Subject:
Title
Grant Agreement with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for septic to sanitary sewer collection system conversion in the Lofty Pines area of unincorporated Pinellas County near the City of Dunedin.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval of the Grant Agreement with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) for septic to sanitary sewer collection system conversion in the Lofty Pines area of unincorporated Pinellas County near the City of Dunedin.
• Grant funding is in the amount of $500,000.00 with no County match required.
• Funding is for conversion from septic to a sanitary sewer collection system for 120 residences.
• The project completion date per this grant agreement is December 31, 2022.
FDEP contract number LPA0036 in the amount of $500,000.00; completion date no later than December 31, 2022.
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Strategic Plan:
Practice Superior Environmental Stewardship
3.3 Protect and improve the quality of our water, air, and other natural resources
3.4 Reduce/reuse/recycle resources including energy, water, and solid waste
Foster Continual Economic Growth and Vitality
4.2 Invest in communities that need the most
4.4. Invest in infrastructure to meet current and future needs
Deliver First Class Services to the Public and Our Customers
5.3 Ensure effective and efficient delivery of county services and support
Summary:
The proposed project includes construction of a sanitary sewer collection system, which will tie into the City of Dunedin’s wastewater service area, closure of septic tanks and implementation of community stormwater retrofits. This will improve both flood control and water quality treatment prior to discharging into state waters.
The project is in the Curlew Creek Watershed within the City of Dunedin. The Lofty Pines community resides in unincorporated Pinellas County and borders the City of Dunedin. The community is categorized as low and moderate income. Currently, all 120 homes use septic tanks. There is no formal stormwater management system within the neighborhood. Age and condition of the septic systems are problematic and sewage discharge is contributing to public health concerns and bacteria violations in Jerry Branch, which is part of the Curlew Creek Watershed. The city is the lead on the design, permitting, and construction of the sanitary sewer system. The county will pass through this grant funding for the construction phase of the project. A separate interlocal agreement will be developed between the city and county for the overall project.
Background Information:
In 2016, the City of Dunedin completed a comprehensive septic abatement program to identify and prioritize septic to sewer conversions within the Dunedin wastewater service area. The Lofty Pines community was identified as a high priority project given the age and failure of the septic tanks and impact to downstream waters. To facilitate the project, the County and the City agreed to partner to bring sanitary sewer service to the community.
This item is being approved in coordination with the FDEP Grant Subrecipient Agreement between the County and City of Dunedin for septic to sanitary sewer collection system conversion in the Lofty Pines area.
Fiscal Impact:
This is a grant agreement with the FDEP in the amount of $500,000.00 to construct a sanitary sewer collection system for up to 120 homes in the Lofty Pines Community. The County will pass through this grant funding for the construction phase of the project. No County match is required. This agreement is not included in the FY20 Tentative Budget.
Staff Member Responsible:
Kelli Hammer-Levy, Director, Public Works
Partners:
FDEP
City of Dunedin
Attachments:
Agreement with Exhibits A and C with Attachments
Project Location Map