Boca Raton Signs $1.2M Contract for City Sewer Service on Barrier Island

The ‘Boca Trophy’ property at 910 NE 24th Street, where a 196-foot pier is proposed. (Photo: Boca Daily News)

Boca Raton will work with the developer of a high-profile parcel of land on the barrier island to bring city sewerage services to the surrounding neighborhood, in line with the goal of eliminating septic tanks city-wide for environmental purposes.

The installation of a wastewater lift station and sewer collection system is being planned in concert with the developer of 910 NE 24th Street, colloquially named the “Boca Trophy,” which is valued at about $45 million with plans to build homes there. Ocean Strand Lift Station LLC will build the system on behalf of the developer of the parcel, and be reimbursed by the city for nearly all of its expenses.

City sewer service will be available to residents of NE 24th Street, Lago Mar Lane and Lake Wyman Road, which encompasses about 20 homes. Those homes are not connected to an existing wastewater collection system on the island, and all use septic tanks for waste disposal.

“The city wishes to eliminate the use of all septic tanks within the city’s utility service area, including the [barrier island] neighborhood and the property, due to the potential contamination effects of septic tanks on surface and ground water, increased nutrients and other contaminants in groundwater and overall negative health effects in humans, animals and plants,” a memorandum from city staff said. “As such, the developer proposes to design and construct a wastewater lift station and sewer collection system in accordance with city-approved plans” and other requirements and specifications.

The wastewater collection system is expected to cost $1,551,047, with nearly all of it – $1,292,539 – being funded by the city. The gravity sewer that will serve just the developer’s lot will not be eligible for reimbursement. The total estimated costs associated with the construction of the project include the estimated contractor costs, permitting fees, design costs, and costs of engineering services. The Gravity Sewer infrastructure to connect the “Boca Trophy” property to the Lift Station was also included in the total.