The Village of Estero is actively advancing its septic-to-sewer conversion initiative to enhance public health and environmental quality. This project involves transitioning properties from septic systems to centralized sewer services, particularly in flood-prone areas.
Environmental and Public Health Benefits
Septic systems, especially in areas susceptible to flooding, pose risks of contaminating groundwater and nearby water bodies like the Estero River. By connecting properties to the Lee County Utilities sanitary sewer system, the Village aims to mitigate these risks, thereby improving water quality and reducing health hazards associated with septic system failures.
Community Impact
The conversion project is expected to provide long-term benefits to residents by enhancing the reliability of wastewater management and reducing the potential for environmental contamination. Additionally, this initiative supports the Village's broader goals of sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
Background
In the summer of 2019, the Estero Village Council approved a Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) research project to help identify the source of bacteria in the Estero River. The study tested for human waste, nitrogen compounds, and bacteria, and was recently completed and presented to the public.
The Village of Estero also contracted with Banks Engineering, a Southwest Florida firm, to study the feasibility of converting septic systems to sewer. This study was presented to the Village Council in the summer of 2020.
The Village Council has now engaged Wood & Curran to act as Program manager for the project, with the primary task being public engagement. The purpose of this webpage is to provide information on the project and opportunities to give the Village feedback.
Articles
Grant applications and construction management among topics addressed by Council on March 20, 2024
Action Items Infrastructure grant applications Council approved a contract with Hagerty Consulting, Inc., to assist the Village in preparing and submitting infrastructure grant applications. The contract amount is $203,782, with a contingency of $20,000. Lee [Read More.]
Rules of Procedure, 8801 Corkscrew Road and Legislative priorities addressed by Council on October 18, 2023
Public comment on non-agenda items: 1 resident spoke of the upcoming Light Up Estero event to be held at 4 – 7 p.m. on Saturday, December 2, and the Veterans Day event from 11 a.m. [Read More.]
Williams Road property among topics reviewed by Council on June 7, 2023
The meeting started with Mayor Jon McLain presenting Vice Mayor Joanne Ribble with the Florida League of Cities “Home Rule Hero Award.” Ribble was honored for working tirelessly throughout the 2023 legislative session to promote [Read More.]
Utility improvements and supplemental staffing among topics addressed by Council on May 3, 2023
Public comment on non-agenda items: A resident from Verdana Village spoke of safety concerns for children boarding the school bus on Corkscrew Road where there are no sidewalks. See See Street utility expansion The meeting [Read More.]
New councilmembers sworn in; Jon McLain named mayor and Joanne Ribble named vice-mayor on April 5, 2023
New councilmembers sworn in; Jon McLain named mayor and Joanne Ribble named vice-mayor on April 5, 2023 Councilmembers front row, left to right: Dist. 1 Vice-Mayor Joanne Ribble; Dist. 3 Mayor Jon McLain; Dist. 5 [Read More.]
Village Attorney, FEMA maps, and septic to sewer projects among topics presented before Council on November 16, 2022
Community Development Director Mary Gibbs “presents” Howard Levitan (on Zoom) with the Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association’s Outstanding Elected Official Award The meeting started with Community Development Director Mary Gibbs recognizing former Councilmember and Planning, [Read More.]