US‑17 development modeling estimates 1.2 MGD; county maps force‑main options to limit plant impacts

Tom Friedrich, a senior consultant with Jones Edmonds, presented sewer modeling for a proposed US‑17 development that he said would be built in two phases — an initial phase of about 5,000 homes (~0.8 MGD) and a later phase of roughly 2,350 homes (~0.3–0.4 MGD) — for a total projected flow around 1.18–1.2 MGD.

Friedrich said the firm evaluated multiple routing options and advised against direct ties that would overburden local lift stations. "We didn't recommend that connection point at all," he said of one early option that would have imposed high pressures on existing lift stations; instead he recommended a force main crossing that ties into Eastport's 48‑inch interceptor or an east‑side tie under I‑75, both of which avoid pump‑station stress on Deep Creek area infrastructure.

Friedrich's timeline showed that, even if development began immediately, significant flow impacts to Eastport would not appear for several years; with a faster build‑out the county might need to authorize plant expansions sooner. Commissioners pressed for additional sensitivity runs: Commissioner Doherty asked the consultant to show how service area sizing and pipe diameter (16