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A study links high water levels at Largo's treatment plant to poorly maintained private sewer systems.
By ERIC STIRGUS
© St. Petersburg Times, published May 12, 2000
LARGO -- About two years ago, city environmental officials were scratching their heads over the high water levels at the city's wastewater treatment plant.
The city already was spending $10-million to expand the plant, which was handling up to 13-million gallons a day, pushing dangerously close to state environmental limitations that would require Largo to spend more money to expand the plant even further.
A study found a surprising cause for the high water levels: Stormwater was seeping into private sewer systems and flowing into the plant.
City staffers began a review of the private sewer systems, particularly lift stations, which elevate wastewater so it can flow downward through pipelines, and found many are in poor condition and improperly maintained.
In addition to sometimes dumping storm water into the sanitary sewer system, the stations were also leaking wastewater into the storm sewer system, which can pollute waterways.
As a result, environmental officials are working on an ordinance that would set up regulations for owners of lift stations, which commonly are mobile home parks or other developed communities. City officials believe Largo would be the first city in Pinellas County with such an ordinance.
At a work session Tuesday, commissioners asked staffers to do more research find out how many lift stations need upgrades. Environmental Services staffers have found 136 privately owned lift stations that are hooked up to the city's sewer system. Many residents do not know they own a lift station and have no idea how to maintain it, said Joseph Carlini, the city's Wastewater Division Manager.
Believing that it may seem harsh to ask the owners to upgrade the stations, the city is mulling over whether to pay for the upgrades. Another option is to loan the money to the owners and have them pay the city back. City environmental officials are unsure how much it would cost to repair all the lift stations.
The city also is considering spending close to $100,000 to hire three people to inspect lift stations.
Many of the lift stations are open or have cracks in them, making it easy for stormwater carrying oil, grease and other hazardous materials to flow into the sanitary sewer pipes. Those pipes connect to the treatment plant. It is illegal for stormwater to flow in wastewater plants.
The discussion comes at a time when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is looking at ways to make sure states more stringently enforce rules on hazardous spills. Currently, the city can be fined as much as $10,000 a day for each lift station that overflows without a proper cleanup.
"We're trying hard to avoid that," said Brian Dean, a city environmental manager.