Placement: Consent Agenda
Action Requested: Motion / Vote
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Approval to Execute the Agency Cost-Share Agreement #2024-04 with the IRL Council for the Septic to Sewer Conversion along the Monterrey Waterway.
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Submitted By: Kevin R. Matyjaszek, Utility Systems Director
Strategic Plan Link: The City's Goal of a high-performing city government organization.
Summary Brief (Agreements/Contracts only)
1. Prepared by: Kevin R. Matyjaszek, Utility Systems Director
2. Parties: City of Port St. Lucie Utility Systems Department (“USD”) and the IRL Council
3. Purpose: The objective of this project is to convert 16 homes along the Monterrey Waterway from septic to City sewer. Once converted, it is estimated that 39 pounds a year of Total Nitrogen (TN) will be prevented from entering the Indian River Lagoon.
4. New/Renewal/Modified: New.
5. Duration: The term of the Agency Cost-Share Agreement is until September 30, 2025.
6. Benefits to Port St. Lucie: The IRL Council has determined that providing cost-share funding to the City will benefit the Indian River Lagoon.
7. Cost to Port St. Lucie (Annual and Potential): The IRL Council shall pay the City 50% of the total cost of the project not to exceed $50,500.
Presentation Information: N/A
Staff Recommendation: Move that the Council Move that the Council approve the Agency Cost-Share Agreement with the IRL Council for the septic to sewer conversion along the Monterrey Waterway.
Alternate Recommendations:
1. Move that the Council amend the recommendation and approve the Agency Cost-Share Agreement with the IRL Council for the septic to sewer conversion along the Monterrey Waterway.
2. Move that the Council not approve the Agency Cost-Share Agreement and provide staff with direction.
Background: The City of Port St. Lucie’s Septic to Sewer Conversion Program helps reduce nutrient and bacterial pollution from entering the North Fork of the St. Lucie River. Since 1999, 10,650 residential septic systems have been converted to the City’s low pressure sewer system; however, 13,301 systems are estimated to still be in use within the City, thus contributing to excessive nutrient loading that is the biggest water quality issue facing the Indian River Lagoon which includes the North Fork. The Monterrey “Hot Spot” septic to sewer conversion project will help reduce nitrogen, phosphorous, bacterial pathogens and nutrient laden wastewater from seeping out of aging septic systems and fueling algae blooms, causing fish kills, and other marine deaths and diseases upon entering the Indian River Lagoon. The City’s multi-year Microbial Source Tracking Study of Bacterial Pollution in the North Fork of the St. Lucie River identified five bacterial pollution “Hot Spots” within the City. There were 2,627 active residential septic systems in use within those Hot Spots as of July 2024. Of those, 620 are on properties located within 50 feet of a waterway that ultimately discharges to the North Fork.
Issues/Analysis: Immediately, the project will help to raise environmental awareness in the Monterrey Hot Spot area of the risk septic tanks have to the North Fork of the St. Lucie River and ultimately the Indian River Lagoon system. The City will conduct outreach across the neighborhood seeking grant program volunteers. Conversions will immediately begin to reduce nitrogen pollution to the waterway. Monitoring and data tracking protocols will also be established at the project’s outset to ensure ongoing performance measurement.
The City’s goal is to fully convert all septic tanks in the target area to the sanitary sewer system. For this project, 16 homes are incentivized to convert their septic tanks to the sanitary sewer system. Reduced nutrient loads into the Monterrey Waterway will improve the water quality of the North Fork of the St. Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon system. Less nitrogen will contribute to fewer harmful algae blooms.
Financial Information: The parties have agreed to jointly fund the following project to benefit the water resources in accordance with the funding formula described in the Agency Cost-Share Agreement.
Special Consideration: Long term, this enhanced water quality will improve the resiliency of the Indian River Lagoon system, protect endangered and protected species like the hawksbill sea turtle from algae blooms, and generate new economic and recreational activity with a restored fishery.
Location of Project: The project targets 16 single family residential properties served by aging septic systems located within 50 feet of a waterway that ultimately discharges to the North Fork.
Attachments:
1. Agency Cost Share Agreement with IRL Council.
NOTE: All of the listed items in the “Attachment” section above are in the custody of the City Clerk. Any item(s) not provided in City Council packets are available upon request from the City Clerk.
Internal Reference Number: 24205-04
Legal Sufficiency Review:
Reviewed by Russell Ward, Deputy City Attorney. Approved as to Legal form and sufficiency by Richard Berrios, City Attorney.