Outfall Pipe Removal
The Naples Beach Stormwater Outfall Project is removing all eight (8) city stormwater outfall pipes from the Naples beaches that currently discharge stormwater into the Gulf of Mexico as directed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). These improvements are designed to increase the level of service from a 5-year storm event to a 25-year storm event. The project area consists of the Gulf Shore Boulevard (GSB) right-of-way (ROW) between Oleander Drive and just south of 2nd Avenue South along Gulf Shore Boulevard.
The Naples Beach Stormwater Outfall Project cost is $86 million. The State of Florida is providing $40 million for this project through Legislative Appropriations.
PUBLIC MEETING
The City held a public meeting on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church.
The public meeting was an open house format.
8th Ave. N. Pump Station
Crews are actively working on the 8th Avenue North pump station. Access to the beach from 8th Avenue North will be closed until summer 2026.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Lee County is completing the final design and preparation work for the septic-to-sewer project in the Ortiz Park and Orange River Estates neighborhoods. The project will serve homes on Ortiz Circle, Sunkist Way, Little River Lane, Oak Tree Court, Orange Tree Court and Mineola Court. The project will install new sewer lines to connect to Lee County’s existing system and a new pump station at each location. The project will be turnkey, including connection to sewer and proper abandonment of septic systems following State requirements.
Construction is currently expected to begin in Spring 2027. During construction, Lee County will install new sewer pipes and a new wastewater pump station in each neighborhood. Once the new system is complete, each home will be connected to the County’s public sewer system.
As part of the project, Lee County will coordinate the connection of each home to the new sewer system and properly abandon existing septic tanks in accordance with State requirements. This process includes pumping out the septic tank, crushing or filling the tank and disconnecting it from the home. Homeowners will not need to arrange this work themselves.
Connecting homes to the public sewer system will help improve local water quality by reducing the amount of nutrients that can enter nearby waterways from aging septic systems. After each home is connected to the new sewer system, residents will begin receiving a monthly sewer utility bill from Lee County.
Construction is expected to take approximately 18 to 24 months to complete.
HOW DID WE GET HERE?
In March 2023, the Lee Board of County Commissioners approved a Countywide Wastewater Management Plan in response to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP) and the Clean Waterways Act requirements. The plan targets areas where septic-to-sewer conversion will improve water quality by reducing nutrient overload. Aged and traditional septic systems can leak nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus into water bodies when they fail or are not properly pumped out and maintained. This pollution can harm rivers and other waterways.
In the Countywide Wastewater Management Plan, both areas were identified as Grouping #1 for water quality improvement and availability of wastewater treatment capacity at the Water Reclamation Facility.
Countywide Wastewater Management Plan can be found on the LCU website: Click Here
FUNDING
The County secured $1.5 million in state funding to cover design, permitting and land needs, officially adopted in March 2024, for the completion of this high-priority project.
The County has obtained funding to cover construction and eliminate initial costs for residents. The project will be a turnkey project, which means the contractor will be responsible for delivering a fully functioning facility ready for immediate use, including connection to sewer and proper abandonment of septic systems following state requirements. This will include pumping out the septic tank, crushing or filling the septic tank, and disconnecting the old line. Residents will then be connected to the new sewer lines and at that point will be responsible for a monthly utility bill.
Funding for septic tank decommissioning may not be available if construction costs are greater than budgeted. If this occurs, the County will continue to explore additional funding sources to cover these costs as much as possible.
PUBLIC MEETING
The City held a public meeting on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church.
The public meeting was an open house format.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING CONSTRUCTION
Before construction begins, crews will survey the project area, document existing conditions, collect information needed for construction and install erosion-control measures, such as silt fencing. Please use caution when traveling through the work zone and follow all posted signs and directions from construction personnel.
Construction is generally expected to take place Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. In some cases, evening or weekend work may be necessary to keep the project on schedule.
Construction will occur in phases, and crews may be working on multiple streets at the same time. The schedule may change due to weather, underground conditions or environmental requirements. To install the new sewer system, crews will excavate trenches in the roadway and along the edge of the road to place new sewer pipes.
During construction, residents can expect temporary inconveniences, including construction equipment and materials within the public right-of-way, temporary lane or road closures and brief delays when entering or leaving their property. If work is taking place in front of your driveway, access may be temporarily restricted while new concrete is installed and allowed to cure. The contractor will work with affected residents to minimize disruptions and provide advance notice whenever possible.
After construction is complete, all disturbed areas will be restored. This includes repairing roads, driveway aprons, sidewalks sod, and other affected features so they are returned to their original condition or better. If any incidental property damage occurs during construction, it will be repaired as part of the project.
PLANNING FOR CONSTRUCTION
Construction can be inconvenient, but the project team will work closely with residents to minimize disruptions and keep everyone informed throughout the project.
Right-of-way (ROW): Before construction begins, survey crews will mark the public right-of-way with wooden stakes labeled “R/W.” Please do not remove these stakes. They identify the area where construction will take place.
If you have personal items such as landscaping, irrigation, decorative features, lighting or certain types of mailboxes located within the right-of-way, they may need to be temporarily moved to allow for construction. Mailboxes that must be relocated will be reinstalled after construction is complete. If permanent removal of personal property is necessary, the contractor will contact the affected property owner before work begins.
Residents will receive advance notice before construction starts in their area, including information about any items that may need to be removed or relocated. If you have questions about the right-of-way or your property, please contact the county’s public information consultant at at 239-478-9152 or email at
Info@LeeCountySepticSewer.com.
Traffic, Driveways, and Property Access: Construction may require temporary lane closures and occasional detours. Traffic control signs and flaggers will help guide motorists safely through the work zone.
Your driveway may be temporarily inaccessible while sewer lines are installed or while new concrete is curing. If this occurs, the project team will notify you in advance and work to restore access as quickly as possible. At times, you may need to approach your home from a different direction or briefly wait while construction equipment passes. In some cases, residents may be asked to park their vehicles outside their driveway for a short period.
Mail, Garbage and Emergency Services: The project team will coordinate with local agencies to maintain essential services throughout construction. Mail delivery, garbage and recycling collection, school bus service and emergency responders will continue to have access to the neighborhood. Police, fire rescue and emergency medical services will be notified of any temporary road closures.
If someone in your household requires special transportation or has accessibility needs, please contact the county’s public information consultant at 239-478-9152 or email Info@LeeCountySepticSewer.com so accommodations can be coordinated whenever possible to the neighborhood. Police, fire rescue, and emergency medical services will be notified of any temporary road closures.
Utility Service Interruptions: Construction crews take precautions to avoid existing underground utilities, but unexpected utility interruptions can occasionally occur. If your phone, internet, cable television or other utility service is interrupted, please contact your service provider directly to report the outage. After notifying your provider, please also inform the project team so they are aware of the issue.
A Public Meeting
We invite you to a public meeting to learn more about the project. Community input is an important part of this project. The Village and project team are committed to keeping the public informed. Project updates, meeting information, and contact details will be shared through official Village communication channels.
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Estero Recreation Center
9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd.
Room 103A
Estero, FL 33928
FAQs
In March 2023, the Lee Board of County Commissioners approved a Countywide Wastewater Management Plan in response to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP) and the Clean Waterways Act (formerly Florida Senate Bill 712, 2020) requirements. The plan targets areas where septic-to-sewer conversion will most improve water quality by reducing nitrogen.
The county secured $1.5 million in state funding to cover County fees, design, permitting and land needs, officially adopted in March 2024, for the completion of the county’s highest priority project as indicated in the plan.
Additional funding is being pursued to cover construction and reduce or eliminate costs for residents. The project will be turnkey, including connection to sewer and proper abandonment of septic systems following State requirements.
Links:
FDEP BMAP – https://floridadep.gov/dear/water-quality-restoration/content/basin- management-action-plans-bmaps
Clean Waterways Act/2020 Senate Bill 712 –https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2020/712
Countywide Wastewater Management Plan: https://www.leegov.com/utilities/Documents/Countywide%20Wastewater%20Manage ment%20Report.pdf
Lee County is currently finishing Phase 1: Pre-construction for the project; survey, design and permitting for the highest priority project as indicated in the Countywide Wastewater Management Plan.
In the Countywide Wastewater Management Plan, both areas were identified as Grouping #1 for water quality improvement and availability of wastewater treatment County at the Water Reclamation Facility, reducing the cost of the project.
Older septic systems can leak wastewater into the ground if they become worn out or don’t work properly. That wastewater can eventually make its way into nearby ditches, canals, rivers, and groundwater.
Too much wastewater entering local waterways can contribute to algae growth, reduce water quality, create unpleasant odors, and harm fish and wildlife. Connecting homes to the public sewer system helps reduce these risks and protects our rivers and the environment for everyone.
The County is working to cover most of the project costs, including connection fees, impact fees, and septic tank abandonment. Most homeowners will only be responsible for paying their normal monthly utility bill after they connect to the sewer system.
For a typical single-family home using about 5,000 gallons of water per month, the monthly utility bill is currently estimated to be between $60 and $100, depending on whether water service, sewer service, or both are provided by Lee County.[AB1] [CD2]
Link:
Lee County Utilities rates and fees – https://www.leegov.com/utilities/rates-fees
Please note that the fees/rates will increase with each rate increase. Currently approved at 8% on July 1 2025, 2026, and 2027.
Once your home is connected to the public sewer system, your septic tank will be properly abandoned in accordance with state regulations. This typically includes pumping out the tank, disconnecting it from your home, and either crushing or filling the tank, depending on the site conditions and applicable requirements.
- Phase 1 – Pre-construction (Surveying, Design, and Permitting): Survey, Design, and Permitting will be completed by September 2026.
- Phase 2 – Construction: Is expected to begin Springs 2027 and is expected to take 18–24 months. Work on private property will happen toward the end of this phase.
Most construction will take place within the public right-of-way or utility easements, which are the areas where utilities are typically located. In some cases, work will extend onto private property to connect your home to the new sewer system. The contractor will restore disturbed areas once the work is complete.
Construction is generally expected to take place Monday through Friday between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. In some cases, evening or weekend work may be necessary to keep the project on schedule. During construction, the contractor will be required to abide by all County noise ordinances.
Construction will generally progress one section of roadway at a time to minimize disruptions. Crews will install the new sewer main within the roadway and utility easements. Temporary traffic control will be used to help maintain access to your home throughout construction. While short delays may occur, every effort will be made to keep driveways and local roads accessible.
Construction representatives will coordinate with residents as work progresses and will provide several weeks advance notice via mail out of proposed project schedule and use of door hangers as work is getting ready to start on a given street. Advanced coordination will be included for all of the homes or properties affected by driveway closures, trash pick-up, mailbox relocation, and landscaping removal.
Safety is always the County’s number one priority. Each construction site adheres to strict safety standards. Please maintain a safe distance from construction areas and discourage children from approaching construction equipment. Also, please pay strict attention to temporary access restrictions and follow posted traffic control signs.
Construction will involve heavy equipment used to remove pavement, dig trenches, install sewer pipes, and restore the roadway. As with most utility construction projects, some noise is unavoidable during work hours. Crews will also use pumps to remove groundwater from the trenches so the pipes can be installed safely. These pumps will move throughout the project as construction progresses and will be placed where they have the least impact on nearby homes whenever possible. The contractor will make every effort to minimize noise and other disruptions. If noise from the pumps becomes a concern, the contractor can install temporary sound barriers or other noise-reducing measures where appropriate.
Landscaping, mailboxes, and other personal improvements located within the public right-of-way or utility easements may need to be temporarily removed or permanently relocated if they conflict with construction. Because these items are privately owned and are not part of the public infrastructure, the contractor is generally not responsible for replacing them.
Standard mailboxes will be temporarily removed, if necessary, and reinstalled once construction is complete.
If you have decorative or monument-style mailboxes, landscaping, or other personal improvements that you wish to preserve, Lee County recommends removing them before construction reaches your property.
Construction will primarily occur within the public right-of-way; however, some temporary impacts to private property may be necessary to complete utility connections and restore the area.
For most homes, disturbance will be limited to the area near the front of the property where the new utilities are installed. Portions of lawns and driveway aprons may be temporarily affected. For homes with brick, painted, stamped, or other decorative driveways, a construction representative will meet with the property owner in advance to discuss the planned construction approach and options to minimize impacts.
Areas disturbed by construction will be restored in accordance with the construction contract. This includes restoration of driveway aprons, and sod that are impacted by construction.
We understand that construction is an inconvenience. Maintaining access to homes is a priority. During active trench excavation and some other activities, such as street paving or driveway construction, driveway access may be restricted. There may be times when you have to park in an area other than your driveway. Construction representatives will attempt to contact residents prior to driveway disruptions.
Road closures and detours may be necessary to construct this project and ensure the safety of construction crews and motorists. Detours will be clearly marked with signs prior to any road closures. Major road detours and closures are posted on the project website.
The County and its contractor will coordinate with Waste Pro and the U.S. Postal Service to minimize disruptions to garbage collection and mail delivery during construction. If temporary changes are necessary, such as a different garbage pickup location or a temporary mailbox location, affected residents will be notified in advance whenever possible.
If a temporary bus stop relocation is necessary due to construction, Lee County and the contractor will coordinate with the local school district. Parents and students will be notified of any temporary bus stop changes through the school district’s normal communication process.
To provide a long-lasting roadway, streets will be paved in two stages. After the underground utilities have been installed and the roadway has been prepared, the contractor will place the first lift (base layer) of asphalt. Residents will continue to have access to their homes during this period, although temporary traffic control and lane restrictions may be in place.
The final lift (surface layer) of asphalt will typically be installed after the first lift. This allows time for utility service connections and for any settlement of the roadway before the final pavement is placed, resulting in a smoother and more durable finished street.
Yes – Areas disturbed by construction will be restored in accordance with the construction contract. Streets, driveway aprons, sod, and other improvements affected by construction will be repaired or restored to match the existing condition or better.
If construction requires temporary disturbance on private property to complete a utility service connection, those disturbed areas will also be restored in accordance with the construction contract. The County encourages residents to relocate and landscaping on private property that is anticipated to be impacted by construction.
Driveway replacement varies in accordance with the type and thickness of the existing driveway. If your driveway is impacted by construction, your driveway will be restored to match the existing conditions or better. The restoration method depends on the type of driveway:
Concrete driveway – The affected section will be removed and replaced with new concrete to match the existing driveway.
Painted/decorative/stamped driveway – The restoration will be discussed with the property owner before construction.
Paver driveway – If replacement of pavers is required, the existing pavers will be removed and replaced. And pavers damaged during construction will be replaced.
If your driveway has unique features, a construction representative will discuss restoration plan with you before work begins.
The contractor will be responsible for repairing construction-related damage (not including removal of items within the County’s ROW).
You may report any damage through the project website: www.LeeSewerProject.com, email: info@LeeCountySeptictoSewer.com or by calling 239-478-9152. A representative will contact you to assist in resolution of your claim.