Subject:
Title
Indian River Lagoon (IRL) Council Grant Contract# IRL2025-01 – Brevard County – Indian River Lagoon, 50+ Quick Connects to Sewer Project (All Districts)
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Fiscal Impact:
Grant revenue of $350,000 with a 50% match requirement from the Save Our Indian River Lagoon Program (SOIRL).
Dept/Office:
Natural Resources Management
Requested Action:
Recommendation
It is requested that the Board of County Commissioners 1) authorize the Chairman to execute this grant contract; 2) authorize the County Manager to execute any future amendments to this contract; and 3) authorize the County Manager to execute all necessary budget amendments (BCRs).
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Summary Explanation and Background:
For fiscal year 2025-2026, the Indian River Lagoon Council and the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program have awarded Brevard County Natural Resources $350,000 in grant funding under grant Category 1: Water Quality Restoration Projects. The SOIRL Program will provide 50% match ($350,000) to convert at least 50 homes from septic to sewer.
Excessive nutrient loading from a variety of sources (stormwater, wastewater, muck, etc.) have contributed to persistent water quality challenges in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL). Since 2011, the IRL has experienced harmful algal blooms that have resulted in a significant loss of seagrass and localized fish kills. Reducing and eliminating nutrient pollution is a critical component of ongoing efforts to improve water quality and restore a healthy Lagoon.
Properties on septic are a source of wastewater nutrient pollution to the IRL through septic drain field contributions to groundwater. Converting from septic to sewer effectively eliminates this source of nutrient pollution to the Lagoon. This project will provide funding to convert at least 50 septic properties within the IRL watershed (in Brevard County) to sewer and will eliminate an estimated 375 lbs.-TN/year to the IRL. The 50+ eligible properties will be approved and reimbursed through the Save Our Indian River Lagoon – Quick Connect to Sewer Voluntary Grant Program. Approved property owners are eligible for up to $12,000 (for gravity main connection) or up to $24,000 (for force main connection or gravity main connection that requires a pump) to cover costs related to connecting to sewer and decommissioning the existing septic tank(s).
Clerk to the Board Instructions:
Please execute 2 copies of the grant contract agreement, one copy for the IRL Council and one for Natural Resources Management.