Title:
title
Review and Authorize the Chairman to execute the FDEP Consent Order District5 - Herr (Johnny Edwards, Utilities Department Interim Director)
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Division:
division
Utilities Department
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Authorized By:
Johnny Edwards, PE
Contact/Phone Number:
Elisa Williams/407-665-2759
Background:
Seminole County Utilities Department (formerly Environmental Services) was issued a Consent Order (CO) by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) as a result of exceeding the maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 0.080 mg/L in the running annual average of Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs) at two sample locations in the Northwest Water Distribution System in January and April 2023, with one sample location continuing into July. The annual averages at the two locations ranged from 0.08064 mg/L to 0.0869 mg/L during the subject timeframe. TTHMs are a naturally occurring disinfection byproduct in drinking water.
Operational and process changes have been implemented to remedy the issue and subsequent sampling has demonstrated compliance for TTHMs at all locations. Specifically, all individual TTHM test results were below the MCL in April 2023 and July 2023, and with all results, ranging from 0.032 to 0.056 mg/L, also being below the MCL in the most recent, October 12, 2023 sampling event, the annual average also fell below the MCL at all locations, officially bring the system back into compliance.
The CO requires payment of a $4,500 fine and an administrative fee of $250, or the development of a P2 (pollution prevention) project to offset the $4,500 fine. Staff is working with FDEP to identify a P2 project.
recommendation
Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends the Board review and authorize the Chairman to execute the Consent Order.