GOMESA Application Details
- Internal Project Number
- 271348
- 1. Title of Project
- Escatawpa Septic System Abatement for Pascagoula River Watershed Protection & Water Quality Improvement
- 2. Location of Project
- Located within the Pascagoula River watershed, in the Jackson County, MS, Escatawpa community.
- 3. Requesting Organization
- Jackson County Utility Authority
- 4a. Name
- Chase Glisson
- 4b. Position
- 4c. Phone Number
- 228-762-0119
- 4d. Fax Number
- 4e. Address Line 1
- 1225 Jackson Avenue
- 4e. Address Line 2
- 4e. City, State Zip
- Pascagoula, Mississippi
- 4f. Email
- cglisson@jcua-ms.us
- 5. FundingRequested
- $2,800,000
- Awarded Amount:
- 6. Other State or Federal Funding Sources
- No
- 7a. Amount of Additional Funds
- 7b. Source of Additional Funds
- 8. Total Project Funds Amount
- $2,800,000
- 9. Project Description/Overview
- This GOMESA-funded project aims to protect and enhance water quality in the Pascagoula River watershed by addressing critical wastewater infrastructure needs in Escatawpa and surrounding areas of Jackson County, Mississippi. The project targets failing septic systems that are sources of water pollution. These contribute to nutrient enrichment, bacterial contamination, and degraded aquatic habitat within one of the most ecologically intact river systems in the continental United States.
- 10. Project Goals/Objectives
- Project Goals: Improve Coastal Water Quality - Reduce nutrient and pathogen loading into waterways by removing or replacing failing septic systems. Protect and Restore Coastal Wetlands and Estuaries - Support healthy aquatic ecosystems by eliminating sources of pollution that contribute to wetland degradation. Enhance Community and Infrastructure Resilience - Reduce flood risk and protect built infrastructure by maintaining wetland buffers impaired by pollution. Advance Coastal Restoration and Conservation Efforts - Enable successful implementation of nearby coastal restoration projects by improving water quality and ecosystem health. Promote Public Health and Environmental Justice - Eliminate human health risks associated with exposure to contaminated groundwater and surface water, especially in underserved areas. Project Objectives: Identify & Prioritize Failing Septic Systems - Targeting high-risk systems near wetlands, water bodies, and flood prone areas. Decommission & Remove Failing Septic Systems - Safely remove non-compliant or leaking septic tanks within the targeted watershed, with connections to municipal sewer where feasible.
- 11. Which of the following authorized uses set forth in the GOMESA Act does this project fall under?
- (A) Projects and activities for the purpose of coastal protection, including conservation, coastal restoration, hurricane protection, and infrastructure directly affected by coastal wetlands losses
- Yes: Coastal Protection & Conservation: - How septic removal fits: Failing septic systems leak nutrients and pathogens into coastal waterways, degrading water quality and harming coastal ecosystems (e.g., oyster reefs, marshes) that naturally buffer storm surge and wave action. - Protective value: Reducing pollution improves the resilience of natural coastal defenses, contributing to long-term shoreline stabilization. Wetlands act as storm buffers. Their degradation (exacerbated by pollution from failing septics) reduces natural hurricane protection.
- (B) Mitigation of damage to fish, wildlife, or natural resources.
- Yes: Removing failing septic systems helps mitigate habitat loss from nutrient pollution. Nutrient loading from failing septic systems lead to eutrophication and algal blooms, which can destroy aquatic habitats and biodiversity. Removing these systems support the conservation of sensitive coastal species and habitats (e.g., estuaries, wetlands, shellfish beds).
- (C) Implementation of a federally-approved marine, coastal, or conservation management plan.
- (D) Mitigation of the impact of Outer Continental Shelf activities through funding of onshore infrastructure projects.
- 12. Project Timetable/Milestones
- Project Award - TBD Design - 240 days Procurement - 120 days Construction Period - 360 days Total - 720 days
- 13. Project Timing
- Short-term
- 14. Current status of architectural/engineering plans & specifications for this project (if applicable):
- In Progress Funds Budgeted
- 15. In what way does this project meet the goals and objectives of the Department of Marine Resources, which includes enhancing, protecting and conserving the marine interest of Mississippi for present and future generations?
- The project is designed to produce tangible improvements in local and downstream water quality. Its focus is on reducing nutrient and pathogen loads entering the Escatawpa River, its tributaries, and ultimately the Pascagoula River and Mississippi Sound. These improvements will help sustain critical estuarine habitats, support shellfish harvesting areas, and protect recreational and commercial fisheries vital to the region. Environmental best management practices (BMPs) will guide construction and implementation, minimizing disturbance to sensitive habitats while enhancing the long-term resilience of wastewater systems. The project will also engage local residents through education and outreach, helping to build community support and awareness of the benefits of transitioning from failing septic systems to more sustainable alternatives. Monitoring of key water quality indicators, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and fecal coliform, will demonstrate this project’s positive impact desired for this area. By investing in Escatawpa’s wastewater infrastructure, this project supports the broader goal of protecting the Pascagoula River—one of the last free-flowing major rivers in the lower 48 states while improving public health and environmental quality in Jackson County.
- 16. Estimated Years To Completion
- 3
- 17. Estimated Completion Date
- 6/30/2029
- Budget:
- Salaries,Wages, Fringe
- $25,000
- Travel
- Architecture & Engineering
- Legal
- Consulting
- $336,000
- Construction
- $2,414,000
- Site Work
- Equipment
- $25,000
- Indirects
- Other
- Total
- $2,800,000
- Application Submission Date
- 08/28/2025
- Fiscal Year
- 2027
- Project Status
- Application Status
- Submitted
- Meets Criteria
- Internal Notes:
- Attachments:
- https://gomesa_internal/attachments/GOMESA_1348_COMPLETE.pdf
- Hyperlink:
- Attachments