Christobel Septic Tank Phaseout Project
Project Objective
The City of Jacksonville, working in partnership with JEA, has initiated a program to eliminate existing septic tank systems in the Christobel neighborhood. This project is part of a larger septic tank phase out initiated that involves the full installation of sewer pipes, proper abandonment of existing septic systems(s), connection to the new sewer system and payment of all associated permits and fees at no cost to the property owner.
The first five (5) priority areas identified are Biltmore C, Beverly Hills East, Beverly Hills West, Christobel and Riverview neighborhoods in northwest Jacksonville. The intent of project is to improve the quality of life in these areas and to reduce the amount of harmful nutrients that often find their way into the St. Johns River and other local waterways.
Project Boundary
The project boundary map shown depicts a preliminary design model only and is highly subject to change. This map is intended to provide a high-level overview of the proposed project boundary based on the current Duval County Health Department’s identified septic tank failure areas. This map is not the official project boundary, and has yet to be finalized. Parcels depicted on this map may or may be included in the final proposed project area.
Property Owner Participation and Requirements
Eligible property owners must complete a Temporary Construction Easement (TCE) allowing JEA and our contractor to perform work on private property to abandon the septic tank(s) and connect the home or business to the new JEA water and sewer lines.View Example Documents Participating Property Owners Will Complete (PDF)
For the project to move forward, the City of Jacksonville required the consent of at least 70% of the legal property owners identified within the project limits. The 70% threshold was met on May 23, 2022.
Current Owner Approval - 77%
|
77% |
Approval Threshold - 70% |
100% |
Unimproved properties (properties without a structure) or without a septic tank will have a water and sewer service installed in the right-of-way for future connection at the property owner’s expense.
This project is currently in the design/engineering process to be followed by bid and construction. JEA will manage the construction of the project and operate and maintain the water and sewer systems once they are installed. The JEA account holder will be responsible for the monthly water and sewer bill.
Before any work begins, customers residing within identified future Septic Tank Phase Out areas will be contacted directly by the COJ and JEA. We will (by mail) send invitations to an informational neighborhood meeting and send multiple letters outlining the program.
Property owners that do not sign up for the program will be responsible for any future connection costs should the septic system fail. Failure to connect will result in a $21.15 monthly charge for sewer system availability.
Please contact JEA’s Project Outreach team at (904) 665-7500 if you are interested in signing up for this program and have not already signed a TCE.
Project Survey & Design Period
Over the next few months, several survey crews working for JEA and the City of Jacksonville (Smith Surveying and Legacy Engineering) will be in your neighborhood gathering information for the future project. This survey will be used by our engineers to locate property lines, rights-of-way, existing utilities, determining area soil/asphalt conditions and finding the limits of nearby wetland areas.
You will notice survey marks or colored flags throughout your neighborhood and yard that will help identify property lines, rights-of-way, benchmarks, and physical site conditions (sidewalks, tree locations, etc.). Any paint you observe is safe, temporary and biodegradable. Please make every effort to avoid disturbing these markers during the survey period. The surveyors will return many times within a period of several months to collect more data.
As part of this work, the surveyors will be required to enter your property to gather information to eventually connect your home to the new sewer lines. The surveyor will attempt to knock on your door prior to entering the yard portion of your property.
Please secure all outside animals and unlock any fences. If you have any questions about this survey or future project, would like to coordinate access to your property, or would like to participate in the program but have not yet completed the necessary documents, please contact us at (904)
665-7500 or projectoutreach@jea.com.
We anticipate construction in the neighborhood will begin in the Fall of 2025, and last approximately 2-years. Please note that these timelines are highly subject to change.
More information regarding this project will be provided to area residents before the project moves forward to the construction phase.
Current Septic Tank Issues
Anyone currently having issues with their septic system is highly encouraged to make the necessary repairs. As mentioned above, any physical connections to the JEA system as part of this program will be several years away.
City of Jacksonville Septic Tank Phase Out Program
The Utility Tap-In Program (UTIP) offers deferred payment loans to assist low- to moderate-income residents citywide with water and sewer line connection fees, associated plumbing costs and septic tank, drain field and well repairs or replacement. Learn more about UTIP.
Public Meetings
The public meeting to discuss this proposed project was held at the Jean Ribault High School Auditorium located at 3701 Winton Drive, on Thursday, July 22, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. Invitations to this meeting were mailed to property owners within the project boundary.
View the information presented at the public meeting Christobel Proposed STPO TM 7.22.21.