1. SEPTIC TO SEWER Guidance Tool
Presented by:
Terri Lowery
Sr. Vice President
Jones Edmunds
November 13, 2017

2. The Back Story Septic Systems in Sensitive Areas
Springs Protection Legislation
Responsible Parties
- FDEP
Local Governments and Utilities
Issues in the Indian River Lagoon
Meeting with FDEP Deputy Secretary, Drew Bartlett
SB 552 passed by FL Legislature in 2016
TMDL must be established for Outstanding Florida Springs by July 2018
“Priority Focus Areas” must be established for all 1st magnitude Springs
OSTDS Remediation Plan required for areas where septic systems contribute >20% of nutrients
Completed as part of Basin Management Action plan
Extend sanitary sewer &/or convert to advanced septic systems in identified areas
Up to local government to implement
Also being implemented for other impaired waters in addition to springs

3. The Back Story SB 552 passed by FL Legislature in 2016
TMDL must be established for Outstanding Florida Springs by July 2018
“Priority Focus Areas” must be established for all 1st magnitude Springs
OSTDS Remediation Plan required for areas where septic systems contribute >20% of nutrients
SB 552 passed by FL Legislature in 2016
TMDL must be established for Outstanding Florida Springs by July 2018
“Priority Focus Areas” must be established for all 1st magnitude Springs
OSTDS Remediation Plan required for areas where septic systems contribute >20% of nutrients
Completed as part of Basin Management Action plan
Extend sanitary sewer &/or convert to advanced septic systems in identified areas
Up to local government to implement
Also being implemented for other impaired waters in addition to springs

4. The Back Story Septic Systems in Sensitive Areas
Springs Protection Legislation
Responsible Parties
- FDEP
Local Governments and Utilities
Issues in the Indian River Lagoon
Meeting with FDEP Deputy Secretary, Drew Bartlett
SB 552 passed by FL Legislature in 2016
TMDL must be established for Outstanding Florida Springs by July 2018
“Priority Focus Areas” must be established for all 1st magnitude Springs
OSTDS Remediation Plan required for areas where septic systems contribute >20% of nutrients
Completed as part of Basin Management Action plan
Extend sanitary sewer &/or convert to advanced septic systems in identified areas
Up to local government to implement
Also being implemented for other impaired waters in addition to springs

5. Septic to Sewer Challenges
Engineering
Cost
Funding
Sustained Political Will
Public Education and Acceptance
On-going Proliferation of New OSTDSs

7. Cost & Funding Challenges
$15,000 to $25,000+ per lot to extend sewer to existing neighborhoods
Typically combined with water service
Potential Funding Sources
- State & federal funds
- Local sources
Fairness/equity
- Who should pick up the tab?

8. Public Education & Acceptance
Homeowners must understand that they are part of the problem
Impacts to Homeowners
- Capital cost
- Monthly WW charges
- Disruption during construction
- Timing – “I just replaced my drainfield”
Sustained Political Will
- Consistency in multi-year implementation

9. Septic to Sewer Guidance Document
The intent is not to offer a comprehensive study but collect thoughts, ideas and resources from multiple sources in a single location.

10. Septic to Sewer Guidance Document
Assist local governments with septic to sewer challenges
- Fact vs Fiction
- Technical Alternatives Overview
- Feasibility & Cost
- Customer Incentives &
Requirements
- Public Education
- Elected Official Involvement
- External Funding Sources
- Local Funding Alternatives
- Legal & Regulatory Documents
Case Studies

11. Case Studies
Broward County made political decision in Expect to eliminate all septic tanks by Public outreach person for every community for the entire project. No assessment.
Vero Beach used an alternative technology called STEP and had joint funding through SJRWMD to reduce costs to the homeowner. No assessment.
JEA projects require 70% of property owners in the priority area to agree to connect and sign an access agreement before project. No assessment.
Cape Coral’s Utilities Extension Project (UEP) provides City water, sewer and irrigation services as well as new roads and stormwater improvements.

12. Fun Facts…Some Things We Learned
The first question is always about money…by far the biggest issue
Every community is different in what they will and will not accept particularly when it comes to what they are willing to pay
Political consistency is essential for success
There is definitely a lack of understanding on the part of the public as to the impact of septic systems
Grant funding is available for wastewater but not water

13. Taking the Show on the Road - Promotion
Presentations
FAC
FLOC
SEFLUC
FSAWWA
RRAC
FWRC
BMAP Meetings
Advertising
Websites
Advertisements
One on One Meetings

14. In Summary…
Septic to sewer is being implemented successfully in some areas
Other areas are facing challenges.
It requires long-term commitment at local and state levels.
Funding is key!
We have to get the word out.