Below you will find materials regarding the proposal from Environmental Utilities LLC to install central sewer on the Island. PIE encourages all stakeholders to be pro-active and keep informed about this important issue.
THE PIE ACTION FUND was established in 2003 to help PIE prevent a private utility from installing central sewer on the Island.  We are now engaged in the same fight.

​PLEASE GIVE GENEROUSLY to assist PIE with attorney fees, expert witnesses and other related legal expenses.

​ Please note that PIE is a 501(C)4 organization and contributions are not tax deductible.
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Updated 12.15.21
CENTRAL SEWER: Things to Know and FAQs

DOCKET No. 20200226-SU Environmental Utilities, LLC


How did we get here?
                In 2017, Charlotte County (CC) commissioned a study to comply with state priorities in converting septic systems to central sewer. The resulting "Sewer Master Plan" identified areas of need in the County based on 3 criteria: 1. proximity to water 2. age of septic systems and 3. nitrate content in the water. Our area was evaluated on general summary data without any water quality testing in proximity to the Islands, and consequently was given a high priority score for conversion.
                Rather than taking on the expense and responsibility of sewering the Islands, CC granted a Bulk Wastewater Treatment Agreement to Environmental Utilities, LLC (EU) which would allow them to own and operate a collection system to be hooked up to Charlotte County Utilities. In October of 2020 EU applied to the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) for a certificate to install central sewer in a service area inclusive of Cape Haze, Knight Island, Don Pedro Island and Little Gasparilla Island. Cape Haze was subsequently removed from the service area.


What type of central sewer system will be installed?
                As with most of the application data, the answer at this time is to be determined.  However, EU provided direct testimony from an engineer comparing vacuum systems with low-pressure systems. The engineer concluded the low-pressure system is preferred, and it is the system that the owner has been presenting to the stakeholders.  (READ MORE in our news article "A Basic Primer on Sewer Systems")


What will the connection fees be?
                In December of 2020, EU owner Jack Boyer declined to give a commitment to a firm estimate. However, he did float a number of $20,000. for hook-up fees to individual Board members from both PIE and LGPOA (Little Gasparilla).  At a PSC Commission Conference in January, EU was told bluntly by the Commission Chair not to return with a $20k connection fee as "fair and equitable" rates and charges. (You can watch the video of the Commission Conference HERE) Subsequently, when EU submitted their rates and tariffs portion of the application, the "Requested Service Availability Charge Per ERC" was reduced to $11,927.85.
               Regardless, at this time the final connection fees and monthly rates have still not yet been determined. Costs can run as high as $25k or more with additional burdens to the homeowners. EU owner Jack Boyer has repeatedly said in testimony that he does not know what the project costs and homeowner connection fee will actually be until the construction is completed. 


Are there are additional costs associated with low-pressure systems that will not be included in EU’s proposed hook-up fee?
                Yes, we anticipate additional expenses to the property owner that are attached to installing a low-pressure system.
  • Electric: the system pump requires a separate electric panel, installed by a licensed electrician at the expense of the property owner.
  • More electric: If the owner has maxed out their main electric grid with pool equipment or other large-draw items, the panel will need an expensive upgrade to accommodate the new panel.
  • Generator: the grinder pump tank has a limited capacity (approx. 60 gal) and in the event of a power outage will be unable to function. Homeowners will need a generator to keep the system running to avoid sewage back-up.
  • Tree removal: Landscaping and hardscaping around the septic area will need to be cleared at the expense of the homeowner to gain access to crush & fill the septic tank.
  • New easement giveaway: Most utility easements are placed in the road right-of-way. EU is mandating a new utility easement that will encumber your property. It will go from the sewer equipment, located near the house to the connection in the road and will be required without compensation to the homeowner.
          (READ MORE about maintenance of Low-Pressure Systems HERE)


If EU gets approved, will Charlotte County oversee this project?
                No. Because EU, LLC is a private utility and not a subcontractor, Charlotte County will not oversee the project in its entirety. It will not make sure things are being done correctly by EU and it will not step in if EU becomes insolvent, can’t manage the project or folds its business. We would be left holding that bag.
 

Will there be any oversight for this project if EU is granted its permit?
                No. There is no single entity that has oversight over the entire project for installation and maintenance. Once the certificate is granted, we would be essentially helpless to change the direction of the project. Each agency involved only participates in their portion of the project, i.e. the PSC, DEP, Army Corp, Florida Health Department, Charlotte County Building Dept., etc. There are many moving parts and no single point of responsibility.
 

Will there be grants available to offset the costs?
                It is unlikely that EU as a private utility would qualify for grants the way Charlotte County would as a governmental agency on the mainland.
 

Will there be a pay-over-time plan available?
                There has been no pay-over-time option offered by EU, LLC to date. In fact, EU has indicated that the stakeholders would have to pay the balance outright or get personal loans.
 

Will Islanders be able to get low-cost loans to hook up to sewer?
                Right now, there are no plans and no guarantees that this type of funding would be available. Each homeowner is looking at up to tens of thousands of dollars for each hookup.
 

How do we stop this from happening?
                At the January 2020 Annual Membership Meeting, the PIE membership voted to hire an attorney and stop the private utility from getting its certification. The PIE Board took action subsequent to the meeting to request an Administrative Hearing to challenge the application.


Is this the only opportunity to stop EU?
                Essentially, yes. It is now or never on this application. Once the certificate is granted, it will be practically impossible to stop. Now is the time to make sure they do not get this certificate. The only way to do that is to keep pushing and fight them at the Administrative Hearing.


What is the Administrative Hearing?
                The hearing is structured like a trial to guarantee adherence to the Florida statutes related to utilities. It is conducted before 3 commissioners from the PSC. This is where we present our case with experts who will testify about:
  • EU’s lack of financial fortitude and ability to stay in business throughout the sewer process (they don’t have the financial backing or loan guarantees to see them through the project)
  • EU’s lack of experience in installing and operating a sewer system
  • EU’s complete lack of facts to support the need for a sewer system
                Our experts are professionals with vast experience in environmental impact of sewer and septic on the barrier islands; financial and forensic accounting; land use planning and sewer systems. We are ready for EU, but we need your continued financial support to present our case before the PSC.
 

When & where is the Hearing?
                February 8th & 9th 2022 in Charlotte County (location TBA).
​More information is available at the PSC website Docket # D20200226:
https://www.floridapsc.com/ClerkOffice/DocketFiling?docket=20200226
Palm Island Estates Association, Inc. 

Photo used under Creative Commons from Simone Ramella