OUC nears completion of critical zero liquid discharge wastewater project at Stanton facility

OUC nears completion of critical zero liquid discharge wastewater project at Stanton facilityThe alternative wastewater infrastructure will manage on-site water during high precipitation periods, replacing evaporative services previously reliant on the daily dispatch of the facility's coal-fired units.

The Stanton Alternative Wastewater Project is entering the system startup phase, with staff preparing to adjust water chemistry for long-term operation.

The infrastructure is required to maintain zero liquid discharge (ZLD) compliance, preventing any off-site water discharge during heavy precipitation.

The project serves as a prerequisite for removing Stanton Unit 1 from the utility's daily economic dispatch schedule.

Separately, water revenues for the current fiscal year are tracking slightly ahead of budget due to dry weather conditions.

The Commission formally approved a partial release of a water line and access easement agreement along Lake Nona Boulevard.

The Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) is in the final stages of completing the Stanton Alternative Wastewater Project, a critical infrastructure adjustment designed to maintain zero liquid discharge (ZLD) compliance at the Stanton Energy Center. During the March 3, 2026, commission meeting, utility leadership confirmed that the alternative wastewater facility is nearing completion and will soon undergo system startup and chemistry optimization. The project is a necessary prerequisite for OUC's broader operational transition, which involves removing the coal-fired Stanton Unit 1 from daily economic dispatch. Historically, the utility relied on the operation of both Stanton units to provide evaporative services for on-site wastewater. However, with the planned reduced dispatch of the units, the facility faced a shortfall in evaporative capacity, particularly during periods of significant precipitation. The new alternative wastewater project ensures that OUC can manage on-site water levels and maintain strict ZLD compliance without discharging water into local streams or off-property. In other water-related business, OUC's financial report noted that water revenues for the fiscal year are currently tracking slightly ahead of budget. A staff presentation attributed the revenue bump to unusually dry weather driving up system demand. Additionally, the Commission approved the partial release of a water line and access easement agreement on Lake Nona Boulevard. The meeting also noted a minor influx of public interest regarding water treatment, with several emails from residents read into the record concerning municipal water fluoridation.