Largo approves DEP settlement option for unauthorized discharges, commission chooses project over direct fine

The Largo City Commission approved a settlement offer with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for unauthorized sanitary/storm discharges that occurred between Aug. 5, 2024, and Jan. 17, 2025. The commission voted to accept a remediation route that would require the city to complete an environmental project valued at $370,177 in lieu of paying a $246,785 penalty. The motion passed 6–1.

The settlement presented staff with two options: pay the $246,785 penalty directly to DEP, or propose and complete a new project with a value of roughly one and a half times the penalty (staff said DEP requires the higher project valuation). Commissioner Holmes pressed staff on why the project option requires more spending than the fine, saying, “Why would we spend the equivalent of $370,000 when $246,000 accomplishes the same goal?” Assistant city staff replied that DEP must approve proposed projects, that previously offered projects were rejected by DEP, and that any project used in lieu of the fine must be a new, unbudgeted environmental benefit rather than an existing capital improvement.

Staff described candidate projects intended to reduce inflow and infiltration and help prevent future unauthorized discharges. Examples discussed included sealed and locking manhole rings and covers to prevent storm surge and tampering, and an ultrasonic inspection tool that can scan between manholes to identify imperfections, sediment or grease accumulation so crews can target repairs. Staff said many nonstorm overflows are caused by grease and that targeted repairs and sealed manholes would reduce treatment plant load during storms.

Commissioners debated whether paying a fine could ultimately funnel money back into local projects through DEP programs. Commissioner Holmes and others recalled past cases where fines were perceived to cycle back to local entities; staff said that while some DEP programs may fund broader projects, relying on that outcome is not guaranteed and DEP must approve any in‑lieu project. Holmes then moved to approve the settlement offer; the motion carried 6–1.

The motion on the record was: “I move to approve the settlement offer between Department of Environmental Protection and the City of Largo for unauthorized discharges from 08/05/2024 through 01/17/2025.” The motion was seconded and passed with the noted tally.

Next steps: the settlement approval authorizes staff to proceed with the in‑lieu project process and to return to the commission with project details and DEP approvals as required.

Speakers quoted or paraphrased above appeared during the agenda discussion for item 12 and are identified in the speakers list below.