On the 2nd of May, a workshop was held to discuss Hernando county’s conversion from septic to sewer systems within the Weeki Wachee springshed. As mentioned by Utilities Director Gordon Onderdonk, the only reason this conversion is taking place is because the Florida Springs and Aquifer Protection (SAP) Act of 2016 is requiring it. The act provides protection and regulation for impaired springs in Florida and calls for the cleanup to be completed within 20 years.
One of the requirements for this project includes a project list- one that lies within the limitations established by the Florida SAP Act- and a subsequent estimate of costs. Another requirement the development, approval and implementation of a Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP)- which also outlines the negative impact that the current septic systems are having on the springs.
Encompassing just north of Weeki Wachee all the way to Brooksville and San Antonio, the study carried out for the BMAP would prioritize the springs in Weeki Wachee and the springshed located in the Spring Hill area. It is projected that 32,000 homes or lots have septic systems needing conversion.
Commissioner Allocco was the first to voice concerns regarding the costs of all the future conversions and it was estimated that, altogether, the conversion would cost around $700 million.
Through cooperation with the Health Department and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, advanced and cost-effective treatment systems are being workshopped- it is also being discussed by the agencies whether or not this conversion would entail a complete overhaul, with removal and replacement, or just retrofitted updates.
The septic systems in place right now produce too much Nitrogen for a healthy environment to be sustained, and as a result, Nitrogen Reductions had to be mapped out and calculated by the BMAP- keeping in mind that the numbers presented by Onderdonk do not take population growth into consideration.
It was argued by Commissioner Nick Nicholson that it seems unfeasible to try to ask all the projected residents to convert their septic systems- he brought up the fact that everyone may not be able to afford this conversion. (The average cost per lot is $21,300.) For such ambitious goals, Nicholson continues, the implementation of this project needs work. Nicholson also argues over the costs of this conversion and where the money to hook up the sewer systems would come from- if the citizens have to pay. It may not ‘go over very well,’ Chairman Dukes commented. Commissioner Allocco also urged that- given that going from septic to sewer would only reduce Nitrogen levels by about 30%- more talks should be held in order to determine the effectiveness.
There were no formal motions carried out at this meeting. The commissioners strongly urged meetings be held in the future to discuss the best ways to carry out the proposed projects. The draft BMAP is scheduled to be released for stakeholder review on May 31st. In June, a BMAP public meeting with stakeholders will take place prior to DEP adoption. By July 1, 2017 the BMAP will be signed by the FDEP secretary.