Vacuum sewer construction is underway in the Coral Gardens neighborhood of Martin County, FL, as part of their Connect to Protect environmental initiative to improve water quality in the St. Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon. The septic-to-sewer conversion will connect residential properties on septic systems to the County’s wastewater collection and treatment system to reduce contamination from nitrogen, phosphorous, and fecal coliform. Wade Trim is providing design, permitting, and construction engineering services for the project.
Vacuum sewer technology is being used for its ability to accommodate the area’s high groundwater table, flat terrain, and density of homes. Installation advantages include shallow excavation, less dewatering, and more flexible routing to navigate existing underground utilities. A vacuum sewer operates as an integrated system that uses differential air pressure to transport wastewater through a sealed pipe network to a central vacuum station. The sealed system prevents wastewater leaks and groundwater infiltration, providing superior protection for environmentally sensitive coastal areas.
Coral Gardens’ vacuum system design features 638 residential connections, over 28,000 LF of vacuum sewer main up to 10 inches in diameter, and a vacuum pump station that blends with the neighborhood. Wastewater is collected from each parcel and then evacuated to the pump station. Once the wastewater in the pump station tank reaches a certain level, it is pumped to the County’s wastewater treatment facility. Challenges included accommodating the existing drainage system and extensive residential driveways. In addition, a canal near the vacuum pump station required aerial crossings to meet the static lift design criteria for the vacuum mains.
Construction began in March 2026 with an estimated completion of October 2027. While residents are responsible for decommissioning their septic systems, conversion eliminates septic system-related issues and maintenance needs and increases usable yard space for property improvements.
