Septic Tank Replacement Program for Isles of Capri - Unintended Consequences?

On September 1, 2023, the City of Marco Island submitted its 2024 legislative priorities to the Collier County Legislative Delegation which included a grant request for the design phase of the residential sanitary wastewater collection system for the Isles of Capri for an estimated $900,000. Presently, the majority of the homes on the Isles of Capri are on individual septic systems.

It would be environmentally beneficial for the 10,000 Islands estuary if the Isles of Capri and Goodland septic systems were hooked up to the Marco Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). This would eliminate about 80% of the nitrogen that these septic systems now introduce into the estuary.

However, 100% of the phosphorus that these septic systems produce would be transferred through the WWTP and go directly into the Marco canals via the sewage reuse water (purple pipes).  The Marco WWTP does not remove phosphorus, a known contaminant for our waterways.

Phosphorus pollution in our canals contributes to cloudy water, algal slicks, and benthic mat releases. Marco canals are undergoing the initial stages of eutrophication. 

I strongly urge the City Council to consider upgrading Marco’s Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) to an Advance Wastewater Treatment to put Marco on the same phosphorus removal level as those at Everglades City and City of Naples.