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desalination plant facts
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environmental studies

Several studies were conducted prior to building the plant.  These studies included:

  • Cumulative Impact Analysis for Master Water Plan projects (including desalination at 50 mgd)
  • U.S Geological Survey of the Big Bend Power Station area
  • Independent studies were conducted using a pilot plant by:
    • Mote Marine Laboratory
    • Danish Hydraulic Institute
    • University of South Florida (USF)
    • Savannah Laboratory/STL Precision
    • Marinco Laboratory
    • Hillsborough County

Each study was approved by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and conducted in accordance with FDEP methods by a FDEP-approved laboratory.  Each study concluded that the desalination plant would produce high-quality drinking water without harm to Tampa Bay’s water quality or marine life.