Subject:
Title
Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Grant L0010 Septic Upgrades to Advanced Treatment Units
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Fiscal Impact:
Revenue of $450,000 in Legislative Appropriations with local match previously approved by the Board in the Save Our Indian River Lagoon Project Plan
Dept/Office:
Natural Resources Management
Requested Action:
Recommendation
It is requested that the Board of County Commissioners 1) authorize the Chair to execute this grant contract upon review and approval by the County Attorney’s Office, Risk Management, and Purchasing; 2) authorize the County Manager to execute any future amendments to this contract; and 3) authorize the County Manager to approve related budget change requests.
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Summary Explanation and Background:
Grant funding of $450,000 will be used to help fund the Save Our Indian River Lagoon Voluntary Septic Upgrade Grant Program to provide financial assistance for 50 additional property owners to upgrade from their conventional septic system (which can remove, at best, 30-40% of the nitrogen from wastewater) to an advanced treatment unit (capable of 65% or greater nitrogen removal).
When conventional septic tanks are poorly maintained, installed too close to the groundwater table, or too close to the lagoon (including any natural or manmade tributary), they can be a major contributor of nutrients and viral pathogens to the Indian River Lagoon system. Priority is given to addressing the properties that pose the highest threat to Lagoon water quality in terms of nutrient loading. This project is estimated to reduce total nitrogen pollution in the Lagoon by 1,100 lbs. per year.
Clerk to the Board Instructions:
Please execute 2 copies of the grant contract agreement, one copy for FDEP and one for Natural Resources Management.