Question 1

What is the Ruskin Area A Septic-to-Sewer and Low-Pressure Sewer System Conversion Project?

Accepted Answer

This project will provide central sewer service. It is part of the Hillsborough County Water Resources Department septic to sewer conversion initiative and will convert septic systems and existing low-pressure sewer customers to the new vacuum sewer system and replace aging existing water mains.

Question 2

What is the project cost?

Accepted Answer

$27M (Estimated)

Question 3

What does the project include?

Accepted Answer

The project includes the installation of new sewer mains, the construction of a vacuum pump station, and the replacement of aging water mains. It will be completed in a phased process.

Question 4

Where is the project area located?

Accepted Answer

The Area A lies in the western region of Ruskin. The project area is generally located along W Shell Point Road, north of the Ruskin Inlet, and west of Graceful Sea Place. This area includes hundreds of properties that will be connected to the new sewer system.

Question 5

What is the Wimauma Area 1 Septic-to-Sewer and Low-Pressure Sewer System Conversion Project?

Accepted Answer

This project will provide central sewer service. It is part of the Hillsborough County Water Resources Department septic to sewer conversion initiative and will convert septic systems and existing low-pressure sewer customers to the new vacuum sewer system.

Question 6

What is the project cost?

Accepted Answer

$39M (Estimated)

Question 7

What does the project include?

Accepted Answer

The project includes the installation of new sewer mains and the construction of a vacuum pump station. It will be completed in a phased process.

Question 8

Where is the project area located?

Accepted Answer

The project area is generally located in the eastern region of Wimauma and is bounded by Lake Wimauma and Sheffield Street on the west, Bassa Street on the north, and Edina Street on the east. This area includes hundreds of properties that will be connected to the new sewer system and consists primarily of single-family, multi-family, and mobile homes, along with commercial, and institutional properties.

Question 9

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 10

What is a Vacuum Collection System?

Accepted Answer

A vacuum collection system is a type of wastewater, or sewer, system, with three basic components: a vacuum valve pit, vacuum pipes, and a vacuum pump station.
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 (Ruskin)
See renderings and drawings of the proposed pump station (Wimauma)

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Land acquisitions for vacuum pump station site are a work in progress and are currently taking place for Ruskin and Wimauma areas.

Question 12

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 13

What are the hours of operation during construction?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 14

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 15

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 16

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 17

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 1-866-556-2200 or emailing Ruskin-WimaumaS2S@hcfl.gov

Question 18

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.

Ruskin Area A project information
Wimauma Area 1 project information

Question 19

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 20

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 1-866-556-2200, or emailing the community outreach team at Ruskin-WimaumaS2S@hcfl.gov

Ruskin & Wimauma Resources & FAQs

Documents, materials, videos, and frequently asked questions about the projects

Project documents, materials, and videos

Frequently asked questions

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