Septic to city system hot topic in North Port, Tuesday’s meeting part of phased plans | News

NORTH PORT – As Florida begins regulating its sewer systems, North Port will outline the first phase of moving from septic tanks to urban water and sewer lines.

During their April 27 meeting, commissioners will discuss plans to convert one of around 29 “sewage sheds” into a city-run system.

These neighborhoods in the South Salford-Blue Ridge district are approximately 60% developed and close to existing city lines, lift stations, and other equipment that directs wastewater to a sewage treatment plant on Pan American Boulevard.

North Port has provided cash for the design and construction phases, but also expects the COVID-19 relief packages to cover the cost of construction.

The city also uses some revenue from a 1 cent surcharge. The first phase is part of a total water and sewer connection valued at around $ 900 million, said Mike Acosta, director of the city’s utilities engineering department.

The connection of the entire city to water and sewage pipes is still years away, however, as there are almost 45,000 non-sewerage plots in the northern harbor. There are 11,100 packages connected to the system. Those with newer sewer systems are also included in conversion plans.

“Not a cheap deadline,” said Acosta of the planned completion costs.

However, since the announcement of gradual septic tank and freshwater plans, some homeowners have held weekly opposition rallies and spread their messages on social media platforms.

Individual house connections could cost anywhere from $ 20,000 to $ 30,000, which is why some are upset. North Port would offer long-term, even interest-free, payment plans and would receive financial assistance.

Northern Harbor compliance is part of Florida’s campaign to regulate septic tanks and reduce raw nutrients in waterways and drinking water resources.

The hammer for change is Senate Bill 712, the Clean Waterways Act, which includes changes in wastewater treatment, drinking water reuse, and the use of biosolids. It was a platform in Governor Ron DeSantis’ campaign addressing water issues, particularly blue-green algae, fueled by nitrogen overload in the water, in part due to septic tanks.

Government tourism, fishing, boating, and allied industries are all affected by poor water quality.

North Port officials on Tuesday will discuss a feasibility study on the reuse of drinking water, commonly referred to as treated water, as well as the restoration of warm mineral springs, including water and sewer pipes.

The historic site has been plagued by closings related to septic tank problems.

In terms of water and sewage, North Port catches up with Englewood, Sarasota, and Charlotte Counties.



Jill Luke

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There are septic compliance mandates in Florida’s future, said Jill Luke, mayor of North Port. Ignoring such realities creates incentives to bear or cut costs, she added.

“Where do you start?” Acosta told the choice which neighborhoods go first. “Where do you get the biggest bang for your buck from?”

The North Port City Commission meets Tuesday at 10 a.m. at 4790 City Hall Blvd. Social distancing guidelines remain in place.

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