Marco on Right Track with Sewage Nutrient Reduction

At the June 1, 2026, Marco Island City Council meeting, the council approved city staff to obtain quotes to upgrade the sewage plant to Advanced Wastewater Treatment (AWT) to reduce the sewage pollutant nutrients introduced into the canals.

A 12-state task force has been formed to reduce nutrients put into the Mississippi River that has resulted in a hypoxic dead zone in the Gulf of America. The states include Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.

The Gulf of America's hypoxic dead zone fluctuates annually. Recent measurements show the zone covering approximately 4,402 square miles—an area nearly the size of Connecticut. This dangerously low-oxygen region, located off the Louisiana and Texas coasts, threatens marine life by suffocating bottom-dwelling species.

What is happening on Marco is also happening up and down the Mississippi River – pollution in the form of nutrients, nitrogen and phosphorus, are feeding algal blooms that deplete oxygen in the water column.

“The Gulf of America is a national treasure and a critical economic engine for coastal states. Reducing excess nutrients to improve water quality in the Gulf strengthens economic prosperity while protecting aquatic resources,” said Jessica Kramer, EPA Assistant Administrator for Water and Hypoxia Task Force Federal Co-chair.”