9 Investigates

9 Investigates gallons of wastewater leaked into reclaimed system in Apopka

APOPKA, Fla. — Millions of gallons of wastewater went into the reclaimed water system in Apopka, 9 Investigates uncovered.

It's one of more than a dozen possible violations uncovered by the State Department of Environmental Protection.

The information comes after investigative reporter Daralene Jones brought the issue to light, last year, through a number of reports about the wastewater treatment plant, including four employees who quit over "health concerns."

Jones learned the state is looking to take action.

“It's not for me. It's for the people who live in Apopka. The people who elected you to represent them, why can't you answer questions about what's here in this report?" Jones asked Apopka Mayor Joe Kilsheimer.

“Daralene, you have our statement,” Kilsheimer said.

The state sent the city of Apopka a letter warning them about possible violations of state statute and 14 violations of its state permit.

The standards are put in place to protect the health and safety of the 45,000 residents who use the water for their lawns.

“You've had four employees flat out quit, raising health concerns about what's going on at your plant," Jones said to the mayor.

“Daralene you have our statement,” Kilsheimer said.

Kilsheimer said his administration will have to answer to the state.

Inspectors found the city was "bypassing sand filters and chlorine contact chambers on multiple occasions when the plant contained excessive solids" that can contain silt, animal matter, industrial waste, and even sewage.

The chlorine process reduces pathogens in the wastewater later used as reclaimed water. "Approximately 3 to 4 million gallons of bad waster was transferred to reclaimed water ponds,” the investigation revealed.

The Department of Environmental Protection told 9 Investigates that inspectors were told reclaimed water wasn't going out to homes and businesses at the time. However, there is also no way to know that because the elapsed time meters have not been calibrated to determine start and stop flow times.

In that statement from the city, they acknowledged recurring issues and said they are working with the state and two outside engineering firms to pinpoint the cause. The city also blamed the age of the 26-year-old facility.

“Is this something you think the mayor and city manager should've shared with the commissioners?” Jones asked Apopka Commissioner Billie Dean.

“Yes, I think they should. We are supposed to have transparency in our council,” Dean said.

The city will meet with the Department of Environmental Protection in the next few days to determine what, if any citations or fines they will face.