Martin County - Tuesday July 19, 2022: Martin County was recently awarded an appropriations earmark through the Fiscal Year 2022/23 budget in the amount of $2 million to eliminate 22 commercial septic systems and service county landfill operations.
By eliminating these commercial septic systems and drain fields, the project will enhance water quality in the St. Lucie River and Estuary by helping achieve the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) goals for nutrient criteria. The reduction of nutrients will also contribute toward the Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP) goals as well as complement the state's Northern Everglades and Estuaries Protection Program. Additionally, the county will be able to convert an increased amount of water to reuse-quality water for irrigation.
“The reduction and elimination of septic systems is one tangible way we can proactively improve the health of our environment,” said Don Donaldson, Martin County Administrator. “And the funding approved by Governor DeSantis and the legislature shows their commitment to enhancing water quality in the St. Lucie River and Estuary and complements the county’s existing Connect to Protect program to convert 10,000 septic systems in 10 years,” he continued.
“Working with Martin County and the Martin County Delegation, I was pleased to sponsor this important budget item," said State Senator Gayle Harrell. "It will have a significant impact on enhancing water quality in the St. Lucie River and Estuary." Senator Harrell represents Florida's 83rd Senatorial District, which includes Port St. Lucie and Stuart in northern Martin County and southern St. Lucie County.