Subject:
Title
Measuring the performance of Alternative Septic Upgrades using In-ground Nitrogen Reducing Biofilters
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Fiscal Impact:
Monitoring costs will be reimbursed by a Florida Department of Environmental Protection through an innovative technologies grant.
FY 20-21: 121,081 (Fund 1260, Save Our Indian River Lagoon, and a Grant Fund*)
FY 21-22: 65,834 (Fund 1260, Save Our Indian River Lagoon, and a Grant Fund*)
*The state has notified the County that performance monitoring for this project was selected for a $130,000 grant and County expenses will be eligible for retroactive reimbursement.
Dept/Office:
Natural Resources Management
Requested Action:
Recommendation
It is requested that the Board of County Commissioners (1) authorize the Chair to execute task order 20-4795-002-SC SOIRL to measure the performance of alternative septic system upgrades installed by the Save Our Indian River Lagoon Project Plan; (2) authorize the County Manager to execute change orders, if needed; and (3) authorize the Chair to execute the pending grant contract, pending legal and risk review, and accepting legal venue of challenges in Leon County.
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Summary Explanation and Background:
The purpose of this task order is to conduct third party sampling and performance measurement of six installed alternative septic upgrade systems using nitrogen reducing media below the drainfield. Sampling and performance measurement shall be conducted in accordance with the quality assurance project plan previously approved by the Board of County Commissioners and Florida Department of Health. The alternative media selected for evaluation had bench-scale data demonstrating it should meet or exceed the 65% nitrogen reduction standard set by the septic system overlay ordinance (2018-23) passed by the Board of County Commissioners in October 2018.
Currently, the only state-approved passive nitrogen reducing septic drainfield uses wood mulch, which has a limited lifespan currently estimated at 10 years. Other nitrogen reducing media used in stormwater systems have a lifespan of 20-30 years, but these media have not been approved by the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) for use in septic drainfields. The six systems were installed under a Memorandum of Understanding with the FDOH.
If the sampling data indicate the septic system upgrades meet the 65% nitrogen reduction target for advanced septic systems, the FDOH will allow use of this media broadly throughout Brevard County and the state.
Clerk to the Board Instructions:
Return one fully executed Task Order to Natural Resources.