Item T09
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
Meeting Date: 18 December 2002
Division:
Growth Management
Bulk Item: Yes
No lL
Department:
Marine Resources
AGENDA ITEM WORDING:
Approval to submit the EP A grant application in order to be eligible to receive decentralized wastewater utility funding.
ITEM BACKGROUND:
In the summer of 2000, Congress provided $3.8 M in funds to Monroe County to develop and implement a centralized
management approach for decentralized wastewater systems. The Grant requires four basic components: 1) Up to 75 % of
the grant may be used to cover the cost of design, construction, monitoring, 0 & M, and administering decentralized
wastewater systems. 2) The funds must be used in areas where a decentralized approach to wastewater improvements is a
viable long-term solution (at least 15 year life). 3) Establishment of a centralized authority to manage decentralized
wastewater systems is an essential component of the grant. 4) Any project must be consistent with the County's
Wastewater Master Plan.
The Board approved a two pronged approach for moving forward; 1) having CH2MHill develop and submit the EP A
grant application and 2)Having CH2MHill develop a project feasibility analysis. The attached document provides the
Board with a copy of the EPA grant application submittal. Separately, CH2MHill will provide the Board and the FKAA
Board with the feasibility analysis, which will allow both Boards to determine whether or not to move forward with
accepting the EP A grant.
PREVIOUS RELEVANT BOCC ACTION:
September 2002 - Approval to develop and submit the EP A grant application
CONTRACT/AGREEMENT CHANGES:
NA
ST AFF RECOMMENDATIONS;
Approval
TOTAL COST:
$5.07 M
BUDGETED: Yes
No NA.
COST TO COUNTY:
$1.27 M (User Fees / Fund 304 or other for ineligible costs)
REVENUE PRODUCING: Yes
No NA AMOUNT Per Month
Year
APPROVED BY:
County Atty
NA
Risk Management
DMSION DIRECTOR APPROVAL:
DOCUMENTATION: Included.x.. To Follow __ Not Required _
DISPOSITION:
AGENDA ITEM NO.:
/q
/
BC021290
11/25/023:54 PM
CH2M HILL
6410 5th Street
Suite 2A
'.J CH2MHILL
....
Key West, FL 33040-5835
Tel 305.294.1645
Fax 305.294.4913
December 2, 2002
Mr. George Garrett, Director
Department of Marine Resource
2798 Overseas Highway, Suite 420
Marathon, Florida 33050
Subject: EP A Onsite Decentralized Wastewater Treatment System
Demonstration Project Grant Application
Dear George:
Enclosedfor your review and comment are the following:
· Draft Grant Application forms
· Draft Project Work Plan
For the grant application forms, I still need to add the "Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance Number". I contacted Bob Freeman early last week for this number but
have not yet heard back from him. Also, I need from the County the permanent
population and the minority population for unincorporated Monroe County so I can
prorate the minority population for the demonstration area.
For the work plan, as soon as I receive the GIS data, I will have Figures 4-1 through 4-6
developed and include them. The budget in this draft of the work plan is slightly
revised from the previous one I gave you, in order to have the different budget
components total the $5.07M that is available for this demonstration project. I still need
to include the bar graph for the schedule in Figure 6-1. The total length of the
demonstration project is four years.
Let me know how we should proceed from here,
Sincerely,
C:2jILL.
Ji;wd~~
Kenneth F. Williams, P.E.
c: Tim McGarry/Monroe County (with enclosures)
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ASSURANCES - NON-CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMS
OMS Approval No. 0348-0040
Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 15 minutes per response. including time for reviewing
instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of
information. Send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for
reducing this burden, to the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reduction Project (0348-0040), Washington, DC 20503.
PLEASE DO NOT RETURN YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET.
SEND IT TO THE ADDRESS PROVIDED BY THE SPONSORING AGENCY.
NOTE: Certain of these assurances may not be applicable to your project or program, If you have questions, please contact the
awarding agency. Further, certain Federal awarding agencies may require applicants to certify to additional assurances. If such
is the case, you will be notified,
As the duly authorized representative of the applicant, I certify that the applicant:
1. Has the legal authority to apply for Federal assistance
and the institutional, managerial and financial capability
(including funds sufficient to pay the non-Federal share
of project cost) to ensure proper planning, management
and completion of the project described in this
application.
2. Will give the awarding agency, the Comptroller General
of the United States and, if appropriate, the State,
through any authorized representative, access to and
the right to examine all records, books, papers, or
documents related to the award; and will establish a
proper accounting system in accordance with generally
accepted accounting standards or agency directives.
3. Will establish safeguards to prohibit employees from
using their positions for a purpose that constitutes or
presents the appearance of personal or organizational
conflict of interest, or personal gain.
4. Will initiate and complete the work within the applicable
time frame after receipt of approval of the awarding
agency.
5, Will comply with the Intergovernmental Personnel Act of
1970 (42 U.S.C. ~~728-4763) relating to prescribed
standards for merit systems for programs funded under
one of the 19 statutes or regulations specified in
Appendix A of OPM's Standards for a Merit System of
Personnel Administration (5 C.F,R. 900, Subpart F).
6. Will comply with all Federal statutes relating to
nondiscrimination. These include but are not limited to:
(a) Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (P.L. 88-352)
which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color
or national origin; (b) Title IX of the Education
Amendments of 1972, as amended (20 U.S.C. 991681-
1683. and 1685-1686), which prohibits discrimination on
the basis of sex; (c) Section 504 of the Rehabilitation
Previous Edition Usable
Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. 9794), which
prohibits discrimination on the basis of handicaps; (d)
the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended (42
U.S.C. 996101-6107), which prohibits discrimination
on the basis of age; (e) the Drug Abuse Office and
Treatment Act of 1972 (P.L. 92-255), as amended,
relating to nondiscrimination on the basis of drug
abuse; (f) the Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse and
Alcoholism Prevention, Treatment and Rehabilitation
Act of 1970 (P.L. 91-616), as amended, relating to
nondiscrimination on the basis of alcohol abuse or
alcoholism; (g) 99523 and 527 of the Public Health
Service Act of 1912 (42 U.S.C. 9~290 dd-3 and 290 ee
3), as amended, relating to confidentiality of alcohol
and drug abuse patient records; (h) Title VIII of the
Civil Rights Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 993601 et seq.), as
amended, relating to nondiscrimination in the sale,
rental or financing of housing; (i) any other
nondiscrimination provisions in the specific statute(s)
under which application for Federal assistance is being
made; and, 0) the requirements of any other
nondiscrimination statute(s) which may apply to the
application.
7. Will comply, or has already complied, with the
requirements of Titles II and III of the Uniform
Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition
Policies Act of 1970 (P.L. 91-646) which provide for
fair and equitable treatment of persons displaced or
whose property is acquired as a result of Federal or
federally-assisted programs. These requirements apply
to all interests in real property acquired for project
purposes regardless of Federal participation in
purchases.
8. Will comply. as applicable, with prOVISions of the
Hatch Act (5 U.S.C. 991501-1508 and 7324-7328)
which limit the political activities of employees whose
principal employment activities are funded in whole or
in part with Federal funds,
Authorized for Local Reproduction
Standard Form 424B (Rev. 7-97)
Prescribed by OMB Circular A-102
9. Will comply, as applicable, with the provisions of the Davis-
Bacon Act (40 U.S.C. S~276a to 276a~7), the Copeland Act
(40 U.S.C. S276c and 18 U.S.C. S814), and the Contract
Wor1< Hours and Safety Standards Act (40 U.S.C. ~~327-
333), regarding labor standards for federaDy-assisted
construction subagreements.
10. Will comply, If applicable, with flood Insurance purchase
requirements of Section 102(8) of the Flood Disaster
Protection Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-234) which requires
recipients in a special flood hazard area to participate In the
program and to purchase flood Insurance If the total cost of
insurable construction and acquisition is $10,000 or more.
11. Will comply with environmental standards which may be
presaibed pursuant to the following: (a) institution of
environmental quality control meaSlnS under the National
Environmental PoJk:y Act of 1969 (P.L. 91-190) and
Executive Order (EO) 11514; (b) notification of violating
facilities pursuant to EO 11738; (c) protection of wetlands
pursuant to EO 11990; (d) evaluation of flood hazards in
floodplains in accordance with EO 11988; (e) assurance of
project consistency 'Nith the approved State management
program developed under the Coastal Zone Management
Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. ~~1451 et seq.); (f) conformity of
Federal actions to State (Clean Air) Implementation Plans
under Section 176(c) of the Clean Air Act of 1955, as
amended (42 U.S.C. ~~7401 et seq.); (g) protection of
underground sources of drinking water under the Safe
Drinking Water Act of 1974, as amended (P.L. 93-523);
and, (h) protection of endangered species under the
Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (P.L. 93-
205).
12. Will comply with the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of
1968 (16 u.s.a. ~~1271 et seq.) related to protecting
components or potential components of the national
'Nild and scenic rivers system.
13. Will assist the awarding agency in assuring compliance
with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation
Act of 1966, as amended (16 u.s.a. ~470). EO 11593
(idenUfic;ltion and protection of historic properties), and
the Archaeological and Historic Preservation Act of
1974 (16 U.s.a. ~~469a-1 et seq.).
14. Will comply with P.L. 93-348 regarding the protection of
human subjects Involved in research, development, and
related activities supported by this award of assistance.
15. Will comply with the Laboratory Animal Welfare Act of
1966 (P.L. 89-544, as amended, 7 U.S.C. ~~2131 et
seq.) pertaining to the care, handling, and treatment of
warm blooded animals held for research, teaching, or
other activities supported by this award of assistance.
16. Will comply with the Lead-Based Paint Poisoning
Prevention Act (42 U.S.C. ~~801 et seq.) which
prohibits the use of lead-based paint in construction or
rehabilitation of residence structures.
17. Will cause to be perfonned the required financial and
compliance audits in accordance with the Single Audit
Act Amendments of 1996 and OMB Circular No. A-133,
ft Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit
Organizations."
18. Will comply with all applicable requirements of aD other
Federal laws, executive orders, regulations. and policies
goveming this program.
SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED CERTIFYING OFFICIAL TITLE
County Administrator
APPUCANT ORGANIZATION DATE SUBMITTED
Monroe County December 18, 2002
Standard Form 4248 (Rev. 7-97) Back
acfta UnitadSta-.
....,..."'envlronmen.. Protection AgenCY
EPA Projsc t Control Number
United StaBs Envronmental Protection Agency
Washing~n, DC 20460
CerUfication Regarding
Debarment, Suspe.ns.ion, and Other Responsibility Matters
The prosp ective partcipant certlflls to the but of lis knowledge and belief that it and the principals:
(a) Are not presently debarred, suspended, prop osed for debannent, declared ineligible, or voluntarily
exclud ed fro m.covered tran sactions by any Federal department 0 r agency;
(b) Have notwithin a th ree year period preceding this proposal been convicted of or had a civil
judg men t rendered .gainst them for com mission 0 f fraud or a criminal offens e in con nection with
obtaining, attemptin.g to obtain, or perfonning a publiC (Federel, State, or local) transaction or
contraclunder'.ap.ubllctransactlon: violation of Federel or S tate antitrust statutes or com mission of
embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsficatbn or destruction of record s, making false
statements, orreceiving stolen property;
(c) Are not presently indicted for otherwise criminally or civilty' charged by a govemmen t entity
(Federal, State, or local) with comm ission of any of the offenses enumerated in paragrap h (1) (b) of
this certificatbn; and
(d) Have not within a th ree-year period preceding th is applicatio n1prop ossl ha d one or more public
transactions (Federal, State, or local) terminated or cause or default.
I understand that a false statement 0 nth Is certification may be grou nd for rejection of this pro posal or
tennination of the award. In add II10n, unde r 18 use See. 1001, a false statem ent ma y result in a fine of up
to $10,000 or mprisonmentforup to 5 }ears, orboth.
James L. Roberts Cou~~ Administrator
Type d Na me & Titla of Auth orizttd R epres entelive
- - ------------------------------------------------
Signature of Authorized Repres entativ. Date
o
I am unable to certfy to the above statements. My elCplanation is attached.
EPA Form 5700-49 (11-88)
A:I::'DA united $"..
~*' Environmental Protection Aoency
EP A Project Control Number
CERTIFICATION REGARDING LOBBYING
CERTIFICATION FOR CONTRACfS, GRANTS,
~OANS. AND COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS
The undersigned certifies, to the best of his or her knowledge and belief, that:
(1) No Federal apy>ropriated funds have been paid or will be paid, by or on behalf of the
undersigned, to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or
employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress,
or an employee of a Memb er of Congress in connection with the awarding of any
Federal contract, the making of any Federal grant, the making of any Federal loan, the
entering into of a ny cooperative agree ment, and the extension, continuation, re newal,
amendment, or modification of any Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative
agreem ent
(2) If any funds other than Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid to
any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any
agency, a Member of Congress in connection with this Federal contract, grant, loan, or
coope.rative agreement, the undersigned shall complele aId submit Stllldard Form-
LLL, "Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying," in accordance with its instructions.
(3) The undersigned shall require that the language of this certification be included in tie
award documents for all sub-awards at all tiers (including sub-contracts, sub-grants,
and cmtracts under grants, loans, and cooperative agreements) and that an sub-
recipients shall certify and disclose accordingly.
This certification is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed when this
transaction was made or entered into, Submission of this certificatiJn is a prerequisite for
making or entering into this transaction imposed by section 1352, title 31 V,S. Code. Any
person who fails tl file:1he required certification shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less
than $10,000 and not more than $100,000 for each such failure.
James L. Roberts
County Administrator
Typed Namc &, TitleD! Authorized Representative
Date
Signature 0 f Authorized Reprcscnlative
aEPA
Washington, DC 20460
Preaward Compliance Review Report for
All Applicants Requeltial Federal Ymancial Assistance
FORM Approved
OMB No. 2090-0014
Expires 4-30-99
Note: Readinstnu:tions before completin2 form.
1. A Applicant (Name, City, State) B. RecipiCJIt (Name, City, State) C. EP A Project No.
Monroe County Monroe County
1100 Simonton Street 1100 Simonton Street
Key West. Florida 33040 Key West, Florida 33040
11. Brief description of proposed project, program or activity.
A project to demonstrate how decentralized onsite wastewater treatment systems can be
managed as a utility to provide more efficient and more economical operations that will
meet Monroe County treatment standards.
lll. Me any civil rights lawsuits o.r complaints pending against applicant and/or recipient? If DYes ~
yes, list those complaints and the disposition of each complaint No
IV. Have any civil rights compliance reviews of the applicant and/or recipient been conducted DYes ~
by any Federal agency during the two years prior to this application for activities which would No
receive EPA assistance? If yes, list those compliance reviews and status of each review.
V. Is any other Federal fmancial assistance being applied for or is any other Federal financial DYes ~
assistance being applied to any portion of Ibis project, program or activity? If yes, list the other No
Federal Agency(s), describe the associated worle and the dollar amount of assistance.
VI. If entire community under the applicant's jurisdiction is not served under the existing facilities/services, or will not be
served under the proposed plan, give reasons why.
See Attached
V11. Population Characteristics Number of People
1. A. Population of Entire Service Area 4.380
B. Minoritv Population of Entire Service Area 650
2. A. PODulation Currentlv Beina.Served -0-
B, Minoritv PODulation CUlTCntlv Bcintz Served -0.
3. A. Population to be Served bv;Proiect. Prol!J'lllD or Activitv 250
B. Minoritv PODulation to be Served bv Proiect Protzranl or Activitv 40
4. A. Ponulation to Remain Without Service 4,130
B. Minoritv Population to Remain Without Service 610
Vll. Will all new facilities or alterations to existing facilities financed by these funds be DYes [8
designed and constructed to be readily accessible to and usable by handicapped persons? lfno, No
explain how a regulatory exception (40 CFR 7.70) applies. Fa c i 1 i tie s to be
~ain~~i~:dhbY trained personnel who, because of confined space
"annn l::indi . d.
IX. Give the schedllle for future projects, programs or activities (or of future plans), by which services will be provided to all
beneficiaries within applicant's juriSdiction. If there is no schedule, explain why.
All beneficiaries will have service by July 1, 2010. Future projects will begin in 2006,
so all beneficiaries will be served by July 1, 2010.
x. 1 certify that the statements I have made on Ibis fonn and all attachments thereto are true, accurate and complete. 1
acknowledge that any knowingly false or misleading statement may be punishable by fme or imprisonment or both under
applicable law.
A. Signature of Authorized Official B. Title of Authorized Official C. Date
County Administrator December 18, 2002
For tbe U.S. Environmental Protection A~encv
o Approved o Disapproved Authorized EP A Official Date
EPA Form 4700-4 (Rev. 1/90) Previous editions are obsolete.
EP A Form 4700-4 - Attachment
Monroe County
1100 Simonton Street
Key West, Florida 33040
VI. The Monroe County Sanitary Wastewater Master Plan
recommends central wastewater collection and treabnent
systems for the more densely developed areas under the
applicant's jurisdiction and onsite wastewater treabnent
systems only for the more remote and less developed areas.
The proposed plan will select only representative areas that will
continue to be served by upgraded onsite wastewater treatment
systems to demonstrate how a utility can manage these systems
more efficiently. Other areas that will continue to be served by
upgraded onsite wastewater treatment systems will be included
under the utility after this demonstration program has been
completed.
PROJECT WORK PLAN
FOR:
National Onsite/Decentralized Wastewater Treatment
System Demonstration Project in the
Florida Keys, Monroe County, Florida
To:
u.s. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Grants and Debarment
401 M. Street, SW (3909R)
Room 51288
Washington, D.C. 20460
Submitted By:
Monroe County, Florida
December 2002
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section
Pa2e
1.0 In trod u ction .................. ............................................................................................ ............ 1-1
1.1 Background ............................................................................................................... 1-1
1.2 Problem Description..... ........... ......... ........... .... ..... ...... ......... ..................... ........ .... ..... 1-3
2.0 Wastewater Management in the Keys................................................................................ 2-1
2.1 Existing Wastewater Systems ........ .......... ............... ...... ................. ............................ 2-1
2.2 Requirements for Future Wastewater Systems ......................................................... 2-4
2.3 Integrated Wastewater Management...... ................ .... ................... .............. ............... 2-6
3.0 Project Db j ectives and Scope............................................................................................. 3-1
3.1 Project Objectives......................................................................................... ..... .......... 3-1
3.2 Project Scope............................................................................... ................. ............... 3-1
4.0 Description of Potential Project Study Sites...................................................................... 4-1
4.1 Northeast Part of Summerland Key........................................................................... 4-1
4.2 BiglMiddle Torch Keys...................... ..... ............................................. ......... ............ 4-1
4.3 Northeast Part of Ramrod Key.............................................................. .4-1
4.4 Pine Heights, Big Pine Key...................... ...................... ......................4-2
4.5 Pine Key Acres, Big Pine Key........................................ .................. .... .4-2
4.6 Long Beach, Big Pine Key..... ...... ......... ..... ......... ...... ............. ..... .... .....4-2
5.0 Project Approach .......... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... .......... ..... .......................................................... 5-1
5.1 PHASE 1: Establish DWTS Management Framework ............................................. 5-1
5.2 PHASE 2: Selection and Testing of Remote Monitoring and
Management Technologies.................................................... ............ ........................ 5-8
5.3 PHASE 3 : Sampling and Testing of OWNRS Treatment Technologies .................. 5-10
5.4 PHASE 4: DWTS Demonstration Project Implementation..................................... 5-12
6.0 Project Budget and Sched ule .............................................................................................. 6-1
6.1 Project Budget............................................................................... ..6-1
6.2 Project Schedule. . ..... . ... .. . ..... ... .... ...... ..... . ..... . .. ... . ..... ............. .......... .6-1
7.0 Ref eren ces ........ ......... .... .............. ..... ..... ......... .......... .............. ..... .............. ............................ 7-1
Monroe County
iii
NOWTSDP Work Plan
FIGURES
2-1 Thirty percent, or 7,200 of the 23,000 onsite wastewater systems in the Keys are not
permitted, and may include up to 2,800 illegal cesspools.
2-2 Many of the unknown systems in the Keys are cesspools, or seepage pits, and provide
little, if any, wastewater treatment.
2-3 Conventional OWTS.
2-4 Small aerobic biological treatment units (ATUs) are common in the Keys, and function
similarly to centralized secondary wastewater treatment facilities.
2-5 Onsite Wastewater Nutrient Reduction Systems (OWNRS) recommended for Monroe
County removes nitrogen and phosphorus in a 3-step process.
2-6 Wastewater Management Alternatives Decision Model.
4-1
4-2
4-3
4-4
4-5
4-6
5-1 Technical and Institutional Factors in Onsite Wastewater Systems Management Planning
6-1 Florida Keys Decentralized Onsite Wastewater Treatment System Demonstration Project
Schedule
TABLES
2-1 Florida Statutory Treatment Standards.
2-2 Compliance Schedule for Wastewater Treatment Systems in Monroe County.
2-3 Comparative advantages and disadvantages of conventional sewerage and onsite/cluster
treatment within an integrated wastewater management district
5-1 Functions and Responsibilities of an Effective Wastewater Management Program.
5-2 Summary of EP A Guidelines for Management of Onsite/Decentralized Wastewater
Systems
6-1 Florida Keys Decentralized Onsite Wastewater Treatment System Demonstration Project
Budget
GLOSSARY
Monroe County
iv
NOWTSDP Work Plan
GLOSSARY
ATU
AWT
BAT
BOCC
BOD
CBOD
DOH
DWTS
EPA
ETV
FDEP
FKNMS
MCSWMP
NOAA
NSF
OFW
OWNRS
OWTS
QNQC
RMC
SDI
SOP
SWIS
TN
TP
TSS
WWTP
Aerobic treatment unit
Advanced wastewater treatment
Best available treatment
Board of County Commissioners
Biological oxygen demand
Carboneous biological oxygen demand
Department of Health (Florida)
Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Systems
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Environmental Technology Verification
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
Monroe County Sanitary Wastewater Master Plan
National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration
National Sanitation Foundation
Outstanding Florida Waters
Onsite wastewater nutrient reduction system
Onsite wastewater treatment system
Quality assurance/quality control
Remote monitoring and control
Subsurface drip irrigation
Standard operating procedure
Subsurface wastewater infiltration system
Total nitrogen
Total phosphorus
Total suspended solids
Wastewater treatment plant
Monroe County
v
NOWTSDP Work Plan
National Onsite/Decentralized Wastewater
Treatment Demonstration Project in the
Florida Keys, Monroe County
PROJECT WORK PLAN
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Monroe County is preparing an Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424) for a National
Onsite/Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Demonstration Project in the Florida Keys, Monroe
County, Florida. The purpose ofthe project is to evaluate available nutrient reducing onsite and
clustered wastewater technologies and to demonstrate the management of decentralized waste-
water treatment systems (DWTS) under a utility management structure. Decentralized waste-
water systems are defined as onsite and clustered wastewater treatment systems that treat waste-
water at or near the site it was generated. The project would include upgrading approximately
100 existing onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS) in one or more study areas in the
Florida Keys for management by Monroe County and a contracted operations/utility manage-
ment firm. The total project cost is $5.07 million, which includes a requested amount from
federal assistance of $3.8 million dollars (-75%) and a local match amount of $1.3 million
dollars (-25%).
In addition to the SF -424, Monroe County is providing this narrative statement and work plan for
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EP A) review and comment. The narrative statement
provides background information, a project description, and goals and objectives, while the work
plan describes the tasks that will be accomplished and demonstrated in the national demonstra-
tion project. The document further establishes a preliminary timeline and budget for
implementation and completion.
1.1 Background
The Florida Keys: The Florida Keys, located in Monroe County off of the southeastern tip of
Florida, are a chain of approximately 800 independent islands, representing the most southerly
point of the continental United States. The more developed islands
are connected by U.S. Highway 1, a 110 mile stretch of roadway and
42 bridges extending from Key Largo to Key West. All the waters
adjacent to the islands have been designated as Outstanding Florida
Waters (OFW), and include the 2,800-nautical-square-mile Florida
Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS), the second largest
t-..~ 1
Gulf of \ /
tvlexico ~':.~I
.'
,- . tl t.
- - - -. ~..... 1'0 <in lC
. FKNI'1S ~.. __
Monroe County
I-I
NOWTSDP Work Plan
national marine sanctuary in the United States. These waters are home to a complex and dynamic
ecosystem, including the world's third largest coral reef system.
Keys Geology: The Florida Keys are a limestone island archipelago extending southwest over
200 miles from the southern tip of the Florida mainland to the Dry Tortugas. The developed
areas of the Keys are divided into three regions: 1) the Upper Keys, from the mainland to Upper
Matecumbe Key; 2) the Middle Keys, from Upper Matecumbe Key to the Seven Mile Bridge;
and 3) the Lower Keys from Little Duck Key to Key West.
The Florida Keys are low-lying, with an average elevation of3 to 6 feet above sea level. The
Middle Keys are generally smaller than the Upper and Lower Keys with numerous wide
channels separating each island.
The surface of the Upper and Middle Keys is composed of Key Largo Limestone. The Key
Largo Limestone is a coralline limestone composed of coral heads encased in a matrix of
calcarenite. The thickness of the formation ranges from 75 to 170 feet and exhibits high porosity
and permeability. It occurs below the surface as far north as Miami Beach to as far south as
Bahai Honda. Near the northern and southern limits of the Key Largo Limestone, it is overlain
conformably by the Miami Limestone (Florida Geological Survey, 1992).
The Lower Keys (with the exception of Little Duck Key, the Newfound Harbor Keys, and a
portion of Big Pine Key) are composed of oolitic Miami Limestone. The Miami Limestone is
made up of two facies, the oolitic and bryozoan. The bryozoan facies underlies and extends west
of the western boundary of the oolitic facies. The bryozoan facies consists of calcareous
bryozoan colonies imbedded in a matrix of ooids, pellets, and skeletal sands. The oolitic facies
consists of variably sandy limestone composed primarily of oolites with scattered concentrations
of fossils. The oolite formation is thin over the southern border of the Lower Keys, reaching a
maximum thickness of 40 feet on the northern part of Stock Island. The channels between the
Lower Keys are the remnants of the original tidal channels that developed in the sand shoals. The
Miami Limestone exhibits high porosity but lower permeability than Key Largo Limestone
(NOAA, 1996).
Because of the low topographic relief and pervious nature of the Key Largo and Miami
Limestone formations, most rainfall in the Keys infiltrates the surface and forms shallow
freshwater lenses. Groundwater in the Keys is restricted to these shallow lenses and deeper
waters of the Floridan Aquifer. The freshwater lense generally becomes thicker during the rainy
season and thinner or absent during the dry season (NOAA, 1996). Only the largest Keys, such
as Big Pine Key, maintain a permanent fresh water lens.
The Floridan aquifer underlies the Miami Limestone. The sediment that comprises the Floridan
aquifer system underlies all of Florida, although potable water is not present everywhere. The
aquifer's surface in South Florida is generally 500 to 1000 feet deep and its average thickness is
about 3000 feet. It is divided into three hydrogeological units; 1) the upper Floridan; 2) the
Monroe County
1-2
NOWTSDP Work Plan
middle confining unit; and 3) the lower Floridan aquifer. In south Florida and the Keys, the
upper Floridan aquifer contains brackish groundwater, while the lower Floridan aquifer contains
salt water.
Soils in the Keys are very thin over shallow bedrock. The physical characteristics of all soil types
present in Monroe County are rated by USDA to have severe or very severe limitations for
conventional OWTS. Generally, there is insufficient soil depth to provide purification of septic
tank effluent before it reaches the groundwater. Due to the porous nature of the rock combined
with tidal influences, the use of conventional OWTS in the Keys may therefore result in
inadequately treated sewage leaching into the waterways of the Keys (Monroe County, 1992).
Keys Climate: The Keys have a tropical maritime climate. There are essentially two seasons: 1)
Summer which last from May to October; and 2) Winter which lasts from November to April.
The summer season is characterized as wet with numerous thunderstorms. The winter months are
typically dry with infrequent, fast moving cold fronts. Primarily the warm waters of the Gulf and
Atlantic, the Florida Current, and the Gulf Stream influence the climate.
The Keys have very moderate temperatures with an annual average high temperature of 82.40F
and an average annual low temperature of 75.40F. The prevailing easterly winds which pass over
the Gulf Stream transport warm air over the Keys. Cold fronts, which approach from the north
are warmed by the Gulf and Florida Bay waters. The Keys have very little land mass in which to
modify the air temperature. The air temperature reflects the surface conditions of the water,
which maintains the warmer temperatures. Average temperature variation is about 20F from the
Upper to the Lower Keys. The highest daily average temperature of 89.60F occurs in July and
August and the lowest daily average temperature of 66.20F typically occurs in February.
Temperature below freezing has never been recorded in the Keys.
The Keys are one ofthe driest areas in Florida with an average of 49 inches of precipitation per
year. The highest monthly mean rainfall occurs in September (6.5 inches) and the lowest
monthly mean rainfall of 1.3 inches occurs in March (NOAA, 1996). The lack of precipitation
can be attributed to minimal well-established land/sea breezes and the limited number of large-
scale synoptic systems in the area. The majority of the rainfall occurs during summer in the form
oflocally intense convective storms. A small percentage (18 to 33 percent) of the areas
precipitation occurs during the winter. Precipitation peaks in June and the latter part of
September. Drought conditions are not common; however, they can occur at any time when
stable, stationary air masses inhibit convection.
1.2 Problem Description
Water Quality: The Florida Keys marine ecosystem is dependent on clear water with low levels
of nutrients, specifically nitrogen and phosphorus. However, like most natural resources today,
rapid development, population growth, and increases in tourism have threatened the health and
future existence of the Keys environment. The deterioration of the reef and the entire marine
Monroe County
1-3
NOWTSDP Wor{Plan
ecosystem has been the subject of many studies. Scientists concur that one of the principle causes
of the Keys unhealthy state is the elevated level of nutrients in the surrounding canals and
nearshore waters.
Wastewater Treatment: As population and tourism in the Keys have increased over the years,
improvements in wastewater treatment and management practices have not kept pace with this
growth. As a result, anthropogenic sources of nutrients to confined canal and nearshore coastal
waters have increased, resulting in a decline in water quality. Nitrogen and phosphorus are found
in high levels in raw sewage and secondary treated wastewater discharges. Research has
determined that nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater are one of the major sources of
nutrients to nearshore waters, and scientists generally agree that improved wastewater treatment
practices would improve canal and nearshore water quality (U.S. EPA, 1999).
Wastewater treatment technologies of today are capable of significantly reducing nutrient levels
in wastewater, but the high cost of their implementation on a scale as large as the Keys makes
the solution extremely challenging for Monroe County. As a result, improving wastewater
practices in the Keys has received a major focus of attention in recent years. Over the last
decade, aggressive steps have been taken by federal, state, and local authorities to help restore
and maintain the Keys natural ecosystem. Requirements of the Monroe County Year 2010
Comprehensive Plan resulted in the recent development of the Monroe County Sanitary
Wastewater Master Plan (CH2M HILL, 2000). This plan outlines recommendations for five
regional wastewater collection and treatment systems, twelve community systems, and advanced
decentralized wastewater treatment systems (DWTS) for the remainder of the Keys planning
area. DWTS are defined as onsite and clustered wastewater treatment systems that treat
wastewater at or near the site it was generated.
Since onsite systems will continue to be utilized for wastewater treatment in the least developed
parts ofthe Keys, Monroe County is proposing to develop a management structure for DWTS
that will allow them to be managed under a wastewater utility concept. Utility management of
DWTS is a relatively new concept in the U.S., and funding for this demonstration project will
assist Monroe County in establishing a DWTS management structure, identifying and testing
appropriate onsite wastewater nutrient reduction systems (OWNRS) technologies, and
identifying methods and technologies for remote monitoring and management of the OWNRS in
the study area.
Monroe County
1-4
NOWTSDP Work Plan
2.0 W ASTEW ATER MANAGEMENT IN THE KEYS
2.1 Existing Wastewater Systems
Approximately 23,000 private on site wastewater treatment systems (OWTS) and 246 small
wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) currently operate throughout the Keys (CH2M HILL,
2000). Each of these onsite systems and treatment plants provide minimal nutrient removal, and
generally discharge effluent containing total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) concentra-
tions of approximately 20 mglL and 6 mglL, respectively. The onsite systems primarily serve
single family residences and small commercial establislunents, while the small WWTPs serve
condominium and apartment complexes, resorts, motels, restaurants, and other larger commercial
establislunents where higher volumes of wastewater are generated. Property owners are responsi-
ble for managing, operating, and maintaining their individual systems, whether they are onsite
systems or small WWTPs.
OWTS are the predominant method of existing wastewater treatment in the Keys, comprised of
approximately 15,200 permitted conventional septic systems, 640 aerobic treatment units
(ATUs), and 7,200 systems of unknown type (Figure 2-1). Many of the un..1(.,own systems are
suspected to be cesspools.
Cesspools: Cesspools, or seepage pits, were some of the earliest forms of onsite wastewater
systems in the Keys. They consist of a large excavation in the ground lined with brick, stone or
block that allowed raw wastewater to seep into the natural rock or groundwater (Figure 2-2).
Without a significant soil layer, very little treatment of the wastewater occurs in the cesspool,
especially if it intercepts groundwater. Pollutant removal is then limited to what the natural rock
provides. It has been estimated that as many as 2,800 of these early cesspools are still in
existence in the Florida Keys.
23,000 Onsite Wastewater Systems
Figure 2-1. Thirty percent, or 7,200 of the 23,000 on site wastewater systems in the Keys are
not permitted, and may include up to 2,800 illegal cesspools.
Monroe County
2-1
NOWTSDP Work Plan
Raw Sewage to Cesspool
I
, r
I' Miami Oolite or Key
1 -- Largo Limestone
1-----
i
~--,.._-----
\...L
Pollutants to
Ground and
Surface ........
Waters
_____..1_______ _~__,
Figure 2-2. Many of the unknown systems in the Keys are cesspools, or seepage pits, and
provide little, if any, wastewater treatment.
Conventional OWTS: Modem, conventional OWTS are more sophisticated wastewater
treatment systems that rely on land treatment provided by soils for ultimate wastewater renova-
tion and disposal. If constructed properly and operated and maintained over their lifetime,
modem land treatment systems, including OWTS, can provide wastewater treatment
performance that equals conventional centralized wastewater treatment plants.
Conventional OWTS consist of a septic tank and subsurface wastewater infiltration system
(SWIS), or drainfield, and rely on naturally occurring soils to provide most of the wastewater
treatment (Figure 2-3). The problem for conventional OWTS in the Keys is that very little or no
natural soil exists over the ancient coral/limestone rock. Therefore, soil must be imported to
construct conventional OWTS drainfields in the Florida Keys. The limited underlying soils in the
Keys reduce the treatment effectiveness of these systems, especially for nutrients.
Monroe County
2-2
NOWTSDP Work Plan
Septic.
Tank
Sewer
Pipe
SWIS, or drainfie1d, provides physical, chemical,
and biological treatment of the septic tank
effiuent as it percolates through the unsaturated
soil zone to groundwater.
Subsurface VVastewater Infiltration
This is the most critical component of a
conventional septic system and provides
most of the treatment and ultimate
disposal of the renovated wastewater.
Infiltration
Trenches /'
Figure 2-3. Conventional QWTS.
Aerobic Treatment Units (A TUs): Because of the lack of soil in the Keys, the use of small
aerobic biological treatment systems, known as aerobic treatment units (ATUs), has become
common in recent years. These systems are essentially miniature wastewater treatment plants
which function similar to centralized wastewater treatment facilities. Most operate on some
variation of the activated sludge process such as extended aeration, although other processes are
available. A TUs require less space than a conventional septic tank system, but also require an
effluent disposal system because direct discharge of effluent to surface waters is not permitted in
Monroe County.
In the Keys, these systems discharge to a SWIS or to a mineral aggregate filter followed by a
shallow injection well or borehole drilled to a depth of90 feet (Figure 2-4). As of2000,
approximately 640 ATUs had been permitted in the Keys (CH2M HILL, 2000).
Monroe County
2-3
NOWTSDP Work Plan
Miami Oolite or Key AJU
______ Largo Limestone
~-----~-- t
Figure 2-4. Small aerobic biological treatment units (ATUs) are common in the Keys, and
function similarly to centralized secondary wastewater treatment facilities.
2.2 Requirements for Future Wastewater Systems
Because of the demonstrated adverse effects of wastewater nutrients on the Key's water quality,
more stringent water quality criteria for wastewater effluents were established for Monroe
County. The Five-Year Work Program for the Monroe County 2010 Comprehensive Plan and the
1999 Florida Legislature established statutory effluent standards and compliance schedules for
the Keys as shown in Tables 2-1 and 2-2, respectively.
Monroe County
2-4
NOWTSDP Work Plan
Table 2-1. Florida Statutory Treatment Standards.
mg/L
Biological Oxygen Total Dissolved Total Total
Demand Solids Nitrogen Phosphorus
(BOD) (TSS) (TN) (TP)
Onsite Systems (BAT) 10 10 10 1
Community Wastewater
Collection and Treatment Systems
Design flows less than or 10 10 10 1
equal to 100,000 gpd (BAT)
Design flows greater than 5 5 3 1
100,000 gpd (AWT)
Table 2-2. Compliance Schedule for Wastewater Treatment Systems in Monroe County.
Onsite
Systems
Wastewater
Treatment
Plants
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
On site Wastewater Nutrient Reduction Systems (OWNRS): The limitations of cesspits,
conventional septic systems, and A TUs in meeting the nutrient removal goals in Table 2-1 have
resulted in investigations into other technologies for onsite wastewater treatment in the Florida
Keys. Onsite treatment systems that meet the effluent criteria are referred to as Onsite
Wastewater Nutrient Reduction Systems (OWNRS).
Monroe County
2-5
NOWTSDP Work Plan
Based on the results of an OWNRS Demonstration Project on Big Pine Key, a biological
nitrogen removal system coupled with a physicaVchemical phosphorus removal system and a
SWIS was the recommended OWNRS combination to meet the statutory treatment standards
(Ayres Associates, 1998).
Phosphorus adsorption media was selected for phosphorus removal in the OWNRS alternatives
because this method of P removal could be utilized within the SWIS and thus reduce cost.
Therefore, the recommended OWNRS alternatives consist of biological treatment units com-
bined with subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) systems in phosphorus adsorption media (such as
LECA ™ or specified Crushed Brick) infiltration beds (see Figure 2-5). The SDI/Infiltration
System combination thus provides phosphorus adsorption, nutrient uptake by plants, and effluent
dispersal for the OWNRS alternatives. To meet the 10, 10, 10, 1 effluent limits for CBODs, TSS,
TN, and TP, respectively, at the bottom of the SDI/Infiltration system, the biological nitrogen
removal system would need to produce effluent quality of 20, 20, 15, 6 or better prior to
discharge to the SDI system.
o
,,-
~
-... ~
/Jf
\. ;'
\ ;
"
Effluent
Quality :
20120115/6
Eflluenl Quality:
discharged 1011011011
(CB~. TSS,TN,lP)
Figure 2-5. Onsite Wastewater Nutrient Reduction Systems (OWNRS) recommended for
Monroe County removes nitrogen and phosphorus in a 3-step process.
2.3 Integrated Wastewater Management
Traditionally, the regulatory response to performance problems with onsite wastewater treatment
systems has been to become more conservative with design criteria or to seek alternative
technologies that might perform better under the given conditions. Unfortunately, what is often
ignored is what has made central sewerage successful-professional management. Professional
management is what has been lacking historically with onsite systems. Lack of management,
Monroe County
2-6
NOWTSDP Work Plan
ranging from improper siting, design and installation practices to lack of maintenance and
enforcement of standards has been the root of past problems.
Wastewater facilities planning for unsewered areas should not be an either/or approach (Otis,
1998). Planning should begin with equal consideration of all options and the choice of
technologies based on appropriate application. The past problems with onsite systems have not
been due to inherent flaws with on site technologies, but our failure to properly manage these
existing "decentralized" facilities. When we are able to show that onsite systems can be designed
and operated over extended planning periods to meet water quality and public health objectives,
onsite systems will gain stature equal to conventional sewerage. This will be achieved only
through centralized management. While "decentralization" of treatment is the outcome,
centralization of management must be the approach. Service rather than technology must be the
focus.
The objective of integrated wastewater management is the appropriate application of technology
(Anderson and Otis, 2000). Appropriateness should be based on public health and environmental
objectives as well as cost-effectiveness in terms of both monetary and non-monetary considera-
tions (Otis, 1998). This may mean that the most appropriate wastewater facility for a given
community would be an integration of both central sewers and onsite and clustered wastewater
treatment systems under management be a single utility district. This integrated wastewater
management approach is the proposed direction for wastewater management in the Florida Keys.
There are trade-offs in selecting any wastewater treatment technology for a given application. If
integrated wastewater management is to be a reality, the advantages and disadvantages of the
available treatment options must be objectively evaluated.
The prevailing belief that conventional sewerage is the most appropriate method of wastewater
treatment has created biases that make it difficult to evaluate onsite and cluster technology
options objectively (Otis, 1998). Many disadvantages of central sewerage are overlooked, just as
many advantages of onsite and clustered treatment are disregarded. It should not be assumed that
conventional sewerage is the only appropriate approach. Rather, planning should begin by
defining the long-range development needs of the community and water quality goals for the
area to define the criteria of appropriateness. Table 2-3 presents some of the comparative
advantages and disadvantages of conventional sewerage and onsite/cluster treatment within an
integrated wastewater management district (Anderson and Otis, 2000).
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Table 2-3. Comparative advantages and disadvantages of conventional sewerage and onsite/cluster
treatment within an integrated wastewater management district (after Otis, 1998).
CONVENTIONAL SEWERAGE ONSITE/CLUSTER TREATMENT
Advantages Disadvantages Advantages Disadvantages
Development Most appropriate for Not cost -effective Most appropriate for low Not cost -effective for
mixed, high density for low density density residential and light mixed, high density
development. residential and light commercial development. development.
commercial
develooment.
Treatment Area Relatively small, Collection sewers Relatively low wastewater Multiple treatment sites
remote site. required and higher loadings resulting in require individual
energy inputs minimal water quality designs and private
necessary for impacts. property access.
adequate treatment.
Effluent Single point High mass and Basin-wide discharges for Surveillance of multiple
Discharge discharge simplifying hydraulic loadings better basin water treatment system
monitoring. to the receiving management. discharges.
environment.
Treatment Excess capacity High initial capital Low initial implementation Capacity must be added
Capacity included for planning costs. costs because treatment for each new
period. only provided for existing development.
develooment.
Biosolids Single collection Mixed biosolids that Segregated, digested Collection of biosolids
Handling point and treatment. can result in biosolids eliminating from multiple sources.
disposal restrictions. special treatment or
disposal.
Operation and Single treatment Full time, skilled Passive treatment with only Scattered treatment sites
Maintenance plant with real time staff needed for occasional need for are often located on
operation to handle continuous operator intervention. private property.
difficult wastes. operation and
maintenance.
The Monroe County Sanitary Wastewater Master Plan (MCSWMP) took an integrated approach
to wastewater planning in the Florida Keys (CH2M HILL, 2000). An extensive decision analysis
was performed in the selection of wastewater management alternatives for the 27 study areas
which made up the Keys wastewater planning area. The decision models were developed through
a joint, collaborative effort between the SWMP Technical Advisory Committee, Monroe County
Citizens Task Force on Wastewater, and the BOCC. The model evaluated each wastewater
management alternative against five key considerations identified by the stakeholders in the
process. These included:
. Minimizing Cost
. Maximizing Implementability
. Maximizing Environmental Benefits
. Minimizing Secondary Impacts
. Maximizing Reliability
Performance criteria were developed for each of these issues and each alternative was then
scored based on the resulting decision model. Figure 2-6 shows the decision model flow chart
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with the scores assigned to each criterion for alternatives evaluation. Maximizing environmental
benefits was the highest scored consideration followed by minimizing cost.
llIU. 1
.....
_..InWl
1'*-11IIIIIIII'
Figure 2-6. Wastewater Management Alternatives Decision Model.
Based on the decision process and other factors, the MCSWMP recommendations included five
regional wastewater collection and treatment systems, twelve smaller community systems, and
DWTS in the areas defined as "Cold Spots" (CH2M HILL, 2000). The plan includes four
principal components for implementation:
1. Upgrade or replace existing onsite wastewater systems with Onsite Wastewater Nutrient
Reduction Systems (OWNRS) in "Cold Spot" areas, which are located in lower density
areas of the Keys. "Cold Spots" consist of areas not designated "Hot Spots", and
generally will continue to utilize DWTS for wastewater treatment under the master plan.
2. Implement centralized community wastewater collection and treatment system service
areas in the more densely developed and highest ranked "Hot Spot" areas, where service
area analyses indicate central sewer systems are more cost effective and environmentally
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sound. "Hot Spots" refer to areas that will receive a community wastewater collection
and treatment system by the year 2010.
3. When the number of community treatment systems and the number of customers in
selected areas of the Upper and Middle Keys (i.e. Marathon, Islamorada, Tavernier, and
Key Largo) increase to the point where it is no longer economical to operate community
treatment systems, consolidate them into larger regional treatment systems.
4. Phase implementation of smaller regional systems in the Lower Keys and construct
treatment plants at the proposed regional sites, so that interim community treatment
systems are not necessary.
Thus, the success of an integrated wastewater management plan in the Keys will depend on the
involvement of a wastewater managing utility in the design, installation, operation and
monitoring of decentralized wastewater treatment systems as well as centralized collection and
treatment systems to ensure that the goals of the MCSWMP are met.
Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Systems: The MCSWMP identified areas that will not to
be served by centralized wastewater collection and treatment systems due to economics, location,
and low density of development. These areas will be required to install decentralized wastewater
treatment systems, such as OWNRS, that provide nutrient removal and meet current effluent
water quality requirements.
The goal of Monroe County is to develop the administrative, technical and operational
framework to effectively and efficiently manage DWTS in the Florida Keys through a National
Decentralized Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Demonstration Project. The remainder of this
document discusses the project objectives and the proposed work plan to accomplish this goal.
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3.0 PROJECT OBJECTIVES AND SCOPE
3.1 Project Objectives
The primary objectives of the National OnsitelDecentralized Wastewater Treatment System
Demonstration Project in the Florida Keys are as follows:
1. Establishment of a DWTS management framework for Monroe County
2. Identification and testing of remote monitoring and management technologies for DWTS in
the Keys
3. Identification and testing of appropriate OWNRS treatment technologies for use in DWTS
designated areas (Cold Spots) in the Keys
4. Implementation of Objectives 1-3 at one or more "Cold Spot" study sites in the Keys
3.2 Project Scope
The primary objectives will be achieved by completing a series of tasks under each of four
Phases. These tasks are briefly outlined below, and detailed in Section 5.
Phase 1. Establish DWTS Management Framework - This phase will develop the framework for
management ofDWTS by Monroe County.
Task 1.1:
Task 1.2:
Task 1.3:
Task 1.4:
Task 1.5:
Task 1.6:
Task 1.7:
Develop a DWTS management and monitoring management plan
Develop a DWTS management and monitoring database
Develop a DWTS operation and maintenance program
Identify and resolve legal issues associated with DWTS management
Develop cost, financing, rate, and billing programs
Develop an education and training program
Develop a public outreach program
Phase 2. Testing of Remote Monitoring and Management Technologies - Technologies,
methods and equipment for the remote monitoring and management ofDWTS will be selected
and tested under this phase of the project.
Task 2.1:
Task 2.2:
Task 2.3:
Task 2.4:
Identify functions from Phase 1 for a remote monitoring and management plan
Identify hardware, software, and monitoring/control equipment needs
Install remote monitoring and control equipment on OWNRS in selected service
areas.
Install management and control equipment at the location designated by Monroe
County
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Task 2.5:
Task 2.6:
Refine remote monitoring and management pIan for DWTS
Prepare report with recommendations for remote monitoring and management
Phase 3. Sampling and testing ofOWNRS Treatment Technologies - This phase of the project
will be conducted utilizing OWNRS technologies that are approved for use by DOH.
Task 3.1:
Task 3.2:
Task 3.3:
Develop operational plan and procedures
Develop data collection and sampling QA/QC procedures
Identify appropriate OWNRS technologies for testing
Phase 4. DWTS Demonstration Project Implementation - This phase of the project will evaluate
the management structure and treatment technologies in the field. This will be accomplished by
upgrading existing OWTS in one or more study sites for management by Monroe County.
Task 4.1:
Task 4.2:
Task 4.3:
Task 4.4:
Task 4.5:
Task 4.6:
Task 4.7:
Task 4.8:
Task 4.9:
Task 4.10:
Task 4.11:
Task 4-12.
Identify study sites
Identify existing systems in the selected study sites for replacement
Evaluate clustering options and potential treatment facility sites
Estimate design flows
Prepare DWTS design and specifications
Prepare remote monitoring and management system design and specifications
Prepare construction documents and obtain permits
Bidding of project
Construct systems
Conduct system monitoring and data collection
Conduct data summary and analyses
Prepare draft and final report of the project
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4.0 DESCRIPTION OF POTENTIAL PROJECT STUDY SITES
The MCSWMP identified areas that would not be served by a central wastewater collection and
treatment system but would continue to utilize DWTS. This affects approximately 1,780 property
owners throughout Monroe County. Based on preliminary review of these DWTS areas, several
potential study sites were identified that would meet the objectives of the National Onsite
Wastewater Treatment System Demonstration Project in the Keys. Figures 4-1 through 4-6 show
the locations of these potential study sites. A brief description of these study sites is provided in
this section.
The potential study sites were identified using the following criteria:
. Areas with the least density and most removed from areas identified for central wastewater
collection and treatment
. Developed properties that would provide the opportunity to install and evaluate the range of
onsite systems-single OWNRS, shared OWNRS (2, 3, and 4 houses), and sewered cluster
systems
. Areas with the least existing OWNRS
. Study sites relatively close together to economize on travel time between study sites and
administrative costs
One of the first tasks in this demonstration project will be to select study sites in order to have a
total of approximately 100 properties available for this demonstration project. A brief description
of potential study sites follows:
4.1 Northeast Part of Summerland Key
There are approximately 8 developed properties linearly distributed along approximately one
mile of roadway. The nearest proposed central collection and treatment system will be approxi-
mately 2,400 feet from the nearest developed property in this potential study site.
4.2 Big/Middle Torch Keys
There are approximately 58 developed properties distributed along approximately 5 miles of
roadway. The nearest proposed central collection and treatment system will be approximately
5,000 feet from the nearest developed property in this potential study site. The second nearest
developed property is some 14,000 feet from the nearest proposed central collection and
treatment system.
4.3 Northeast Part of Ramrod Key
There are approximately 10 developed properties distributed along approximately 1,000 feet of
roadway in an area encompassing approximately 8 acres. The nearest proposed central collection
and treatment system will be approximately 3,000 feet from the nearest developed property in
this potential study site.
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4.4 Pine Heights, Big Pine Key
There are approximately 42 developed properties distributed along approximately 2 miles of
roadway in an area encompassing approximately 55 acres. The nearest proposed central
collection and treatment system will be approximately 4,000 feet from the nearest developed
property in this potential study site.
4.5 Pine Key Acres, Big Pine Key
There are approximately 25 developed properties distributed along approximately 3-112 miles of
roadway in an area encompassing approximately 230 acres. The nearest proposed central
collection and treatment system will be approximately 1,500 feet from the nearest developed
property in this potential study site.
4.6 Long Beach, Big Pine Key
There are approximately 44 developed properties distributed along approximately 2 miles of
roadway. The nearest proposed central collection and treatment system will be approximately
10,000 feet from the nearest developed property in this potential study site.
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5.0 PROJECT APPROACH
Four distinct project phases have been developed to accomplish the objectives of the Florida Keys
National Onsite Wastewater Treatment System Demonstration Project. This section provides a
description of each phase and the tasks proposed to complete them.
5.1 PHASE 1: Establish DWTS Management Framework
Organizational structures for managing DWTS do not exist in most communities, although a
management structure is required almost universally for centralized wastewater facilities and for
other services such as electric, telephone, cable TV and water. In the case of onsite wastewater
treatment systems (OWTS), state regulations generally prescribe the design and construction
standards for onsite systems and enforcement ofthese regulations falls to 10cal agencies, generally
the health department, often with limited authority, little wastewater engineering expertise, and
insufficient staff resources. Inconsistent laws and policies in the U.S. have resulted in effective
management structures for the larger, urban and centralized wastewater systems, while small, rural,
decentralized wastewater systems such as OWTS frequently remain unmanaged.
Experience has shown, however, that DWTS must be managed from site evaluation and design
through the life of the system to maintain proper function and to protect ground and surface water
quality (EPA, 1997; Ciotoli and Wiswall, 1982). Inadequate operation and maintenance ofOWTS
by homeowners have led to system failures and the resulting perception that decentralized waste-
water systems are less reliable than centralized facilities. This phase of the project will develop the
framework for management of decentralized wastewater treatment systems (DWTS).
The objectives of developing a management program for DWTS in Monroe County are to ensure
that:
1) performance requirements are established for restoring and protecting the surrounding and
nearshore waters;
2) the performance of the onsite wastewater treatment systems are consistent with those
requirements; and
3) qualified service providers are available to perform necessary design, construction, operation,
maintenance, and monitoring of the systems such that they perform satisfactorily over their
service lives.
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Table 5-1 lists the functions and responsibilities of an effective wastewater management program
for decentralized systems (USEP A, 1997).
Table 5-1. Functions and Responsibilities of an Effective Wastewater Management Program.
Planning and
Administration
Site Evaluation
System Design
System
Installation
Monitoring
Plan preparation
Plan review coordination
Research and development
Office and staff management
Operation and
Maintenance
Procedures and regulations
Operator/inspector
certification
Routine inspections
Emergency inspections
System repair/replacement
Repair supervision
Performance certification
System ownership
Disposal regulations
Hauler certification
Record keeping
Equipment inspections
Facility inspections
Facility operation
Secure funding
Arrange financing options
Set rates/charges
Collect charges
Develop methods
Disseminate information
Respond to complaints
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Guidelines and criteria
Evaluation certification
Site suitability analysis
Residuals Disposal
Standards and criteria
Designer certification
System design
Design review
Permit issuance
Financing
Construction supervision
Installer certification
Record keeping
Permit issuance
Public Information
and Education
Sampling and monitoring
program
Reporting and tracking system
5-2
The onsite wastewater management planning process is a critical first step and involves
coordination of a variety of technical and institutional factors, including engineering,
environmental, legislative, public education, socioeconomic, and administrative considerations. The
interaction of these factors is illustrated in Figure 5-1.
. . "J" ...:'
\~":.. . oi~'ff':-~ -' : ~\...t~ _'
",,~;.'~~A.;~.~~.. ~ ~
";~ ,RM....:'.::<J<"~'""': ,~>; ~,,~~.. '/...
. .Gia~AvaIlHtity;'\: ,-
Accolnabllty
Borrowb1I Capeclty
F~.. Growlh ~'*'
~
....
....
..
..
....
..
......
..
......
.........?~~-_.(c.
.,... Public su~
r EduCldioriBI ProgIul
Figure 5-1. Technical and Institutional Factors in Onsite Wastewater Systems Management
Planning (Adapted from USEPA, 1997).
One of the most important aspects of the planning process is to determine who will be responsible
for the decentralized wastewater management program and the functions listed above. The
responsibility for these functions can be distributed among the following parties:
1. Homeowners/property owners of onsite systems
2. OWTS service providers such as engineers, installers, inspectors, soil scientists, septage haulers,
and regulatory agency officials
3. A program management entity, which at a minimum, administers the program.
The structure of the management program depends on the functions to be performed and the
resources of the community. The program structure should include mechanisms for proposing and
enforcing regulations, performing system inspections and maintenance, and monitoring program
performance. The success or failure of an onsite wastewater management program depends
significantly on the choice of the management entity. Once a community defines the specific
functions needed to support the program operation, it must then determine whether existing
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organizations have the statutory authority and resources to carry out these functions. If existing
institutions lack certain legal powers, legislative modifications may be necessary.
The U.S. EPA has recently developed EPA Guidelinesfor Management of On site/Decentralized
Wastewater Systems (U.S. EPA, 2000). The purpose of the guidelines is to raise the level of
performance of onsite/decentralized wastewater systems through improved management programs.
The guidelines contain a set of model programs that are structured to reflect an increasing need for
more comprehensive management as the sensitivity of the environment and/or the degree of
technological complexity increases. A program's designation increases progressively from Model
Program 1 through Model Program 4, reflecting the increased level of management activities
needed to achieve water quality and public health goals. Table 5-2 presents a brief description of
each model program and compares the management objectives, benefits and limitations of each.
The EPA guidelines will be used as a basis in developing the framework for management of DWTS
in the Keys by the FK.AA.
Table 5-2. Summary of EP A Guidelines for Management of OnsitelDecentralized
Wastewater Systems (USEPA, 2000).
MODEL TYPICAL APPLICATION MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES BENEFITS LIMITATIONS
PROGRAM
1 Areas of low SYSTEM INVENTORY AND Relatively easy and No mechanism to
environmental sensitivity, AWARENESS OF inexpensive to ensure operating
where conventional onsite MAINTENANCE NEEDS implement and maintain. compliance of
systems are adequate to To ensure conventional (Programs are based systems.
protect water quality and on site/decentralized systems are upon conventional, No mechanisms to
public health sited and installed properly in prescriptive system identify problems
accordance with appropriate designs that rely upon before failures occur.
State/tribal/local regulations and conservative site criteria
codes are periodically inspected, and system design Limits building sites
maintained, and repaired as requirements to those meeting
necessary promulgated in codes). prescriptive
requirements.
2 Areas such as wellhead or MANAGEMENT THROUGH Reduces the risk of State/tribal/local
source protection areas, MAINTENANCE CONTRACTS failure through the agency may have
where sites are marginally To allow the use of more requirement for routine difficulty tracking
suited for conventional complex mechanical treatment maintenance of and enforcing
systems, requiring options in areas of higher mechanical components compliance with the
alternative, enhanced density or some environmental by skilled personnel. maintenance
treatment systems to be sensitivity. Requires requirements and/or
implemented. maintenance contracts to be con tract.
maintained between the owner
and equipment
manufacturer/supplier or service
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MODEL TYPICAL APPLICATION MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES BENEFITS LIMITATIONS
PROGRAM
provider over the life of all
systems.
3 Environmentally sensitive MANAGEMENT THROUGH Increases the range of Needs a higher level
areas, such as where OPERATING PERMITS sites suitable for oftechnicall
conventional systems are a To allow the use of on site/decentralized engineering expertise
potential threat to drinking on site/decentralized treatment on treatment. to implement.
or shellfish growing sites with a greater range of A voids problem of
waters. Engineered characteristics than allowed by owner not managing
designs are needed, to prescriptive codes. Establishes system adequately and
meet specific performance specific and measurable continues to operate a
requirements based on site performance requirements, non-compliant system.
characteristics. renewable operating permits,
and regular compliance Reduces the risk of
monitoring reports, in addition failures by requiring that
to requiring maintenance performance
contracts. requirements be met to
renew limited term
operating permit.
4 Areas where there is UTILITY OPERATION AND Simulates the municipal Property owner may
suspected impairment of MAINTENANCE model of central oppose utility's
receiving waters such as To provide professional sewerage by transferring easement to property
sole source aquifers, management of the siting, all responsibility from for the system.
critical aquatic habitats, design, construction, operation, the property owner to a Additional regulatory
outstanding natural maintenance, etc. of professional entity, oversight needed to
resource waters, or other on site/decentralized systems reducing risk of non- evaluate and ensure
areas where the through the creation of public or compliance to lowest that the utility is
environmental and private utilities that own and level. technicaIly and
technology concerns manage systems within the Allows effective area- financiaIly viable.
require reliable, long-term service area. wide wastewater
system operation and Greater financial
planning through
maintenance. investment by utility
integration of due to purchase of
onsite/decentralized systems and
systems with components.
conventional sewerage.
Requires authorizing
Avoids conflicts between legislation.
owner and operator.
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The following tasks will be completed during Phase 1 of the project.
TASK 1.1 Develop a DWTS management and monitoring plan
The recently developed EP A guidelines will be used to develop a detailed management and
monitoring plan for DWTS in Monroe County. The DWTS management and monitoring plan will
include the following elements as sub-tasks:
Subtask 1.1.1 System ownership structure
a) Individual OWTS
b) Clustered DWTS
Subtask 1.1.2 Planning and administration
a) Permit requirements
b) Plan Preparation
c) Plans review and approval
d) Research and development
e) Office and staff management
Subtask 1.1.3 Site evaluation
a) Criteria and guidelines
b) Certification of evaluation
c) Site suitability analysis
Subtask 1.1.4 Systemdesign
a) Criteria and standards
b) Designer certification
c) System design procedures
d) Design review and approval
e) Permit issuance
Subtask 1.1.5 System installation
a) Construction supervision
b) Installer certification
c) Recordkeeping
d) Permit assistance
Subtask 1.1.6 System monitoring
a) Sampling and monitoring program
b) Reporting and tracking system
TASK 1.2 Develop a DWTS management and monitoring database
Based on the management and monitoring plan developed in Task 1.1, a customized database will
be developed to assist in tracking the elements of the program. The management and monitoring
database will be linked to remote monitoring and control equipment data developed in Phase 2 of
the project.
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TASK 1.3
Develop a DWTS operation and maintenance program
A detailed operation and maintenance program plan will be developed to ensure proper performance
ofDWTS in the Keys. The program will utilize the recent EPA guidelines and the experience of
other DWTS or OWTS management entities. The operation and maintenance program pIan will
include the following elements as sub-tasks:
Subtask 1.3.1
Subtask 1.3.2
Subtask 1.3.3
Subtask 1.3.4
Subtask 1.3.5
Subtask 1.3.6
Subtask 1.3.7
Subtask 1.3.8
TASK 1.4
Procedures and regulations for O&M
Operator/inspector certification requirements
Define routine inspection requirements
Define emergency inspection requirements
Rules for system repair and/or replacement
Repair supervision and approval
Monitoring and performance certification
Residuals Disposal
a) Sludge/septage disposal requirements
b) Hauler certification
c) Record keeping
d) Equipment inspections
e) Residuals facility inspections
f) Residuals facility operation
Identify and resolve legal issues associated with DWTS management
Once the specific functions needed to support the management plan are defined, it must be
determined whether the management utility has the statutory authority and resources to carry out
these functions. rfthe management utility lacks certain legal powers, legislative modifications may
be necessary. Legal issues that the management utility may need to address include:
Subtask 1.4.1
Subtask 1.4.2
Subtask 1.4.3
Subtask 1.4.4
Subtask 1.4.5
Subtask 1.4.6
TASK 1.5
Establishment of wastewater districts in the Keys
Easements on private property
Authority to establish standards and specifications for design and construction
Authority to establish and enforce maintenance contracts
Establishment of policy and procedures
Procurement services
Develop cost, financing, rate, and billing programs
Detailed costs for various DWTS components will be developed during the implementation of the
demonstration project. These costs will include capital, administrative, operational and maintenance
costs. Based on these generated cost data, detailed budgets will be developed to include the total
costs of operating the decentralized wastewater management utility. The developed budgets will be
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NOWTSDP Work Plan
5-7
used to develop funding and financing needs and to establish rates and billing programs for DWTS
service. This task will include the following sub-tasks:
Subtask 1.5.2
Subtask 1.5.3
Subtask 1.5.4
Detailed DWTS cost analysis
a) Individual OWTS
b) Clustered DWTS
Define DWTS management program budgets
Determine funding and financing needs for DWTS program
Establish rates and billing procedures for DWTS service
Subtask 1.5.1
TASK 1.6
Develop an education and training program
An education and training program for DWTS will be developed under this task. The program will
include elements for property owners (DWTS customers) as well as DWTS service providers. The
following sub-tasks will be accomplished to complete this task:
Subtask 1.6.1 Develop DWTS customer education program
a) Bill stuffer, Do's and Don'ts ofOWTS
b) Educational video on OWTS 0 & M
Subtask 1.6.2 Develop DWTS service provider training and education program
a) Classroom training modules on OWTS management
TASK 1.7 Develop a public outreach program
A public outreach program will be developed to encourage the participation and cooperation of the
property owners in the demonstration project. This program will include the following elements as
sub-tasks:
Subtask 1.7.1 Develop project website to keep public informed on the status of the project.
Subtask 1.7.2 Develop presentations for interest groups such as chambers of commerce,
homeowners associations, civic groups, etc.
5.2 PHASE 2: Selection and Testing of Remote Monitoring and Management
Technologies
Inadequate operation and maintenance of OWTS by homeowners have led to system failures and
the resulting perception that decentralized wastewater systems are less reliable than centralized
facilities. Centralized management of OWTS can provide proper operation and maintenance,
however, when advanced technologies such as OWNRS are required, the routine O&M of hundreds
of individual systems becomes time consuming and increases O&M costs substantially. Recent
developments in remote monitoring and controls provide integrated telemetry, data acquisition, and
optimized control in relatively inexpensive pre-packaged control systems for the DWTS industry.
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This phase of the project will select and evaluate technologies, methods and equipment for the
remote monitoring and management of DWTS in the Keys. This will be accomplished through the
following tasks:
TASK 2.1. Identify functions from Phase 1 for remote monitoring and management
Three levels of remote monitoring and control (RMC) will be developed and evaluated; 10w,
medium, and high. Low level remote monitoring will only include monitoring of basic functions
and will provide no remote control or management of the system. Alarm functions would be
included in the low-level RMC plan. Medium RMC would include the basic functions in the low
level plan plus the addition of data acquisition, or the ability to remotely connect to an OWTS
control system from a central location to collect or check operational data such as close cycles or
pump run time. The medium level RMC would still not provide remote control or management of
the system. High level RMC would include monitoring of as many functions as economically
feasible as well as the ability to control and manage several system operational functions from a
remote location. For example, the high level RMC plan may allow the operator to operate pumps,
blowers, or other system components from a remote location.
TASK 2.2. Identify hardware, software, and monitoring/control equipment needs
Several sources of equipment will be identified for each level of remote monitoring and control
developed in Task 2.1.
TASK 2.3. Install remote monitoring and control equipment on OWNRS in selected service
areas
Low, medium, or high level RMC systems will be installed on the OWNRS in the selected service
areas. Final evaluation ofRMC systems will then be conducted as part of Phase 4, with
recommendations for overall Keys implementation.
TASK 2.4. Install management and control equipment at the mangement utility
Hardware and software will be installed at the management facility.
TASK 2.6. Refine remote monitoring and management plan for DWTS
Based on the results of this phase of the project, modifications and refinements to the RMC systems
will be evaluated and implemented as feasible. An overall assessment ofremote monitoring and
management for DWTS in the Keys will be conducted, including cost-effectiveness relative to
traditional management.
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TASK 2.7. Prepare report with recommendations for remote monitoring and management
A report will be prepared recommending the level of remote monitoring and management for
DWTS management.
5.3 PHASE 3: Sampling and Testing of OWNRS Treatment Technologies
This phase of the project will be conducted by testing existing DOH-approved technologies to
confirm that they can meet the treatment standards for Monroe County. These confirmed
technologies will then be installed at residences in the selected study sites. It is expected that four
OWNRS treatment technologies will be identified and tested during this project phase.
The following tasks will be conducted as part of this evaluation:
TASK 3.1. Develop operational plan and procedures
A detailed operational plan and procedures will be developed for the OWNRS testing. The
operational plan will be adapted from a protocol such as the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF)
Standard 40 (NSF, 1990) for aerobic treatment units (ATU) or more recent test protocols developed
by NSF under the U.S. EP A Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) program. The
following elements will be included in the operational plan as sub-tasks:
Subtask 3.1.1 Establish hydraulic loading conditions and flow monitoring for normal testing
Subtask 3.1.2 Establish hydraulic loading conditions and flow monitoring for stress testing
a) Vacation conditions
b) Laundry day conditions
c) Seasonal occupancy
Subtask 3.1.3 Develop operational procedures for routine performance monitoring
a) Carbonaceous Biochemical Oxygen Demand (CBODs)
b) Total Suspended Solids (TSS)
c) Total Nitrogen (TN)
d) Total Phosphorus (TP)
e) Fecal Coliform Bacteria
f) Other parameters
Subtask 3.1.4 Develop operational procedures for microbiological performance monitoring
a) Bacteriological parameters
b) Viral parameters
Subtask 3.1.5 Develop operation and maintenance monitoring procedures
a) Monitoring of treatment system operational requirements
b) Monitoring of treatment system maintenance requirement
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Subtask 3.1.6 Develop operation schedule for OWNRS testing to provide the most efficient
sampling and testing program that will maximize data for analysis yet minimize
costs.
TASK 3.2. Develop data collection and sampling QAlQC procp.dures
This task will establish the quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) procedures for data
collection. All sampling and analyses will be conducted in accordance with EP A Region IV and/or
FDEP standard operating procedures for environmental monitoring and analyses. The following
sub-tasks will be included:
Subtask 3.2.1 Establish standard operating procedures (SOPs)
a) Wastewater influent and effluent sampling
b) Laboratory analyses
Subtask 3.2.2 Develop schedule for blank, duplicate, split and spiked samples
Subtask 3.2.3 Develop field instrument calibration and adjustment procedures
TASK 3.3. Identify appropriate OWNRS technologies for testing
Prior to installing additional DOH-approved OWNRS treatment technologies, selected existing
operating OWNRS systems, representing each technology or manufacturer, will be rigorously tested
to confirm that they meet the treatment standards for Monroe County. If testing indicates that one or
more technologies are not meeting the Monroe County standards or cannot meet the standards with
a modification, these technologies will not be installed under this demonstration project. It is
expected that four DOH-approved OWNRS treatment technologies will be installed and tested at
different single OWNRS, shared OWNRS and sewered cluster system facilities.
In addition, this task will identify and rank other commercially available OWNRS technologies for
testing in this demonstration project. Criteria that will be used to select any other units to be tested
will include:
. Documented performance data demonstrating advanced treatment and nutrient removal
capabilities which will meet the treatment standards for Monroe County;
. Reliable and consistent performance;
. Relatively passive operation requiring minimum operator intervention;
. Available in treatment capacities for single home use;
. Reasonable equipment, construction and operating costs;
. Use oflocally available construction materials;
. Readily accepted by homeowners; and
. Willingness of manufacturer to participate in the project and furnish equipment.The
manufacturer will be required to:
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1. Furnish one unit (single or shared OWNRS) for testing
2. Install the equipment and appurtenances to provide a complete operating system, or pay for the
installation
3. Pay for all costs of monitoring and testing the system to confirm that it meets Monroe County
standards
Selection of the other treatment technologies will be accomplished through the following sub-tasks;
Subtask 3.3.1. Develop manufacturer submittal requirements including criteria and ranking methods
for selection of treatment technologies
Subtask 3.3.2. Solicit OWNRS technology manufacturers through direct mailings and
advertisements in journals and publications of the on-site industry
Subtask 3.3.3 Evaluate and rank submittals based on criteria developed in 3.3.1
Subtask 3.3.4 Enter into agreements for testing and evaluation with any manufacturers that
demonstrate that they appear to be able to meet the Monroe County standard.
5.4 PHASE 4: DWTS Demonstration Project Implementation
This phase of the project will evaluate the management structure, treatment technologies, and
remote monitoring strategies developed in the earlier phases of the project. To accomplish this, the
results of Phases 1 - 3 will be implemented in selected service areas in the Keys. Approximately
100 existing OWTS will be upgraded with OWNRS and managed utilizing techniques developed in
this project. This phase ofthe project will form the basis of future management of all DWTS in the
Keys. The following tasks will be completed as part of this phase:
TASK 4.1 Identify study sites
The final study sites will be selected based on the criteria set forth in Section 4 to provide
approximately 100 developed properties.
TASK 4.2. Identify existing systems in "Cold Spots" for replacement
All existing onsite systems in the selected cold spot sites will be identified in this task. Data on
system type, construction date, size, and location of systems will be collected as available.
TASK 4.3. Evaluate clustering options and potential treatment facility sites
The potential for cluster systems will be evaluated based on the evaluation and data collected in task
4.1. Both shared (1 to 4 homes) and sewered (> 5 homes) type cluster arrangements will be
considered in the analyses. For the shared systems, a preliminary investigation of system location
options will be considered. For the sewered systems, potential treatment facility sites will be
identified and evaluated.
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TASK 4.4. Estimate design flows
Based on FKAA water use records, wastewater design flows will be estimated for each individual
system and the identified cluster treatment options. Peaking factors will be established for each
system type for design.
TASK 4.5. Prepare DWTS design and specifications
Based on the information developed in previous tasks and phases, the design and specifications for
individual OWNRS or cluster systems will be completed according to the applicable FDOH, FDEP
or Monroe County Codes and ordinances.
TASK 4.6. Prepare remote monitoring and management system design and specifications
The results of Phase 2 and 3 will be used to identify the remote monitoring equipment to be
installed for the implementation phase. Each of the three levels of remote monitoring will be
evaluated at the selected study sites. Three to five OWNRS will be instrumented at each level; 10w,
moderate, and high levels of remote monitoring.
The design and specifications for each of these systems will be developed under this task.
TASK 4.7. Prepare construction documents and obtain permits
Final construction documents will be prepared for each system, whether individual OWNRS or
cluster system. Plans and specifications will be developed for bidding either together or separately.
Based on the completed construction documents, permits for each system will be applied for
independently.
TASK 4.8. Bidding of project
Project bids will be solicited under normal public bidding procedures.
TASK 4.9. Construct systems
Construction contracts will be developed with contractor(s) through the public bidding process.
Construction of the OWNRS will be administered under normal construction management and
administration procedures.
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TASK 4.10. Conduct system monitoring and data collection
Once the OWNRS have stabilized, the testing and evaluation ofthe units will begin. Testing and
monitoring will be conducted according to the plans developed in Tasks 3.1 and 3.2 and will
include the following sub-tasks:
Subtask 4.10.1 Flow monitoring and adjustment
Subtask 4.10.2 Sample collection and analyses
a) Routine parameters
b) Microbiological parameters
Subtask 4.10.3 Logging of operational requirements by system
a) Labor
b) Energy
c) Chemicals, other expendables
Subtask 4.10.4 Logging of maintenance requirements by system
a) Labor
b) Materials
Subtask 4.10.5 Evaluation of remote monitoring equipment
TASK 4.11. Conduct data summary and analyses
The data from Task 4.9 will be assembled and input to a spreadsheet or database program for
analyses, summary, and graphical display. This task will consist of the following sub-tasks:
Subtask 4.11.1 Assemble data into categories for input
Subtask 4.11.2 Input data into appropriate spreadsheet or database program
Subtask 4.11.3 Analyze data with respect to time
Subtask 4.11.4 Conduct statistical analysis for mean, range, standard deviation
Subtask 4.11.5 Develop summary tables from analyzed data
Subtask 4.11.6 Develop graphical displays of data summaries
Subtask 4.11.7 Prepare written summary of the testing and evaluation phase. This summary will
include the following elements:
. Selection and description of remote monitoring equipment tested
. Materials and methods of investigation
. Summary of OWNRS testing objectives
. Description of OWNRS technologies tested
. Data collection and sampling QA/QC procedures
. Results of OWNRS evaluations
. Summary and conclusions
. Recommendations for management of OWNRS
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TASK 4.12. Prepare draft and final report of the project
A draft and final report will be prepared for the entire demonstration project, including the
implementation phase. The report will consist of summaries of each phase of the project, and an
overall summary ofthe entire project. The detailed results of each phase will be included as
appendices to the final report.
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6.0 PROJECT BUDGET AND SCHEDULE
6.1 Project Budget
Analysis to date indicates that approximately 100 properties can be served by the combination of
onsite systems that will be installed and evaluated as part of this demonstration project. As
shown in Section 6.2, the duration ofthis project is expected to take approximately four years to
complete. Based on the number of properties to be included, the duration of this project, and the
scope of this demonstration project, the total estimated project budget as shown in Table 6-1 is
equal to the EPA grant pIus the 25 percent 10cal share, for a total of$5.07M.
Table 6-1. Florida Keys Decentralized Onsite Wastewater
Treatment System Demonstration Project Budget
Administration and Monitoring of Utility and $1,344,000
Demonstration Grant
Remote Monitoring and Management $350,000
Technologies Evaluation
Design, Construction, and Construction $1,920,000
Contract Administration
Sampling and Monitoring $200,000
Education, Training and Public Outreach $160,000
Operation and Maintenance (O&M) $660,000
Billings $16,000
Feasibility Study $50,000
Contingency $370,000
TOT AL BUDGET $5,070,000
6.2 Project Schedule
Based on the scope of work for this demonstration project, a project schedule as shown in Figure
6-1 has been projected. This schedule allows for approximately 1-1/2 years of data collection and
analysis before the draft report is submitted.
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7.0 REFERENCES
Anderson, D. L. and R. J. Otis, 2000. Integrated Wastewater Management in Growing Urban
Environments. In American Society of Agronomy, Managing Soils in an Urban Environment,
Agronomy Monograph No. 39, Chapter 8. .
Ayres Associates, 1998. Florida Keys Onsite Wastewater Nutrient Reduction Systems
Demonstration Project. Final Report to the Florida Department of Health.
CH2M HILL, 2000. Monroe County Sanitary Wastewater Master Plan. Final Report to Monroe
County, Florida.
Ciotoli, A. and K. Wiswall, 1982. Management of Onsite and Small Community Wastewater
Systems. Report to the US. Environmental Protection Agency, Municipal Environmental
Research Laboratory, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Florida Geological Survey, 1992. Florida's Ground Water Quality Monitoring Program:
Background Hydrogeochemistry. Special Publication No. 34, Florida Department of Natural
Resources, Tallahassee, Florida.
Monroe County, 1992. Monroe County Year 2010 Comprehensive Plan. Prepared for the
Monroe County Board of County Commissioners by Wallace, Roberts, and Todd; Baron-
Asclunan Associates, Inc.; Keith and Schnars, P.A.; Haben, Culpepper, Dunbar, and French;
Henigar and Ray, Inc.; Price Waterhouse; and the Growth Management Staff of Monroe County.
3 Volumes. Page 810.
NOAA, 1996. Final Management planlEnvironmental Impact Statement: Florida Keys National
Marine Sanctuary. 3 Volumes. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Silver
Spring, Maryland.
Otis, Richard J., 1998. Decentralized Wastewater Treatment: A misnomer. In: D. M. Sievers
(ed.) Onsite Wastewater Treatment. Vol. 8. ASAE Publ. 03-98, ASAE, St. Joseph, MI. pp 21-26.
U.S. EPA, 1997. Response to Congress on Use of Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Systems.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water, Washington, D.C. EPA 832-R-97-
001b.
U.S. EPA, 1999. Water Quality Concerns in the Florida Keys: Sources, Effects, and Solutions.
Water Quality Program-Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. By William L. Kruczynski,
Program Scientist. EPA 904-R-99-005.
U.S. EPA, 2000. EPA Guidelines for Management of On site /Decentralized Wastewater
Systems. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water, Washington, D.C.
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Ordinance Creating Bay Point MSTU
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of County Commissioners,
Monroe County, Florida at a regular meeting of said Board held on this _ day of
December 2002.
Mayor Charles "Sonny" McCoy
Mayor Pro Tempore Dixie Spehar
Commissioner George Nugent
Commissioner Umberto "Bert" Jimenez
Commissioner Murray Nelson
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
(SEAL)
By:
Mayor/Chairperson
Danny Kolhage, Clerk
By:
Deputy Clerk
4
Ordinance Creating Bay Point MSTU
EXHIBIT A
BAYPOINT MUNICIPAL SERVICE TAXING UNIT AREA
The area on the south (ocean) side of U.S. Highway One, generally bounded on the west by
Saddlebunch No.3 Channel and on the east by Lower Sugarloaf Channel (approximate Mile
Marker 14.5 to Mile Marker 15), Monroe County, Florida.
J:\BONDS\2002\4155.08 (MSTU)\Ordinances\Bay Poinl.doc
A-I