Sanford to consider anti-pollution rules after 1,4-dioxane contamination

Sanford is considering requiring anyone who causes or becomes aware of a pollutant or hazardous substance — such as gasoline, oil or toxic chemicals — being dumped on the ground or into a water body, to quickly notify the city and the state’s environmental agency, along with other authorities.

It’s an effort to prevent the contamination of groundwater sources, including the Floridan Aquifer, which provides nearly all of the drinking water for the region, city officials said.

“Everyone needs to take that responsibility to report it, and not to say that someone else needs to worry about that,” Mayor Art Woodruff said.

Sanford commissioners will consider the requirement as part of a city ordinance during Monday’s public meeting, which starts at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 300 N. Park Ave.

It follows a recent investigation by the Orlando Sentinel that reported a widespread contamination of the industrial chemical 1,4-dioxane in the Floridan Aquifer in Seminole’s northwest side, where some of the drinking water wells for Sanford, Seminole County and Lake Mary have been located for decades.

Q&A: What is 1,4-dioxane, is it safe to drink and how do you get rid of it?

The contamination is alleged to have come from an old factory just east of Interstate 4 in Lake Mary that manufactured circuit boards for telephone systems from 1968 to 2003. It was operated by various companies, including Stromberg-Carlson, a subsidiary of General Dynamics, and later the Siemens Corp.

Sanford leaders on Monday also are scheduled to discuss with the city’s legal staff whether to file a lawsuit against any polluters of the 1,4-dioxane contamination, and whether to team with Seminole County in such an effort.

“There appears to be potential in joining forces with the county in any efforts that the county may initiate as to the 1,4-dioxane matter involving county water facilities,” said assistant city attorney Lonnie Groot in a memo to Sanford commissioners. “If it is possible to collaborate with the county, that could result in an array of possible benefits to both the city and county.”

Seminole utilities struggled to address, pinpoint source of toxic chemical in tap water

Seminole County officials did not return calls when asked if they would be willing to work with Sanford on any litigation or cleanup efforts regarding the 1,4-dioxane contamination.

Jake Varn, a former director of Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection and an attorney who is now assisting the city of Sanford, has told city officials that it may be better to wait for any litigation until decisions by the state agency are made regarding the 1,4-dioxane contamination and an assessment of any damages is done.

In its land development regulations, Sanford currently prohibits a long list of activities within 200 feet of a drinking water well — including operating any facilities that store or handle hazardous materials, such as petroleum or pesticides.

The proposed requirement that someone must report to the city, county, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the state’s Department of Health any pollutants or hazardous substances being spilled, leaked, poured or dumped into the ground or water body would be added to those regulations. Violators could be fined up to $500.

It would go into effect in September if approved by commissioners on a second reading next month.

How a toxic chemical infiltrated the Floridan Aquifer, tainting Seminole County tap water

1,4-dioxane was long used in solvents. And the chemical is categorized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as likely to cause cancer.

Sanford has asserted that the source of the 1,4-dioxane contamination underground is the old Stromberg-Carlson plant.

In 2001, state investigators documented the presence of the chemical in the underground water in that area. Sanford, Seminole County and Lake Mary later found the chemical in their drinking water in 2013 and 2014.

mcomas@orlandosentinel.com