×
×
homepage logo
STORE

It’s official: FGUA says sewer hookups are mandatory

By Staff | May 24, 2009

The FGUA Board by unanimous vote on May 21 approved mandatory sewer and water hookups as required by Florida statute to the affected areas of Lehigh Acres.

Many of those who addressed the Board noted the very difficult economic situation for residents. Already 40 of the 166 properties that must hookup to the system are in foreclosure.

Ralph Hemingway noted that elsewhere the destruction of the septic tanks was done with sand and cement not by removal or crushing resulting in a lower cost to the homeowner. Staff stated that crushing was required by the health department. However in Marathon Florida in the Keys the discontinued tanks are filled with sand.

The Health Department of Lee County issued a letter that although the law allowed for a blanket waiver the conditions were not met. Individual property owners can file for a hardship exemption.

If the resident elects the 20- year payment plan the total cost with interest of 6.45 percent will be almost $20,000. For the 55 dwelling units that do not already have the lateral connection from the street line to the property $10,000 to $15,000 of additional costs will be required.

The staff was directed to pursue any grant options.

Jim Lavender, a member of the board from Lee County, said it could not be delayed because Lee County commissioners want all people in the county to hook up. The chairperson said that residents should talk to their county commissioners.

The board also discussed a septic system inspection program.

The Lehigh Acres Community Planning Corporation (LACPC), a non-governmental corporation, with Lee County issued a report that “essentially concludes that FGUA water and wastewater infrastructure needs to be substantially expanded to serve the needs of the community and to limit the environmental impacts of continued proliferation of private wells and septic systems.”

At its next meeting on June 18 at the East Lee County Regional Library on Gunnery Road the board will discuss cost and financing options.