2010-252A (18) - Laserfiche WebLink

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EXISTING CONDITIONS In assessing existing conditions, it is necessary to address the sanitary sewer system on several levels. First, it is necessary to differentiate among the various types of systems in the county. This involves separate consideration of the publicly -owned sewer systems, the privately -owned sewer systems, and individual septic systems. Second, it is necessary to identify individual service areas for both the public system and private systems. Finally, it is necessary to assess each type of system and service area in terms of collection, treatment, and disposal. SANITARY SEWER PROCESS Within the county, there are various sanitary sewer systems and service areas. Although specific aspects of the sanitary sewer process vary with the type of system, certain characteristics are the same, regardless of system type. Collection Once wastewater is generated by residences, businesses, industries, and other land uses, it is then conveyed from an individual establishment to a wastewater treatment plant by the collection network. Alternatively, the wastewater may go to an individual septic tank for on-site treatment. Where a centralized system is involved, however, the collection network is generally laid out in a pattern roughly comparable to the branching pattern of a tree. Whereas the smallest sewer pipes connect individual establishments to components of the collection system called trunk mains and interceptors, interceptors and trunk mains connect with and convey wastewater directly to the treatment plant. Treatment After being collected, wastewater is processed by a wastewater treatment plant. Presently, both Indian River County and the City of Vero Beach maintain regional wastewater treatment plants. In addition to those five regional facilities, there are four private package wastewater treatment facilities and the one public package treatment facility (the Blue Cypress Lake wastewater treatment plant) in the county. The existing wastewater treatment plants use a variety of methods to treat wastewater. Once at the treatment plant, the wastewater is treated to remove solid and organic materials. The level of processing of the wastewater is either primary, secondary, advanced secondary, or tertiary. Overall, the treatment level is based on the treatment method and the proportion of materials removed from the wastewater. Community Development Department Indian River County 8