West Melbourne Secures $3.4M State Grant for Septic-to-Sewer Conversions Near Sheridan Road

West Melbourne is moving forward with several septic-to-sewer conversion projects near Sheridan Road, aiming to improve the water quality of the Indian River Lagoon. The city recently secured a significant state grant and is pursuing additional funding for these infrastructure upgrades.

The City of West Melbourne received a Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) grant totaling $3,433,300. This funding targets septic-to-sewer conversions in three specific neighborhoods: Dundee Circle, Manor Place, and Lake Ashley Circle. Infrastructure Solution Services (ISS), a local civil engineering firm, identified these areas as having the most substantial impact on reducing total nitrogen pollution once converted.

The city is also in the process of securing a Save Our Indian River Lagoon (SOIRL) grant. West Melbourne previously utilized a similar SOIRL grant for the Sylvan Estates project, which successfully converted properties from septic tanks to the city sewer system. That project now serves as a model for current and future efforts.

ISS prepared an analysis for the city's second septic-to-sewer project off Sheridan Road, submitting their report to City Council on February 15, 2021. The analysis reviewed seven potential project areas: Sugar Pine and Pine Needle Area, Timberlake Area, Dundee Circle and Manor Place Area, Cocoanut Grove Area, Lake Ashley Circle Area, Ashlyn Drive, Donna Marie Drive, Garwood Drive and Fernwood Drive Area, and Sheridan Road Sylvan Estates Area.

During a meeting on April 6, 2021, City Council recommended three top priority areas for staff and engineering consultants to develop grant applications. These were, in order, Dundee Circle and Manor Place Area, Lake Ashley Circle Area, and Sheridan Road Sylvan Estates Area. The DEP grant now covers two of these recommended areas, Dundee Circle and Manor Place, and Lake Ashley Circle.

These projects directly address nitrogen pollution entering the Indian River Lagoon, a critical step in preserving the health of the local ecosystem. The successful conversion of Sylvan Estates demonstrates the potential positive impact of these initiatives.

Residents in the identified areas can expect further updates as the city progresses with grant applications and project development for these vital infrastructure improvements.