Where does sewage go in the Florida Keys?
Curious about where the sewage goes in the Florida Keys? Today we will focus on the lower keys central sewage system. This includes areas like: Big Pine Key, Little Torch, Summerland, Ramrod.
LOWER KEYS CENTRAL SEWAGE SYSTEM
CUDJOE REGIONAL WASTEWATER SERVICE AREA
The Cudjoe Regional Wastewater Service Area (CRWSA) covers 56 square miles, 23 square miles of which is occupied land surface stretching across 8 unique Keys, which boast some of the most pristine waters in the United States. Service extends along the Overseas Highway from mile marker (MM) 17 on Lower Sugarloaf Key to MM 33 in Big Pine Key. The service area includes 18,055 total parcels of which less than half can be developed. Currently, there are 8,200 developed parcels in the regional service area and 40 developed parcels in “Cold Spot” areas. FKAA owns and services 6,894 water meters, serving approximately 8,200 units (units are individual service destinations), in the CRWSA, or about 8,700 equivalent dwelling units (EDUs). The Advanced Water Reclamation Facility (AWRF) is located on Cudjoe Key on 3 acres of dedicated property owned by Monroe County. It is permitted to treat, on average, 0.94 million gallons of wastewater daily allowing for the removal of an estimated 700 tons of primary pollutants and 115 tons of nutrients from the outstanding Florida Waters annually.
SYSTEM DESIGN:
The primary conveyance system to move wastewater from the outlying Keys to the AWRF is 17 miles long, crosses 10 bridges including a directional drill under Niles Channel, requiring 6 primary pumping stations located on Lower Sugarloaf Key, Upper Sugarloaf Key, Summerland Key, Ramrod Key and 2 on Big Pine Key. The wastewater collection system serving the Regional Service Area is composed of 130 miles of pipeline exclusive of the Transmission System. The wastewater collection system is divided into 2 areas, the Inner Islands: Cudjoe, Upper Sugarloaf and Summerland and the Outer Islands: Lower Sugarloaf, Ramrod, Little Torch and Big Pine.
SERVICE CONNECTION TYPES:
CRWSA is using multiple technologies to efficiently contend with the diverse conditions of the service area. The type of sewer and service connection for each area is determined by a number of factors including density of homes, distance from main sewer lines and environmental sensitivity. Based on these factors the sewer type will require either a gravity connection or a low pressure sewer connection.
To determine the type of sewer connection for an individual property access,
https://www.fkaa.com/260/Cudjoe-Regional-Wastewater
Click on Overview to access the overall Service Type Map and Project Areas for specific Keys.
GRAVITY CONNECTION:
Requires the homeowner to extend a 4-inch PVC pipe from the wastewater connection point provided by the FKAA at the property line. 2 LOW PRESSURE PUMP STATION CONNECTION: Requires the homeowner to extend a 4-inch PVC pipe from the house to the grinder pump installed by FKAA in the owner selected location. In addition, the homeowner is responsible for making the electrical connection from the house electric box to the nearby pump control panel disconnect. The grinder pump, control panel, disconnect and discharge pipes connecting to the main sewer lines in the street will be installed by the FKAA. An Easement Agreement from the homeowner is required so that FKAA can install the apparatus in the owner-selected location.
ON-SITE WASTEWATER NUTRIENT REMOVAL SYSTEMS (OWNRS)
Following an extensive exercise conducted to maximize the environmental benefits of the CRWSA project, FKAA has expanded the original service area to include additional parcels. These parcels are being served by on-site treatment centers which will significantly reduce environmental pollutants. These 40 “Cold Spot” parcels will be served on an optional basis. The decision of which is up to the respective landowner
VACANT LAND:
FKAA has not stubbed in connection points to undeveloped property. For information on a particular property, call Stephanie Bruno at FKAA, 305.745.3991.
ASSESSMENT:
The County Commission set the original wastewater assessment at $4,500 per residence, effective August 2012. Payment could be made in full or levied on the tax bill over a 20-year period. Non-residential properties will be assessed based on water consumption.
To access click on Overview, FKAA Monthly Rates, Fees & Charges.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Connection, Easement & General Project Information contact Stephanie Bruno at 305.745.3991, email [email protected].
Wastewater payoff amount – 305.292.4426.
Monthly Billing and FKAA Customer Service contact Customer Service 305.296.2454.
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