Pinellas County advances deep injection well permits for effluent disposal

Pinellas County advances deep injection well permits for effluent disposalThe Florida municipality has approved financial responsibility forms for three Class 1 injection wells at its South Cross Bayou and W.E. Dunn water reclamation facilities, a move driven by upcoming restrictions on surface water discharges.

The Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved $640,000 in financial assurance forms required by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP).

The deep injection wells will be used to dispose of reclaimed water effluent during heavy rain events.

County Administrator Jill Silverboard noted the permitting is necessary because the county will no longer be permitted to discharge effluent to surface waters.

Pinellas County is moving forward with permitting three Class 1 deep injection wells to manage reclaimed water effluent at its South Cross Bayou and W.E. Dunn advanced water reclamation facilities. On April 7, the Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved the submission of financial responsibility forms to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). The forms provide regulatory assurance that the county can cover the estimated $640,000 cost to abandon the wells if they become inoperable or are no longer needed, a requirement that must be renewed every 30 months upon permit issuance. County documents indicate there are currently no plans to abandon the infrastructure. The permitting of the deep injection wells is a strategic response to changing environmental regulations regarding wastewater disposal. During the meeting, County Administrator Jill Silverboard explained that the wells are intended for effluent disposal during periods of heavy rainfall. "We're not going to be able to discharge to surface waters anymore," Silverboard told the board. The financial obligation for potential well abandonment is not included in the current Utilities Department budget. If abandonment eventually becomes necessary, the county noted that a budget amendment will be submitted to draw the $640,000 from the Utilities Revenue and Operating Fund's reserve contingencies.