Subject:
Title
Ordinance amending the Pinellas County Code by adding Article VII to Chapter 126 that provides regulation pertaining to private sewer laterals and provides permitting and regulation of private sanitary sewer collection systems. (Companion to Agenda Item No. 35)
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Adopt the Ordinance amending the Pinellas County Code by adding Article VII to Chapter 126 that provides regulation pertaining to private sewer laterals and provides permitting and regulation of private sanitary sewer collection systems.
• Ordinance further defines requirements for defective sewer laterals, and ensures the County has legal authority to implement new regulations to reduce inflow and infiltration and sanitary sewer overflows.
• Ordinance adds Article VII to the Code, providing regulation pertaining to private sewer laterals and provides permitting and regulation of private sanitary sewer collection systems.
• The Ordinance requires a public hearing.
• The Ordinance is effective when filed with the Department of State.
• Companion to Legistar file # 21-2613A - Resolution.
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Strategic Plan:
Ensure Public Health, Safety, and Welfare
2.1 Providing planning, coordination, prevention, and protective services to ensure a safe and secure community
Practice Superior Environmental Stewardship
3.3 Protect and improve the quality of our water, air, and other natural resources
Deliver First Class Services to the Public and Our Customers
5.3 Ensure effective and efficient delivery of county services and support
Summary:
Summary
The revisions proposed through the Ordinance minimize introduction of groundwater or other unauthorized flow into the County sewer system resulting from I & I. Additionally, the revised Ordinance will educate and inform owners of privately-owned sewer infrastructure, including private sewer laterals and related plumbing components, of their responsibilities regarding sanitary sewer system I & I and offer guidance to minimize I & I. Finally, the revised Ordinance will ensure strict adherence to construction and maintenance standards applicable to private sewer laterals and reduce the potential for the occurrence of SSOs.
Major additions contained in Article VII are requirements for private sewer lateral inspections. This includes the occurrences requiring inspection, inspection requirements, and replacement or rehabilitation of defective private sewer laterals, requirements of a Private Sewer System Operating Permit, private sewer system inspections, and private sewer system transfer of ownership to the County.
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Background Information:
The County is currently under a consent order with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) for regulatory compliance related to effluent quality and SSOs. The County continues to experience SSOs during heavy rain events, because I & I enter the system. Reducing I & I at the source is the most effective and practical strategy to eliminating SSOs. If this issue is not addressed, the flow entering the sanitary sewer system will continue to increase leading to more frequent and severe SSOs, which impact public health and the environment throughout the County. These excessive flows will also overwhelm the two (2) Wastewater Treatment Plants hindering the ability to meet regulatory effluent requirements and creating a need for costly plant expansions.
By approving and adopting the Ordinance, the County will reduce the amount of I & I originating from defective private sewer laterals and private sewer systems, by implementing these policies and programs that address these obstacles.
Fiscal Impact:
N/A
Staff Member Responsible:
Megan Ross, Director, Utilities
Partners:
FDEP
Attachments:
Ordinance 22-