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Charlotte County authorizes short-term wastewater fixes, vows fuller plan after costly bid
Summary
After public alarm about the Burnt Store Road plant running near effective capacity, utilities staff told commissioners a phased approach and a 1.0 MGD expansion in the ~$20 million range are planned. The board approved limited contracting to pursue the short-term CMAR solution 4–1, with Commissioner Constance opposed.
Commissioners approved a measure March 25 to proceed with limited construction-manager-at-risk (CMAR) steps and short-term options to keep the Burnt Store Road wastewater treatment plant in compliance while staff pursues a longer-term expansion plan.
The action followed public testimony from Philip Smallwood, who told the board the plant — permitted for 500,000 gallons per day — is effectively operating at about 250,000 gpd because part of the facility is being used as a digester. Smallwood said February flows were roughly 338,000–348,000 gpd and warned that, if development continues, the plant could be over capacity and trigger state enforcement or higher fees for residents.
Charlotte County Utilities Director Dave Watson and Operations Manager Jeremy Frost answered commissioners’ questions, saying the plant is currently meeting permit specifications but is “borderline maxed out.” Watson said the county is revisiting options after a previous expansion bid came in tens of millions over budget and that staff has a short-term plan that could include incremental package plants and a phased CMAR approach. Watson told the board staff expects to return in May with revised projections; he said a planned 1.0 MGD expansion is being studied with an estimated cost in the $20 million range.
Commissioners discussed who pays for expansions. Watson said available mechanisms today are connection fees paid as development occurs; there is currently no statute that allows the county to require a developer to directly carry the cost of plant expansions. Commissioners said staff will return with options for financing and impact fee reviews.
The board voted 4–1 to approve the F5 item to move forward with the limited CMAR work and short-term measures; Commissioner Constance cast the lone no vote. Chair and staff stressed that the May presentation will include more detailed cost, timeline and financing options.
What’s next: Utilities staff will prepare the May presentation with updated hookup counts, revised cost estimates and options for financing or phasing. The board asked for more detail about how incremental package plants, connection fees, and any developer contributions would affect ratepayers.
Provenance: Staff discussion and Q&A with Dave Watson and Jeremy Frost; public comment by Philip Smallwood; formal vote recorded in the March 25 meeting.
