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Alachua County approves resolution to allow Archer–Newberry sewer interconnection, citing water‑quality benefits
Summary
The Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution allowing an 8‑inch, roughly 44,500‑foot force main to cross unincorporated Alachua County to connect Archer to Newberry’s new wastewater plant; staff said the project converts septic systems to sewer and supports Santa Fe River BMAP water‑quality goals.
The Alachua County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously June 9 to approve a resolution permitting the extension of sanitary sewer lines outside the urban cluster for the Archer–Newberry wastewater interconnection project. Growth Management staff described the project as a county‑permitted force main to move wastewater from Archer north into Newberry’s system.
Ben Cholley, growth management staff, said the proposed force main would be eight inches in diameter and run about 44,500 linear feet (roughly eight miles) through a mix of municipal and unincorporated lands. "This project would convert numerous septic systems within the city of Archer to sewer, which would have a public‑health benefit by reducing nutrient loading into the environment," Cholley told the board. He said Archer reserved 175,000 gallons per day of capacity at Newberry’s plant—equivalent, staff estimated, to about 700 homes.
The presentation noted that much of the route passes through areas designated rural agriculture in the county comprehensive plan, and staff recommended approving the project under policy 3.1.0.5 (items A and B) because it both reduces nutrient loading in a Santa Fe River Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP) area and improves centralized sanitary‑sewer delivery within an existing urban service area.
Commissioner Alfred moved to accept staff’s recommendation, citing septic failures and the public‑health benefits of centralized sewer in limestone areas where septic systems often perform poorly. The motion passed without opposition.
Next steps outlined by staff include continued coordination with the cities of Archer and Newberry on interlocal agreement details and implementation sequencing; Newberry’s wastewater plant was not expected to be online until 2029, so staff said individual connections, grant applications, and implementation milestones will be phased over several years.
The resolution vote was recorded by board voice vote; staff characterized the approval as unanimous. The project will return to staff and the board with any follow‑up approvals and permitting requirements before construction begins.
