Marsh Landing Wastewater Plant Receives Major Electrical Upgrade

4 August 2025
Category: SJC News Infrastructure
Tags: 2025

The project will support future growth and resilience

St. Johns County is moving forward with a critical infrastructure upgrade at the Marsh Landing Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) as part of its Capital Improvement Plan, aiming to modernize aging electrical systems and ensure continued service reliability for decades to come. The Office of Public Affairs produced a video highlighting progress thus far.

The $2.3 million project will replace the plant’s outdated electrical equipment with a brand-new motor control center (MCC) housed in a newly constructed electrical building. Originally built in the 1980s and partially upgraded in the 1990s, the Marsh Landing facility serves residents in the former Ponte Vedra Utility territory, which the County acquired in 2005.

“What we’re doing out here is replacing aging electrical equipment and preparing the plant for the future,” said Kevin Ledbetter, Senior Engineer for St. Johns County Utilities. “We’re building a new electrical building that will run everything from pumps to blowers—and it’ll be ready for future expansion.”

The upgrade includes construction of a new duct bank connecting the MCC to existing equipment. The new system will also allow for seamless transition to generator power in the event of a storm or power outage, improving resiliency during extreme weather.

“This is like adding a new wing to your house—you wouldn’t use outdated wiring,” Ledbetter said. “We’re bringing the system up to code and ensuring it can grow with the community.”

Crews are currently in the equipment procurement phase, ordering long-lead-time components such as the precast building and specialized electrical gear. Construction is expected to begin following delivery and mobilization, with completion anticipated in Fall 2026.

In the interim, the plant will continue to rely on its existing auxiliary generator until the full scope of future power needs is determined. At that point, the County will evaluate whether to replace or retain the current backup system.

“This new system is going to run all of the equipment at the plant automatically and efficiently,” Ledbetter said. “And if a storm knocks out power, the generator will kick in and keep the plant operating smoothly.”

The Marsh Landing project underscores St. Johns County’s commitment to infrastructure investment, operational excellence, and long-term service continuity for its utility customers.

For more information on St. Johns County Capital Improvement Projects, visit www.sjcfl.us/featured-projects.