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sludge from the City. The system was downsized and the amount of <br />the grant was reduced. The City has not built a facility of its <br />own yet, and staff is proposing that the City use the County's <br />facility for a charge of $45.00 per customer for the estimated 18 <br />months it will take the City to build a facility. <br />Chairman Bird asked Director Pinto to explain the difference <br />between septage and sludge. <br />Director Pinto explained that septage is the waste that comes <br />from septic tanks, and sludge is the solid portion of sewage that <br />is transported via the sewer lines to the wastewater treatment <br />plant where the liquid and solid wastes are separated. <br />Councilwoman Ginn asked what portion of the total cost of the <br />County's treatment plant was funded with grant monies. <br />Director Pinto responded that the total cost of building the <br />plant was $4.6 million and the amount of the grant was $2.2 <br />million. <br />Discussion ensued, and Director Pinto emphasized that although <br />the State allows sludge spreading until 1995, we should stop <br />spreading sludge now that the treatment facility is available <br />because of environmental considerations. <br />City Manager Nason contended that the state does not plan to <br />prohibit sludge spreading after 1995. Sludge can be spread after <br />1995 as long as it meets certain criteria. <br />Councilman Jordan asked, and Director Pinto responded, that <br />the County facility can be expanded if the City decides to <br />participate in the County's facility rather than build its own. <br />City Manager Nason was in support of an ordinance prohibiting <br />the spreading of septage and grease but was opposed to an ordinance <br />prohibiting sludge spreading for the following reasons: <br />• The City's sludge meets all current EPA sludge metal <br />limits and meets the more stringent 1995 requirements <br />about 50% of the time. It contains 1/2 of 1% of the <br />allowable bacteria. <br />• The City is using a responsible hauler and the sludge is <br />spread at state -approved locations. <br />• The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) <br />estimates that 70% of all sludge in the State of Florida <br />is disposed of by spreading. <br />• The EPA considers sludge spreading to be an acceptable <br />practice. <br />City Manager Nason did not understand why the County wanted to <br />enact a sludge ordinance before 1995. He felt this was a "grab for <br />money" on the part of the County because the County spent several <br />r7 <br />L_ AUG 25193 <br />BOOK 90 FAGS •. l <br />