The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Governing Board approved a nitrogen reduction goal for water discharging from Lake Hancock and a preliminary treatment plan to achieve those goals.
Lake Hancock is in the headwaters of the Peace River watershed that extends 120 miles downriver to Charlotte Harbor, an estuary of national significance and a Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM) priority water body. Water quality leaving the 4,500-acre lake has been documented as a major source of poor water quality in the Upper Peace River.
A study completed by the District determined that reducing nitrogen by 27 percent would improve water quality discharging from Lake Hancock to historic conditions. A 27 percent reduction is also expected to offset the projected increase in nitrogen loads from the Peace River Basin to Charlotte Harbor over the next 19 years.
The District studied and considered eight treatment technologies to reduce nitrogen loads before determining that constructing treatment wetlands would be the best option because it is cost-effective and proven. Treatment wetlands are also easier to maintain than the other treatment options considered and offer greater wildlife and recreational benefits. Treatment wetlands can also be used for short-term water storage, which can help manage the water resources associated with the Upper Peace River.
The wetlands treatment system will be built on part of the parcel of land formerly known as Old Florida Plantation. The District purchased the 3,500-acre parcel, which was planned for development, knowing it may serve as the site for the water quality improvement project.
The treatment process in the wetlands system would use bulrush, cattails and other plants to filter the water before it enters the river.
With the board’s approval, District staff will continue with the feasibility phase of the project through site specific testing that will assess methods and costs associated with the construction of a large-scale treatment wetland on the District’s land. Following the completion of the testing phase, final recommendations will be made for the full-scale project. Construction is targeted for 2009 and 2010.
At the board’s request, District staff will also explore alternative biological treatment methods for the board to consider pilot testing.