District and Jacksonville Beach partnering to extend sewer mains, eliminate septic tanks

PALATKA, Fla., Oct. 17, 2017 — The St. Johns River Water Management District and the city of Jacksonville Beach are partnering to extend central sewer service to eight properties along the Intracoastal Waterway. By eliminating septic tanks, the project is anticipated to reduce total nitrogen discharges by 240 pounds per year and total phosphorus discharges by 32 pounds per year.

“Nutrient reduction project partnerships between local governments and the district are having a demonstrable effect on reducing total nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations in the Lower St. Johns River Basin,” said St. Johns River Water Management District Executive Director Dr. Ann Shortelle. “I’m excited to team up with the city of Jacksonville Beach on this project to help meet state water quality standards and increase the city’s reclaimed water supply.”

“We are pleased to be able to partner with the water management district to improve the quality of life for our residents by providing better water and fire protection, as well as improving water quality in the Intracoastal Waterway,” said Jacksonville Beach City Manager George Forbes said,

The $256,000 project, located at the extension of Hopson Road, calls for connecting eight properties to the city’s central sewer system and removing or abandoning six septic tanks.

The city has worked for years to eliminate onsite septic systems within its limits. Currently, there are 17 septic systems remaining in this area.

The district is providing $84,500 toward the project’s cost through its Districtwide Cost-Share Program for construction of water supply and water conservation, water quality improvement, flood protection and natural systems restoration projects.