Collier County Advances Northeast Wastewater and Water Treatment Facilities Project

Project Overview and Approval

After more than 20 years of planning, Collier County is progressing with the development of its Northeast wastewater and water treatment facilities to accommodate a growing population and anticipated demand from five new villages and towns. On June 24, the Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved an increase of $11.68 million to the design contract with Carollo Engineers Inc., a California-based environmental engineering firm. The contract now totals $32.33 million for the design of:

1. 4 million to 6 million gallon-per-day Northeast County Water Reclamation Facility
2. 10 million gallon-per-day Northeast Water Treatment Facility
3. Supporting infrastructure for both facilities

The construction contract is expected to be awarded in 2028, with the full project estimated to cost $438 million.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation: The project ensures sustainable water management by expanding water treatment capacity and improving wastewater reclamation.
• SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: Incorporation of advanced and modular technologies supports resilient infrastructure development.
• SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities: The facilities will serve new villages and towns, promoting sustainable urban development.
• SDG 13 – Climate Action: Utilization of efficient water treatment technologies contributes to environmental protection and resource conservation.

Project Drivers and Community Impact

Public Utilities Department Head Jim DeLony emphasized the critical timing of advancing the project to final design to meet service demands by 2031, driven by agreements with five major developments in northeast Collier County: SkySail, Rivergrass Village, Town of Big Cypress and its villages, Bellmar, and Brightshore. These developments have existing county utilities contracts. The facilities will be located east of the county fairgrounds, north of Palmetto Ridge High School and The Ranch at Orange Blossom development.

Project History and Continuity

• Carollo Engineers was initially awarded the design and consultant contract in December 2004.
• The project was paused in 2010 due to the recession and reactivated in 2017 with interim facility designs.
• The same high-level project team, including Carollo’s CEO, remains involved, ensuring continuity and expertise.

Technological Advancements and Regulatory Compliance

Since the original plans, new technologies and updated regulatory requirements have emerged. The updated design incorporates:

• Modular and flexible technology enabling phased construction increments
• Advanced water treatment methods including nanofiltration and reverse osmosis
• Compliance with current and emerging wastewater treatment and disposal regulations

Project Supervisor Benjamin Bullert highlighted that the modular design approach allows future expansion aligned with demand growth, ensuring adaptability and sustainability.

Financial Aspects and Funding

• Approximately $10 million has been spent on engineering design to date.
• The total project cost is $438 million, subject to potential increases due to economic and market factors.
• Funding is sourced from water and wastewater impact fees paid by developers.
• In March 2024, $29 million was approved for related infrastructure projects, including deep-injection wells and monitoring wells, with a three-year completion timeline.

Comparative Cost Analysis

A December 2024 report by Engineers and Architects of America indicates design costs typically represent 5% to 15% of total project budgets, varying by complexity. For example, Sarasota County’s 6 MGD expansion of the Bee Ridge Water Reclamation Facility included a 10.3% engineering fee ($23.2 million) against a $225.1 million construction contract, underscoring the complexity and scale of such projects.

Stakeholder Perspectives and Strategic Importance

• Commissioner Chris Hall acknowledged initial concerns about costs but affirmed the pricing reflects fair market value and the importance of continuity with Carollo Engineers.
• Commissioner Bill McDaniel Jr. emphasized the critical need for life-sustaining infrastructure to support current and future populations, noting that proactive development is essential for community growth.

Conclusion

Collier County’s advancement of the Northeast wastewater and water treatment facilities project represents a significant commitment to sustainable infrastructure development aligned with multiple Sustainable Development Goals. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and ensuring regulatory compliance, the county is positioned to meet future water and wastewater demands, support new community developments, and promote environmental stewardship.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • The article focuses on the development of wastewater and water treatment facilities to meet the demands of a growing population, directly relating to ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • The construction and upgrading of water treatment infrastructure using advanced technology and modular design aligns with building resilient infrastructure and fostering innovation.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The project supports the development of new villages and towns, ensuring sustainable urban development and access to essential services.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Although not explicitly mentioned, the use of advanced water treatment technology and modular infrastructure can contribute to climate resilience and adaptation.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Target 6.1: Achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
   • Target 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution, minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally.
   • Target 6.b: Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being.
   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors, including water treatment technologies.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.1: Ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services.
   • Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 6 Indicators
   • Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services (Indicator 6.1.1) – implied by the goal to meet service demands by 2031.
   • Proportion of wastewater safely treated (Indicator 6.3.1) – implied by the focus on advanced wastewater treatment technologies and regulatory compliance.
   • Water quality parameters related to pollution levels – implied through the use of nanofiltration, reverse osmosis, and advanced treatment methods.
2. SDG 9 Indicators
   • Proportion of the rural population who live within 2 km of an all-season road (Indicator 9.1.1) – indirectly relevant as infrastructure development improves access.
   • Research and development expenditure as a proportion of GDP (Indicator 9.5.1) – implied by the adoption of new technology and innovation in water treatment.
3. SDG 11 Indicators
   • Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements or inadequate housing (Indicator 11.1.1) – indirectly relevant as infrastructure supports sustainable urban development.
   • Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (Indicator 11.6.2) – indirectly relevant through improved waste management.
4. SDG 13 Indicators
   • Number of deaths, missing persons and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population (Indicator 13.1.1) – indirectly relevant through infrastructure resilience.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: gulfshorebusiness.com