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Para_Rescue_38th writes:

This says it all. I am sure someone will spin this but the facts are the facts. Looks like we're getting sewers.

News analysis: The STRP and Marco’s environment
An expert speaks out

Thursday, January 10, 2008
If you are perplexed by the arguments for and against replacing septic systems with sewers throughout Marco Island, check out this question and answer conversation with an expert.
He is Clarence Tears, director of the South Florida Water Management District. We asked about the environmental impact of sewers vs. septic systems.
Q. In general, are sewers or septic systems preferable here and why?
A. You need to replace those septic systems with sewers to protect the island’s environment and its beauty. One major reason is so you can monitor water quality.
Even Collier County with their advanced wastewater treatment system can’t provide 100-percent re-use water, but they have checks and balances in place to protect that resource and ensure the proper disposal of the source that doesn’t meet the standards. With a utility system, throughout the day they are always monitoring and checking for water quality.
Q. Septic systems are widely used in some parts of the country, so why not here on Marco?
A. I’ve talked to a lot of scientists who say septic systems are really designed for low-density communities where you have a lot of rural land. Marco Island is truly a high-density areA. The land is limited by water and the proximity of that water to the septic systems, is the true issue.
Q. What specific environmental problems do we face from septic systems?
A. Septic systems don’t process nutrients well, nitrogen primarily, which are indirectly related to red tide and other problems. Ecoli also is an issue.
On Florida’s east coast, there have been barrier islands that waited until there was degradation of the environment so they went back and had to replace the septic systems. In the Keys, they found septic systems impacting coastal barrier reefs.
There’s a big push to get older septic systems off line.

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