Update 2025-08-25: Overflowing Catch Basin at Valdosta Withlacoochee Wastewater Treatment Plant 2025-08-24.

You’ve seen the WWALS videos of the presentation by Valdosta Utilities Director Jason Barnes to the Rivers Task Force.
https://wwals.net/?p=68201

These are the slides he used, obtained from the City of Valdosta with an open records request.

See also:

• Powerpoint
• PDF

Slides: Jason Barnes, Valdosta Utilities Director, to Florida River Task Force, August 24, 2025

Here are the slides:

Rivers Joint Task Force

Cover: Rivers Joint Task Force
PDF

Utilities Director

Jason Barnes

Overview

• A review of past infrastructure and improvement projects that have shaped our current operations
• An overview of ongoing initiatives that reflect our commitment to efficient service delivery and sustainable growth
• Insights into grants we have applied for to support system upgrades, infrastructure resilience, and future planning
• How we continue to strengthen community partnerships and improve our services to meet current and future needs

Jason Barnes, Utilities Director
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1.Purchase of Standby Generators and Sewer Pumps.

HISTORY: The city currently has 35 Sewer Lift Stations in operation. These stations rely on a consistent electric power source to function as designed and prevent sewer overflows. While we have a very reliable electric grid to provide this power consistently, there are times when we do encounter power outages usually because of storms causing trees to fall on power lines. To ensure that we have the capability to operate every lift station should it encounter either a short- or long- term power outage, the Utilities Department developed a scope of work to purchase emergency standby generators, as well as emergency standby diesel pumps to meet the electrical and mechanical needs of any lift station should one or more of these stations be affected by a power outage or equipment failure.

Status: Completed

2. Replacement of sewer lines on Iola Drive.

HISTORY: Environmental Protection Division (EPD) required a Supplemental Environmental Project for updating the Withlacoochee sewer collection system flow model which has now been completed. The new model assisted the Utilities Department in further identifying potential sewage overflow locations as well as areas with high inflow and infiltration probability. The model and associated report identified multiple high priority Sewer Main Upgrade Projects. This Project upsizes three sections of the sewer line on Iola Drive and will eliminate flow restricting bottlenecks. It includes the replacement of approximately 123 feet of 18-inch concrete sewer line and 185 feet of 20" concrete sewer line with 24" PVC. The work included the lining of four manholes.

Status: Completed

1.Purchase of Standby Generators and Sewer Pumps. 2. Replacement of sewer lines on Iola Drive.
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3. Sewer rehabilitation on section of Browns Canal.

HISTORY: EPD-required Supplemental Environmental l Project (SEP), which updated the Withlacoochee sewer collection system flow model, was completed. The new model assisted the Utilities Department in identifying potential sewage overflow locations and areas with high inflow and infiltration probability. The model and ensuing rehabilitation report identified numerous sections of the system in need of sewer main upgrades to eliminate flow restricting bottlenecks. Six high priority Phase 1 Projects and five Phase 2 Projects were developed as a result. Three of the high priority Projects have been completed to date. This, the fourth high priority Project, will eliminate a major bottleneck issue around Lamar Street and West Adair Street. Utilizing the pipe bursting method, it will replace 560 feet of deteriorated sewer line and upsize it from 15 to 18-inch pipe.

Status: Completed

4. Repairs and upgrade of a sewer main on Williams Street.

HISTORY: The city utilities crew responded to a report of a sinkhole at the edge of Williams Street across from Drexel Park. Following their investigation and subsequent evaluation of the sewer system, personnel determined that an 18-inch sanitary sewer main was the source of the problem. They discovered that a section of the concrete main had collapsed. The collapse had restricted sewage flow increasing the risk of sewer backups and overflows. To a void further collapse, Staff quickly installed a steel plate over the affected roadway. Subsequent research showed that the entire 320 linear feet(LF) of the aging main was deteriorated and in danger of further collapse. Additionally, this section of the system was previously identified as a bottle neck area in the Withlacoochee sewer system study.

Status: Completed

3. Sewer rehabilitation on section of Browns Canal. 4. Repairs and upgrade of a sewer main on Williams Street.
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5. Replacement and rehabilitation of sewer mains and manholes on Jerry Jones Drive.

HISTORY: Environmental Protection Division (EPD) required Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP), which updated the Withlacoochee sewer collection system flow model, was completed. The new model assisted the Utilities Department in identifying potential sewage overflow locations and areas with high inflow and infiltration probability. The model and ensuing rehabilitation report identified numerous sections of the system in need of sewer main upgrades to eliminate flow restricting bottlenecks. Six, high priority, Phase 1 Projects and five Phase 2 Projects were developed as a result. Four of the high priority Projects have been completed to date. The fifth (Two-Mile Branch) has been awarded and is set to break ground within a few weeks. This is the sixth and final high priority Project, will eliminate a major bottleneck issue in a section of sewer main along Jerry Jones Drive. Using the open-cut method, it will replace and upsize 285 feet of 18- inch sewer main to 24-inch. The Project also includes the rehabilitation of four manholes.

Status: Completed

6. Sanitary sewer rehabilitation for sections of the Two-Mile Branch sewer basin.

HISTORY: Environmental Protection Division (EPD) required Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP), which updated the Withlacoochee sewer collection system flow model, was completed. The new model assisted the Utilities Department in identifying potential sewage overflow locations and areas with high inflow and infiltration probability. The model and ensuing rehabilitation report identified numerous sections of the system in need of sewer main upgrades to eliminate flow restricting bottlenecks.

Status: Completed

5. Replacement and rehabilitation of sewer mains and manholes on Jerry Jones Drive. 6. Sanitary sewer rehabilitation for sections of the Two-Mile Branch sewer basin.
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7. Manhole Replacement and Rehabilitation Program.

HISTORY: The Utilities Department has over 6,500 sewer manholes within its sanitary sewer system. Most of these manholes are at least 30-years old or older, with some almost 100 years old. Also, many are seriously deteriorated due to hydrogen sulfide gas corrosion over the years. Both their age and constant corrosive effects of sewer gases have caused many to be at a point where failure is likely without immediate rehabilitation. As manholes fail, they cause sewage spills near the manholes, which in most cases, creates a violation of State and Federal regulations and public health and safety issues. Status: Completed

8. The Purchase and installation of a Sanitary Sewer Flow Monitoring System on the Mud Creek Collection System.

HISTORY: As part of the Environmental Protection Division (EPD) Consent Order (Order) issued in August of 2020, there were 19 requirements related to the sewer collection system that were identified as needing to be satisfied. Two of the conditions require the City to install a Sanitary Sewer Flow Monitoring System and develop a Sewer Assessment Program that provides a continual analysis of sewer infrastructure. The Utilities Department will use the flow monitors data to identify priority problematic areas for rehabilitation and storm and groundwater inflow and infiltration (1&1) as required under the Order.

Status: Ongoing

7. Manhole Replacement and Rehabilitation Program. 8. The Purchase and installation of a Sanitary Sewer Flow Monitoring System on the Mud Creek Collection System.
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9. Extension of the Sanitary Sewer System on Inner Perimeter Road at Barack Obama Dr.

HISTORY: There is currently a gap in public sewer services for multiple properties near the intersection of Inner Perimeter Road and North Forrest Street. Owners of several of these properties, some currently using private septic systems, have expressed interest in connecting to City sewer services should they become available. To close the gap in the sewer system and provide services to those properties, the City will need to install new manholes and sewer main along the north side of Inner Perimeter at North Forrest Street and connect to the existing system on the south side of Inner Perimeter on North Forrest Street. The new sewer extension would not only serve current developed properties along Inner Perimeter Road, but it would also ensure that the City is well prepared for future development. Status: Completed

10. Sewer system repairs on Patterson Street near Drexel Park.

HISTORY: The utilities crew responded to a report of a sinkhole at Drexel Park near Patterson Street. Following their investigation of the call and a subsequent evaluation of the sewer system, personnel determined that a 24-inch sanitary sewer main was the source of the problem. They discovered that a section of the concrete main had collapsed. The collapse had restricted sewage flow, increasing the risk of sewer backups and over flows. To prevent further collapse, staff quickly contacted a local contractor to request bypass pumps and to repair the sewer line.

Status: Completed

9. Extension of the Sanitary Sewer System on Inner Perimeter Road at Barack Obama Dr. 10. Sewer system repairs on Patterson Street near Drexel Park.
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11. Sewer repairs near Sustella Avenue.

HISTORY: Utilities personnel responded to a report of a cave-in near a manhole off Sustella Avenue. Following their investigation and a subsequent evaluation of the sewer system, they determined that a section of the 30-inch concrete sanitary sewer main had collapsed. The collapse was a major source of stormwater inflow and risked causing sewer backups and overflows. Staff quickly stationed a bypass pump at the location and contacted a contractor to make the repair. Subsequent research showed that the entire 325 linear feet(LF) of main was deteriorated and in danger of further collapse. Additionally, this section of the system was previously identified for replacement due to its age and recent failures along with other sections.

Status: Completed

12. Repairs to the Sugar Creek Aerial Sewer Main.

History: Utilities crew responded to a report of a leaking sewer main near the 1700 block of West Gordon Street. Following their investigation of the call and a subsequent evaluation of the sewer lines in the area, personnel determined that a 16-inch aerial sewer main section had rusted through, causing a small leak. The Utilities crew quickly repaired the pipe and stopped the leak. Additional main inspection showed evidence of advanced corrosion and deterioration along multiple exposed pipe sections. Staff determined; to prevent further leaks and major pipe failure, the best course of action was to replace the main as soon as possible.

Status: Completed

11. Sewer repairs near Sustella Avenue. 12. Repairs to the Sugar Creek Aerial Sewer Main.
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13. Sewer main repairs on North Oak Street near One- Mile Branch.

HISTORY: Utilities Department was informed of a developing sinkhole adjacent to an existing Sanitary Manhole on North Oak Street near the Valdosta State University (VSU) Campus. After further inspection by Utilities Central Lines crews, it was determined that the existing 24" Reinforced Concrete Pipe (RCP) Sanitary Sewer Main had failed/ collapsed and had caused the sinkhole. Utility contractors were contacted to help making the repairs.

Status: Completed

14. Installation of a new 24" sewer main across the railroad right-of-way at highway 84 East.

History: The City’s existing 20"ductile iron sanitary sewer line collapsed due to advanced deterioration. The city engaged Underground Contractors to design and repair the existing sewer main. Approve the Resolution authorizing the adoption and execution of the Facility Encroachment Agreement for the necessary sewer main repairs to be completed at this railroad right-of-way crossing.

Status: Completed

13. Sewer main repairs on North Oak Street near One–Mile Branch. 14. Installation of a new 24-inch sewer main across the railroad right-of-way at highway 84 East.
PDF

15. Repairs for a sanitary sewer main collapse at Highway 84 and Blanchard Street.

HISTORY: There was a significant reduction in flow was detected at the Mud Creek Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP). The Utilities Department Staff immediately commenced an investigation to identify the location of the system loss. A collapsed 21" diameter sanitary sewer trunk line was located near the intersection of Highway 84 and Blanchard Street on the southside of the CSX railroad. Utilities Department Staff selected Underground Contractors to establish a temporary system bypass and to perform any repair work necessary to repair the deteriorated lines.

Status: Completed

16. Repairs to Sanitary Sewer Line near Knights Creek off Highway 84 and Blanchard Street.

HISTORY: There was a significant reduction in flow was detected at the Mud Creek Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP). The Utilities Department Staff immediately commenced an investigation to identify the location of the system loss. A collapsed 21" diameter sanitary sewer trunk line was located near the intersection of Hwy. 84 and Blanchard Street on the southside of the CSX railroad. The Utilities Department Staff selected Underground Contractors to perform any repair work necessary to repair the deteriorated lines.

Status: Completed

15. Repairs for a sanitary sewer main collapse at Highway 84 and Blanchard Street. 16. Repairs to Sanitary Sewer Line near Knights Creek off Highway 84 and Blanchard Street.
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17. Repairs to gravity sewer main on River Street.

HISTORY: A contractor was contacted to mobilize, establish, and maintain the by-pass for the gravity sewer main on River Street that had been compromised and severed due to the flooding and the erosion of the creek bank.

Status: Completed

18. Sewer repairs on Pebblewood Drive.

HISTORY: A contractor was contacted to mobilize to establish and maintain a bypass for the 18" gravity sewer main that had been blocked/possibly collapsed.

Status: Completed

17. Repairs to gravity sewer main on River Street. 18. Sewer repairs on Pebblewood Drive.
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19. Sewer repairs at Knights Creek near the intersection of U. S. Highway 84 and Blanchard Street.

HISTORY: There was a significant reduction in flow was detected at the Mud Creek Water Pollution Control Plant. Utilities Department Staff immediately commenced an investigation to identify the location of the system loss. A collapsed 21" diameter sanitary sewer trunkline was located near the intersection of Hwy. 84 and Blanchard Street on the southside of the CSX railroad.

Status: Completed.

20. Installation of a small diameter Sanitary Force Main on Trotters Way.

HISTORY: This cul-de-sac in northwest Valdosta does not have sewer service provided to eight residential lots. These properties are served by City water and individual, private septic treatment systems. Overtime, on-site septic systems deteriorate and fail. This is the case for one of these residences. The city is proposing the most cost-effective means of serving these residential lots with City sewer.

Status: Completed

19. Sewer repairs at Knights Creek near the intersection of U. S. Highway 84 and Blanchard Street. 20. Installation of a small diameter Sanitary Force Main on Trotters Way.
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21. Sewer system repairs to the Sugar Creek Basin.

HISTORY: City Staff discovered that the Sugar Creek 30" gravity trunk line had deteriorated and failed which caused the sewer to run over into the Sugar Creek Basin.

Status: Ongoing

22. Repairs for the Sugar Creek Armoring and Gornto/Force Main Stabilization.

HISTORY: City Staff discovered that during the severe rain event which occurred on November 7, 2024, the stream bank of Sugar Creek had destabilized and eroded. This rapid bank destabilization and erosion exposed the 30" ductile iron Gornto Road Force Main in such away that put the city at substantial risk of an environmental disaster. The decision was made by City Staff to reconstitute and armor the bank to protect the Force Main adequately from damage and failure due to impact of weathering.

Status: Completed

21. Sewer system repairs to the Sugar Creek Basin. 22. Repairs for the Sugar Creek Armoring and Gornto/Force Main Stabilization.
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Old Withlacoochee Wastewater Treatment Plant
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New Withlacoochee Wastewater Treatment Plant with two Equalization Basins (EQ or catch basins)
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Capital Sewer Improvements and Schedule

• Knight’s Creek North Phase 2
• 2,450 LF of 24” gravity sewer
• Start of construction in July/2025, with completion in December/2026

• Knight’s Creek North Phase 3
• Lift Station rehabilitation, 6,640 LF of High-Density Polyethylene HDPE force main, and 6,900 LF of gravity sewer.
• Start of construction 4th quarter of 2025, with completion date of December /2028

• Knight’s Creek South
• Rehab/Repair 14,200 LF of 21” Ductile Iron Pipe(DIP) and 20” Vitrified Clay Pipe (VCP)
• Line Assessment and surveying in progress, Start of construction 4th quarter of 2025, completion date December /2028
• Remer 30” Phase 1
• Rehab/Repair/Replace 610 LF of 8”and 12”
• Gravity Start of construction 4th Quarter of 2025, completion date 4th Quarter of 2025
• Sugar Creek Repair
• The city is waiting on the permits from the railroad.

Capital Sewer Improvements and Schedule
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Thank You

Thank You
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I don’t know why the city did not put these slides on their own website.

I don’t know why they crammed two items onto each slide, instead of accompanying each item with a map so Floridians (or anybody not immersed in sewer system work) would know where they were talking about.

These are not criticisms of Jason Barnes, who is busily doing the work with his department. The slides say their author is Sharah Denton.

 -jsq, John S. Quarterman, Suwannee RIVERKEEPER®

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