OUA studies septic tank pollution in Treasure Island

Posted 9/21/20

OKEECHOBEE — How much of the phosphorus and nitrogen in the nutrient-laden waters of Taylor Creek/Nubbin Slough is coming from septic tanks?

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OUA studies septic tank pollution in Treasure Island

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OKEECHOBEE — How much of the phosphorus and nitrogen in the nutrient-laden waters of Taylor Creek/Nubbin Slough is coming from septic tanks?
At their Sept. 14 meeting, the Okeechobee Utility Authority Board of Directors reviewed a water quality study conducted by Florida Gulf Coast University, and agreed to advertise for a request for proposals (RFP) for a second study of Taylor Creek, Taylor Creek Isles and Treasure Island.

OUA Executive Director John Hayford said this project has been ongoing for some time.

Taylor Creek Isles converted to sewer lines in 2005, with many of the houses — not all of them — connected to a central sewer line,” Hayford explained.

Treasure Island is still on septic tanks and package treatment plants.

The intent of the project was to do some water quality sampling both in Taylor Creek Isles and Treasure Island as well as several points within Taylor Creek as a background and to compare water quality parameters such as levels of nitrogen and phosphorus. The project also used an indicator parameter of the artificial sweetener sucralose, which indicates human wastewater has entered the waterway.

“It’s clearly a human use. It’s not an additive in fertilizer,” Hayford explained. “If it shows up, it’s going to be a direct link to human use.”

There were 13 sample sites, with five in Taylor Creek Isles, five in Treasure Island and three on Taylor Creek, which were sampled multiple times.

While sucralose was found in all of the sample sites, levels were higher in areas where there are a lot of septic tanks.

Hayford suggested a follow-up sampling by a different agency.

“Nothing against Florida Gulf Coast, but if we use another agency and they come up with similar results, it would add validity,” said Hayford.

OUA agreed to obtain requests for proposals for a second round of water quality testing in the same area.

The studies can be used as supporting evidence in applications for grants for help in converting areas with septic tanks to sewer lines.

OUA, septic tank, treasure island, okeechobee utility authority

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