Apopka City Commission Discussion Workshop 06/17/26

City Commission Discussion Workshop - Golden Gem · 2026-06-17 · agenda_packet

The Apopka City Commission held a workshop on June 17, 2026, to discuss the Golden Gem Reclaim Water Facility. This project is a multi-phase, multi-year infrastructure investment supporting Apopka's growth and addressing regional reclaimed water demand and scarcity. It aligns with the regional water strategy, supports environmental goals by reducing nitrogen and eliminating raw wastewater discharge, and recycles 100% of Apopka's wastewater. The project involves a partnership with SJRWMD, which purchased 100 acres for the facility, and includes interlocal agreements with Sunshine Water, Orange County, City of Altamonte Springs, and City of Mount Dora. Completed components include East Pond (2021) and West Pond (2023). Current construction involves a Distribution Pump Station, with bid opening on June 30, 2026, and construction starting before September 1, 2026, for an 18-month duration. Ongoing work includes pond reconstruction, with conceptual design for West Pond released June 5, 2026, and final design expected late August 2026. Next steps include starting design of East Pond in September 2026, starting construction of West Pond in September/October 2026, completing West Pond reconstruction by March 2027, and completing East Pond design by April/May 2027. The East Pond reconstruction completion date is to be determined. The workshop also included a public comment period. Tetra Tech and Ardaman & Associates are involved in the pond reconstruction design, addressing issues like liner seam failures, deterioration, and soil protrusions. Design solutions include specifying liner subgrade requirements, gas release pathways, using a textured HDPE geomembrane liner, and providing protective soil cover. Groundwater level characterization is ongoing to support design modifications.