SFWMD, town work to improve water quality, flood protection
Community Newspapers
2009-11-02
11-02-09 -- The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) Governing Board recently approved a cost-sharing agreement with the Town of Cutler Bay to treat stormwater runoff, which will improve water quality in Biscayne Bay and upgrade flood protection for residents.
“Given its location at the edge of Biscayne Bay, effective stormwater management is crucial for the Town of Cutler Bay,” said SFWMD Governing Board chair Eric Buermann. “This project will provide tangible public safety benefits for residents and protect the bay ecosystem. This effort is also an example of a long-term community partnership providing both local and regional benefits.”
The investment of $210,000 in state funds administered by the district will help Cutler Bay significantly reduce nutrients in stormwater entering the C-1N Canal and, ultimately, Biscayne Bay. An analysis determined the upgrades have the potential to reduce total phosphorus by up to 92.7 percent and total nitrogen by up to 89.5 percent.
Cutler Bay, which is investing $240,000 to complete the project, will make a host of improvements including:
Upgrading catch basins — water treatment systems that capture debris, sediment and solid materials to prevent them from flowing into the regional flood control system.
Installing sediment traps — water treatment devices that capture eroded or disturbed soil that is washed away during rainstorms.
Installing baffles — flat boards, plates or similar devices placed in flowing water to create a more uniform flow, absorb energy and prevent debris and other deposits from entering the regional flood control system. Re-sloping/re-grading existing roads to improve drainage.
The improvement plan is the result of a long-term partnership between the district and the town to upgrade its stormwater management system. The district provided Cutler Bay with $200,000 in funding in 2006 to develop its initial Stormwater Master Plan.
The plan identified priority locations where improvements were needed for water quality and flood protection.
