District Helps Kick Off Construction on Stormwater Project

Groundbreaking ceremony in SarasotaCommunity leaders in Sarasota County kick off the construction of the Dearborn Street Stormwater Project.

Michael Peck, professional engineer with the District, recently helped community leaders in Sarasota County kick off the construction of the Dearborn Street Stormwater Project.

The low-impact design (LID) project for the Englewood Community Redevelopment area will incorporate environmentally friendly “green” features such as bioswales, prepared or mixed soil layers, pervious concrete pavement and stormwater reuse for irrigation.

This stormwater retrofit project will provide stormwater treatment for a 71-acre urban drainage area where none currently exists. The project will contribute to improved water quality in the Lemon Bay Aquatic Preserve by reducing or eliminating the direct discharge of untreated stormwater runoff from the entire downtown Englewood district.

Michael PeckMichael Peck, professional engineer with the District.

Also, for the first time as part of a county project, equipment will be installed for efficiency monitoring of water samples during and after construction to test for nutrient reduction and improved water quality for Lemon Bay. Construction methods are designed to limit the impact on businesses and residents.

“This project will be a functioning model of LID technologies when complete,” Peck said. “As the various project components become an integral part of the downtown landscape, that will create community pride and public education as the residents inform visitors and take care to protect the system.”

The District is providing $3.54 million in funding for this project. The project is slated for completion in November 2013.