County dedicates $34 million to wastewater projects

Torrential rains from then-Tropical Storm Debby recently highlighted deficiencies in area wastewater systems. Pinellas County officials are now working to improve associated infrastructure on private property.

Commissioners have allocated nearly $34 million to implement public sewers in five manufactured housing communities around unincorporated Largo and Seminole. They unanimously approved several related agreements Aug. 13 that enable the county to own, operate and maintain the systems.

Administrator Barry Burton said the South Cross Bayou Water Reclamation Facility withstood nearly a foot of rain from Debby in 24 hours due to improvements completed in 2020. However, municipal manholes spewed thousands of gallons of untreated wastewater into neighborhoods throughout Pinellas.

“Here you have mobile home communities that are not well-maintained,” Burton explained. “They’re private systems, and during rain events, they’re pushing straight rainwater into our system.”

He said the sewer pipes are “only so big,” and the rainwater influx caused overflows. Burton believes transitioning from private to county-owned systems will help mitigate future discharges.

The recently approved projects are part of an expansive initiative. Background documents state that county officials identified 13 manufactured home communities with “problematic wastewater systems that pose costly risks for residents.”

They also realize that the cost to repair those systems “would be a huge burden on residents.” St. Petersburg administrators mentioned the need for property owners to replace private sewer laterals (lines) at an Aug. 8 city council meeting.

The Manufactured Housing Communities Wastewater Agreement (MHCWA) program launched in September 2022 and should conclude by June 2026. While the county will permanently own and operate the systems, homeowners will retain responsibility for private laterals after completion.

Burton said an under-construction project in Pinellas Park would have prevented a “major” discharge. “It takes several years to get these done, but … all these different things you’ve approved over the last several years are designed to tighten up our system.”

Jeremy Waugh, utilities director, said the water reclamation facility’s capacity is about 33 million gallons daily. It received 77 million gallons in 24 hours during Debbie.

St. Petersburg’s Southwest Water Reclamation Facility leaked 229,165 gallons of wastewater Aug. 4, in addition to the over 429,000 gallons that spilled into four neighborhoods in north-central areas of the city from Aug. 5 through Aug. 6. Waugh noted that 11 locations utilizing county infrastructure also experienced manhole discharges throughout Pinellas.

“If you know about it, we’re working to fix it,” Waugh said. “We have plans in place to try and fix them.”

A map highlighting the 13 mobile home communities set to receive sewer upgrades. Image: Pinellas County Government.

Burton noted the county cannot use tax revenues to replace private sewer systems. Administrators have budgeted $38 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act and Restore Act funding and Resilient Florida Grant dollars to the MHCWA program.

Commissioners approved an $18.85 million contract with Pinellas Park-based Rowland Inc. to oversee projects at the Boca Ciega Residences and Holiday Shores Park in Largo. Officials expect the work to conclude within 698 days.

The commission also approved a $14.8 million contract with Winter Springs-based Cathcart Construction Company to oversee wastewater system improvements at Lake Seminole Estates in Seminole and the Oasis Mobile Home Park and Midway Am/Can community in Largo.

“What we’re trying to do is reduce that 77-million-gallon number through all of these infiltration spots,” said Commissioner Dave Eggers. “And these mobile home parks are some of the worst causes.”

In addition to improving failing infrastructure and environmental conditions, MHCWA documents state that the projects will preserve affordable housing. Burton noted that “strings attached” to the agreements ensure the properties remain manufactured home communities.

Waugh said those homeowners would pay the same rates as any county utility customer. The agreements include right-of-way easements.

Administrators have budgeted $45.64 million for seven of the 13 projects identified in the MHCWA initiative and will request additional state and federal funding to help complete the remaining six. Commissioners also approved an $8 million Resilient Florida Grant application to replace a potable water booster station in St. Pete Beach.