Centralized sewer systems are crucial for several reasons, particularly for nitrogen removal, which is a significant concern for the islands of Charlotte County. Currently, these islands rely on septic systems, most of which do not effectively remove nitrogen and are increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

The need for reliable wastewater management on these islands is pressing. In 2022 alone, the island water utilities transported over 50,000,000 gallons of water to the islands, a figure that is expected to rise steadily. A large portion of this water is ultimately processed through septic systems that inadequately remove nitrogen, posing a severe environmental threat.

Nitrogen, when not properly managed, contributes to various environmental issues, including water quality degradation, harmful algal blooms, and ecosystem imbalances. These problems can have cascading effects on local wildlife, marine habitats, and the overall health of the coastal environment.

Implementing centralized sewer systems on these islands would ensure efficient and effective nitrogen removal from wastewater. This upgrade would not only protect the delicate ecosystems of Charlotte County but also promote public health and sustainable growth. By addressing the nitrogen pollution at its source, centralized sewer systems offer a robust solution to the pressing environmental challenges faced by the islands.

Liability and Maintenance: Compared to septic systems, centralized sewer systems are more reliable and require NO maintenance from homeowners. Septic systems demand regular upkeep and can be costly to maintain, especially under increasingly restrictive regulatory requirements.

Property Value and Flood Resistance: Properties connected to a centralized sewer system often see increased values, particularly when replacing aging or non-compliant septic systems. Centralized systems are also better equipped to handle larger volumes of wastewater and stormwater, reducing the risk of flooding and malfunctions, which is especially important in Florida's flood-prone areas.

Climate Change Adaptation: Centralized systems are less susceptible to the impacts of climate change, such as sea-level rise, which can compromise septic systems and lead to water quality issues. By transitioning to centralized sewer systems, communities can better protect their water resources and infrastructure.

Overall, the shift from septic to centralized sewer systems represents a proactive approach to environmental protection, public health, and economic stability in Florida.

View: Septic Science Attachment

Year One: Obtain Certificated Service Area (CSA) from the Florida Public Service Commission (FPSC)

Year Two: Permitting

Year Three: Construction

In Year Three, Environmental Utilities (EU) will commence the construction phase of the centralized sewer system project. The process will unfold as follows:

• Bidding Process: EU will initiate a competitive bidding process, inviting qualified and bonded contractors with expertise in centralized sewer system construction. This ensures that the project is executed by experienced professionals, maintaining high standards of quality and safety.

• Contractor Selection: After thorough evaluation, EU will select a contractor that best meets the project requirements, including experience, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.

• Community Engagement: EU will organize meetings with residents and their representatives to discuss the construction process. The focus will be on minimizing environmental impact and addressing any concerns residents might have. This step is crucial for maintaining transparency and fostering community support.

• Information Dissemination: A dedicated website will be established to provide up-to-date information about the project. This platform will include construction timelines, progress updates, and contact information for project inquiries, ensuring residents are well-informed throughout the construction phase.

By engaging qualified contractors and maintaining open communication with the community, EU aims to ensure a smooth and environmentally responsible construction process for the centralized sewer system.

The reason EU is applying for a Certificated Service Area while still recovering from Hurricane Ian is simply because this needs to happen as soon as possible. It could be up to three years before anyone needs to connect, so starting the process now is crucial to ensure timely improvements and long-term environmental protection.

The choice of a low-pressure system for managing water or waste in an area with low elevations and close proximity to groundwater is a practical decision for several reasons:

• Elevation Constraints: Low-pressure systems, such as grinder pumps or small diameter pipes, can effectively transport wastewater in flat or gently sloping terrains where gravity-based systems might fail. Gravity systems rely on a sufficient drop in elevation to move water, which isn’t always available in low-lying areas.

• Groundwater Proximity: Areas close to groundwater often face challenges with infiltration and inflow, which can overwhelm conventional gravity sewers. Low-pressure systems are typically sealed and less susceptible to leaks, making them more suitable for such conditions.

• Installation Flexibility: Low-pressure systems can be installed with less disruption to the existing landscape compared to gravity systems, which often require deep trenches. This is particularly advantageous in areas where excavation is difficult due to high water tables or where minimizing environmental disturbance is a priority.

• Cost Efficiency: In scenarios where installing a traditional gravity sewer would require extensive excavation and significant engineering solutions to handle elevation issues, low-pressure systems can be more cost-effective both in terms of initial installation and long-term maintenance.

• Environmental Protection: Properly sealed low-pressure systems reduce the risk of contamination of groundwater supplies, which is crucial in areas where groundwater is close to the surface and might serve as a source of drinking water.

By accommodating the unique geographical and hydrological challenges of low elevations and proximity to groundwater, low-pressure systems provide a reliable, efficient, and environmentally sound solution for water and wastewater management.

View: TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM

The first substantial change since our original application is that now, contractually, Charlotte County will be reviewing our engineering plans and will have to sign off on them. Additionally, they will allow us to use a different system than the one used in El Jobean. This new system will enable the removal of solids and is projected to reduce annual operating costs by $282,000 by lowering the monthly base rate by 29%.

Secondly, we now have a significant amount of supporting data that demonstrates the negative environmental impact caused by septic systems. This data further underscores the necessity of implementing a centralized sewer system.

View: Science Support

Additionally, the Coastal and Heartland National Estuary Partnership (CHNEP) is fully supportive of transitioning from septic systems to centralized collection systems.

View: CHNEP Support

Furthermore, the county has adopted Resolution 2223-155, which acknowledges the definite need for central wastewater service on the island and expresses full support for our application.

View: Charlotte County Support

Item descriptionIf approved, homeowners would enter into an agreement with EU, granting the utility permission to install a Low Pressure System (LPS) and to crush and fill the old septic system. EU will assume responsibility for re-sodding the affected areas as necessary.

Additionally, homeowners will be required to provide electricity and plumbing for the connections to the LPS. These requirements mirror those implemented by Charlotte County for its septic-to-sewer projects and are considered standard for this type of collection system.

Vacant landowners will have a centralized wastewater collection system available when they choose to build their home.

The upfront costs to homeowners will encompass various expenses such as equipment, installation, tap-on fees, septic tank removal, sand removal, etc. The projected numbers below are estimated and believed to be more than adequate to cover infrastructure and construction:

· Service Availability Charge: $15,587

· Sewer Lateral Installation Fee: $1,414.25

· Charlotte County Impact Fee: $2,251

Total: $19,252.25

Additionally, there is the possibility of county support, grants, state legislation, etc. Once the Certificated Service Area (CSA) is received, EU will diligently explore all potential funding opportunities.

The estimated monthly costs are projected to be $155.65, which includes a $109.00 base facility charge and a usage fee of $22.59 per thousand gallons.

Potential risks associated with centralized sewer systems, such as malfunctions of pumps or line breaks, are mitigated by the significant advancements made in Low Pressure Systems (LPS) over the years. Furthermore, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) has established protocols and rules for nearly every conceivable situation, providing a framework for addressing and managing any issues that may arise.

It's essential to recognize that while centralized sewer systems carry some risks, they are considerably outweighed by the risks associated with traditional septic systems. Transitioning to centralized sewer systems not only improves environmental sustainability but also enhances overall system reliability and efficiency.

Item description Dr. LaPointe has calculated that each person contributes 9.38 lbs. of nitrogen per year. With an average of 2.5 persons per home, this results in a total of 34,425 lbs. of nitrogen per year for all three islands. This substantial nitrogen load has a negative impact on our estuary, contributing to environmental degradation and threatening the health of local ecosystems.

The straightforward answer is NO. Please refer to Charlotte County Code of Ordinances Sec. 3-9-52 - Bridgeless Barrier Island (BBI) for more information, and see the attached document (BBICharlotteCountyFLCodeofOrdinances.doc). 

During a power outage, the tank size will typically allow for reserve capacity under normal flow conditions. However, in the event of an extended power outage lasting more than 24 hours, such as during a hurricane, EU will adhere to the protocol established by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP).

In such circumstances, EU will be responsible for implementing contingency measures, which may include manual connecting electricity for pumping if necessary, to ensure continued functionality and prevent any potential environmental impacts. This proactive approach helps to maintain the reliability and effectiveness of the centralized sewer system, even during unforeseen events like power outages.

While addressing logistical challenges with the Palm Island Ferry may present temporary inconveniences, the long-term benefits of implementing a centralized sewer system outweigh these short-term hurdles. There are several options available to mitigate and work through these logistical issues including scheduling construction and transportation activities before or after the normal ferry operating hours or hiring alternative barging services.

KIU is a not-for-profit utility operated by a Board of Directors which has a DEP permitted sewer treatment plant. EU will be open to discuss connecting after the CSA has been obtained.

The owner of Environmental Utilities brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the field of water and wastewater systems. Beginning his career in the Navy aboard the Thomas Edison SSBN 610, where he was responsible for learning and understanding all systems on the submarine, he gained valuable technical knowledge and skills.

Subsequently, during two terms as a city councilman in Alvin, TX, he expanded his understanding of utilities to include aspects such as finance, budgeting, funding, and overall operations. This broader perspective provided him with insight into the complexities of utility management beyond just technical aspects.

Upon relocating to the island in 1987, he obtained an operator's state water license and began working for various utilities, including Bocilla Utilities, Knight Island Utilities, and Little Gasparilla Utilities. His roles encompassed daily operations, including overseeing wastewater package plants for Hideaway/Placida Harbor and Knight Island Utilities.

Several years later, he purchased Little Gasparilla Water Utilities, assuming the role of owner/operator. With nearly 50 years of total involvement in the industry, his extensive experience, spanning technical, operational, and managerial domains, positions him as a seasoned leader in the field of water and wastewater systems.