Brevard begins industrial pretreatment survey; businesses express concerns about scope and timing

Brevard County staff said Aug. 12 the county is initiating an industrial pretreatment program to comply with state administrative rules and has mailed surveys to commercial and industrial users in selected service areas. The effort will collect data to help the county protect wastewater treatment systems, employees and the environment by identifying high-risk dischargers. Staff said the survey and program steps are required under state law and that the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) approved the survey prior to mailing.

Business owners questioned the timing, scope and burden of an 18-page questionnaire that may require effluent testing and laboratory analysis. Gerald (Gerard) Klasser, who said he runs a small business in the county, told commissioners an 18-page testing survey is a heavy lift for a one-person operation and asked whether the county could begin by sampling at the treatment plant and trace contaminants back to dischargers. Staff said plant-level analysis is part of the pretreatment program steps; they also said they will provide one-on-one assistance to help businesses complete the forms and that staff will follow up by phone.

Commissioners asked staff to ensure outreach and assistance. Staff said they sent surveys to properties identified by business tax-receipt records and that the county will walk businesses through the forms, accept follow-up questions, and coordinate with FDEP on final program steps and thresholds. A county representative told the meeting they would contact Mr. Klasser directly to help him complete any necessary portions of the survey and to clarify whether a full effluent test is required for his site.