Oak Hill Starting Septic-to-Sewer Project

One Florida city is not just talking about improving our environment, they’re actually taking action. Oak Hill broke ground today to convert septic systems in Indian Harbor Estates to a more environmentally friendly central sewage collection system. The collaborative project will improve Mosquito Lagoon’s water quality by converting approximately 285 residential septic systems near the lagoon to a central sewage collection system. Septic systems don’t always adequately remove nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, which result in algal blooms that kill vegetation and fish. Septic system waste often seeps into groundwater, and into springs and the drinking water supply. Volusia County and the Indian River Lagoon Council contributed $350,000 for design. Oak Hill obtained a $250,000 grant from the Florida State Legislature. Funding for the construction project has been provided through a $2.5 million grant from the SJRWMD and almost $5 million in grants and loan proceeds.  Oak Hill Mayor,  Douglas A. Gibson was at the ceremony to break ground, “The start of this project is a reason to celebrate; however, the real success will be a fully restored Mosquito Lagoon – something surely worth celebrating!” Fixing the septic system has been a top priority for water quality restoration, because of Indian Harbor Estates’ proximity to the lagoon. The Mosquito Lagoon Reasonable Assurance Plan aims to restore water quality within 15 years.