS), 3 mg/L for Total Nitrogen (TN), and 1 mg/L for Total Phosphorus (TP).) This project will reduce the total maximum daily load to Blue Spring and allow the population to connect to the sewer system.
The significance of clean water in Florida cannot be overstated. Untreated or poorly treated wastewater can introduce excess nutrients and harmful pathogens into water bodies, leading to environmental degradation and public health risks. For instance, nutrient pollution can trigger harmful algal blooms, which are damaging to aquatic life and pose health hazards to humans and animals.
Inadequate wastewater infrastructure, including failing septic systems and outdated sewage treatment plants, has been a persistent issue in Florida. These deficiencies contribute to the contamination of waterways, creating conditions that foster toxic algae blooms and compromise the health of local residents.
Safeguarding Public Health, Protecting Water Resources
At Mead & Hunt, we recognize the critical importance of modernizing wastewater treatment facilities to safeguard public health and protect Florida’s precious water resources. Our collaboration with the City of DeLand demonstrates our dedication to delivering innovative, sustainable solutions that enhance the well-being of the communities we serve.
As we celebrate 125 years of service, Mead & Hunt remains steadfast in our commitment to excellence, integrity, and the pursuit of a cleaner, safer environment for all.
