Question 1

What is the Gibsonton Septic-to-Sewer Conversion Project

Accepted Answer

This is a wastewater service improvement project in the Gibsonton area that will connect businesses and property owners south of the Alafia River, north of Bullfrog Creek and east of I-75 to safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible wastewater services. The new wastewater improvement project will allow customers on septic systems to connect to the County’s wastewater collection and treatment system (sewer service). The project includes installing a new vacuum pump station at Gibsonton Elementary school and installing wastewater and potable water mains.

Question 2

What is the project cost?

Accepted Answer

$87 million (cost estimate provided is from the 2021 preliminary design and likely to be impacted by market fluctuations and global economic conditions).

Question 3

How long will the project take to complete?

Accepted Answer

Design and permitting is anticipated to be completed by early 2025 and Connections to central sewer system are anticipated to be completed in late 2026.

Question 4

What does the project include?

Accepted Answer

The new project will allow customers on septic systems to connect to the County’s wastewater collection and treatment system (sewer service). Phase 1 of this project is to construct the pump station to support future vacuum sewer system infrastructure. Elements of this phase of the project include surveying and engineering investigations to support the design of infrastructure improvements, and constructing new sewer collection systems and a vacuum pump station at Gibsonton elementary school.

In addition to the work at Gibsonton elementary school, the project includes the design and construction of vacuum sewer system mains, vacuum sewer service laterals, sewage force mains and the removal and replacement of existing water mains in the Gibsonton area. The project will be completed in the following phases.

Phase 1A – Vacuum Pump Station
Phase 1B – Force Main
Phase 1C – Water and Vacuum Mains
Phase 2 – Water and Vacuum Mains
Phase 3 – Water and Vacuum Mains
Phase 4 – Water and Vacuum Mains

Question 5

Where is the project area located?

Accepted Answer

South of the Alafia River, north of Bullfrog Creek and east of I-75 along Symmes Road. The project area includes hundreds of single family, multi-family and mobile homes, along with commercial, industrial and institutional properties.

Question 6

Why should I remove my septic system and connect to the County sewer system?

Accepted Answer

Septic systems work by slowly releasing wastewater through a drain field but aging or failing septic systems often do not fully treat waste. Untreated waste can then migrate to nearby bays, rivers, lakes, and drinking water wells. In extreme cases, failed drain systems can result in untreated waste in yards, creating a major health hazard. The reduction and elimination of septic systems is one way we can proactively improve and protect our health, our community, and our valuable waterways. Other benefits of removing septic tanks and connecting to sewer service include:

Increased property value
More land available for building and beautification
Reduced maintenance and odors

Question 7

What is a Vacuum Collection System?

Accepted Answer

The vacuum valve pit, located in the public right of way, receives wastewater from the customer through a gravity lateral located on private property
Once a specific amount of wastewater collects in the bottom of the vacuum valve pit, the valve opens and wastewater from the vacuum valve pit is removed by the negative pressure in the vacuum main
The network of vacuum mains throughout the system deliver wastewater to the vacuum pump station. The contents from the vacuum mains enter the vacuum pump station at the collection tank
All wastewater in the collection tank is pumped from the vacuum pump station to the County’s force main located in the right-of-way and transferred to the regional wastewater treatment for disposal
See renderings and drawings of the proposed pump station

Question 8

Will the project require additional right-of-way for the vacuum pump station site?

Accepted Answer

No land acquisition is required since the proposed vacuum pump station site is located on property owned by Hillsborough County Public Schools. In mid-2022, the County will seek approval from the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners to construct the pump station on this site. Once approved, Water Resources will start final design for a new vacuum sewer system in the project area.

Question 9

What days of the week will construction take place?

Accepted Answer

Construction will take place Monday through Friday, with occasional night and weekend work to occur on an as-needed basis to minimize traffic disruptions.

Question 10

What are the hours of operation during construction?

Accepted Answer

Construction will take place between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., with occasional nighttime work to occur as needed to minimize traffic disruptions.

Question 11

How is removing septic tanks beneficial to property owners?

Accepted Answer

Removing septic tanks and connecting to sewer service can increase property values, provide additional land for building and beautification, plus reduce property-owner maintenance and odors.

Question 12

During construction, how will the County mitigate traffic issues within the project area?

Accepted Answer

Construction activities that require temporary road closures and/or detours will be clearly marked by signage to assist motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists navigating through and around the construction areas. In some cases, flagmen will be present to direct traffic. Temporary road closures and detour information will also be posted on the project alerts page and distributed as Alerts to those who register to receive them.

Question 13

How will residential and commercial access be impacted by project activities?

Accepted Answer

Normal access to properties will be affected as construction progresses along the streets within the project limits. Property owners will be notified prior to activities impacting normal access. Construction crews will work to minimize the duration of disruption and will ensure an alternate access route is maintained.

Question 14

Will I experience an interruption in mail delivery or garbage/recycling collection?

Accepted Answer

To avoid/minimize impacts to mail delivery and garbage/recycling pick-up, the contractor will work to coordinate with service providers concerning construction activities. Any service interruptions should be reported by calling the project hotline at (813) 322-1534 or emailing GibsontonS2S@hcfl.gov.

Question 15

How will the County inform stakeholders about the project?

Accepted Answer

Residents, businesses, property owners and tenants located along active project areas will be notified of upcoming construction activities and associated impacts by public meetings, the project website, and mail or door-hanger notifications. Updates to project activities will also be available on the project website.

Question 16

How will I know when construction is scheduled to begin on my street?

Accepted Answer

Residents, businesses, property owners and tenants located along active project areas will be notified of upcoming construction activities and associated impacts via door-hanger notifications. Updated project information will also be provided on the project website.

Question 17

How may I obtain more project information and receive updates?

Accepted Answer

You can obtain more information on the project by calling the project hotline at (813) 322-1534, or emailing the community outreach team at GibsontonS2S@hcfl.gov.

Gibsonton Resources & FAQs

Find the answers to the most frequently asked questions and other resources for the project

Project documents, materials, and videos

Frequently asked questions

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