Middle St. Johns - Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Water Quality Assessment Report: Middle St. Johns
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permeability, type of nearby surface waters, age, water table, type of water
supply, and density. Because each subcommunity has unique characteristics
and histories, these factors also were considered when evaluating
wastewater management options. Virtually the entire county was surveyed
and assessed. The report addressed nearly 90 subcommunities. With the
publication of the report, there was no intention on the part of the health
department to imply the development of any sewering plan for the county.
The report is for reference purposes only, and is to be viewed as one of the
tools to be used in making informed decisions about providing services to
citizens and protecting public health. The report’s recommendations were
as follows:
• The Volusia Bar Fish Camp on Lake George was a high priority for
sewers due to environmental concerns. Continuation of the septic
system was considered unacceptable. Because it would have been too
costly to extend a sewer line from Astor, it was thought that an onsite
central package treatment plant would be the best solution.
• The Spring Hill area is one of DeLand’s older neighborhoods. Some
parcels were platted in the 1920s. While a portion of this area is
connected to the city’s municipal sewer system, a substantial area of
densely populated, smaller lots is not connected. Most of this area is
developed and contains single-family residences on central city water.
Because most of the areas surrounding Spring Hill had been served
by sewers, this area has become a service “island” without central
sewers. The health department recommended sewering.
• Daytona Park Estates is a relatively large subdivision on the east side
of DeLand with lots platted between 1955 and 1958. Though not
all lots were built on at the time of the evaluation, those that were
supported a large population already, all on private wells. Though
soils vary, because much of the area is wet with a high water table,
mounded septic tank systems were being installed. Central sewering
for the area was recommended.
• To the west of DeLand are the Hontoon and North Shell Road areas
(S.R. 44 crosses the northernmost of the two areas). Developed
in the 1950s, they are mostly served by DeLand community water.
Most of the soils in these areas have a high water table, and some
land has been declared wetlands. The relatively large lots support
high-density development due to their proximity to Lake Beresford
and the St. Johns River. Many parcels are waterfront lots adjacent to
the lake, the river, or canals that empty into the river. Within these
areas, sanitary sewers served only a small portion, known as Quail’s
Roost. The health department recommended sewering the remainder
of the areas.
• On DeLand’s west side, sewering extended only to Boundary Avenue
at the time of the survey and assessment. City water was provided to
the community west of Boundary Avenue, but not sewer service. A
large number of the urban parcels are small and densely populated.