Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Withlacoochee WPCP Lab Facility

The City of Valdosta is pleased to announce the inauguration of its new Withlacoochee (WPCP) Lab Facility with a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for March 5 at 10 am. The event will take place at the plant's location, 3182 Wetherington Lane.

Originally established in 1980, the Withlacoochee River Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP) has been a vital part of Valdosta's infrastructure, serving the community with state-of-the-art wastewater treatment capabilities for over four decades. However, increasing challenges, particularly related to flooding from the river, necessitated the construction of a new facility at a higher elevation.

The decision to construct a new facility also provided an opportunity to modernize and streamline operations. With environmental regulations becoming more stringent over the years, the city recognized the need for enhanced sampling and testing capabilities. Consequently, the decision was made to consolidate the laboratories of the Withlacoochee River and Mud Creek facilities into a centralized lab at the latter.

However, this consolidation revealed significant deficiencies in the original laboratory infrastructure. The space was insufficient, lacking proper amenities such as sinks, adequate electrical service, and adequate lighting to meet the expanded testing requirements.

In response, the city embarked on the construction of a new, state-of-the-art facility. The new Withlacoochee Water Pollution Control Plant Lab Facility features a modern laboratory equipped to handle increased testing demands, a dedicated training room for staff, and a maintenance shop to ensure the continued operational efficiency of the facility.

"The completion of the new Withlacoochee Water Pollution Control Plant Lab Facility marks a significant milestone for the City of Valdosta," said Jason Barnes, City of Valdosta Assistant Director of Utilities.  "We are excited to unveil this modern facility, which not only enhances our wastewater treatment capabilities but also underscores our commitment to environmental stewardship and serving the needs of our community."

The Utilities Department extends a warm invitation to residents, stakeholders, and members of the media to join in celebrating the inauguration of the new Withlacoochee Water Pollution Control Plant Lab Facility. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will commence at 10 am on March 5, offering attendees an opportunity to tour the facility and learn more about its importance to the community.