In a recent government meeting, city officials outlined a comprehensive plan to address significant wastewater infrastructure challenges in Brooksville. The discussions highlighted urgent steps to repair and replace aging lines and manholes, particularly at the East Avenue and 50 lift station sites, which have been identified as critical problem areas.

The first step in the action plan involves immediate repairs to existing infrastructure. Following this, the city is actively pursuing an interconnect project with Hernando County, which is currently under the purview of coastal engineering. An agreement is expected to be presented to the city council by September, with hopes of finalizing it with the Board of County Commissioners by October.

A major component of the plan is the proposed expansion of the wastewater treatment plant, which was originally designed to handle three million gallons per day but has not yet been constructed. Addressing infiltration issues at the identified sites could potentially save the city nearly one million gallons of capacity daily, alleviating some pressure on the existing treatment facilities.

Funding remains a significant concern, as the necessary repairs and upgrades are expected to be costly. The city has submitted a $25 million water quality grant application to assist with these projects, although officials acknowledged that securing such funding is not guaranteed. Additionally, an impact fee study is underway to evaluate the financial requirements for infrastructure expansion, which has not seen an increase in fees for over 25 years.

The meeting also touched on the potential environmental implications of the aging infrastructure, with officials noting that any sewer spills must be reported to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). The city is currently averaging 1.3 to 1.4 million gallons of wastewater annually, with new developments expected to increase this demand.

To manage the situation effectively, the council is considering an emergency moratorium on new developments to allow time for a thorough assessment of the existing infrastructure and its capacity to handle future growth. This moratorium would not affect projects that have already been approved.

As the city grapples with these pressing issues, officials emphasized the importance of addressing the infiltration problems and securing funding to ensure the sustainability of Brooksville's wastewater management system. Public comments during the meeting reflected a mix of support for the proposed developments and concerns about the city's capacity to manage increased demand on its infrastructure.