March 21, 2001 — Poseidon Resources, the developer of the Tampa Bay seawater desalination project, has renamed its local subsidiary from S&W Water to Tampa Bay Desal.
The new name reflects the location of the plant and the community it serves. The name change includes the selection of a different constructor and operator for the plant-Covanta Water (formerly Ogden).
last year, Stone & Webster Engineering and original team partner, had severe financial problems forcing the company and its assets to be sold. To ensure project timelines were met, Poseidon decided to pursue other vendors. Six internationally recognized companies expressed interest in the project. Three competed and Covanta Water (formerly Ogden) was selected.
Thus far the project has attained all but one necessary perm it. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has already notified Tampa Bay Desal of its intent to issue that permit. Thus far, no evidence has been produced to indicate the project would harm Tampa Bay in any way. Hillsborough County's independent report specifically indicated there would be, "no harm to the major ecosystems as a consequence of desal operations."
The project has had 18 months of intensive review with governments, environmental groups, activists and individuals reviewing and commenting on the project. Tampa Bay Desal expects to receive the last permit in late April and to break ground on the facility immediately.
The $110 million desalination facility will provide 10 percent of the water for the Tampa Bay region. The project is being monitored by coastal communities around the U.S. and overseas. Tampa Bay will have the most affordable desalinated water in the world. The project is considered a model for its economic innovation and environmental protection.
Poseidon Resources and its subsidiary, Tampa Bay Desal, are private companies with a 30-year contract to provide 25 million gallons of high quality water to Tampa Bay Water, the regional wholesaler, at a fixed price. The desalination project is safe, sustainable and environmentally friendly.
