Ruskin Project Information - Area A

Project overview

The Ruskin Area A Septic-to-Sewer and Low-Pressure Sewer System Conversion Project is part of a countywide initiative to eliminate septic tanks, provide reliable sewer service to Hillsborough County communities, and protect the quality of natural water systems.

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.

The primary goal of the project is to replace aging septic systems, which are a major source of nutrient loading to groundwater systems and waterway contamination. The installation of a central sewer system is for the benefit of the environment and public health.

This project will also replace the existing low-pressure sewer systems in the project area with more reliable sewer service. The existing systems are aging and becoming more susceptible to failures, are increasingly expensive to maintain, and are unreliable during power outages.

This project will provide Ruskin Area A with a new wastewater collection system, a vacuum sewer pump station, and replace aging potable water mains.

Project highlights

• Converting customers on septic systems to Hillsborough County’s central sewer collection and treatment system (sewer service).
• Converting customers on low-pressure sewer to a more efficient and reliable sewer system
• Installation of a new vacuum pump station located at 2508 W Shell Point Road, Folio 32125.5500
• Installing vacuum sewer system mains, vacuum sewer service laterals, sewage force mains, and replacing aging existing water mains

Community benefits

• Eliminate failing septic systems
• Reduce maintenance and odors
• Increase property values
• Promote economic development
• Improve quality of life
• Protect the environment

Project information

About the project

This project is part of the Hillsborough County Water Resources Department’s program to convert residents and businesses to a reliable, economical, and safe central sewer system.

The Ruskin Area A Septic-to-Sewer and Low-Pressure Sewer System Conversion Project will provide central sewer service to eliminate on-site septic systems and will replace the existing low-pressure sewer system in the project area with a more cost-effective and reliable vacuum sewer system.

The phases may be further subdivided to facilitate delivery of design and construction:

• Phase 1 – Vacuum Pump Station and Site
• Phase 2 – Vacuum Sewer Collection System & Force Main & Water Mains
• Phase 3 – Vacuum Sewer Collection System & Water Mains

Schedule

• Design and permitting is anticipated to be completed as follows:
• Phase 1 - Late 2024
• Phase 2 - Late 2025
• Phase 3 - Late 2026

• The construction schedule for each phase is still tentative but will be communicated once it is determined
• Connections to central sewer are anticipated to be completed in late 2028
• If successful in getting additional funding, the schedule may be accelerated

Proposed Vacuum Sewer Pump Station

The proposed vacuum pump station site is to be located on a residential lot to be purchased by the County located at 2508 W Shell Point Road, Folio 32125.5500:

Site concept

The new pump station will include the following features:

• The vacuum pump station facility will be secured with a fence and gate
• The pump station includes a completely enclosed concrete-block building that houses the vacuum pumps,collection tank, sewage pumps, and control room
• The pump station building will be furnished with noise control measures and be designed to blend in with the surrounding neighborhoods in an aesthetically pleasing manner
• The pump station will be equipped with a dedicated odor control system to minimize any nuisance odors and a backup generator to ensure that reliable sewer service can be maintained during a power outage
• The primary pump building is proposed on the north end of the site, close to the road