Introduction to the District

The Loxahatchee River Environmental Control District (District) is an agency of government which was created in 1971 for the purpose of providing utility and other environmental services within the 72 square mile basin of the Loxahatchee River. Currently, the District owns, operates and regulates the regional wastewater system serving Tequesta, Jupiter, Juno Beach and the unincorporated areas of northern Palm Beach and southern Martin counties (See Maps).

The District is governed by a five member elected Board which meets monthly to discuss business at hand and set policy. This policy, in turn, is implemented by the Executive Director and his Administrative, Engineering, and Legal staff.

The District offices and plant facility are located at 2500 Jupiter Park Drive, Jupiter, Florida. The offices are open between 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM weekdays. The telephone number is (561) 747-5700. For emergency situations outside of normal working hours, the telephone number Is (561) 747-5708.

With specific regard to new development, the District’s legislated policy is to provide the required utility services to the area now and as it continues to grow. It is, therefore, the agency’s intent to work closely with new development to assure that the utility services can be provided in a manner which is both timely and consistent with the standards and specifications of the District.

When the use is not covered by a factor under the District rules, each toilet fixture is considered as 1.0 equivalent connection.

3. District Installed Facilities

During the introductory meeting the developer may wish to explore the feasibility of District installed regional and subregional facilities to serve the proposed project, although, this program is limited to larger developments.

The District currently maintains a program where subregional lift stations may be constructed and paid for by the District. A subregional facility must be designated and approved by the District Governing Board, Staff will take no action for recommending designation of a facility for installation until a Developer Agreement is executed and ail fees are paid.

In qualifying for the designation the developer will assume obligations to provide the District with various items such as criteria necessary for design, property, easements, access, electrical service, survey, and land clearing, which are more specifically outlined in the Manual of Minimum Construction Standards.

For Faster service, follow this PLAN REVIEW CHECKLIST

4. Plan Review and Approval

A preliminary plan submittal is recommended. A submittal should contain: 1 complete set of plans including: sewer, water, drainage, paving, grading, and landscaping. Upon review the design engineer will be notified of acceptance or comments which will need to be addressed. The District review will assure that plans are in conformance with District Standards and that service is provided in an efficient manner in conformance with the District Master Plan.

Final submittals for approval will require additional plan sets, including: 2 sets for District use, 4 sets for Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Palm Beach County Health Department, plus any additional sets required by the Engineer or owner. Plans should be accompanied by 4 Applications for Permit for the Dept. of Environmental Protection, executed by the engineer and the owner.

District approval of properly submitted utility plans and specifications, as well as sign off on the Application, is required.

Procedures During Construction

1. Preconstruction Meeting

Prior to any construction activity a meeting of the contractor, project engineer, District inspector, and other utility representatives is recommended to provide coordination and explanation of District procedures and requirements during the construction process.

2. Periodic Inspection

During construction, the developer will look to his engineer tor inspection and progress reports. The District will monitor progress with periodic site visits by Inspection personnel. If problems are encountered during construction it will be the Developer’s responsibility, through his engineers, to resolve them to the District’s satisfaction. Any revisions of substance to the approved plans shall be submitted to the District for approval prior to Incorporation into the work.

Procedures Following Construction

1. Project Completion

A project is not considered as complete and prepared for District final inspection until such time as:

• All sewer system construction is completed in accordance with approved plans and specifications and inspected and certified by the project engineer.
• All lines and structures shall be cleaned and prepared for District inspection.
• Where sewers are constructed in paved areas, the compacted base material and asphaltic prime coat must be completed as a minimum.
• Areas over lines and laterals, which are not proposed to be paved shall be brought to finish grade.

2. Project Completion Submittals

Upon completion of construction, but prior to District final inspection, certain documents must be provided to the District. These documents include the following items in forms acceptable to the District:

• Bill of Sale
• D.E.P. Certification
• Grant of Easement
• Certification Letter
• Maintenance Bond
• Approved Site Plan
• Record Drawings
• Payments

3. Final Inspection

After the owner and engineer have provided the necessary documents, the District Engineering Staff will conduct a final inspection and recommend acceptance or denial. If denied, a letter will be sent to the project engineer advising of such action, and indicating the reasons. The project engineer should address the comments and advise the District in writing to re-schedule an inspection. The District will not be responsible to provide “punch lists”, but may make general statements, or cease inspection at any time if the system is determined not to be ready for acceptance.

4. One Year Maintenance Bond and Inspection

The Maintenance Bond is to remain in effect for one year from the date of District acceptance. Shortly before the expiration of the bond, the District will reinspect the system in a manner similar to the final inspection (i.e.: broken pipes, deflection, infiltration, inflow, accessibility, etc.). The District will advise the developer of any defects found during the inspection and require that corrections be made prior to the expiration of the Maintenance Bond.

Should adequate progress not be made in the correction of the deficiencies, in the opinion of the District, the District will look to the bonding company or financial institution for corrective action or restitution.

5. District Acceptance

Upon satisfactory finding of the final inspection, the Department of Environmental Protection Certification of Completion will be executed by the Executive Director, thereby accepting the system for operation and maintenance by the District.

6. Operation and Maintenance

Upon acceptance of the system the main lines (8 inches; or larger), pump stations, force mains and major appurtenant facilities will be operated by District personnel who have been professionally trained and equipped to maintain the system with maximum reliability.

7. Utility Billing

Reservation charges will be billed quarterly to developers using Developer Agreements to reserve connections. Prior to connection of units to the system the Developer is responsible to make payment of the balance of connection fees. At such time his reservation charges will be reduced accordingly, Developments selling individual lots are responsible to pay the balance of connection fees prior to sale, and work with the finance department to direct monthly bills to homeowners or associations.

Good Luck!

The District staff is prepared to assist you in making provision of wastewater service one of the easiest steps in the development process. Your continued communication during the various phases of development will allow staff the opportunity to assist you toward completion of a successful development.