Fort Pierce Utilities Authority
Fort Pierce Utilities Authority (FPUA) is a local municipal or public power utility, and is owned by the citizens that we serve. Fort Pierce is one of more than 2,000 communities in the United States served by a community-owned electric utility, and one of a very few who also provide water, wastewater, natural gas, and Internet services. FPUA’s community investments keep money locally and decisions are always made at public meetings where everyone has a voice. Home town utilities, like FPUA, keep more money in the community because we work for you.
Our Mission
To provide our customers with economical, reliable, and friendly service in a continuous effort to enhance the quality of life in our community.
Wastewater Service
The primary responsibility of the FPUA’s Wastewater Service is to operate, maintain, and protect the system that collects, treats, and disposes of sewage generated from domestic and industrial customers within its service area. The Wastewater Department has three divisions that work together to serve the City of Fort Pierce and sections of unincorporated St. Lucie County. These three divisions include Wastewater Collections, Water Reclamation, and Water/Wastewater Engineering. The FPUA Wastewater Department adheres to strict compliance programs to ensure that it meets regulatory requirements, protecting public health, safety and the environment.
Water Reclamation
Water Reclamation is responsible for the proper treatment and disposal of the wastewater stream, enforcement of the Industrial Pretreatment Program, and efficient operation of the Island Water Reclamation Facility (IWRF). This must be accomplished while meeting stringent State and Federal regulations.
The FPUA Island Water Reclamation Facility is a 10 million gallon a day facility that treats the area’s wastewater and discharges the treated effluent, into a deep injection well which is 3000+ feet deep, into the ground. The flows coming into the facility come from residential (homes), commercial (restaurants and other businesses), and industry (manufacturing, juicing, car washes, etc.). All the flow is brought to the facility via 116 lift stations which pump the wastewater using a series of gravity and force main sewers. Wastewater coming into the IWRF goes through preliminary treatment, treatment, and finally a clarification process.
The Water Reclamation Industrial Pretreatment Program (IPP) regulates Industrial Users (IUs) that discharges or has the ability to discharge non-domestic waste into the FPUA wastewater system. Metal finishing and related operations are a common source of industrial wastewater in Florida. FPUA requires certain IUs to pretreat their wastewater prior to sending it to the Water Reclamation Facility (WRF). For additional information, contact the FPUA IPP Supervisor at 772-466-1600, ext. 5526.
The Waste Manifest applies to grease haulers who perform pump out or cleaning services on grease interceptors, grease traps, lint traps, oil/water separators or sand separators. It is a requirement for them to submit a Waste Manifest form to FPUA’s IPP Supervisor within 48 hours of pump out. All sections of the Waste Manifest must be completed and submitted. Submittal of the Waste Manifest Form can be online, by fax or email.
Wastewater Collections
Wastewater Collections (WWC) serves over 14,700 customers and maintains approximately 180 miles of gravity mains ranging from 8” to 48” in diameter. This includes 22 miles of service lines and 5100 manholes, all of which need to be inspected and maintained. A continual TV/cleaning program is practiced to clean, vacuum, and tele-inspect our collection system. WWC has a schedule to repair or replace gravity mains and laterals to prevent problems and extend the life of the system.
The WWC Lift Station Division has 116 Lift Stations, approximately 91 miles of force mains ranging from 4 to 24 inches in diameter, 104 air releases, and 504 force main valves. A continual lift station preventative maintenance program is practiced ensuring the lift station components are operating efficiently. Each lift station collects wastewater from the gravity collection system which collects in a storage tank until it is pumped through pipes called force mains to the treatment facility.
Water & Wastewater Engineering
The Water/Wastewater Engineering Department is responsible for engineering, design, permitting, inspection and construction management associated with expansions, repairs and upgrades of FPUA’s Water Reclamation Facility, Water Treatment Plant, Water Distribution System, Wastewater Collection System, and Gas Distribution System.
The department is also tasked with planning for future growth and changes to our systems as technology and/or laws and regulations change.
The department plans for growth of the various systems and schedules needed repair and replacement projects. They also coordinate system needs with consultants to insure proper project scope, timing, and funding.
Finally, they work with consultants on major construction projects that affect water and wastewater systems. They manage and inspect construction projects and develop standards for materials and designs.