Placement: Consent Agenda
Action Requested: Motion / Vote
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Approve IRL Council Agency Cost-Share Agreement for Elkcam Waterway
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Submitted By: John Eason, Utility Engineering Manager
Strategic Plan Link: The City's Vision to preserve unique natural resources including the St. Lucie River.
Summary Brief (Agreements/Contracts only)
1. Prepared by: Stefanie Beskovoyne, Deputy Director
2. Parties: City of Port St. Lucie and the IRL Council
3. Purpose: Protect the Indian River Lagoon
4. New/Renewal/Modified: New
5. Duration: September 30, 2022
6. Benefits to Port St. Lucie: The objective of this project is to convert 34 homes along the Elkcam Waterway from septic to sewer. It is expected that 208 lbs/yr of Total Nitrogen will be prevented from entering the Indian River Lagoon.
7. Cost to Port St. Lucie (Annual and Potential): The IRL Council will pay the City approximately fifty percent (50%) of the total cost of the Project, up to $100,000. The project is expected to cost $200,000.
Presentation Information: N/A
Staff Recommendation: Move that the Council complete the motion in the affirmative.
Alternate Recommendations:
1. Move that the Council amend the recommendation and complete the motion in the affirmative.
2. Move that the Council not approve and provide staff with direction.
Background: The City of Port St. Lucie’s Septic to Sewer Conversion Program helps reduce nutrient and bacterial pollution in the North Fork of the St. Lucie River. Since 1999, a total of 9,091 residential septic systems have been converted to the City’s sewer system; however, 14,752 systems are believed to still be in use thus contributing to excessive nutrient loading that is the biggest water quality issue facing the Indian River Lagoon. The 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 (a joint study by Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute and FAU) identified five bacterial pollution “Hot Spots” within the City. There were 3,060 active septic systems within those Hot Spots as of June 30, 2021. Of those, 825 were on properties located within 50 feet of a waterway that ultimately discharges to the North Fork.
Issues/Analysis: Homes within 50’ of the Elkcam Waterway or a ditch that discharges into the Elkcam Waterway will be eligible to participate in the septic system grant program, which covers 50% of the sewer conversion cost. Letters have been sent across a portion of the Elkcam Hot Spot area (an area of 1,909 acres, with 363 homes within the 50’ zone) soliciting volunteers for the grant program. The waters of the state of Florida are among its basic resources, and the IRL Council has been authorized by the United States Environmental Protection Agency to be the local sponsor for the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program. The IRL Council has determined that providing cost-share funding to Recipient for the purposes provided for herein will benefit the management of the water resources of the Indian River Lagoon.
Financial Information: The total cost of the project is $200,000. The City’s cost-share obligation of $100,000. The IRL Council shall pay the City approximately fifty percent (50%) of the total cost of the Project, not to exceed $100,000. The City is responsible for payment of all costs necessary to ensure completion of the Project.
Special Consideration: The objective of this project is to convert 34 homes along the Elkcam Waterway from septic to sewer. It is expected that 208 lbs/yr of Total Nitrogen will be prevented from entering the Indian River Lagoon.
Location of Project: Elkcam Waterway, targeting 34 developed single family residential properties served by aging septic systems that located within 50 feet of a waterway that ultimately discharges to the North Fork.
Attachments: IRL Council Cost-Share Agreement and Map
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: 7036
Legal Sufficiency Review:
Reviewed by Elizabeth L. Hertz, Deputy City Attorney. Approved as to Legal form and sufficiency by James D. Stokes, City Attorney.