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r Aug 17 1993 DATE: AUGUST 3, 1993 TO: JAMES E. CHANDLER COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR FROM:CE G. PI 7er DIRECTOR OF UTILITY SERVICE STAFFED AND PREPARED BY: HARRY E. ASHE2A ASSISTANT DI %OF UTILITY SERVICES SUBJECT: SLUDGE/SEPTAGE ORDINANCE BACKGROUND: BOOK 90 PAGE 246 -7 As authorized by the Board of County Commissioners on January 29, 1991 (copy attached), the County advertised and received bids for the Sludge/Septage Project on August 28, 1991. After review of the bids by the County and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and.calculation of final projected costs, the County issued the Water and Sewer Series 1991 Bonds to finance the project (combined with an Environmental Protection Agency construction grant). To finance the project, it was important for the County to require that treatment of sludge and septage in the unincorporated areas be only through the County facilities. ANALYSIS: The County issued the Notice to Proceed on the project in February 1992, and the project is now complete. The sludge/septage plant will officially begin accepting sludge/septage from commercial haulers on August 1, 1993. The County has historically experienced illegal dumping of sludge/septage as evidenced by the attached articles. The Department believes that improper sludge/septage disposal by land spreading and other such methods is a serious threat to the health, safety, and welfare of residents of the unincorporated areas. The Department recognizes that the City of Vero Beach (City) is currently land applying its sludge. The City advised when it backed out of participation in the County plant, and in subsequent meetings with the County, that it proposes to build its own sludge treatment facilities. The Department recognizes that this ordinance would propose a problem with the City unless an interim agreement is negotiated, but the Department, with the completion of the sludge/septage facilities and its commitments under the revenue requirements for the bond issue, cannot delay passage of the Sludge and Septage Ordinance. The County has received the City's response to the proposed ordinance (copy attached). The Department believes the County facilities are adequate for disposal on an interim basis for the City and does not recommend an extension of time (license agreement). RECOMMENDATION: The staff of the Department of Utility Services recommends the Board of County Commissioners approval of the proposed Sludge and Septage Ordinance, which prohibits treatment and disposal of sludge and septage anywhere in the unincorporated areas of Indian River County, except through facilities of Indian River County, and authorize a date for the required Public Hearing. 54