Category: Uncategorized

More Than One Million Longleaf Pine and Wiregrass Planted

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: NWFWMD Public Information Office (850) 539-2663 or melissa.angel@nwfwmd.state.fl.us

More Than One Million Longleaf Pine and Wiregrass Planted

HAVANA – The Northwest Florida Water Management District recently completed a reforestation and groundcover restoration project that included planting more than one million longleaf pine and wiregrass tubelings on District lands on the Econfina Creek, Choctawhatchee River and Chipola River Water Management Areas (WMAs).

The plantings took place over 19 days in January—at an average of approximately 60,000 plants per day—and covered a total of 1,483 acres in Bay, Jackson, Walton and Washington counties.

Funding for this project came from revenue collected through District timber sales and cost-share assistance from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Longleaf Stewardship Fund through partnership grants with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and the National Wild Turkey
Federation (NWTF).

“The National Wild Turkey Federation is proud of its partnerships with the Northwest Florida Water Management District and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and our overall longleaf restoration efforts in the southeast,” said Mark Hatfield, NWTF’s director of eastern conservation planning. “We are dedicated to the conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of our hunting heritage, and longleaf pine is a southern ecosystem that is critical to the restoration of wild turkey populations.”

Planting native species such as longleaf pine trees and wiregrass restores lands to a more natural state and condition, improving plant species diversity and wildlife habitat for animal and insect species; providing erosion control; and helping provide “fuel” for effective prescribed burns.

Prescribed fire is a safe, effective and efficient land management tool, which applies a natural process to ensure ecosystem health. Prescribed fires, which mimic naturally-occurring fires, reduce wildfire risk, enhance native vegetation and improve wildlife habitat.

“The Nature Conservancy provided 363,000 longleaf pine trees to advance habitat restoration at Econfina Creek Water Management Area,” said Brian Pelc, Natural Areas Restoration Specialist with The Nature Conservancy in Florida. “Restoring lands near Econfina Creek helps to protect this critical source of clean, fresh drinking water for Bay County residents. This grant was made possible through our partnership with the Apalachicola Regional Stewardship Alliance, a multi-agency cooperative that includes The Nature Conservancy and the District, which works to restore and appropriately manage native ecosystems within the Apalachicola River region.”

The District owns more than 212,000 acres across northwest Florida, protecting river corridors, springs, streams, lakes and wetlands. The Econfina Creek, Choctawhatchee River and Chipola River WMAs consist of approximately 111,243 acres and protect groundwater recharge areas, sandhill lakes, riverine corridors and notable springs like Williford, Sylvan, and Pitt.

“Reforestation and groundcover restoration are important land management activities that help us protect the natural systems of Northwest Florida,” said District Governing Board member and Lands Committee Chairwoman Stephanie Bloyd. “The District is grateful to our partners in this project, and looks forward to continuing to leverage taxpayer dollars through funding partnerships like these in the future.”

###

For updates on land management activities in the Florida panhandle, visit www.facebook.com/nwfwater and www.twitter.com/nwfwmd.

Northwest Florida Water Management District Hosts Hunt for Wounded Veterans

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: NWFWMD Public Information Office (850) 539-2668 or melissa.angel@nwfwmd.state.fl.us

Northwest Florida Water Management District Hosts Hunt for Wounded Veterans

HAVANA – The Northwest Florida Water Management District recently hosted its second Operation Outdoor Freedom hunt. Six wounded veterans spent a productive weekend deer hunting on District land. The hunt took place February 7-9 in the Econfina Creek Water Management Area in Bay and Washington counties and was hosted with support from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ (DACS), Florida Forest Service, Friends of Florida State Forests and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

Operation Outdoor Freedom is an endeavor of the Florida Forest Service that offers recreational opportunities, including hunting and fishing, to wounded veterans on state forests and other public and agricultural lands. Through the program, designated areas are equipped to accommodate the special needs of wounded veterans, providing an opportunity for recreation and rehabilitation that is not available through any other state program.

Thanks to donations and support from individuals and local businesses, the District was able to provide meals for all participants, along with volunteers, primitive camping accommodations and equipment for the hunt. Donors included:

  • Preble-Rish
  • North Florida Dental Care
  • F4 Tech
  • Destin Water Users
  • Gus Andrews
  • Stephanie Bloyd
  • Nick Patronis
  • Bill Hunkapiller
  • Michael Edgar
  • Derek Fussell, Camo Dreams, Inc.
  • Kevin’s Fine Outdoor Gear & Apparel

The District owns more than 212,000 acres across northwest Florida, protecting river corridors, springs, streams, lakes and wetlands. The Econfina Creek Water Management Area (WMA) consists of approximately 41,000 acres surrounding the Econfina Creek Corridor, including steephead ravines, sandhill lakes and notable springs like Williford, Sylvan, and Pitt. Hunting is allowed throughout much of the area, which the District partners with FWC to manage. The WMA also features a specified hunting area and campsite for mobility-impaired hunters.

Visit nwfwp.sgssys.info for more information about District lands.

 

###

 

For updates on water projects in the Florida panhandle, visit www.facebook.com/nwfwater and www.twitter.com/nwfwmd.

NWFWMD Approves Nearly $10 million in Water Supply Funding (Eastern Region)

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 13, 2014

CONTACT: NWFWMD Communications, (850) 539-5999  or lauren.engel@nwfwmd.state.fl.us

NWFWMD Approves Nearly $10 million in Water Supply Funding (Eastern Region)

HAVANA – The Northwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board today approved nearly $10 million in grant funding to be used for 24 water supply development projects across Northwest Florida.

“Ensuring a clean and reliable supply of water for the people and natural systems of this region is one of the District’s top priorities,” said Governing Board Chairman George Roberts. “The Governing Board is pleased to play a part in helping local communities address their water supply challenges and needs.”

The District’s Fiscal Year 2013-2014 budget includes $10 million to provide assistance to local governments and utilities for water supply development projects.

“I appreciate the Northwest Florida Water Management District’s commitment to protecting the people and natural resources of the panhandle,” said State Senator Bill Montford (D-Tallahassee). “Through this funding, the District is providing vital support to help local communities address important needs.”

Last fall, the District launched a grant program to help local governments and utilities within the District’s 16-county area apply for funding for water supply projects. Projects eligible for grant funding included traditional water supply development projects, as well as alternative water supply projects, such as reuse and conservation projects that result in quantifiable water savings.

After careful review and evaluation of the many worthwhile projects submitted, the District identified 24 projects it was able to fund in this grant cycle.

“Through this grant program, the Northwest Florida Water Management District is working to address important and much needed water supply, water quality and public safety needs in Northwest Florida and House District 7,” said State Representative Halsey Beshears (R-Monticello). “This funding will go a long way in providing permanence for long-term needs in our rural counties. We appreciate the District’s favorable consideration of these projects.”

Many of the funded projects include replacements, repairs or upgrades to aging and deteriorating water distribution and treatment systems currently experiencing water loss, a lack of reliability or inadequate fire protection. The majority of the projects awarded serve financially disadvantaged communities which struggle to fund vital projects without infrastructure assistance.

“Many of these projects are important to our local communities not only in terms of improving water supply, but also to helping protect public health and safety,” said District Governing Board Member Bo Spring.

Combined with match funding from the local governments and other grants, the District’s funding is anticipated to leverage a total of $15.8 million in projects to meet regional water supply challenges.

“In addition to helping communities address pertinent water supply needs, many of these projects will benefit them economically,” said Jon Costello, Governing Board member representing the Ochlockonee-St. Marks-Wakulla River Basin Area. “Expansions and improvements to existing water systems make communities more attractive to businesses, whether it’s an established business looking to grow or one thinking of moving to the region from another state.”

Projects receiving District funding in the eastern region of the District include:

Monticello Water Extension (Jefferson County)

The District will provide $837,000 to the City of Monticello to extend a water main approximately two miles north of the city, providing users of private systems access to a reliable public water supply.

Town of Havana Water System Improvements (Gadsden County)

The District will provide $500,000 to the Town of Havana to construct a new well, 120,000 gallon storage tank, and treatment and water line improvements. This funding will be used to provide a new source of water, resolving persistent potable water quality problems.

Gretna Water System Upgrades (Gadsden County)

The District will provide $150,000 in funding to the City of Gretna to complete design and surveying for two wells, as well as transmission and treatment improvements. The funding will be used for planning and engineering to address existing deficiencies in storage, capacity, and fire flow.

Panacea Area Water System Sopchoppy Water System Interconnect (Wakulla County)

The District will provide $348,947 to Panacea Area Water System, Inc. to install approximately 13,750 linear feet of interconnection with the Sopchoppy water system. This interconnection will provide supplemental water and address persistent water quality problems.

Chipola River Pump #2 Rehabilitation (Gulf County)

The District will provide $195,000 to the City of Port St. Joe to rehabilitate a supply pump and add a new diesel electric generator. The project will help improve public health and safety by providing a more reliable water supply system.

City of Bristol Water Storage Capacity Project (Liberty County)

The District will provide $537,500 to the City of Bristol to construct a 200,000 gallon ground storage tank and two high service pumps, addressing critical storage needs and providing the necessary flow for adequate fire protection.

Pine Island Water System (Calhoun County)

The District will provide $409,844 in grant funding to the Calhoun County Board of County Commissioners to construct approximately 15,000 linear feet of water main and three fire hydrants, which will connect and serve the Pine Island community. This project will replace an inadequate and abandoned private system, and help ensure the community a reliable supply of water.

State Road 20 Waterline Replacement (Calhoun County)

The District will provide $235,845 in grant funding to the City of Blountstown to construct approximately 6,135 linear feet of water line and install 13 fire hydrants. This funding will augment a grant awarded to the City in January 2012 to replace an aging facility and improve service to ensure a clean and reliable supply of water to residents.

Altha Water System Phase 3 (Calhoun County)

The District will provide $540,000 to the Town of Altha to install approximately 9,550 linear feet of water main and 25 fire hydrants, improving capacity, reliability, and fire protection for residents.

###

NWFWMD Approves Nearly $10 million in Water Supply Funding (Central Region)

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 13, 2014

CONTACT: NWFWMD Communications, (850) 539-5999  or lauren.engel@nwfwmd.state.fl.us

NWFWMD Approves Nearly $10 million in Water Supply Funding (Central Region)

HAVANA – The Northwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board today approved nearly $10 million in grant funding to be used for 24 water supply development projects across Northwest Florida.

“Ensuring a clean and reliable supply of water for the people and natural systems of this region is one of the District’s top priorities,” said Governing Board Chairman George Roberts. “The Governing Board is pleased to play a part in helping local communities address their water supply challenges and needs.”

The District’s Fiscal Year 2013-2014 budget includes $10 million to provide assistance to local governments and utilities for water supply development projects.

“The projects funded under this grant program represent an important step forward in ensuring a clean and long-term supply of water for the residents, businesses and natural resources of Northwest Florida,” said Florida Senate President Don Gaetz (R-Niceville). “I look forward to continuing to work with the District and local governments in the area to ensure the health of the area’s environment and economy.”

Last fall, the District launched a grant program to help local governments and utilities within the District’s 16-county area apply for funding for water supply projects. Projects eligible for grant funding included traditional water supply development projects, as well as alternative water supply projects, such as reuse and conservation projects that result in quantifiable water savings.

After careful review and evaluation of the many worthwhile projects submitted, the District identified 24 projects it was able to fund in this grant cycle.

“Thanks to this funding, numerous communities in Northwest Florida will now be able to address critical water supply needs,” said State Representative Marti Coley (R-Marianna). “These projects will also allow the region to be better prepared for economic development that will ultimately provide jobs for our citizens. I applaud the District for their commitment to protecting the people and water resources of the region.”

“The projects funded under this grant program will not only help communities of House District 4 meet
long-term water supply needs, but will also provide infrastructure vital to helping our economy grow,” said State Representative Matt Gaetz (R-Fort Walton Beach).

Many of the funded projects include replacements, repairs or upgrades to aging and deteriorating water distribution and treatment systems currently experiencing water loss, a lack of reliability or inadequate fire protection. The majority of the projects awarded serve financially disadvantaged communities which struggle to fund vital projects without infrastructure assistance.

“Through this grant program, the District is funding important projects that will help communities meet their water supply needs, along with improving water quality and protecting public health and safety,” said Governing Board Member Gary Clark.

Combined with match funding from the local governments and other grants, the District’s funding is anticipated to leverage a total of $15.8 million in projects to meet regional water supply challenges.

“Many of the projects funded by the District’s grant program will provide economic benefits to the communities of Northwest Florida,” said John Alter, Governing Board member representing the Apalachicola-Chipola-Lower Chattahoochee River Basin.  “Having an accessible, reliable and safe supply of water will help provide the foundation needed to attract new or expanding businesses to the region.”

Projects receiving District funding in the central region of the District include:

Chipola River Protection and Stormwater Reuse Project (Jackson County)

A grant of $671,340 will be provided to the City of Marianna to expand an existing stormwater pond and develop a stormwater reuse irrigation system. This project will improve water quality by providing additional stormwater treatment and reduce water use by the application of innovative reuse technology.

Water Extension to I-10 Interchange (Jackson County)

The District will provide $321,339 to the Town of Grand Ridge to construct approximately 11,530 linear feet of water main. This project will extend the water system to the I-10 interchange, ensuring a reliable water supply and encouraging economic development.

Greenwood/ Marianna Interconnecting Water Mains (Jackson County)

A grant of $230,308 to the Town of Greenwood will be used to install approximately 5,300 linear feet of interconnection and replace approximately 4,000 linear feet of current distribution main, connecting the Town of Greenwood to the City of Marianna’s water supply and helping to resolve a persistent problem with potable water quality.

Highway 77/I-10 Infrastructure Improvements (Washington County)

A grant of $440,000 to the City of Chipley will be used to construct a new 16-inch well and associated distribution system improvements. These improvements will improve capacity and alleviate risks to the quality of the water utilized by the potable system.

City of Bonifay Waterline Replacement (Holmes County)

The District will provide $268,900 to the City of Bonifay to replace approximately 4,590 linear feet of asbestos cement and lead joint water main. This will reduce water loss and help protect the public and environment..

Esto Water Main Replacement (Holmes County)

The District will provide $149,690 to the Town of Esto to replace approximately 4,850 linear feet of water line.  Replacing the aging water pipes will significantly reduce water loss.

Noma Water Line Replacement Project (Holmes County)

The District will provide $415,292 to the Town of Noma to replace a 28,100 linear feet distribution system and 25 fire hydrants, as well as provide additional valve and meter installation to address deficiencies in the system.

DeFuniak Springs Water Main Replacement (Walton County)

The District will provide $473,750 to the City of DeFuniak Springs to replace approximately 10,714 linear feet of asbestos cement water main and install 30 fire hydrants. By replacing the deteriorating water lines, this project will improve public health and safety, as well as reduce water loss.

Highway 285 Reclaimed Water Main Upgrade (Okaloosa County)

A grant of $144,000 to the City of Niceville will be used to replace 3,100 linear feet of 6 and 8-inch reuse lines with 12-inch lines to increase capacity, providing residential, commercial and institutional reuse.  This project also addresses one of the District’s priorities under the area’s Regional Water Supply Plan.

Mid-County Tank in Okaloosa County (Okaloosa County)

The District will provide a $1,250,000 grant to the Okaloosa County Water and Sewer System to construct a 1 million gallon elevated water tank and associated facilities. This project will enhance service in the mid-county area and add inland storage for system interconnected with coastal service areas.  This project also addresses one of the District’s priorities under the area’s Regional Water Supply Plan.

###

NWFWMD Approves Nearly $10 million in Water Supply Funding (Western Region)

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 13, 2014

CONTACT: NWFWMD Communications, (850) 539-5999  or lauren.engel@nwfwmd.state.fl.us

NWFWMD Approves Nearly $10 million in Water Supply Funding (Western Region)

HAVANA – The Northwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board today approved nearly $10 million in grant funding to be used for 24 water supply development projects across Northwest Florida.

“Ensuring a clean and reliable supply of water for the people and natural systems of this region is one of the District’s top priorities,” said Governing Board Chairman George Roberts. “The Governing Board is pleased to play a part in helping local communities address their water supply challenges and needs.”

The District’s Fiscal Year 2013-2014 budget includes $10 million to provide assistance to local governments and utilities for water supply development projects.

“By funding these important projects, the District is helping ensure a cleaner, safer and more reliable supply of water for countless residents and visitors of Northwest Florida,” said State Senator Greg Evers (R-Baker).

Last fall, the District launched a grant program to help local governments and utilities within the District’s 16-county area apply for funding for water supply projects. Projects eligible for grant funding included traditional water supply development projects, as well as alternative water supply projects, such as reuse and conservation projects that result in quantifiable water savings. After careful review and evaluation of the many worthwhile projects submitted, the District identified 24 projects it was able to fund in this grant cycle.

“Thank you to the Northwest Florida Water Management District for recognizing the importance of helping our communities provide a safe and sustainable water supply to their residents and businesses,” said State Representative Doug Broxson (R-Midway). “This funding will directly benefit the people, natural resources and economy of our area.”

Many of the funded projects include replacements, repairs or upgrades to aging and deteriorating water distribution and treatment systems currently experiencing water loss, a lack of reliability or inadequate fire protection. The majority of the projects awarded serve financially disadvantaged communities which struggle to fund vital projects without infrastructure assistance.

“This grant funding will provide an important contribution to the health and well-being of these communities,” said Jerry Pate, Governing Board Vice-Chair and representative of the Perdido-Escambia River basin.

Combined with match funding from the local governments and other grants, the District’s funding is anticipated to leverage a total of $15.8 million in projects to meet regional water supply challenges.

“These projects will provide both direct and indirect benefits to the region’s economy,” said Angus “Gus” Andrews, Governing Board member representing the Blackwater-Yellow River Basin.  “Improvements to water supply infrastructure can act as a foundation for future economic development and help bring new business and jobs to our communities.”

Projects receiving District funding in the western region of the District include:

Highway 285 Reclaimed Water Main Upgrade (Okaloosa County)

A grant of $144,000 to the City of Niceville will be used to replace 3,100 linear feet of 6 and 8-inch reuse lines with 12-inch lines to increase capacity, providing residential, commercial and institutional reuse.  This project also addresses one of the District’s priorities under the area’s Regional Water Supply Plan.

Mid-County Tank in Okaloosa County (Okaloosa County)

The District will provide a $1,250,000 grant to the Okaloosa County Water and Sewer System to construct a 1 million gallon elevated water tank and associated facilities. This project will enhance service in the mid-county area and add inland storage for system interconnected with coastal service areas.  This project also addresses one of the District’s priorities under the area’s Regional Water Supply Plan.

Chumuckla Water System Upgrades (Santa Rosa County)

The District will provide $100,721 to Chumuckla Water System, Inc., to provide improvements to the current system, including upgrades to the well motor controls and computerized control and data system. It will also be used to acquire an excavator, trailer and ground penetrating radar to locate water mains in need of repair or replacement. These improvements will help eliminate lengthy system outages and water loss, and provide an overall increase in system reliability.

South Santa Rosa Utility System Reclaimed Water Elevated Storage Tank (Santa Rosa County)

The District will provide $345,500 to the City of Gulf Breeze to construct a 300,000 gallon storage tank to provide reclaimed water storage and improve system reliability. This project will also help address one of the District’s priorities under the area’s Regional Water Supply Plan.

Santa Rosa Soccer and Horse Complex Reclaimed Water Extension (Santa Rosa County)

The District will provide $160,000 to Pace Water System, Inc., to construct an approximately 2.8 mile reuse transmission main. The main will extend reclaimed water along a 2.8 mile corridor and to the Santa Rosa Soccer and Horse Complex, reducing the current need for groundwater pumping.

Town of Jay Asbestos Water Main Replacement (Santa Rosa County)

The District will provide $663,024 in grant funding to the Town of Jay to replace approximately 10,200 linear feet of asbestos-concrete water line, reducing water loss and protecting public and environmental health.

Central Water Reclamation Facility Reclaimed Water System Expansion (Escambia County)

The District will provide $522,000 in grant funding to the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority for planning, design and construction of a major reuse extension to the University of West Florida’s main campus and Scenic Hills Golf Course.

###

NWFWMD Approves Funding to Improve Water Quality in Apalachicola Bay

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 17, 2014
CONTACT: NWFWMD Public Information Office (850) 539-5999 or lauren.engel@nwfwmd.state.fl.us
NWFWMD Approves Funding to Improve Water Quality in Apalachicola Bay

HAVANA – The Northwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board last week approved up to $443,000 in grant funding to the City of Apalachicola for the construction of a water quality improvement project in Apalachicola Bay. This funding builds upon $71,500 in District funding previously provided for the design and engineering phase of this stormwater improvement project, which will treat stormwater that currently discharges directly into Apalachicola Bay.

“Protecting the Apalachicola River and Bay remains one of the District’s top priorities,” said Executive Director Jon Steverson. “We look forward to continuing to work with the City, state agencies and other stakeholders to improve water quality and restore flow to the Bay.”

The Battery Park Basin Stormwater Improvement Project consists of two primary components designed to improve stormwater quality before it discharges into Apalachicola Bay—a treatment system in the upper reaches of the basin and a baffle box near the Bay. The project will treat stormwater and separate pollutants including nutrients, bacteria, suspended solids and heavy metals from stormwater before it discharges it into the bay, improving water quality and protecting aquatic habitat. Currently, stormwater within the 67 acre Battery Park basin discharges directly into the Bay with little or no treatment.

Along with improving the quality of water entering the Bay, the Battery Park project provides stormwater infrastructure that will help address localized flooding within the Battery Park basin.

The District remains committed to the restoration of the Apalachicola River and Bay. The District’s 2013-2014 budget includes a total of $4.7 million for Apalachicola River and Bay watershed protection and restoration, including $3 million proposed by Governor Rick Scott and approved by the Florida Legislature as part of the state’s Fiscal Year 2013-2014 budget. Funding for the Battery Park project is allocated by the District through its Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM) program.

###

Prescribed Burn Scheduled for Garcon Point Water Management Area

Posted on

MEDIA ADVISORY: Feb. 9, 2015

CONTACT: Tyler Macmillan or NWFWMD Public Information Office (850-539-5999)

PRESCRIBED BURN SCHEDULED FOR GARCON POINT WATER MANAGEMENT AREA

MILTON – Area residents may see smoke rising from the woodlands on Garcon Point on Feb. 12, 2015 as part of a prescribed burn conducted by the Northwest Florida Water Management District, the Florida Park Service and Westervelt Ecological Services (WES).

The prescribed burn is scheduled to begin Thursday morning, weather permitting. The burn will take place on connected properties containing 949 acres within the District’s Garcon Point Water Management Area, 110 acres of Florida Park Service land and 126 acres of WES’s Pensacola Bay Mitigation Bank. It will take place in Santa Rosa County south of Interstate 10 between Avalon Boulevard and Garcon Point Road, north of Mary Kitchens Road.

The prescribed burn is an important land-management practice that helps restore and maintain plant and animal habitats and prevent wildfire on this 1,185-acre piece of property consisting of mostly wetlands, pine flatwoods and native prairie.

“Prescribed burns are an important part of the District’s routine land-management operations that help us restore natural communities and better protect our area’s water and natural resources,” said Tyler Macmillan, District Bureau Chief of Land Management Operations. “Prescribed burns are a safe, efficient and effective way to apply a natural process, to ensure ecosystem health and reduce wildfire risk in the water management area totaling 3,250 acres.”

Although every effort will be made to ensure smoke will not affect homes or highways, drivers should exercise caution in case smoke does lead to reduced visibility on the area’s roadways.

“Prescribed burning provides us the opportunity to use favorable weather patterns to divert heavy amounts of smoke away from smoke-sensitive areas such as interstate highways and residential areas,” said John McGuire, Senior Project Manager for WES.

The burn will be conducted by certified prescribed burn managers, with assistance from the Gulf Coastal Plain Ecosystem Partnership. The final decision to burn is based on the day’s predicted fire weather forecast and comes after a burn authorization from the Florida Forest Service is obtained.

The Gulf Coastal Plain Ecosystem Partnership is a public/private voluntary landowner partnership collectively managing more than 1 million acres in northwest Florida and south Alabama. The 11 partners include the Department of Defense (Naval Air Station and Eglin Air Force Base), the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Florida Forestry Service, the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Longleaf Alliance, the National Park Service, the Northwest Florida Water Management District, National Forests in Alabama, the Nature Conservancy, Nokuse Plantation and Westervelt Ecological Services.

District-funded project improves water quality in St. Andrew Bay

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 18, 2015
CONTACT: NWFWMD Public Information Office (850) 539-2663 or Jim.Lamar@yopmail.com

District-funded project improves water quality in St. Andrew Bay

HAVANA – The city of Panama City recently completed a project that will improve the quality of water in St. Andrew Bay. Using a nearly $1 million grant from the Northwest Florida Water Management District, the city installed 15 pollutant separators in an ongoing effort to improve the water quality in the bay.

“Protecting and preserving the quality of water in St. Andrew Bay remains one of the District’s highest priorities,” District Governing Board Chairman George Roberts said. “Removing excess nutrients from stormwater before it reaches the bay is one of the best ways we can make a positive impact on this waterbody which means so much to the local economy.”

After securing $931,774 in grant funding from the District last year, the city began work on reducing the amount of pollutants in the stormwater runoff from 291 acres of downtown Panama City.

Two pollutant separators were installed at the Millville Waterfront Park on Maple Avenue to treat stormwater runoff before it discharges into Watson Bayou and, ultimately, St. Andrew Bay. Additional separators were installed throughout the downtown area to help protect other bayous that eventually feed the bay.

Those pollutant separators now remove 87 percent of the phosphorus and 47 percent of the nitrogen contained in the stormwater runoff as well as nearly 90 percent of sediments. The reduction of sediments will also minimize the need for costly dredging projects to maintain boating access in the bayous.

“These pollutant separators improve the health of our bayous and St Andrew Bay by removing the nutrients that contribute to algae growth,” said Neil Fravel, public works director for Panama City. “This reduction of algae allows sunlight to reach our sea grass beds which are crucial to the overall health and productivity of our estuaries. The support and funding provided by the Northwest Florida Water Management District has allowed Panama City to significantly advance these projects and translate them from an engineering goal to an environmental accomplishment.”

This project is part of the District’s ongoing effort to improve the quality of water in St. Andrew Bay. Beginning in 2013, the District committed $3.8 million for stormwater-improvement projects in the St. Andrew Bay watershed.

###