Question 1

What is the Palm River Septic-to-Sewer (S2S) Conversion Project?

Accepted Answer

The Palm River S2S Conversion Project is a wastewater service improvement project in the Palm River Utility Service Area that will connect businesses and property owners 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 constructing a new vacuum pump station and installing wastewater and potable water mains. The project is currently envisioned to be delivered in four phases with Phase 1 design starting mid-2024.

Question 2

What is the project cost?

Accepted Answer

The Phase 1 project cost has not yet been determined since it is still early in the design process and will be influenced by future market fluctuations and global economic conditions. However, it is currently budgeted at $28 million for engineering and construction.

Question 3

How long will the project take to complete?

Accepted Answer

The Phase 1 design and permitting are anticipated to be complete by late 2025. A construction date will be developed as the final design progresses.

Question 4

What does the project include?

Accepted Answer

The Palm River S2S Conversion Project will allow customers on septic systems to connect to the County’s wastewater collection and treatment system (sewer service). Elements of the project include surveying, engineering investigations, permitting, and the design of vacuum sewer system mains, sewer service laterals, and sewage force mains.

Question 5

Where is the project area located?

Accepted Answer

Phase 1 of the Palm River S2S Conversion Project includes hundreds of residential and commercial properties. The project area boundaries are generally between the railroad grade on the west, 78th Street on the east, Palm River on the north, and Causeway Boulevard on the south. .

View the phase 1 boundaries in the image gallery at the bottom of the page or see a larger phase 1 map.

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. This untreated waste can migrate into nearby bays, rivers, lakes, and drinking water wells. In extreme cases, failed drain systems can result in untreated waste flooding homes and yards, creating a major health hazard. Reducing and eliminating septic systems is one way we can proactively improve and protect the health of our community and 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 available for building and beautification
Reduced waste system maintenance and odors
Reduced waste system maintenance and odors

View the drawing in the image gallery at the bottom of the page or see a larger drawing of conventional septic system.

Question 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.

View the drawing in the image gallery at the bottom of the page or see a larger version of the new sewer connection drawing.

Question 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 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

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

View the drawing in the image gallery at the bottom of the page or see a larger version of the vacuum sewer system components diagram.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

No land acquisition is currently anticipated for the proposed vacuum pump station site. However, the design criteria are still preliminary, and final design requirements may change the location requirements

Question 10

What days of the week will construction take place?

Accepted Answer

Although a date has not yet been determined, when construction begins, we anticipate it will generally take place Monday through Friday, with occasional night and weekend work as needed to minimize traffic disruptions.

Question 11

What are the hours of operation during construction?

Accepted Answer

Although a date has not yet been determined, when construction begins, we anticipate it will occur between 7 AM and 5 PM, with occasional nighttime work as needed to minimize traffic disruptions.

Question 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 and sea level rise events.

Question 13

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 your normal access. The contractor will work to minimize the duration of disruption and ensure an alternative access route is maintained.

Question 14

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 through public meetings and mail or door-hanger notifications. Updates to project activities will also be available on this project website.

Question 15

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) 235-4748 or emailing the community outreach team at ProjectInfo@PalmRiverS2S.com.

Palm River Resources & FAQs

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

Resources

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