Subject:
Title
Resolution authorizing the County Administrator to establish and implement programs to address the conditions of private sewer laterals and collection systems and reduce related impacts to the County sewer system. (Regular Agenda Item that is Companion to Item No. 34)
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval of a Resolution authorizing the County Administrator to establish and implement programs to address the conditions of private sewer laterals and collection systems and reduce related impacts to the County sewer system.
These programs should be adopted only after the:
• Adoption of 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.
• Adoption of the Resolution to implement programs to address the conditions of private sewer laterals and collection systems.
• Resolution includes four policies authorizing the County to implement programs (attached to this item) including Find and Fix Policy, Permitting Policy, Rebate Policy, and Private Sewer Collection Systems Policy.
• The Resolution becomes effective once companion item, Ordinance 22, is filed with the State of Florida.
Body
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 programs presented were prepared by the Utilities Department to address the conditions of private sewer laterals and collection systems to reduce the impacts these systems have on the County’s sewer system. The programs provide a public purpose by eliminating the risk, to the extent possible, that defective private sewer laterals contribute to Inflow & Infiltration (I & I) (inappropriate sources of discharge entering the sewer infrastructure) into the system, adding burden and expense to the County’s sewer program. Funding from these programs being presented would make rebates available to eligible property owners to implement the policies, reducing such burden and expense to County-owned systems.
Body
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 sanitary sewer overflows (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 Resolution, 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:
One-time start-up costs for the Private System Policy are estimated at $350,000, with operating cost estimated at $484,000/year for permitting and inspections activity. A new user fee will be developed to recover implementation and recurring expenses under the Private System Policy. The operating costs for implementing all four (4) policies total an estimated $1.5M/year. The start-up and partial year costs are not included in the FY22 operating budget. Appropriated funds may be redirected, or an amendment could be requested. The estimated capital cost for implementing the Find and Fix Policy is $4.0M/year in the Sewer CIP. The 6-year Capital Improvement Plan currently has $2.0M/year programmed for rehabilitating public pipeline in FY23 through FY27. CIP projects are reviewed and can be re-prioritized during the annual budget development process. The total estimated cost for the Utilities Department is $5.5M/year. The estimated Find and Fix cost for the private laterals is $957,000/year.
Staff Member Responsible:
Megan Ross, Director, Utilities
Partners:
FDEP
Wastewater Stormwater Partnership
Tampa Bay Estuary Program
Attachments:
Resolution 22-
Find and Fix Policy
Permitting Policy
Rebate Policy
Private Sewer Collection Systems Policy