Wastewater Engineering

Wastewater engineering for Florida land development

MES designs the sewer side of Florida development. That covers gravity collection, lift stations and force mains, and treatment and reuse planning when a site cannot reach a public sewer.

We start by confirming that the receiving utility has capacity for the development. Capacity decides the design and the phasing.

Flat ground leaves little fall for gravity sewers, so many Florida sites need a lift station. Read more on lift station design for Florida's flat topography.

How wastewater permitting works in Florida

FDEP permits wastewater systems. Most permitting runs through its six district offices and some delegated local programs. A domestic wastewater collection system needs an FDEP permit before construction starts.

A conventional system of gravity sewers, pump stations and force mains can usually go under a general permit, with notice at least 30 days before construction (Rule 62-604.600, F.A.C.). The receiving plant must have capacity for the flow.

Every pump station needs emergency pumping capability, and some need an emergency generator in place (Rule 62-604.400, F.A.C.).

A new treatment plant needs an FDEP permit before construction. Plants that discharge to Tampa Bay, Sarasota Bay, Biscayne Bay, the Indian River Lagoon and other listed waters must provide advanced waste treatment. See Florida's advanced wastewater treatment mandate.

Septic systems are permitted by FDEP in some counties and by the county health department in others.

Work nearby

Our Florida projects so far are site and utility plans for drive-up water and ice vending sites. See the drive-up water kiosk program.

For lift station design, see our RV park lift station in Milford, Texas, sized for all three phases of the park.

Common questions

Does a new sewer line in Florida need an FDEP permit?

Yes. A collection or transmission system needs an FDEP permit before construction. Most conventional systems qualify for the general permit. Systems that do not meet its terms need an individual permit.

What if the utility's treatment plant is near capacity?

The general permit is only available when the receiving plant has capacity and is not under an FDEP order for effluent violations or its ability to treat. Plants must also file a capacity analysis report once flows pass half of permitted capacity. We check this before design starts.

Can a Florida development build its own treatment plant?

Yes, with an FDEP permit. State law favors reuse of reclaimed water, and utilities that discharge to surface waters must plan to end nonbeneficial discharge by January 1, 2032, with some exemptions. Read about water reuse in Florida.