Sewall’s Point sewer plans at risk | Martin County

SEWALL’S POINT — Years of urging from Martin County and state officials to reduce Sewall’s Point’s reliance on septic tanks along the environmentally sensitive Indian River may hit a roadblock due to a Martin County Utilities (MCU) restriction.

The town received an $8.4 million Department of Environmental Protection grant for the project a few years ago. Town Engineer Joe Capra has been negotiating with MCU on system types, with officials agreeing to install 340 of the least expensive individual grinder systems for the first two phases. Capra updated the Town Commission on Oct. 14, noting that lines for the first 169 Phase 1 connections were finished in January, and work has begun on the remaining 171 Phase 2 connections, scheduled for completion next February.

The remaining connections could be at risk because MCU now requires either vacuum or gravity systems, which are significantly more expensive.

“Essentially, we have 366 residential properties to consider,” Capra said. “We could finish the grinder system with the current grant money. MCU insists on vacuum or gravity systems, which are costlier and could force mandatory hookups or special assessments.”

The town has been using customer connection package (CCP) fees, averaging about $9,000, to meet the grant’s 50 percent match. Capra said $2.5 million has been spent, leaving $5.9 million, insufficient for the more expensive systems without raising CCP fees above MCU’s recommendations.

He estimates connecting the remaining 366 lots to gravity sewer systems — which require lift stations — would cost $15.85 million, with a 50 percent match of $21,665 per lot. An American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding deadline adds urgency.

“ARPA funds must be spent by June 30, 2026,” Capra said. “Construction costs with gravity systems push the match beyond $8,000–$12,000 per connection. We wish MCU would allow all 706 connections to be grinders, but that seems unlikely.”

Capra presented three options: lobby Martin County to override MCU’s limit on grinder systems; focus on a portion of the remaining connections, such as 76 lots in the Rio Vista Subdivision, which would cost just over $2 million; or return the grant funds. He said the third option was least desirable.

“We can’t commit the town without funding the match,” he said. “Other grants ask for mandatory hookups. We have to make a decision now.”

Residents attending the meeting voiced frustration and concern about how the project was being prioritized. Riverview Drive residents argued that their flood-prone neighborhood, part of the third unscheduled phase, should be prioritized for sewer conversion, noting that failing septic tanks exacerbate flooding and environmental risks.

Palmetto Drive resident Bonnie Flint questioned the timing of the Board’s discussion, noting that survey results on septic-to-sewer conversions were still pending.

“That’s not expected until next week,” she said. “We’ve waited knowing we couldn’t afford equitable coverage. Some residents got deals; you can’t suddenly assess the final 30 percent. This deserves careful thought.”

Others echoed concerns about fairness and equity, worried that the town’s current plan might leave some neighborhoods paying higher costs or being forced into expensive gravity or vacuum systems while others benefit from the less costly grinder option. Many residents emphasized that years of planning and waiting had created expectations that the grant could cover the needed conversions without mandatory assessments.

Mayor Dave Kurzman said he would not support mandatory connections or assessments unless 100 percent of a neighborhood agreed. Commissioner Kajia Mayfield expressed long-standing support for septic-to-sewer conversions, noting the progress made so far.

“We’ve made a lot of progress,” she said. “340 people can now connect when they want or if their septic fails. I like Option 1: a full-court press with the county could solve most problems with one vote. It really comes down to policy.”

Town Manager Robert Daniel suggested a compromise for future funding: mandatory connections only upon property transfer, which would ensure current residents were not forced into new systems.

“If we seek future funding for a system the county approves, maybe make connections mandatory only when you sell your home,” Daniel said. “That way, current residents keep their commitment against mandatory hookups.”

Daniel told Hometown News on Oct. 21 that MCU limited grinder systems to 340 due to increased maintenance costs.

The discussion highlighted the difficult balance between financial constraints, environmental concerns, and residents’ expectations. While the grant provided a significant opportunity to modernize Sewall’s Point’s aging septic infrastructure, the town faces tough decisions on how to stretch limited funds, navigate county regulations, and maintain fairness across all neighborhoods.

Residents left the meeting with a clear sense that their input was valued but that final decisions would depend on negotiations with MCU and possible future grants — a process that could take years and leave some homeowners in limbo until additional funding or policy changes are approved.