Silver Sands Project Overview

In December 2023, New Smyrna Beach Utilities (NSBU) was awarded a $7.5 million grant from the State of Florida for the conversion of residential septic tanks to sanitary sewer service in the Silver Sands areas of beachside. This grant was part of a statewide award of $100 million in funding for 21 water quality projects through the Indian River Lagoon Protection Program.
The Silver Sands septic to sewer project will convert approximately 554 residential septic systems. Once connected to the central sewer system, the wastewater from the homes will be processed at NSBU’s treatment facility. This large-scale project will take multiple years to design, implement, and construct, with multiple project milestones prior to construction.
The conversion of septic systems to central sewer can be expected to have moderate impacts for the residents and properties within the Silver Sands community due to the need to access the properties, construction in the right-of-way in front of the properties. At this time, the state grant will cover less than half of the overall project cost. However, NSBU is researching additional grant opportunities to cover utility as well as homeowner costs.
Kimley-Horn and Associates Inc. (Kimley-Horn) was selected as the consulting engineer through a competitive selection process under RSQ-08-24 to provide engineering services for the Silver Sands Septic to Sewer. Kimley-Horn’s scope of work includes project management, preliminary engineering services, field investigations, detailed design and permitting, grant funding support, public outreach services, bid phase services, and construction phase services. Currently the project is in the early planning stages, more information regarding project schedule and project updates will be made available as the project continues.
The project is being overseen by NSBU’s Engineering Department and is the initial planning stages. When data is available and there are updates regarding the project, NSBU will host public meetings to discuss the project impacts with property owners. In addition to the public meetings, regular project updates will be available through the project website, which is currently under development. Any questions, comments, or concerns regarding the project should be directed to Ellen Fischer at 386-424-3003.