Protecting the Florida Keys with a Hybrid Collection System Using An Alternative Project Delivery Method

Islamorada, also known as the “Sportfishing Capital of the World”, is located in the Upper Florida Keys and consists of four islands and five wastewater service areas which extend a total of approximately 18 miles. To improve the water quality of the near shore water and the coral reefs in the Florida Keys, Islamorada and the incorporated municipalities within Monroe County were required to comply with a State mandate for advanced wastewater treatment systems whereby centralized collection and treatment systems were constructed where none had previously existed. To accomplish this task, Islamorada elected to use the Design-Build-Operate project delivery method based on the utilization of a single point of responsibility for project in order to meet a State deadline requirement of December 2015. The Design-Build-Operate company hired for the project implemented a hybrid collection system design using a combination of vacuum and low pressure sewers to serve the full time and seasonal population within Islamorada. Using the selected project delivery method and design approach, more than 35 miles of vacuum main, 14 miles of low pressure force main, and 26 miles of conveyance force main were designed, constructed and placed into operation. Faced with a number of design and construction challenges throughout the project, the project was completed on time and within budget.