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Comprehensive Plan Sanitary Sewer Sub -Element <br />regulations to require that all new subdivisions of 25 or more lots within one-quarter of a mile of <br />an existing re -use line connect to the re -use line for irrigation purposes. <br />Perhaps the most successful and efficient effluent reuse method currently used by the county is at <br />the West County Plant. At that site, a ±165 acre man-made wetland has been created and <br />maintained with effluent from the plant. Besides the creation of habitat for many species of <br />plants and animals, the benefits of that method of effluent disposal include greatly decreased <br />operating costs. <br />Although the wetland at the West County Plant is adjacent to the plant, such man-made wetlands <br />are not required to be located near a treatment plant. If not located near a plant, however, they <br />must be located near a reuse water transmission line. <br />Because the long term benefit of developing such wetlands may outweigh the initial land <br />acquisition and construction costs, the county should begin studying the feasibility of developing <br />additional wetlands. <br />SUMMARY OF ANALYSIS <br />Currently, the county's sanitary sewer system is meeting the needs of the community. There is, <br />however, a need to expand the regional wastewater treatment system. That expansion is needed <br />to meet the demand of projected population growth through 2030, and is currently planned to <br />occur with incremental plant expansions. <br />While the county's wastewater system works well, septic tanks are still an issue. In the future, <br />the county needs to ensure that even fewer new units use septic tanks, while also connecting <br />existing septic tank users to the regional system where problems exist. To address the thousands <br />of existing septic tanks, the county and Health Department need to evaluate the feasibility of <br />establishing a mandatory septic tank maintenance system. <br />Although the county has successfully extended sewer lines within the urban service area, the <br />county needs to continue to expand its collection system to serve the entire urban service area. <br />Along with that, the county needs to expand its reuse system. <br />Community Development Department Indian River County 36 <br />