Interoffice Memorandum
DATE: October 2, 2024
TO: Mayor Jerry L. Demings and County Commissioners
THROUGH: N/A
FROM: Ed Torres, M.S., P.E., LEED AP, Director, Utilities
CONTACT: Mark Ikeler, P.E., Manager, Water Reclamation Division
PHONE: 407-254-9705
DIVISION: Water Reclamation Division
ACTION REQUESTED:
title
Approval and execution of Florida Department of Environmental Protection v. Orange County, Florida OGC File No.: 23-1787 Orange County Utilities Division - Eastern Water Reclamation Facility, Facility ID No.: FL0038849 Consent Order; authorization for the County Administrator to execute the Consent Order; approval of the P2 project adding three new electrical vehicle charging stations at County Utility Department sites; and authorization to pay costs and expenses in the amount of $250. District 4. (Water Reclamation Division)
body
PROJECT: N/A
PURPOSE: Under Chapter 403, Florida Statutes, and Title 62, Florida Administrative Code, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) has jurisdiction over operation of the County’s water reclamation system. Pursuant to that authority, FDEP initiated this Consent Order to provide for payment of civil penalties for violations that were found during a compliance evaluation inspection on May 26, 2023. As noted in the Consent Order, the County has resolved all violations.
Corrective action has been taken to help prevent future violations. The FDEP has provided Orange County with their inspection checklist. Each facility Manager is now required to perform a self-inspection using the FDEP checklist monthly. Water Reclamation Management is auditing these inspections periodically to make sure they are being performed and any deficient items are being addressed in a timely manner.
Orange County Utilities proposed to offset the civil penalties by implementing and completing the FDEP-approved Pollution Prevention (P2) project. The P2 project will add three new electrical vehicle charging stations at County Utilities Department sites. The County demonstrated that the P2 project will offset the value of the $49,738 civil penalty. The remaining $250 in administrative costs must be paid within 30 days of the effective date of the Consent Order.
The County Attorney’s Office has reviewed the Consent Order prepared by FDEP and has approved it as to form. Utilities Department staff reviewed the Consent Order and recommended approval.
BUDGET: N/A