Septic to Sewer

*EXPECT TRAFFIC DELAYS IN ACTIVE CONSTRUCTION AREAS WITH CREWS, VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT*

Please note, weather or other unexpected circumstances could affect schedule. Any major deviations will be posted.

The following activities are due to begin by (dates are approximate):

• 5/14 - Moving equipment and crew into the area.
• 5/14 - Install erosion control (silt fencing) and MOT (traffic maintenance notifications), i.e. traffice signs.
• 5/20 - Prep work to begin for construction of lift station shown on map.
  • The lift station portion of the project is expected to extend into the Spring of 2026.
• 5/26 - Trapping & relocation of gopher tortoises from lift station construction site.
• 5/27 - Lynnhaven Rd. (yellow section on map) will start to be prepped for installation of sewer lines.
  • Work will start at Lorraine Ln., ending at Freeport Dr.
  • Work on this section of road is expected to last through the end of June.

Construction is scheduled to start on May 14th. Some activities to expect are below, which should minimally affect surrounding residents:

• Installing silt fencing
• Transporting supplies

Truck activity will be noticed in the project area as supplies are brought into the project area.

MEDIA RELEASE
January 3, 2023

Hernando County Receives $12,250,000 Grant for Septic To Sewer

(Brooksville, FL) – At the August 23, 2022, Hernando County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meeting, the BOCC approved a grant award for $12,250,000 from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). The grant funding will be used to convert nearly 400 homes in Spring Hill from septic to sewer. The conversion from septic to sewer will help to reduce the negative impacts of nitrogen pollution in the water.

The high levels of nitrates impact the Weeki Wachee Springs. The excess levels of nitrates cause an imbalance which leads to a growth of algae in the water. As a result, this can negatively impact the environment and can cause concern for public health, create foul beaches, inhibit navigation through the water, and reduce the aesthetic value of the resources.

In 2018, a development of the basin management action plan (BMAP) was created. The trajectory of the BMAP was formed to meet the new requirements of the Florida Springs and Aquifer Protection Act. With this grant award, the Hernando County Utilities Department can begin taking strides to help the impact of the water quality and help reduce nitrates in these
ecosystems.

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PUBLIC NOTICE

July 28, 2022

Hernando County Utilities Department
to Host Open House for Septic to Sewer Conversion Project

(Brooksville, FL) – The Hernando County Utilities Department (HCUD) will host an Open House on Wednesday, August 10^th from 2pm to 6:30pm regarding the upcoming Septic to Sewer Conversion Project. Hernando County staff will be available between these hours to provide additional information and answer questions. The Open House will be held on the first floor of the HCUD administration building, located at 15365 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville, Florida 34613.

In order to comply with the state mandated Basin Management Action Plan for Weeki Wachee Springs, Hernando County has been working on converting existing septic systems to centralized sewer. Septic systems represent 30% of the total nitrogen loading to groundwater. The conversion of septic systems to sanitary sewer will help remove a portion of the nitrogen to the Weeki Wachee Springs.

The County was notified that the project will receive state grant funding for a portion of District A (see map). Local government and state grant funds will be used to pay for approximately 90% of the project costs. It is estimated that the remaining 10% of the costs will come from property assessments which can be paid over a period of 10 years.

The Hernando Board of County Commissioners will consider the state funding agreements and the creation of a Municipal Services Benefit Unit at the regular Board Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, August 23, 2022, beginning at 9:00am in the Commission Chambers, Room 160 (20 North Main Street, Brooksville, Florida 34601).

In accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act, persons with disabilities needing a special accommodation to participate in these proceedings should contact Colleen Conko, Hernando County Administration, 15470 Flight Path Drive, Brooksville, Florida 34604, (352)754-4002. If hearing impaired, please call 1-800-676-3777.

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