Boston firm wins work in $150M project to help combat algae bloom in Fort Myers

The city of Fort Myers has chosen Boston engineering and construction firm CDM Smith to oversee a five-year, $150 million project designed, officials say, to eliminate discharge into the surface waters of the Caloosahatchee River.

The project, CDM Smith says in a statement, will expand reclaimed water treatment systems that are already handling 12 million gallons per day. In addition to ridding “effluent discharge,” the project, officials say, will “help combat Florida’s harmful algae bloom.” 

Officials add that new state regulations prohibiting the discharge of any water into surface waters, combined with “waning water resources in Southwest Florida,” make the project crucial for Fort Myers.

“As the population grows, water resources are dwindling and the ability to dispose of wastewater is challenged,” the company says in the statement. “Expanding these plants will allow for more reclaimed water to be used for public consumption, thus helping the limited supply.”

CDM Smith has been the engineer of record for wastewater for the city of Fort Myers for more than 20 years. 

“Communication with the client was key for the project, consisting of many back-and-forth discussions during multiple tours of the facility,” the company says. “This allowed our technical staff to ask questions, give input and further expand their knowledge of the task at hand. 

CDM Smith is privately owned, providing solutions in water, environment, transportation, energy and facilities.