1992-07-12 Morell to Knepper •
MICHAEL WM. MORELL
ATTORNEY AT LAW
310 WEST COLLEGE AVENUE
ADMINISTRATIVE AND GOVERNMENTAL LAW TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA 32301-1406 ALSO ADMITTED IN THE
ENVIRONMENTAL AND LAND USE LAW DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
(904) 425-8300
(904) 425.8301 FACSIMILE
July 12, 1992
Privileged & Confidential
Terry Knepper, P.E.
Knepper & Willard, Inc.
2016 Delta Blvd.
Suite 202
Tallahassee, FL 32303
Re: City of Okeechobee; Review of Okeeechobee County
Comprehensive Plan and Revisions to City' s Water and Sewer
Subelement of City's Comprehensive Plan
Dear Terry:
I represent the City of Okeechobee. City Administrator John
Drago has asked that I forward you copies of the enclosed
documents : ( 1) Okeechobee County Sanitary Sewer Element Data and
Analysis proposed for adoption (date stamped received from the
County on April 2, 1992) ; (2) Okeechobee County Sanitary Sewer
Element Data and Analysis actually adopted by County (submitted to
DCA with Goals, Objectives and Policies from County' s adopted
plan) ; (3) Goals, Objectives and Policies for the Sanitary Sewer
Element Adopted on April 2, 1992 .
The City of Okeechobee reviewed and commented on the Water and
Sewer element of the County's plan. The Department of Community
has found the County' s plan to be "in compliance" with state law.
Affected persons, including the City, know have 21 days (until
August 3, 1992) to determine whether to challenge the County' s plan
as not in compliance.
As part of the City' s agreement with you to revise the sewer
element of the City' s plan, John requested that I forward these
documents to you for your review and comments so that the he may
know of any of your concerns prior to advising the City Council on
whether it should challenge the County' s plan.
Please call John or I if you have any questions
Sincerely,
Michael Wm. Morell
MWM:mm
Enclosures
cc. - John Drago (without enclosures)
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Sanitary Sewer... Element
Data and Analysis
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Sanitary Sewer
The City of Okeechobee presently operates a sewage treatment plant on a 400 acre
site leased from the State of Florida. The plant is a primary and secondary activated sludge
process plant with chlorination treating approximately 0.32 MGD. The plant has a design
capacity of 0.6 MGD and meets state mandated effluent quality standards (Rule 17-6,
F.A.C.). The biochemical oxygen demand removal averages 98 percet a th pended
solids remo liver -``���i as cent. The effluent is spray irrigated o p o e a jacent to
the plant si. . a so • are en spread on The-'seme • . Its high d�gree of effectiveness
in removing bacteria and harmful substances from effluen indicates the plant is functioning
extremely well. Impacts on surrounding natural resour es are minimal because waste
products are filtered through soil rather than being allo ed to e ter surface trea s or
groundwater.
k 11;1 /-)r41/4 \
Table 4.1, Sewer Connections' • ref-4A
City of Okeechobee
Residential Commercial
Connections Inside City Limits 402. 232
Connections Outside City Limits 115 106
Total Connections 517 388
December 31, 1989
Beginning in 1990, the majority of the city's effluent (up to 0.3 MGD) was put to use
as irrigation water in a near. .: lttiya per ion. The remainder continues to be spray
irrigated on the current si,e. Map 4X, page 33 'ndicates the service area of the city's plant. •
- The predominant land use erved by the is residential,which comprises 57% of current
•connections. Commercial ••. .es—up—the emainder. In 1989, the facility had a service
population of 2,165, including about one-t • d of resi e s f the city.
id )►1
The City of Okeechob ' • theoc-ess of se ring monies necessary to expand the
plant design to a capacity of 1.8 million gallons pe day. This expansion, targeted for
completion by 1993-1994, sh a sufficient to a the City's demands through the year
2010. tI // r /V/
The Eckerd Youth Development Center,a j enile detention facility north of the City
of Okeechobee, owns its sewage tea•••: • • an which is operated by the City of
Okeechobee. The plant has a capacity o; 0.2 MG►� and is operating well below capacity.
The effluent is piped to the City plant for •• ••- - .
t• o't r - N-5 .
s.nitary Sow_Manioc
s.pt.sMt 1990
•
In addition to these two facilities, the following package plants are permitted for
operation in the County.
Industrial:
George W. Fowler Co. Acetylene Facility _
Disposal Methods Used: Slurry Ponds
Flow: 160,000 gallons per month (anticipated)
Domestic
Table 4.2, Domestic Wastewater Treatment Facilities
Okeechobee County
Wastewater Treatment Facility Design Capacity (Gallons Per Day)
American Adventures 104,000
Ancient Oaks RV Park 60,000
Big "0" Camprgound - 60,000
Fijian Travel Trailer Park 10,000
Four Acres Mobile Home Park 5,000
r
Heritage Place 100,000
Hutton's Trailer Park 15,000
King's Bay 100,000
King's Trailer Park 10,000
Oak Lake Villas 30,000
Okee-Tantie Recreation Area 35,000
Okeechobee New Elementary School 15,000
Parrish Septic Tank (in Okeechobee
City)
Pier Motel Two 35,000
Pine Ridge Park 20,000
Primrose RV Park 5,000
Snug Harbor Mobile Home Village 55,000
Taylor Creek Isles 25,000
IV-6
Swim,Sever Eleaseet
Okeechobee Couney campeab.od.,Mao
Sepeeseber 29 O
•
•
Taylor Creek Lodge _ 5,000 -
Town & County Trailer Park 18,000
Treasure Island/Vantage DC 50,000
Villa Margaret 10,000
u), • al-Mart Shopping Center 25,000
Zachary Taylor Campground 50,000
The majority of these package plants are within 1 mile of Lake Okeechobee.
6`'"
NA The remaining residents of Okeechobee County are served by septic tanks located
on site. Septic tank systems are usually used to serve single housing units located outside
the service area of sewage treatment plants.
The septic tank system consists of two components, the septic tank and the drainage
field. The tank receives wastewater from the home and provides a period of settling, during
which time a significant portion of the suspended solids settle out. The settled solids are
gradually decomposed by bacteria in the tank. The remaining liquids are discharged through
underground drainage. Microorganisms and filtration processes purify the liquids. Septic
tanks generally require cleaning every three to five years to remove accumulated solids.
The primary factor considered in determining whether or not to allow a septic tank
on a given site is the ability of the soil to absorb the discharged liquids. As a result, an
analysis of Okeechobee County soils was conducted to determine suitability for septic tank
absorption fields.
- Okeechobee County soils are separated into four general landscape groups. These
are the soils of the sand ridges, the-soils of he flatwoods, the soils of the sloughs, and those
of the swamps and marshes. -Map 4.2 (page 34) is a eral soils map for Okeechobee
County. ___---_-rIA7 ) ru
The soils of the sand ridges consist of nearly level to gently sloping, moderately well
drained soils on low knolls and ridges. Most areas are in the eastern part of the county,
mainly near Fort Drum. These soils are sandy throughout to a depth of eighty inches or
more. These areas make up about two percent of the county. Soils of the largest extent in
these areas are Paola and Pomello.
The soils of the flatwoods consist of nearly level, poorly drained soils in broad
flatwoods and open prairies with scattered grassy sloughs and isolated depressions. These•
soils are sand throughout to a depth of 80 inches or more. Most of the soils in these areas
have a dark sandy hardpan subsoil. These areas make up about 65 percent of the county.
Soils of the largest extent in these areas are Basinger, Immokalee, Myakka, and Pompano.
IV-7
Sanitary sewer_Element
Okeechobee County CompebauAe elan
September 1993
Soil Extent
Symbol Soil Name Potential In Ranking
Index Coanty
Ph Placid,Pamlico&Delray soils,ponded 3.3 3.0 165
So Borrow pits 0 .1 0.0
Mo Manatee,Delray 0 3.0 0.0
Ranking %Occurrence In Count,"
•
100-91 s- very high .4
76-90 — high 4.0
51 -75 3- medium 76.0
26-50 - low 13.1
below 26 — very low 6.5
As can be seen, 76 percent of Okeechobee County's soils are ranked as having
medium potential. Soil limitations exist; however, they can be overcome with recommended
practices. Performance as sgp i tank absorption fields ranges from fair to good. •
Drainage _ •
r Map 4.4 (page 36) shows Okeechobee County's surface water drainage basins. There
are twb..major..reional integrated drainage basins in the county. The St. Johns basin is
located in the northeastern corner of the county and the Kissimmee River Basin
encompasses the shore of the river and inland several miles. The Lake Okeechobee basin
is composed of small local streams draining into the lake. There is also disjointed drainage.
These areas may drain into surrounding basins or into the sea through marshes, swamps or
the subsurface.
Man-made systems of drainage, such as roadside ditches or curb and gutter systems,
also exist in the County.
• Figures 4.1-4.3 show drainage basin boundaries as identified by the South Florida
Water Management District in the Interim SWIM plan for Lake Okeechobee.
Okeechobee County currently has four mechanisms for governing the land use and
development of natural drainage features. These mechanisms are:
1. Okeechobee County Zoning Ordinance, adopted March 28, 1974 and
amended in 1985 to govern both Okeechobee County and the City of
•t
Okeechobee.
2.. Okeechobee County Subdivision Ordinance, adopted in 1979 to govern the
platting and subdividing of unincorporated areas, and to set road and drainage
standards for new development.
W-12
nes
sndut�seer_etemeoc
September 1990
C. ISSUES AND RECOMMENDATIONS
In order to effectively address the issues and recommendations identified through
data collection and analysis of this element, each sub-category will be addressed individually
as follows:
Sanitary Sewer
Solid Waste
Potable Water
Drainage
Natural Groundwater Aquifer Recharge
Issues and recommendations identified within each sub-category serve as the basis for
the formulation of goals, objectives, and policies for this element. .
' Sanitary Sewer
P-4
4 The primary source of sewage treatment in unincorporated Okeechobee County is
septic tanks. The City's sewer system serves the Okeechobee County Airport area and a few
,
other locations outside the city limits, but coverage by the City is minimal in unincorporated -s
Okeechobee County. Twenty-five small package plants are in operation at various ��''
developments throughout the County. These package plants are typically constructed to
1?:
accommodate only small scale development and are seldom used for sewage treatment of
development occurring off-site.
More than half the County's residents rely on septic tanks for disposal of sewage.
rf°7
This represents an unfavorable situation for future development, as much of the soil,
underlying Okeechobee County is of a type having severe limitations for septic tank use.
- According to the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture's Soil Survey for Okeechobee County, the
predominant soil types in the County are Immokalee and Myakka fine sands which have a --f
low degree of suitability for filtration of sewage due to high water table conditions and 4
periodic flooding. ✓
q5ii
Public sewer service is not available to all properties. Sewer lines exist mostly in the
city and specific adjacent-areas-in-unincorporated Okeechobee County. Just as sewer
facilities are found in all parts of the city, septic tanks are likewise found in all parts of the
County. Therefore, soil suitability is the issue that affects the County as a whole. Of the
various soil types represented in the Soil Survey as being present in Okeechobee County,
. only one is rated as having less than severe limitations for septic tank use, due to the •
presence ence of a high water table.
However, it should be noted that large amounts of property within the County have
been filled or otherwise physically altered so as to make the use of septic tanks practical
regardless of the original, natural soil characteristics. Also, state regulations administered
•
. IV-14
Sanitary sewer—Menem
Ok..ebobea Comey compnbm.N.else
Earssasiow 1990
•
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by the Department. of Health & Rehabilitative Services are in place to ensure the safe and
effective use of septic tanks through proper design standards, setbacks, and limitations on
land use. These standards ensure that, with proper limitations, septic tanks can be used
in
effectively without contamating water supplies or creating other health hazards. •
Aside from health-related issues, septic tanks are also inconsistent with the densities
and intensities associated with development. Even in ideal soils, large lots and separation
intervals are required for effective use of this disposal method. The conditions that make
septic tanks usable on an individual basis encourage urban sprawl and work against the
County's need to "fill in" empty spaces and increase densities so that it can make efficient
use of all of its public facilities (including water, solid waste collection, and roads).
Therefore, the sanitary sewer use projections provided in this element are geared.not only
toward meeting future needs but also toward making more efficient use of the sewage
treatment system.
Elements Affecting Demand .
System specifications are shown in the box below. Demand projections and other
' relevant information on future use of the city's sewage treatment system are presented in
Tables 4.5 and 4.6. Several variables need to be considered in planning for future use of the
city's sewer system: 1
J
I9
Level o f
Service,e the n
number of
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flow
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�+.r r B 1111)au d.aoss a vi`> » r generated a t any one timule atd ioun e, ot
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other factors.
•
• Inflow/Infiltration, the amount of water entering the sewage collection system
through cracked pipes, poorly sealed joints and other sources. Inflow refers
to surface water entering the system, while infiltration refers to groundwater
seepage.
•
• • City Service Coverage, the percentage of city population having sewer service.
i
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• sew,sewer_Belem'
Okeechobee Carry,Campe,be,,,M Ptee
seprember 1990
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•
• County Capacity Share, the percent of Average Daily Flow generated by
- residents of unincorporated areas, as distinguished from city residents.
• Projected Demand
Table 4.5 shows projected sewer demand for the City of Okeechobee system. These
• figures are based on population growth projections provided in the Population Projections
section of the comprehensive plan. In addition to population, they are a function of jto
projected service coverage within the city, the city's expected share of total sewer capacity, froyoa
inflow/infiltration, and levels of service. Peak flow is_estimated by_city officials as being 35%.
;greater than average daily demand_Inflow/infiltration also is 35%; it is a problem because ` j f
iiincreasertfietotal amount of sewage flow significantly above the amount generated by the r7„ "
population. Although it probably cannot be entirely eliminated, this factor is assumed to be r vi,
reduced to 28% by 1995 and 20% by 2000 through system maintenance and improvement or4
programs. a!
City Service Coverage is another critical influence on future demand levels. Service or
coverage, now approximately 33%, should be increased for reasons of health (the city's low .'1
• level of suitability far septic tanks is discussed above), convenience for city residents, and pi/
efficient use of the city's public facilities. In fact, it will rise substantially in the early 1990s ;jives
when an existing but substandard system of sewer lines and related facilities is improved to v 74
current design standards and brought into use. This will add 800 connections, all within city f
limits, to the current 905. This translates into a 74% service coverage within city limits. City
Service Coverage is expected to remain at approximately this level through the years 1995-
2000. i l/ / � (/1 h
Table 4.5, Projected Sewer Demand D5-f • d
City of Okeechobee V
1990 1995' 2000' '
Average Daily Flow (MOD) 0.32 0.69 0.68
Percent of Capacity Needed 52.8% 57.6% 56.6%
Peak Flow (MOD) 0.43 - 0.93 0.92
Percent of Capacity Needed 71.2% 77.6% • 76.3%': .
•assumes plant ion to 1.2 M GD�1
Sources Central Flodda Regional Planning Council
Additional Capacity Needs,
With the city's high rate of growth and the addition of the 800 connections mentioned
above, demand for sewer service is expected to outstrip existing sewage treatment capacity
. before 1995. When the planned expansion takes place, capacity will rise from 0.6 to 1.2 ,
MGD. The projections presented in Table 4.5 are based on this proposed improvement,
t
' sanitary sewer_Bawler ://t/Ad
okeoeleebee cauetr Case reb.at+s Plea •
September 1993 v 01144141
. u.„0-1,
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already funded and included in the 5-Year Schedule of Capital Improvements. With this
expansion, average daily demand as a percentage of system capacity will remain relatively
stable through the planning period, in the vicinity of 55%. Peak demand on the system will •
not exceed 78%.
Adopted Level of Service
The sewer demand projections in Table 4.6 show a slight drop from 1995 to 2000.
This is due to an assumption, included in the calculations, that infiltration and inflow into
the system will be reduced from 34% to 20%. In other words, increasing efficiency in the
system's physical components will counterbalance rising demand during the planning period,
resulting in a slight decline in sewer use after 1995.
This assumption is the basis for determining the city's adopted level of service (LOS),
shown in the Goals, Objectives & Policies document. As Table 4.6 shows, User LOS.stands
at 146 in 1990, drops to 138 in 1995, and eventually reaches 130 in the year 2000. As
utilized in these calculations, User LOS represents a the best estimate as to actual water use
per person per day. The expected reduction in infiltration/inflow, described above, accounts
for the change. The adopted LOS figure has a different purpose than the User LOS and
is not intended to duplicate it. /
w
Table 4.6, Recommended Changes in Sewer Demand Variables
Gks
•
1990 1995 2000
User LOS (g/c/d) 146 138 130
Inflow/Infiltration 35% 28% 20%
City Service Coverage 33% 74% 75% J\,'••,�1
County Capacity Share 24% 24% 24%
Note:The percentages do not total 100.
Sour=Central Florida Regional Planning Council
Adopted LOS is a policy statement by which the city commits to providing a certain
amount of sewer capacity per person per day. If urban growth results in a User LOS lower
than Adopted LOS, the city must make, or require others to make, capital improvements
to the facility which will make up for the deficiency. Adopted LOS is a standard, enforced
through the Comprehensive Plan, which the city must observe while the plan is in effect.
While it must be based on realistic assumptions, Adopted LOS need not and generally
should not be the same as User LOS.
Unless User LOS is unusually low and there is doubt as to whether it accurately
• reflects sewer demand, Adopted LOS should be somewhat lower. Adopted LOS should
reflect a service level which the city can comfortably maintain with a smoothly-running
system. If too high a figure is used, the city may be committing itself to system expansions
W-17
sanitary Sewer_Element •
Okeechobee County Cmprehe sive glen
September 1990
to accommodate factors which distort the true picture of sewer demand, such as leaking
_ pipes and defective metering equipment.
In Okeechobee's case, the year 2000 LOS figure of 130 g/c/d was chosen for the
Adopted LOS, as it represents generally the same rate of use as today, but factors out some
of the current system's inefficiencies.
Unincorporated Areas
•
The amount of sewer service to be made available to unincorporated Okeechobee
County is of critical importance to growth management in both jurisdictions. The presence
or absence of sewer facilities is crucial in determining the type and intensity of development
which can be built in a particular location. As the unincorporated urban area outside the
City of Okeechobee grows, it is reasonable to expect that sewer facilities will be extended
to accommodate some of this new demand.
The city recognizes that some system enlargements will occur outside municipa
boundaries, but also that some practical limits must be imposed to discourage urban sprawl
and maximize the efficiency of its capital investments. Therefore, a policy decision has been 0'
made that future extensions,of sewer and'patabkwater service will remain within the Urban
Residential area e(see Map 4., page ?). While this land use designation generally
7 _. corres onds to the clty and surrounding urbanized areas, it is relatively large and should not v
p
w be interpreted as a future service area. Within the Urban Residential boundaries, the city
may provide sewer service to specific locations based on several considerations,including the
following:
• .location and/or physical features of the site which determine whether
the project is feasible from an engineering standpoint; .
• costs associated with the project;
• - • available capacity in the sewage treatment plant; and
• • competing priorities for capital improvements within the City of .
Okeechobee.
In addition, future decisions to extend sewer service outside city limits may hinge on
the issue of maximum efficiency of use (see List of Definitions) of the facilities. Such
extensions are more rely if there is unused capacity remaining in the system after other,
priorities (such as serving city residents) have been met. In cases where the city can meet 1/
demand for service in unincorporated areas without major system improvements (e.g.,
increasing the capacity of the sewage treatment plant), it has maximized the efficiency of its
own public investments.
Currently, 24% of the city's sewer flow is generated by development• in
unincorporated Okeechobee County. The analysis presented in this Element assumes this
percentage will remain constant throughout the planning period. However, it should be
• • IV-18
Swim,Serer—Hamm
Olumelsober County Coaspeebamive PUG
s 19IXI
•
•
understood that the absolute amount of sewer capacity allocated to the county, measured y
in gallons per day,will increase substantially with the city's planned sewage treatment plant / ov\
expansion (see previous section). _ ,i)w, .
Solid Waste �v�1.�"r or-
ti
Solid waste collection and disposal services for Okeechobee County and the City of t'vt),
Okeechobee are provided by a private firm to 3,500 customers in the incorporated and ,
unincorporated areas of Okeechobee County are served. The City of Okeechobee generates
solid waste at a rate of approximately 11,250 tons per year. This represents 45% of the - ' 1,1'
county's solid waste stream, while the city has only 11% of the population. Such a ;V'
discrepancy can be explained by the presence of businesses and industries in the city,as well
as large numbers of people living an urban or suburban lifestyle, as contrasted-with the
rural/agricultural nature of outlying areas. It also suggests that some solid waste in
unincorporated areas may be disposed of outside the county's organized collection system,
through such methods as burning, burial, or even improper dumping. These factors help
explain the city's relatively high level of service (LOS) of 12.4 lbs. per capita per day; the
overall figure for the entire county is approximately 3.2 lbs. per capita per day.
•• The following analysis considers the entire capacity of the landfill and
waste amounts generated by all of Okeechobee County.In order to project landfill capacity
use rates it is necessary to translate the LOS figure from pounds per capita per day to cubic •
yards(CY)per capita per year. Using the standard conversion factor of 900 pounds of solid
waste per cubic yard, 3.2 lbs./capita/day becomes 1.3 CY/capita/year. .
Projected Demand
The remaining capacity of the Okeechobee County Landfill is approximately 0.92
million cubic yards. This space is being consumed at an average rate of 3.16 lbs./capita/day
- or 1.28 CY/capita/year. In light of the Solid Waste Management Act of 1988, which
• mandates a 30% reduction in solid waste volumes by the end of 1994, it is assumed that
• these levels of service will decline accordingly by 1995. Table 4.7 projects the county's use •
of this landfill capacity through the year 2000.
Table 4.7,Protected Use of Landfill Capacity - .
Okeechobee County
Amount Deposited Remaining Capacity
Year (cubic yards) (cubic yards)
1990 55,556 868,889 •
1991 53,868 815,021 .
1992 51,969 763,052
1993 49,861 713,191 - •
• 1994 47,543 665,647
N-19
s. s..�_e.s.t
Or..m.r Ca.,C.asp./aM.Pis
I
r(G, f7 .'[:.. .
•
•
Sanitary Sewer, Solid Waste, Drainage,
Potable Water, and Natural Groundwater
Aquifer Recharge Element
•
•
•
To best determine a general level of service, those facilities that do not serve residential .
dwellings are eliminated from calculations. With the remaining 16 operating treatment plants,
the peak level of service, based on total peak daily usage divided by total peak population, is
about 130 gallons per capita per day. The average level of service is about 61 gpcpd.
City of Okeechobee Sewage Treatment Facility
The City of Okeechobee presently operates a sewage treatment plant on a 400-acre site
leased from the State of Florida on Cemetery Road approximately one mile east of US 441. The
plant utilizes a primary and secondary activated sludge treatment process, handling approximately
0.32 million gallons per day (MGD) and serving a total of 905 connections (numbers and types
of sewer connections are shown in Table 4.2). Treatment steps include aeration, which allows
organic materials to be broken down biologically; screening and settling to remove suspended
solids; and chlorination to remove hazardous microorganisms. The plant has a design capacity
of 0.6 MGD and meets state-mandated effluent quality standards (Rule 17-6, F.A.C), with.98
percent removal of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and 90 percent removal of total
suspended solids. Effluent is spray_irrigated on-property-adjoining the plant site,-. .The solids are
then spread on the same_site. Its high degree of effectiveness in removing bacteria and harmful 0404
substances from effluent indicates the plant is functioning extremely well. Impacts on /h
surrounding natural resources are minimal because waste products are filtered through soil rather ,1.j
than being allowed to enter surface streams or groundwater. Cb
Table 4.2, City of Okeechobee Sewer Connections* ��
Residential Commercial Total
Connections Inside City Limits 402 282 684
Connections Outside'City Limits 115 106 221
Total Connections • 517 388 905
* December 31, 1989 •
Source: City of Okeechobee Comprehensive Plan, 1991. - -
Beginning in 1990, the majority of the City's effluent (up to 0.3 MGD) was put to use as
irrigation water in a nearby agricultural operation. The remainder continues to be spray irrigated
on the current site. Map 4.2 indicates the service area of the City's plant. The predominant land �04-i
use served by the plant is resident-ia-;which comprises 37% of current connections. Commercial
uses make up the remainder. In 1989, the facility had a service population of 2,165, including 't, I
about one-third of all residents of the City.
V,G
The City of Okeechobee is in the process--of ecuring monies necessary to expand the 0
plant design to a capacity o1.8 million gallons per day) This expansion, targeted for completion '
� )
by 1993-1994, should be sufficient-t e-scm's demands through the year 2010. d�
w, (�fl'pF�l I ta �� I
IV-7
Sruirary Sews—Moot
crave..County Ceepnl...iw n..
,wu 1992 _.
The City of Okeechobee also operates the sewage treatment plan own ed by the Eckerd .
Youth Development Center, a juvenile detention facility located on U.S. 441 north of the City.
Effluent from this facility is piped to the City plant for disposal.
Other Sewage Treatment Facilities
The other wastewater treatment plants in Okeechobee County are smaller facilities, and
generally treat residential-type wastes, whether from residential developments or small-scale
commercial establishments. In general, they provide secondary treatment and disinfection.
Effluent is disposed of by on-site percolation ponds or absorption field systems. There are no
known instances where plant influent characteristics are significantly different than that expected
from residential uses.
Within Okeechobee County there are no known industrial point sources which are ti
permitted to discharge to either surface or ground waters, nor were any major industrial point
sources identified by the Okeechobee County Utility System Study a Okeechobee Industrial
Park being developed at the County Airport is served by a lift statioiPp roping to the City Ad L.
wastewater treatment plant. L
As part of the Okeechobee County Utility System Study, the Florida Department of I�
Environmental Regulation was contacted regarding any notices of violation or consent orders •. Vl
within the last few years for wastewater treatment plants in the County. The following is a �c2lojtd-
summary of information provided by the FDER:
c*\(
1. Ancient Oaks R.V. Park (Map 4.1, Reference No. 2) _ A Consent order was
signed on October 2, 1990 to address treatment plant performance problems. This A
consent order required an engineering report to be prepared and certain e
improvements completed. The FDER file did not indicate if this consent order X11'
•
had been satisfied.
2. Oak Lake Villas (Map 4.1, Reference No. 13) - A warning notice was issued on
December 12, 1990 regarding problems with percolation pond overflows and Joi
several other procedural problems. Compliance status is currently unknown.
3. City of Okeechobee (Map 4.1, Reference No. 15) - A civil penalty authorization 4,
was submitted to the state by the local FDER office for two lift station spills
which occurred on October 6, 1990 at the Okeechobee High School and on
October 12, 1990 at the old wastewater treatment plant. It is unclear from the
FDER files whether these penalties were actually assessed to the City.
4. Town and Country Trailer Park (Map 4.1, Reference No. 25) - A consent order
was signed with FDER on July 5, 1990. Cited in the consent order were the
following problems: lack of operating permit; high levels in the percolation
ponds; loss of solids from the clarifiers; solids in the chlorine contact tank; and
total suspended solids violations in the effluent.
,„„
•
Iv-s -
Sanitary ._
Okeechobee Cling Cb.pnebeaelve nr
Apell 1992 P)," 1
V I)I GT
t
enforce the phosphorus regulations as outlined in the Surface Water Improvement
and Management (SWIM) Plan for Lake Okeechobee, it is anticipated that many ,
of these existing plants will not meet the prescribed phosphorus discharge level.
The same regulations will most likely make permitting of new plants of this type
difficult. Due to the small size of the majority of these plants, modifications to
significantly increase performance, including phosphorus removal, are not
practical. The relatively small amount of time and money available to be spent
for operation and maintenance of these facilities does not allow for the installation
and use of more complex and sophisticated equipment to be utilized for chemical
phosphorus removal. In addition, the small size and low operation and -
maintenance budgets of these plants result in much' higher probability of plant t
upsets and failures and less reliable treatment efficiency on a consistent basis. C
We, therefore, conclude that no significant improvement of treatment plant
performance is possible in these systems, and therefore, optimum operation of
these facilities is not a viable option for the long term treatment needs of the
County, especially in the environmentally sensitive areas within the future service
area.
Septic Tanks - .
The remaining residents of Okeechobee County are served by septic tanks located on site.
Septic tank systems are usually used to serve single-family housing units located outside the
service area of sewage treatment plants.
The septic tank system consists of two components, the septic tank and the drainage field.
The tank receives wastewater from the home and provides a period of settling, during which time
a significant portion of the suspended solids settle out. The settled solids are gradually
decomposed by bacteria in the tank. The remaining liquids are discharged through underground
drainage. Microorganisms and filtration processes purify the liquids. Septic tanks generally �1
require cleaning every three to five years to remove accumulated solids.
The primary factor considered in determining whether or not to allow a septic tank on a
given site is the ability of the soil to absorb the discharged liquids_....As.a_result, an analysis of r
Okeechobee County soils was conducted to determine suitability for septic'tank ab orption fields. 'p
The following are excerpts from th4 Okeechobee County Utility Study. More complct
information or analysis is not available.
Septic tank systems are increasingly being scrutinized-fortheii potential impact y teA\q
on ground and (surface) water quality. In many cases, these septic tank drain
fields are located in close proximity to water bodies and surface drainage features
and it is theorized that septic tank effluent migrates directly fr m drain fields to 1
1\ tIttl.
these surface water bodies because of the high hydrauligrading�etwcen the two.
This type of development is predominant along the- orth shore of Lake , vit,
IV-10 1
Unitary —Eau -- 6"
Apen 1992 (A(1`
and direct movement of septic tank effluent from the drain field to adjacent
surface water bodies which are in close proximity to the drain fields.
These types of problems result in nutrient and pollutant discharges to the canals
which move quickly from there to the major canals and into the lake. It is not
anticipated that significant performance improvements are possible with these
systems. The County Health Department is responsible for monitoring failures
and problems of septic tanks but the shear number of these systems creates an
impossible monitoring situation. The County should continue to monitor problems
and failures of these systems. The County may also wish to modify regulations
in the future to lower the impact of new facilities on the ground and surface water
quality of the area, and depending upon future studies regarding septic tank
impacts, may wish to seek to discourage new facilities altogether. AI�y(�
t
VVe
Soils Analysis Sk:
Okeechobee County soils are separated into 10 general soil associations. Map 4.3 shows
k (Pt
the general distribution of soil associations in the County. `
1. Pomello—Paola Association: Nearly level, moderately well drained soils that are
sandy to a depth of more than 40 inches; on low knolls and ridges. This s
association comprises about 2 percent of the County. Limitations for septic tank
absorption fields are severe. Limitations for dwellings are moderate. Limitations
for light industry are moderate. Limitations for local roads and streets are slight.
2. Myakka—Basinger Association: Nearly level, poorly drained soils that are sandy \()))\
to a depth of more than 40 inches and have an organic pan at a depth of 10 to 30
inches; on broad flatwoods and open prairies and in scattered grassy sloughs and
isolated depressions. This association comprises about 40 percent of the County. t�
Limitations for septic tank absorption fields are severe. Limitations for dwellings
1.07/are severe. Limitations for li t�t industry arc severe. Limitations for local roads
and streets are severe.
3. Immokalee—Pompano Association: Nearly level, poorly drained soils that are
sandy to a depth of more than 40 inches; organic pan•at a depth of 30 to 48
inches in most places; on broad flatwoods and in scattered grassy sloughs and
depressions. This association comprises about 25 percent of the County.
Limitations for septic tank absorption fields are severe. Limitations for dwellings
are severe. Limitations for light industry arc severe. Limitations for local roads
and streets are severe.
IV-12
Similar/Sawa—
aerschebcs Cbgety Colopfebealive n..
Apra 1991
10. Okeelanta—Delray—Pompano Association: Nearly level, very poorly drained
organic soils in broad sawgrass marshes and the adjacent wet sandy soils. This
association comprises about 2 percent of the County. Limitations for septic tank
absorption fields are very severe. Limitations for dwellings are very severe.
Limitations for light industry are very severe. Limitations for local roads and
streets are very severe.
As the soils analysis indicates, almost all of Okeechobee poses severe limitations to the `
Y P v Or
use of septic tanks, as well as residential development. Generally, the limitations can be
overcome somewhat, such as by mounding septic tanks, expanding the size of septic tank drain nn
fields, or using fill dirt for building structures. It should also be noted that soils along the shore ('
of Lake Okeechobee, rated as having severe to very severe limitations for septic tanks and /�
residential development, are no longer within the floodplain of Lake Okeechobee, Taylor Creek
triN
or the Kissimmee River. Previously constructed dikes and channclization prevent flooding (I ,',�r
conditions from occurring in these areas. M"'
Future Needs
To determine future needs for sewage treatment in Okeechobee County, the City's sewage
treatment facility, and the County's Utility Study are analyzed further. In particular, the 9iikh
following discussion addresses the capacity and service area expansion of the City's facility and
the development of regional or centralized treatment facilities.
City of Okeechobee Sewage Treatment Facility
The following discussion of the City of Okeechobee sewage treatment facility is from th
City of Okeechobee Comprehensive Plan, Data and Analysis.
Table 4.3 shows projected sewer demand for the City of Okeechobee. These
figures are based on population growth projections provided in the Population
Projections section of the City of Okeechobee Comprehensive Plan. In addition
to population, they are a function of projected service coverage within the City, uf�I,
the City's expected share of total sewer capacity, inflow/infiltration, and levels of
service. Peak flow is estimated by City officials as being 35% greater than
average daily demand. Inflow/infiltration also is 35%; it is a problem because it
increases the total amount of sewage flow significantly above the amount
generated by the population. Although it probably cannot be entirely eliminated,
this factor is assumed to be reduced to 28% by 1995 and 20% by 2000 through
system maintenance and improvement programs.
City service coverage is another critical influence on future demand levels.
Service coverage, now approximately 33 percent of the City, should be increased
for reasons of health (the City has a low level of suitability for septic tanks),
convenience for City residents, and efficient use of the City's public facilities. In
IV-14
s_s.VM_Erma
Ok..e,.e.s 0Asei a.po.►..tve
Apra 1992
•
to expect that sewer facilities will be extended to accommodate some of this new
demand. -
The City recognizes that some system enlargements will occur outside municipal
boundaries, but also that some practical limits must be imposed to discourage
urban sprawl and maximize the efficiency of its capital investments. Therefore,
a policy decision has been made that future extensions of sewer and potable water
service will remain within the Urban Residential area as established in the v "
Okeechobee County Comprehensive Plan. While this land use designation u
generally corresponds to the city and surrounding urbanized areas, it is relatively ,/7('{'�`
large and should not be interpreted as a future service area. Within the Urba (L
Residential boundaries, the City may provide sewer-service to specific locations 41(5\7
based on several considerations, including the following: K)OS
• location and/or physical features of the site which determine whether the
Cze'llz\v
project is feasible from an engineering standpoint;
• costs associated with the project;
• available capacity in the sewage treatment plant; and
• competing priorities for capital improvements within the City.
In addition, future decisions to extend sewer service outside City limits may hinge
on the issue of maximum efficiency of use of the facilities. Such extensions are
more likely if there is unused capacity remaining in the system after other
priorities (such as serving City residents) have been met. In cases where the City
can meet demand for service in unincorporated areas without major system
improvements (e.g., increasing the capacity of the sewage treatment plant), it has
maximized the efficiency of its own public investments.
Currently, 24% of the City's sewer flow is generated by development in
unincorporated Okeechobee County. The analysis presented above assumes this
percentage will remain constant throughout the planning period. However, it
should be understood that the absolute amount of sewer capacity allocated to the
County, measured in gallons per day, will increase substantially with the City's
planned'scwaage treatment plant expansion.
Regional Facilities
Okeech a County, recognizing the potential problems associated with a large number .' &/
of septic tanks, as well as a significant number of private treatment plants, has begun to assess 9
the feasibility of promoting or developing regional sewage treatment facilities. The County has % tt
been working with the Florida Department of nvironmental Regulation and the South Florida \, `�
Water Management District to study this issu . The FDER administered funding appropriated ('
N-17
Sankey Seem_Mane
Okeechobee Comfy meip,a►eeWM?IM
Apes 1991
Given the relatively flat terrain, an often high water table, and some significant distances
between developments that could be served by a regional system, it would probably be necessary
to use a system consisting of local gravity mains, lift stations and force mains, along with booster
pumps where necessary. The study also discusses alternatives for effluent disposal, particularly
in light of regulations of the Surface Water Improvement and Management Act that require
reduction in phosphorus levels and discharges to surface waters connected to Lake Okeechobee. /
As the County moves forward with analyses of sewage collection, conveyance, treatment and
disposal options, including financial feasibility, future studies should provide for a better way to
assess the alternatives.
Priority Areas for Wastewater Service
The Utility study suggested priorities for the provision of regional wastewater service.
The first priority recommended is existing development in environmentally sensitive areas. The
goal is to replace existing individual package wastewater treatment plants and septic tanks whose
effluent poses a threat to ground and surface waters. Areas of particular concern include package
plants adjacent to the rim canal and other canals, trailer parks on septic tanks in the same areas,
Okee—Tantie and several adjacent trailer parks, and the Taylor Creek (west side of Taylor Creek)
and Treasure Island (east side of Taylor Creek) developments. The second priority are other
developed areas of high density with significant septic tank or treatment plant problems. The
third priority is to provide the "backbone transmission system" in areas projected for significant
future development to avoid the installation of additional package wastewater treatment plants /
or septic tanks. These priorities assume the continued use and expansion of the City's wastewater y/
treatment plant to serve all areas within or adjacent to the City's current service area.
Summary of Environmental Conditions \ v" t�
kT (yy
. .
The utility study concludes with a summary of environmental conditions:
Currently the study area has a number of environmental problems and these
Y Y
related to the method of effluent disposal being practiced and the impact on L
surface waters which ultimately discharge into Lake Okeechobee.
Septic tank systems have frequently been installed in areas which are unsuited due
to soils and/or ground water conditions. In areas where residential lots front on
finger canals the threat of surface water contamination exists due to leaching of
septic tank effluent.
Effluent from "package" waste water treatment plants is discharged into
(percolation) ponds or drain fields. Phosphorus reduction is not practiced at these
plants.
IV-19
seduq sew._Heeat
OkneloDee Cowley Cbepsbadve Pim
Apra 1992
However, it should be noted that large amounts of property within the County have been
filled or otherwise physically altered so as to make the use of septic tanks practical regardless
of the original, natural soil characteristics. Also, regulations administered by the Department of
Health & Rehabilitative Services are in place to ensure the safe and effective use of septic tanks
through proper design standards, setbacks, and limitations on land use. These standards ensure
that, with proper limitations, septic tanks can be used effectively without contaminating water
supplies or creating other health hazards.
Aside from health-related issues, septic tanks are also inconsistent with the densities and
intensities associated with development. Even in ideal soils, large lots and separation intervals
are required for effective use of this disposal method. The conditions that make septic tanks
usable on an individual basis encourage urban sprawl and work against the County's need to "fill
in" empty spaces and increase densities so that it can make efficient use of all of its public
facilities (including water, solid waste collection, and roads). Therefore, the sanitary sewer use
projections provided in this element are geared not only toward meeting future needs but also
toward making more efficient use of the sewage treatment system.
GD 1�t�
The County should continue to work closely with the South Florida Water Management
District and the Florida Department of Environmental Regulation to develop and assess
alternatives for the collection and disposal of wastewater. This is also important relative to th °a'
SWIM goal of reducing phosphorus levels in Lake Okeechobee, the receiving_body-for-most dly
water flows in the more developed areas of the County. Given the County'sCdifficult 5nanci0 � � J
position, the County should also continue_attem tin to-ac acquire ant-and .loan finssI th, !
P y -- ._.._----- P g q grant .r�,
a�iaitabre stale and federal source p
The Okeechobee County Utility System Study, funded by the FDER, has begun the •', \k,t�.
analysis of alternatives to be considered by the County. Although many specific analyses and �}�J'`�Ike
recommendations were not within the scope of the study, there are indications that existing t of
facilities, as well as possible future facilities, could adversely impact the surrounding `)
environment, including Lake Okeechobee. Future studies and analyses, addressing environmental
and financial consequences, should be undertaken as provided fo.thylhe.agreement_.between the.
S1klDand.the County. The County should evaluate alternatives as soon as possible, and begin
construction of the most appropriate facilities to manage wastewater in the _County. The i'
agx�twween-the-SFWMD-and_the.County_currently anticipated construction.of.the..first " �`�
r g oval wastewater treatment facility within four to five years of the execution of the agreement. .\i yo
r q
•
. IV-24 .
Smiler,Sara—ssr.e
Oaerelober e>'-y Cbapos-she The
April 1M
"ask 1.7, Appro aLby_Okeechobee-County-Board-of County. Commissioners to
proceed wish Phase 1 Facilities. This is to be completed within 60 days of the
completion of Task 1.6. No fundingjLrequired_,for.:this._task.
--
he t( hfrhaseinclIud
Task 1.8, Design and Permitting of Phase 1 facilities. This is to be completed
within 360 days of the completion of Task 13. Initial funding from the SFWMD
for this task will be $50 090.__Additional funding will_be determined-it a later_
date,
Task 1.9, Bidding and Construction of Phase_l facilities. This is to be completed
within 600 days of the completion of Task 1.8. Amount of SFWMD funding will
be determined at a later date.
The total funding approved b the SEWMD for the wastewater portion.of this project_is. 6
.$300 0_00._Additional funding for Tasks 1.8 and 1.9 is antici pated,_and_may_he appropriated at
a future date.--
Issues and Recommendations ii.
•The primary source of sewage treatment in unincorporated Okeechobee County is septic Xy'' ;•°
tanks. The City's sewer system serves_the-_Okeechobee County Ai ort area and a_few other � �
locations outside_the_city_limits,_but__coverage_by_the City is minimal- in unincorporated 1-c)
Okeechobee County. Twenty-five small package plants are in operation at various developments •
--thi`tfughou lie County. These package plants are typically constructed to accommodate only
small scale development and are seldom used for sewage treatment of development occurring
off-site.
More than half the County's residents rely on septic tanks for disposal of sewage. This
represents an unfavorable situation for future development, as most of the soil underlying
Okeechobee County is of a type having severe limitations for septic tank use. According to the
U.S. Dept. of Agriculture's Soil Survey for Okeechobee County, the predominant soil types in
the County are Immokalee and Myakka fine sands which have a low degree of suitability for
filtration of sewage due to high water table conditions and periodic flooding.
Public sewer service is not available to most properties. Sewer lines exist mostly in the
City and specific adjacent areas in unincorporated Okeechobee County. Just as sewer facilities
are found in all parts of the city, septic tanks are likewise found in all parts of the County.
Therefore, soil suitability is the issue that affects the County as a whole. Of-the various soil
types represented in the Soil Survey as being present in Okeechobee County, only one is rated
as having less than severe limitations for septic tank use, due to the presence of a high water
table.
IV-23
Emma
Weoolob..Couaty Coinnalisadas Plan •
Apia 1992
•
"'1 fi )
r?
p
Task 1.3, a Wastewater Effluent Disposal site—specific study. This study will •
examine in detail the site or sites to be utilized for effluent disposal to determine �� -L
their acce rability for this use._ _This study is required by the FDER for the •
approval f the Chility System Study is-1'F eility Plan" and its use as a basis for t/ y" q
obtainin FDER state revolving loan funding. This task was not included in the 1 •
scope for the Utility--System_StudY. This stu y must be accepted and approved ) v° rr '
by South Florida Water Management District and the FDER. This is to be •,Y T ),
completed within 180 days of contract execution. The SFWMD will provide \\ (vf 4-
$50,000 for this task. • ,
The second phase includes:
Task 1.4 climinai Wastewater Collsction_kstem Design and cost estimate.
The Utility System Study included the location, size and cost estimates for the
transmission force main system and wastewater treatment plant facilities, but did
not include the local wastewater collection system. This task will include the
preliminary design of the required improvements to collect the wastewater from
the existing developments and transfer it to the transmission force main system.
The design shall be in sufficient detail to allow the preparation of a preliminary
cost estimate for these improvements. This cost estimate, along with the costs for
the force mains and treatment facilities identified in the Utility System Study, will
be used to determine the total cost of the proposed County Wastewater System.
This is to be completed within 180 days of the completion of Task 1.3. undin .
from the SFWMD_will_be $125,000.
Task 1,5,[1_tility System.Financing_Pian, Before beginning final design of the
Wastewater System, it will be necessary to identify the means and methods to be
used to finance all planned improvements. As a part of this task, the rate structure
and schedules of user fees and charges will be developed for the proposed county
utility system. Capital funding requirements to be funded through user fees and
debt service charges, and additional needed funds and funding sources will be
identified. This is to be completed within 180 days of the completion Task 1.3.
Funding from the SFWMD for this task will be $75,000..
Task_1.6,_ District__and_County_determine_financial feasibility.for._.Okeechobee
Utility Plan based on review of deliverable .(from previous tasks). This
defetriiiiiition wih act as a "trigger" for continued District funding for utility
system facility completion in accordance with this statement of work or, if the
plan is deemed unfeasible,the up—grade of the Okee—Tantie, if required to comply
with appropriate requirements, will commence immediately and be funded by
Okeechobee County. This is to be completed within 45 days of the completion
of Task 1.5. The SFWMD will not provide funding for this task.
IV-22
Sashay Smws-.Meow •
olmabeeu Osrly coegabarivs Mr
Apa 1941
permitted and constructed will include a new wastewater treatment plant and a
transmission force main to transfer wastewater from Okee—Tantie Park and the
existing independent septic tanks and package plants,along the route of the force
main to the new wastewater treatment plant.
In the event that the development of wastewater treatment facilities is determined
to be economically, unfeasible, the County will retain ownership of and
responsibility of the Okee—Tantie plant in compliance with the FDER permit and
any current or subsequently developed applicable rules and regulations, such as �� '
SWIM. OP\ OP it
There are several options of authority development under consideration. The first ;' -��,rr°^f, A/
option of authority development would include the City of Okeechobee, the j` ./`1 -t,,4 �0.r-44
Okeechobee Beach Water Association and Okeechobee County, which together ( V i 1
would own and operate both_water and wastewater facilities to serve 1a ee�r '. Ut
residents of Okeechobee County. 7' . JP C i)t} Z
;r`
The second option of authority development would include Okeechobee leach (i
Water Association and Okeechobee, which together would build a new water \1 ( t
`-' treatment plant. The authority or Okeechobee County alone would build a new
wastewater treatment plant and transmission force main system.
�v J%l
(� The third option would be for the County to develop new water treatment and- 1u(�1� 1l
\\ wastewater treatment facilities. Under this scenario, Okeechobee County would � i /t- 1 i- 4.'
build the new wastewater treatment plant and force main transmission system. ck '�'7
C� Ire od-
The District will continue to provide funding and technical assistance in support J/v
of this plan based on review and approval of deliverables and subject to ./ Act)/
; c („e
Governing Board approval beyond the current fiscal year funding in accordance i vi P4'.14 011)''
with this statement of work. V r
r
Okeechobee County will comply with applicable regulatory and statutory
requirements and obtain all applicable permits from federal, state and local
agencies. District funds will not be used to pay permit fees.
The wastewater.portion of the-agreement proposes three phases.01first phase includes:
Task 1.1, the transfer of the Okee—Tantie Wastewater Plant to Okeechobee , /
County. This is effective upon execution of the contract. A transfer of$200,000 I/
from the SFWMD to the County has already-.occurred;
Task 1.2, application by Okeechobee County to FDER for the appropriate permit
for the Okee—Tantie Wastewater Plant. This is to occur concurrent with Task 1.1, t'/
with associated expenses to be incurred by the County; and
IV-21
od.elih.s comity ebap,.►W.ive n..
Apo 1992
Reduction of phosphorus levels in surface and ground waters can be accomplished
by the following: (a) Provide gravity wastewater collection systems to serve those 1•
areas where septic tank problems are occurring; (b) Provide gravity wastewater - v /
collection systems in all new developing areas; (c) Provide wastewater force mai , J
•,r A'j
facilities to phase out existing "package" plants. Wastewater (would) be treated N`�-) '
at a regional treatment facility with effluent disposal meeting FDER criteria. c.0-I v IL ���
��.
Without the reduction of phosphorus in the waters entering Lake Okeechobee the v" , tr
•water quality in the lake will continue to degrade and ultimately 11J, ' (
hypereutrophication will occur. To prevent this occurrence it is necessary to .
address phosphorus reduction in accordance with the SWIM Plan. 1%
There are few alternatives to the plan for improvement of effluent disposal
through reduction of phosphorus. With respect to on-site disposal systems it
would not be practical to require each septic tank to provide phosphorus reduction.
"Package" plants could be individually equipped with phosphorus reduction
-,
facilities but the initial capital and maintenance cost would not be cost effective.
The phasing out of on-site disposal systems by the provision of gravity ��� a • U
wastewater collection systems will help in the reduction of phosphorus in ground e'
and surface waters as well as eliminating the threat to public health from p` (.•, 1"(
overflowing septic tanks. The elimination of "package" plants by construction of
a force main system to a regional plant will eliminate a number of point-sources c�' ,4\ kph
of pollution and improper discharge of effluent,(will eliminate)o-dor problems and p?\,ii,
(will result in) aesthetic improvement(s) and (a) reduction of phosphorus levels.) �,; o" -, y
SFWMD Agreement 1 �•``�)J„-`,6'�
f e 4r
County anticipates entering into an agreement with the South Florida
During 1992, the Co y p g Si•
Water Management District for "the planning, design and construction of regional water and
sewer infrastructure." The scope from the proposed agreement is as follows:
The District's Governing Board has authorized $1.5 million ... over a three year w 4.1 /:\
period to support this project. Appropriations are dependent upon future budget , y
approvals and the project is to be funded in three phases under a multi-year -}J1
contract. The initial $200,000 is based on the transfer of the Okee-Tantie t�
wastewater treatment plant to the County, the examination of the feasibility of N
developing a water and wastewater utility authority,and the County's development U 1Nl'
of a potable water supply system in conjunction with Okeechobee Beach Water ;r„S '
Association. cts G��
-- 1
Location, size and the estimated cost of proposed wastewater treatment facilities 4.,�'
will be determined upon completion of the FDER funded Utility Study and -ge
that study by FDER. If Okeechobee County chooses to pursue 1Ur"J
acceptance of h y y Y
development of a utility authority, the proposed infrastructure to be designed, ►i'\
IV-20 4
s..�
OWN: _acme
or..�e..Comely obsspi.r.tve nr
April 1991
No.of Connections Population Served
No.of Meters Design Capacity Level of Service •
Map No. Faculty Name Raw Water Source Maximum Production (gallons/capita/day)
41 Okeechobee Beach Water Association 3,145 Connection, 7,860 persons 110 gpcpd
3,145 Meters 750,000 gal/day
Purchased 1 866,000 gal/day
42 Okeechobee Golf&County Club 0 Connections /^ 25 persons N/A
0 Meters i 0 gal/day
None 0 gal/day
43 Okeechobee Livestock Market 1 Connection 1 -:"\ 100 persons N/A
0 Meters r���� 0 gal/day
1 well \,k, 0 gal/day
�J
44 City of Okeechobee 6,337 Connections ' 12,835 persons 224 gpcpd
6,337 Meters *-.,� 2,880,000 gal/day
Surface Source ■ 2,876,000 gal/day
45 One Lake Place 43 Connections 150 persons 107 gpcpd
0 Meters 28,000 gal/day
Ground: 1 well 16,000 gal/day
46 Palm Mobile Home Village 25 Connections 75 persons 147 gpcpd
25 Meters 6,000 gal/day
Ground: 1 well 11,000 gal/day
47 Pineridge Park 110 Connections 220 persons 164 gpcpd
110 Meters 20.030 gal/day •-
Ground: 1 well 36,000 gal/day
48 Primrose R.V.Park 52 Connections • 104 persons 38 gpcpd
1 Meter 10,000 gal/day
Ground: 1 well 4.000 gal/day
49 Producer's Meat Packing Co-Op 4 Connections 25 persons 800 gpcpd
0 Meters 40,000 gal/day
• Ground: 1 well 20,000 gal/day
50 Regency Theneographers of Florida 1 Connection 45 persons 47 gpcpd i
0 Meters 0 gal/day
Ground: 1 well 2,100 gal/day
51 Register's R.V.Park 28 Connections ' • 56 persons 107 gpcpd
28 Meters 10,000 gal/day
Ground: 1 well 6,000 gal/day .
52 Riverhead Trailer Park 85 Connections 170 persons WA
1 Meter 0 gal/day
Purchased 0 gal/day
' i
53 Scott Groves 13 Connections 52 persons 294 gpcpd
0 Meters 4,400 gal/day -
Ground 1 well 15,300 gal/day ,
34 Shady Pines Trailer Park 12 Connections 60 persons N/A
0 Meters 5,000 gal/day
Ground: 1 well 0 gal/day
..55 Skylake Twin Drive-In 1 Connection 100 persons 10 gpcpd
0 Meters 1,000 gal/day
Ground: 1 well 1,000 gal/day
•
IV-28
Sanitary se..—densest _
Okexbeeea Chanty Coreprebearive Piet
Apra 1992
•
•
•
No.of Coaaectlow Populatioa Served
No.of Meters Design Capacity Level of Service •
Map No. Facility Name Raw Water Sour Maximum Produetioa (gallons/capita/day)
`-
71 Olvera's Migrant Labor Camp 4 Caoneetions 20 persons WA
0 Meters 0 gal/day
Ground: 1 well 0 gailday
72 Register's Mobile Home Park 12 Connections 24 persons WA
0 Meters 0 gal/day
Ground 1 well 0 gal/day
73 S&K Camp 9 Connections 36 persona - WA •
0 Meters 0 gal/day
Ground 1 well 0 gal/day
74 Snow's Mobile Home\Park 41)10
Connections 40 persons WA
' `� 0 Meters 0 gal/day
%- .�v Ground 1 well 0 gal/day
• Level of Service is calculated by dividing maximum production by population served.
Source: Okeechobee County Utility System Study. 1991. Craig A. Smith and Associates, Pompano Beach, FL.
•
Level of Service
Levels of service for potable water treatment plants in Okeechobee County vary
considerably, from 10 to as much as 800 gallons per capita per day, based on maximum
production and persons served indicated by FDER permitting data. Although permit records
indicate the number of persons served for most of the water treatment systems, many of the
smaller systems do not, in fact, serve residential customers, but only the commercial
establishment indicated in the above table. Therefore, level of service figures are misleading for
many of the water treatment plants.
For general planning purposes, an approximate and general level of service can be
established. Smaller water treatment plants, many of which serve primarily or only commercial
establishments, will be removed from level of service calculations, which should reduce the
distortion in a general level of service standard. Thus, only water treatment plants that the FDER
indicates serve more than 100 persons are included in the calculation. The remaining 15 larger
water treatment plants, with individual levels of service ranging from 38 to 250 gallons pet capita
per day, are averaged for a general level of service of approximately 114 gallons per capita per
day. •
If all of the information in the above table is added, it suggests that 30,714 persons in
Okeechobee County are served by 74 water treatment plants. Design capacity is 5,725,780
gallons per day, and maximum production is 4,403,505 gallons per day. As previously stated,
it is certain that not that many persons are actually served (Okeechobee County 1990 peak
population was estimated to be 43,338), since many of the facilities listed as serving residential
customers are known to serve only commercial establishments. It should also be noted that many
of the permit records are incomplete, lacking either the daily design capacity, daily maximum
•
• IV-30
s..k,Saga.-tit
Oa.aaob«Cowry rbepnb..d..rtr
Aiwa 1992
G. LIST OF SOURCES .
•
Board of County Commissioners, Okeechobee County, Florida. 1991. "Okeechobee County
Landfill Privatization Agreement" by and among Okeechobee County, Florida, and
Chambers Waste Systems of Florida, Inc. and Chambers Development Company, Inc.
Okeechobee County, Florida.
Board of County Commissioners, Okeechobee County, Florida. 1992. "Cooperative Agreement .
,7 Between the Seut orida Water Management District and Okeechobee County, Florida"
` unsigned contract pe aining to the planning, design and construction of regional water
Q6► O d-sewer-inftasiructure. Okeechobee County, Florida.
4 V
\7 Board of County Commissioners, Okeechobee County, Florida. 1992. "Cooperative Agreement ,
‘ n Between the South Florida Water Management District and the Florida Department of Y ∎ -C , Environmental Regulation and Okeechobee County, Florida", pertaining to the
,� � development of a surface water management master plan. Okeechobee County, Florida.•
•
4 Central Florida Regional Planning Council. 1986. Data Base for Preparation of the City—County
Comprehensive Plan. Bartow, Florida.
1\\.p (z) Government Consulting Services. 1990. Residential Waste Generation and Characterization,
\ Okeechobee County. Florida. Tallahassee, Florida.
Government i `)0
(� Consulting Services. 1991. Full Cost of Solid Waste Management, Fiscal Year )
1989-90, Okeechobee County. Florida. Tallahassee, Florida.
(% Harry Moldenhauer, Sanitarian, Environmental Health, Florida Department of Health and
`tl Rehabilitative Services; Lorin C. Boggs, District Conservationist, USDA, SCS; Dr.
iii
Randall Brown, Extension Land Use Specialist, Florida Cooperative Extension Service,
IFAS; and Charles Gordon, Resource Soil Scientist, USDA, SCS.
\�� Smith, Craig A. and Associates. 1991. Draft Okeechobee County Utility System Study, Z
-' Pompano Beach, Florida.
South Florida Water Management District. 1989. Data Documentation for Okeechobee County. I
, West Palm Beach, Florida.
',South Florida Water Management District. 1991. i ocarTechnical ssistan e information. West I/
Palm Beach, Florida. •
�\ South Florida Water Management District. 1989. InterinLSurface Water Improvement and
( ) Management plan fQr_Lake� )keFchobee, Appendices A—I. West Palm Beach, Florida.
\' U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, Okeechobee County, Florida.
IV-63
&ski l Sara.—ea.e.r
-
Okeechobee Omer Ctir.w i i... a Mee - -
APO 1992
)
Sanitary Sewer, Solid Waste, Potable Water, Drainage
and Natural Groundwater Recharge Element
Goal, Objectives and Policies
Okeechobee County Comprehensive Plan
Adopted April 2, 1992
•
Revisions to Objectives and Policies in Response to
• Florida Department of Community Affairs ORC Report;
Language added to the proposed Okeechobee County Comprehensive Plan- is hglligbiecl
Language deleted is
GOAL: Sanitary sewer, solid waste, drainage and potable water facilities and services
shall be provided on a fair—share cost basis; and Okeechobee County shall
ensure that the function of its natural groundwater recharge areas are
protected. (9J-5.011(2)(a)]
Level;,of Service, Coacurrency.
Objective 1: OkcdchObee Cdtint'' will,`b im•lcmcntin' the $blicics,taunicratcd in this
clement, ensure that'needed facilities arc available, or'will be available.
concurrent with deveto•ntcnt, and that such facilities arc`used in the most
efficient planner .ossiblc: Upon:adoption of this Comprehensive Plant
Okeechobee County will require-t hat necessary public facilities and.:serv�ce
;arc *available` or will`` be available „concurrent F with the;4impacts o
development:,:[9J-5.011(2)(b)1,2,3]
Policy 1.1: Okeechobee County establishes,the following level of service
standards to be used to determine the availability of facility capacity and
demand generated by new development requiring such facilities: =_,Tile
;County's.Concurrency Management System shall incorporate these leveI'aL
servlct:°standards as.average standards`while acknowlcdging.fliatinuumum4
xequuements,for;.cettain.pubIicJacihties and.services may:vary_767diffeten
types.fof development;
1.1C ILI'1'1' LEVEL OF SERVICE
L
tianitaty Sewe+ ‘yerage Sewer Dentantl
1 : 100 allons per capita"ter day'
Potable Water Virago Daily Dctnantl
I. 12(1 allnns er capita" er day'
39
Cod.Objective.sad rata..
Sultry Saw_Memel
Obe.eioba O.irty lba,eb.art...?tea _
t7..o{.Doauo..t. Hr Adep.d 4 2 . •
1
WateilMaiiageirieri(biiiiiCtjiid:theFlarida.
Pcgu!ation to COriiiiliteTaiiiisSeisiiiiiit of potable water andLiaidtaty
existingi,conditions future-needs in the County:
po!i4y7u:...:Fp.oisci,ctiobi:e;county shalr •ntinue •rking With theCity -eeOlicibeiTa
( eyaluate;the-feasibilitr.of . • is ing a•utility authority.which,would4b0;
responsible.:;forl:Mieting.the ;potable'Water-. and 'sanitary sewer,:zieeds.7o
I SotitherntfOkeechobee:County.'„pE.easibility:-*shall be determined,Ithiciiigh
ongouig,:diScuiithihiCitaswell witli7assistanec hFläd
Department of Enviroiiiiental Regulation and the`...Simith ,'F16rida7"./iY:ater.
n • Management District and ongoing potable water and sanitary sewer:studies;
9 If determined to be feasible, theutility authority shall incorporate_pcisting
Y}k , seryice,areas and.coordinate the.expansion of facilities, including.requiring
tharseptiO,.tanks along'Lake Okeechobee and Taylor.,Creelebe:repliCeillik
, ?>:
,aits) connection tOexisting Or expanded public supply sewage treatincut-facilities.
J'phcy 33 ,, On an interim basis,
Okeechobee County will continue tOallOWKefiliC7tirilci;
individual waterwells and public supply potable water and saiitarysew
•faCilitiei;iprOYideiliiiif such individual or public supply facilitie niee .lA
requirements.':as• established by the South, Florida ',.NVat....eriManageniel4
tDitrCtr;he...FICida,beiirtrient of Hiiithiid:ReiabiliaiifeSei14sVd
hFloridaDepartmCpt:offEnvivinnental
Regulation, as appiemriatel
Policy 3.4:;;;;;:f'Kspirt.7Of ongoing studies evaluating potable water arid.sanitary:jscwg
;existing conditions aid f1itur needs, the County shall iSseSsTtli441biliti
bf and rdcvelopa1 '1mpleintation schedule to require L"ciihii
ii.0telopnent;:located;i4.gcas designated on the Futuia'1..ind"14Fa—p17:4
Use;Industrial;
li.474kgoicterkoat-,....M1X-C4:Use and currently utilizing indiYidOalwellslor;
setic1aiksojiook up to existing or expanded public suply:fJj
feasibility analyses reardthih
1oèafiltiozis:shrestablish design and construction
pub,116.1supply;facilitie....s.!to•,cnsurc and i6.quire'as,,appropriate,
120POri7;iiiciiiticiri:.:ot. this Comprehensive Plan; all newreereatiOrial7iieriiciej
prarlcino‘del.rccreaticinalc4i0e.and mobile home parkS:shalL•beF.serie0%
'Oublia:suppli.potable'Syater_AnO.sanitary sewer facilities.: •
•
42
Goa.Objecdves rod Mehl
Sanitary Sewer Nand • •
amebae.coy Ovembearlvt flas
Quip Dccuosal. Pim Moped 419:
. '