SUBJECT
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Approve Consultant Services Authorization 2024-011-03 with Dewberry Engineers, Inc. for the Timber Shores, Cypress Knee Cove MHP, and Burlington and Hartman’s Neighborhoods Septic to Sewer Project ($492,259.06 not to exceed one-time expense).
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DESCRIPTION
The Kissimmee Watershed CIP project is a collaborative approach between Polk County Utilities and Parks & Natural Resources to address the nutrient pollutant loads in the Headwaters of the Everglades that is contributing to declining water quality of Lake Okeechobee and manage infrastructure effectively and efficiently in this quickly urbanizing landscape while addressing new regulatory requirements.
The State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection on June 12, 2023, ordered that local governments within a Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP) develop an onsite sewage treatment and disposal system (OSTDS) remediation plan aimed at reducing the nutrient total maximum daily load (TMDL). Past studies of the Kissimmee Basin by South Florida Water Management District identified Polk County’s contribution to nutrient loading in the watershed. Polk County has further studied this issue with a wastewater utility master plan and a watershed assessment model. Recently Florida Department of Environmental Protection required each municipality to develop a Septic Tank Remediation Plan. The purpose of the plan was to evaluate the feasibility of converting subdivisions currently on septic tanks to a central gravity sewer system to reduce overall nutrients and pollutant discharge loadings to the lakes and river systems. Multiple subdivisions were identified as potential areas for septic tank abandonment and/or consolidation of wastewater package plants to be converted to lift stations and pumped to an advanced wastewater treatment facility. The Timber Shores, Cypress Knee Cove MHP, and Burlington and Hartman’s Neighborhoods Project in the vicinity of Lake Pierce have been identified. Engineering funding is available to provide a bid ready package to the County such that funding can be designated for future construction.
This proposed scope of services includes project management, support, preliminary design, final design and permitting phase services. The County has requested that the Consultant provide engineering services in support of the Project.
This project will design and permit two areas targeted for septic to sewer conversion. Both project areas are in the Kissimmee Watershed in Polk County. These projects are adjacent to ridge lakes that contribute to the nutrient loading identified in the Lake Okeechobee BMAP. During a recent feasibility study that worked to identify areas in the Kissimmee Watershed that are considered nutrient hotspots using the Watershed Assessment Model.
RECOMMENDATION
Request Board approve Consultant Services Authorization 2024-011-03 with Dewberry Engineers, Inc. for the Timber Shores, Cypress Knee Cove MHP, and Burlington and Hartman’s Neighborhoods Septic to Sewer Project at a total cost not to exceed $492,259.06.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds are budgeted and available in Parks and Natural Resources Stormwater MSTU Fund.
CONTACT INFORMATION
James Tully Tabitha Biehl
Utilities Division Parks and Natural Systems Division
Interim CIP Program Manager Land & Water Natural Areas Manager
(863) 298-4238 (863) 668-4673