Manatee County Government
Discharging wastewater from construction site dewatering to the Manatee County Sanitary Sewer System Construction Site Dewatering
Table of Contents
About construction dewatering discharges
During construction, workers may need to pump groundwater and/or stormwater away from a site. This process is called dewatering. Usually this water is clear, but sometimes it can be contaminated and therefore discharging to a surface body of water may harm water quality. The wastewater generated from dewatering activities may be discharged to the sanitary sewer collection system only if authorized by Manatee County Utilities Department.
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Applying for permission to discharge to the Manatee County sanitary sewer system
A Construction Dewatering Authorization to Discharge application must be completed. Refer to the Construction Dewatering Application Manual for instructions on completing the application. Additionally, Industrial Compliance Program staff members are available to discuss regulations and requirements. Discharge approval will be issued to the owner of the site and as such the application must be signed by the site owner, or the authorized representative as defined by the Manatee County Sewer Use Ordinance. The site owner may delegate signatory authority to an authorized representative by completing an Authorization of Approved Representative form and submitting it to the MCUD Office of Industrial Compliance with a Construction Dewatering Authorization to Discharge application.
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Wastewater Discharge Fees
Wastewater discharge fees as defined in the Manatee County Government Rate Resolution will apply to those who discharge wastewater generated from dewatering activities to the Manatee County sewer system.
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Solids in Construction Site Wastewater
Wastewater entering the sanitary sewer collection system must meet the Manatee County Sewer Use Ordinance local limit for Total Suspended Solids (TSS). Solids greater than fifteen (15) millimeters in any dimension are prohibited. Discharge of materials such as ashes, sand, grass, and gravel is prohibited. A company discharging solids is liable for any damages caused by sewage backups.
Regardless of discharge volumes and period of discharge, dewatering dischargers are required to meet the Manatee County Utilities Department Office of Industrial Compliance permitting requirements and the local limits as defined in the Manatee County Sewer Use Ordinance.
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