TO: Indian River County Board of County Commissioners
THROUGH: John A. Titkanich, Jr., County Administrator
Sean C. Lieske, Director of Utility Services
Howard G. Richards, PE, Manager, Capital Projects
FROM: Paola Talavera, EI, Associate Engineer
DATE: October 31, 2025
SUBJECT: AtkinsRéalis Work Order No. 10 for Sebastian Septic to Sewer Conversion Feasibility Study, IRCDUS Project ID 21.26.502
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BACKGROUND
Over the past decade, public awareness of the need to improve the water quality of the Indian River Basin has grown significantly. This has led to increasing regulatory pressure on utilities to reduce pollution and improve the quality of discharges into the Lagoon. One major initiative is the recently established Indian River Lagoon Protection Program (Florida State Statute 373.469). Under this statute, all existing conventional septic systems in the Indian River Lagoon Basin are required to either connect to sewer systems or upgrade to enhanced nutrient-reducing onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems by July 1, 2030.
The Indian River County Department of Utility Services (IRCDUS) is undertaking a multi-phase Septic to Sewer (S2S) Program to convert residential and commercial properties on septic systems to the IRCDUS sewer network. Septic to sewer conversions are necessary to limit the amount of nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, released into the ground by septic systems, which can contaminate groundwater and nearby water bodies.
In the City of Sebastian, Phase III of North Sebastian S2S conversions are currently underway, with Phase I and II having been completed in April 2019 and June 2023 respectively. The North Sebastian area encompasses an area generally described as having a western limit of US Highway 1, an eastern limit of the Indian River Lagoon, a Northern Limit of Indian River Drive connection to US Highway 1, and the Southern Limit as Main Street. To date, approximately 154 sewer connections have been completed.
IRCDUS will need to evaluate the options for continuing conversions in the City of Sebastian.
ANALYSIS
In September 2025, IRCDUS selected AtkinsRéalis to provide a comprehensive study to evaluate whether the existing infrastructure including lift stations, gravity sewers, and force mains can accommodate the increased wastewater flow resulting from the transitions. AtkinsRéalis was selected due to previous experience performing an equivalent Feasibility Study in the City of Miami.
Upon request by IRCDUS staff, AtkinsRéalis provided the attached Work Order 10 (WO 10), pursuant to the Continuing Contract Agreement, dated May 2, 2023, to perform engineering professional services associated with the Sebastian Septic to Sewer Conversion Feasibility Study in the amount is $288,132. AtkinsRéalis will provide professional services to include project management and engineering services. AtkinsRéalis will analyze the existing infrastructure for capacity and potential improvements and develop a plan for proper sizing of any new portions of the sewer collection system. Additionally, a feasibility level estimate representing the anticipated construction bid amounts will be developed.
BUDGETARY IMPACT
Funds, in the amount of $288,132, for this project are derived from the Utilities/ Gen & Eng/Other Prof/Sebastian S2S Conv Feas Study account, number 47123536-033190-26502, in the Utilities operating fund. The Utilities operating fund budget is derived from water and sewer revenues.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
Infrastructure: Planning, constructing, managing, and maintaining critical public infrastructure in response to our current needs, future demands, and the expectations of our community; embracing innovation, technology, and resiliency.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the Indian River County Board of County Commissioners approve Work Order 10 to AtkinsRéalis to provide professional services for the Sebastian Septic to Sewer Conversion Feasibility Study project, Project ID 21.26.502, in the amount of $288,132, and authorize the Chair to execute the same. So long as there are no changes in the dollar amount under the amount approved, upon adequate completion of the work set forth in the work order, staff is directed to make final payments to AtkinsRéalis.