Question 1

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 west 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, a new booster pump station at Poinsettia Street, and installing wastewater and potable water mains.

Question 2

2. What is the project cost?

Accepted Answer

The estimated cost for Phase 1 of the septic-to-sewer conversion is approximately $61 million. The cost for the other phases is still to be determined.

Question 3

3. How long will the project take to complete?

Accepted Answer

Phase 1 design and permitting is anticipated to be completed by early 2025. Construction is anticipated to start in early 2025 and be complete as soon as early 2027. The timeline for phases 2-4 is still to be determined.

Question 4

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 infrastructure necessary to support future sewer and drinking water system needs. Elements of this phase of the project include surveying and engineering investigations to support the design of these infrastructure improvements and the construction of a new vacuum sewer collection system including a vacuum pump station at Gibsonton Elementary School and an Inline Booster Pump Station at Poinsettia Street.

Additionally, the project includes improvements to the drinking water systems including the construction of new water mains, water service connections, and the removal of aging asbestos water mains in the Gibsonton area. The project will be completed in the following phases.

Phase 1A – Vacuum Pump Station
Phase 1B – Force Main and Inline Booster Pump Station
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

5. Where is the project area located?

Accepted Answer

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

View the project boundaries in the image on the Project Information page to see a larger Phase 1 map.

Question 6

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:

Reduced bacterial and nutrient pollutants entering groundwater and other water bodies.
Increased property value
More land is available for building and beautification
Reduced maintenance and odors

Question 7

7. How will I be connected to the new sewer system?

Accepted Answer

Based on the location of the existing lateral pipeline that connects your home to the septic tank, an appropriate location along the vacuum sewer pipeline will be selected as a connection point within the County right-of-way or easement. A new sewer lateral extension from the selected vacuum main connection point to the existing septic lateral will be installed. Once the connection to the sewer system is in service, your existing sewer lateral to the septic system will be cut and reconnected to the new sewer lateral as shown in the graphic below. You will only experience a brief interruption in wastewater service during the connection process (2-4 hours on average). Any interruption in service will be coordinated with the homeowner in advance.

Follow the link to view a drawing of a New Sewer Connection, or see it in the gallery on the Project Information page.

Question 8

8. What is a Vacuum Collection System?

Accepted Answer

A vacuum sewer collection system is a completely closed system that prevents wastewater exposure to the atmosphere. It has three basic components: a vacuum valve pit, vacuum pipes, and a vacuum pump station that operate together to move wastewater to a force main (pipe), where it is transported to a treatment facility. The process is described below, and you can see the components illustrated in the vacuum sewer system components diagram:

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 delivers 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

The Vacuum Pump Station is typically a two-story concrete building with sewage pumps and a collection tank on the first floor and the vacuum pumps and control panels on the second floor.

To learn more about Hillsborough County’s Septic-to-Sewer Conversion program visit General S2S Project Info.

Question 9

9. 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.

Question 10

10. What days of the week will construction take place?

Accepted Answer

Construction will generally take place Monday through Friday, with occasional night and weekend work as needed to minimize traffic disruptions.

Question 11

11. What are the hours of operation during construction?

Accepted Answer

Construction will occur between 7 AM and 5 PM, with occasional nighttime work as needed to minimize traffic disruptions.

Question 12

12. How is removing septic tanks beneficial to property owners?

Accepted Answer

Decommissioning a septic system and connecting to a sewer service can increase property values, provide additional land for building and beautification, eliminate septic system maintenance costs, and reduce noxious odors. Sewer systems are also more reliable and resilient during extreme weather events that cause rising groundwater levels.

Question 13

13. 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 14

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

Accepted Answer

Normal property access may be affected as construction progresses along the streets within the project limits. Property owners and tenants will be notified before construction affects access. The contractor will work to minimize the duration of disruption and ensure an alternative access route is maintained.

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

Mail delivery and solid waste/recycling services will be maintained throughout the construction. The contractor will coordinate with service providers and residents in the event construction activities will temporarily affect these services. Any service interruptions should be reported by calling the project contact number at (813) 322-1534 or emailing projectinfo@GibsontonS2S.com.

Question 16

16. How will the County inform stakeholders about the project?

Accepted Answer

You can obtain more information on the project by calling the project contact number at (813) 322-1534 or emailing the community outreach team at projectinfo@GibsontonS2S.com.

Question 17

17. 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 18

18. How may I obtain more project information and receive updates?

Accepted Answer

You can obtain more information on the project by calling the project contact number at (813) 322-1534 or emailing the community outreach team at projectinfo@GibsontonS2S.com.

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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