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
Budget hearings, Estero on the River FDEP funding, and Imperial Parkway monument sign were among topics covered by Council on September 8, 2022
First reading and public budget hearings Resolution No. 2022-23 Council approved this resolution adopting the tentative millage rate and tentative levying of ad valorem taxes for fiscal year 2022-2023 of 0.7700 mills ($0.7700 per $1,000 [Read More.]
Estero on the River loan to be paid off following vote by Council on May 18, 2022
Retiring this debt early will save the Village $4 million in interest Mayor Katy Errington presented the National Safe Boating Week proclamation to Flotilla Commander Terry Schwinghammer, Flotilla 96 of the U.S. Coast Guard [Read More.]
Bike/ped improvements, utilities extension and virtual information center addressed by Council on February 2, 2022
Public Comment on non-agenda items: The Estero Council of Community Leaders (ECCL) COO asked that Councilmembers consider being a judge for the high school and middle school essay contest. The winning students receive a scholarship [Read More.]
Utilities expansion program management and cloud server transition among items to be addressed on June 16, 2021
Council will start their meeting at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday addressing a utilities expansion program management contract. The Village has prioritized protecting the Estero River and is considering a program to expand utilities within the community, [Read More.]
North Commons-Walden Center Drive interlocal agreement and Corkscrew Road improvements project among items to be reviewed by Council on May 5, 2021
Council will start their meeting at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, addressing the award of a contract with Scott Shannon of Woodard & Curran to serve as program manager of the Village’s septic to sewer program. They [Read More.]
Role of the tax collector, irrigation conservation and water shortage ordinances were among topics addressed by Council on April 21, 2021
The meeting started with a presentation by R. Noelle Branning, Esq., on the role of the tax collector. She described the services and responsibilities of the taxing authorities, property appraiser and tax collector and the [Read More.]