Overview

Cudjoe Regional Wastewater Service Area

The CRWSA covers 56 mi.² of total area, 23 mi.² of which is occupied land surface stretching across 10 unique Keys which boast some of the most pristine waters in the United States. Service will extend along the Overseas Highway from mile marker (MM) 17 on Lower Sugarloaf Key to MM 33 in No Name Key. The service area includes 18,055 total parcels, of which less than half are developable. Currently, there are close to 8,200 developed parcels in the regional service area and about 40 developed parcels in the “Cold Spot” areas. FKAA owns and services 6,894 water meters, serving approximately 8,200 units (units are individual service destinations), in the CRWSA, or about 8,700 equivalent dwelling units (EDU’s). 

Advanced Water Reclamation Facility (AWRF Facility)

The AWRF Facility is located on Cudjoe Key at the abandoned landfill/transfer station site situated on 3 acres of dedicated property owned by Monroe County. The AWT Facility is permitted to treat, on average, 0.94 million gallons of wastewater daily allowing for the removal of an estimated 700 tons of primary pollutants and 115 tons of nutrients from the outstanding Florida Waters annually.

Wastewater Transmission System

The primary conveyance system to move wastewater from the outlying Keys to the AWRF Facility location has 6 primary pumping stations located on Lower Sugarloaf Key, Upper Sugarloaf Key, Summerland Key, Ramrod Key and two on Big Pine Key. The Transmission system is approximately 17 miles long and crosses 10 bridges, including a directional drill under Niles Channel. 

Wastewater Collection System

The wastewater collection system serving the Regional Service areas is composed of nearly 130 miles of pipeline exclusive of the Transmission System.

On-Site Wastewater Nutrient Removal Systems (OWNRS) 

Following an extensive exercise conducted to maximize the environmental benefits of the CRWSA project, FKAA has expanded the original service area to include additional developed parcels. These parcels will be served by an on-site treatment system which will significantly reduce pollutants entering the environment in the designated locations. These 40 “Cold Spot” developed parcels will be served on an optional basis, the decision of which is left up to the respective landowners. Through a Memorandum of Understanding with Monroe County and the State of Florida, FKAA plans to serve the remaining developed parcels using Onsite Wastewater Nutrient Removal Systems (OWNRS) technology. An EPA grant totaling $3.8 million is will defray a portion of the construction cost related to this project.