In 2017 about 1.25 million gallons of wastewater were released into the Indian River Lagoon because of a power outage at Fort Pierce Utilities Authority’s Water Reclamation facility on South Hutchinson Island. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection did not issue a fine for the violations of the local utility’s operating permit but, instead, accepted a plan to prevent future spills. By 2020, widespread harmful algae blooms killed an estimated 89% of the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) estuary’s seagrass. Relocating the wastewater treatment plant was already in process. That move was driven by community concerns about environmental protection, storm resilience, and long-term sustainability, areas that FPUA says “ultimately guided one of the most significant infrastructure investments in Fort Pierce’s history.” How the Local Utility is Working to Improve the Health of an Estuary The FPUA Island Water Reclamation Facility is a 10 million gallon a day facility that treats the area’s wastewater, which flows into the facility come from residential (homes), commercial (restaurants and other businesses), and industry (manufacturing, juicing, car washes, etc.). All the flow is brought to the facility via 116 lift stations, which pump the wastewater using a series of gravity and force main sewers. The discharges push the treated effluent into an injection well 3000+ feet deep into the ground. The new Mainland Water Reclamation Facility infrastructure will ensure more efficient wastewater treatment, incorporating a range of components such as effluent filters, chlorine contact basins, and sludge handling facilities. The installation of advanced water treatment technology means the project offers significant site development for facility resiliency in tropical events. As the local utility, FPUA has developed a three-pronged plan that strives to enhance the quality of life in the community, including the IRL and surrounding environment. Element 1 of FPUA’s three-part plan to enhance the sustainability of the sewer system is the relocation of the island front sewer treatment plant. The new facility is located in an industrial area, far from residences and waterways, reducing risk to the IRL caused by heavy rains, hurricanes, storm surges, and sea level rise. Element 2 focuses on FPUA’s wastewater infrastructure, specifically the sewer pipes, which in some areas are more than 70 years old. This phase focuses on installing Cured-in-Place (CIPP) sewer lining. This is a targeted technology that inserts uncured PVC lining into sewer pipes; it is then heated to form an inner lining of the pipe. Lining the sewer lines, instead of replacing the pipes, is cost-effective and also eliminates long-term road closures and traffic disruptions. Element 3 includes expanding water and wastewater infrastructure, allowing the local utility to provide water and wastewater services to new neighborhoods in Fort Pierce. The drive to transition from septic to sewer stems from concerns regarding health and safety. Septic tanks pose many risks, including backflow and water intrusion. Septic systems can contaminate groundwater, which flows directly to the local waterways. Images courtesy of Fort Pierce Utility Authority Recent work focuses on startup and optimization activities such as the facility’s final treatment processes, including filtration, disinfection, and biosolids handling. June rainfall has also helped the site’s landscaping take root, and vegetation continues to fill in across the property. Contractors have begun welding sections of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe that will be used as part of the Lift Station A discharge. The pipe will help support a reliable wastewater system while reducing long-term maintenance needs, improving system reliability, and supporting future operations at the mainland facility. Work is also moving forward on the larger infrastructure that will help redirect wastewater flows to the new facility. The Local Utility is Helping to Replant the Local Estuary The local utility has several projects that are helping strengthen their wastewater system while supporting the health of the IRL. FPUA’s Seagrass Restoration Project is part of the larger project, and 6,700 planting units installed about a half mile south of the Fort Pierce City Marina boat ramp and Manatee Center. Seagrass restoration is one of many environmental initiatives associated with FPUA’s sewer relocation project to Energy Lane. These improvements are connected to FPUA grants from the Florida DEP and will result in 4.9 acres of healthy seagrass planted in the local waters. So far 1,064 shoal grass (Halodule wrightii) plants have already been installed. Shoal grass is one of the most common seagrass species found in the IRL; it is considered a pioneer species because it spreads quickly and helps stabilize sediments. It is an important first step in restoring underwater habitats and supporting the long-term recovery of the lagoon ecosystem. These native seagrasses provide valuable habitat for marine life, help stabilize sediments, and contribute to improved water quality throughout the lagoon. Every new planting helps advance the long-term health and recovery of this important ecosystem. While pollution, habitat loss, and harmful algal blooms — and the sources of these habitat destroyers — still need to be addressed, the FPUA wastewater relocation is an important step toward ecosystem sustainability goals. References “Fort Pierce Utilities Authority celebrates ribbon cutting of mainland water reclamation and reuse facility.” FPUA. January 15, 2025. “Sea & Shoreline began planting seagrass as part of the FPUA Restoration Program.” FPUA. June 17, 2026. “Sustainable sewer.” FPUA. “Wastewater reimagined: Integrating technology and innovation into the Fort Pierce Island Water Reclamation Facility.” Haskell.
+12 others
