Rules committee signs off on JEA ordinance changes to clear path for potable‑reuse permit

The Jacksonville Rules Committee on Aug. 18 approved an amendment and a revised ordinance to update the city code governing JEA’s industrial pretreatment program and to incorporate potable‑reuse regulations required by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

The amendment struck references to a non‑existent “director” and revised enforcement language so civil penalties can be assessed by JEA consistent with procedures developed under the JEA Industrial Pretreatment Regulations. Dylan Rangel of the Office of General Counsel said the change preserves the city’s enforcement rights while clarifying that JEA will implement the pretreatment procedures in practice.

Christine Valier, representing JEA’s Office of General Counsel, told the committee the amendment is necessary because the Florida Department of Environmental Protection now requires potable‑reuse provisions be included in local ordinances as part of JEA’s pending potable‑reuse permit. Valier said the change will also incorporate local limits recently approved by FDEP for the Blacksford Water Reclamation Facility so certain industrial dischargers that feed Blacksford must meet those pollutant limits.

“Potable reuse is extra treatment of wastewater beyond the levels we currently treat for irrigation,” Valier said, describing the project’s additional purification steps and the plan to return treated water to the aquifer to help replenish local supplies.

Council members asked for the amendment text in writing before final consideration; Rangel said suggested language had been emailed to the council auditors’ office and JEA representatives said they were comfortable with the proposed language. With no further questions, the committee recorded the amendment and passed the bill as amended by recorded vote (5–0).

What it means: the change aligns the city code with state potable‑reuse rules and consolidates oversight language so JEA’s industrial pretreatment program and the Blacksford facility will be governed by the updated local ordinance. The committee’s action is procedural approval; any implementation or permitting still depends on FDEP and subsequent permit issuance.

Next steps: the ordinance as amended will move forward for whatever subsequent steps the council and city process require; JEA anticipates a permit decision later this year and said the local ordinance language is part of meeting FDEP’s application requirements.