City streamlines utility permitting process

With the Port St. Lucie City Council’s adoption on Dec. 21, 2009 of a resolution establishing rules and policies, the city Utility Systems Department now has the authority to implement a Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) approved program to independently regulate the construction of certain water and wastewater infrastructure within its service area.

The new program is expected to improve and streamline the permitting process for construction of certain water distribution mains and wastewater collection systems.

According to an order signed by Michael W. Sole, Secretary of the DEP, the city is now authorized to regulate the construction of:

Water distribution mains 12 inches or less in diameter
Sewage force mains of 12 inches or less in diameter
Pump stations connected to sewage force mains that are 12 inches or less in diameter

In the Final Order, Secretary Sole wrote, "Port St. Lucie Utility Systems Department has demonstrated the administrative, technical, and legal capabilities to independently regulate the construction of water distribution and sewage collection/transmission systems."

Port St. Lucie joins the ranks of Jacksonville Utility Authority, Gainesville Regional Utilities, and Clay County Utility Authority in having attained this prestigious recognition and authority.

For more information, contact:
Umesh Asrani, P.E.
City of Port St. Lucie
uasrani@cityofpsl.com
(772) 873-6400