Home UEP North 2 April 2019 Update

April 2019 Update

Through the end of April, North 2 Utilities Extension Project (UEP) utility contractors have installed over 1,000,000 linear feet (LF) of potable water, gravity sewer, irrigation water, and wastewater force main and replaced almost 40,000 LF of storm drain piping. This equates to approximately two-thirds of the total project completed. In addition, approximately 54 lane-miles of streets have been repaved with the first 1-inch thick lift of asphalt, which equates to about 27% of the total project. Driveway reconstruction and swale restoration activities follow completion of the first lift of paving.

Dry Season – During the dry season, construction activities are accompanied by dusty conditions due to the disturbed soil. UEP contractors water the roads on a regular basis to minimize the impacts to the public. If you should notice excessively dusty conditions or have concerns related to air quality in your neighborhood, please contact the UEP at 833-CAPEUEP (833-227-3837).

Protected Species – Cape Coral is blessed to have a significant population of protected species and the North 2 UEP area is no exception. In particular, we have three bald eagle nests and numerous active burrowing owl and gopher tortoise burrows within or adjacent to the project area. The project team is staffed with ecologists and biologists that specialize in management and protection of these important resources. Team members monitor construction progress to minimize impacts to protected species. Some minimization measures include placement of protective fencing near burrows and nests to help prevent wildlife from wandering into construction areas and marking burrows to make them visible to equipment operators, so they maintain a safe distance. In some cases, impacts cannot be avoided and take permits are obtained from state and/or federal permitting agencies. To date, ten inactive burrowing owl burrows have been taken and 34 gopher tortoises have been captured and safely relocated to an offsite gopher tortoise recipient site.