Work underway on project to improve water quality in Lake Jesup, Soldiers Creek

“Our cost-share program is an incredible tool for supporting local projects that promote sustainable water resources, provide for alternative water supplies and enhance conservation efforts,” said St. Johns River Water Management District Executive Director Dr. Ann Shortelle. “Projects like this are a testament to the power of collaboration in achieving positive results.”

“The partnership created for this project addresses important transportation and environmental needs in Seminole County. It demonstrates the type of intergovernmental collaboration that leverages state, regional and local resources to fund the construction of essential infrastructure. It is a win/win for all involved; especially for the taxpayers. Seminole County greatly appreciates its valuable relationship with the SJRWMD and the FDOT,” said John Horan, Chairman, Seminole County Board of County Commissioners.

The project retrofits an existing stormwater facility and pond with technology that facilitates nutrient removal using aluminum sulfate to remove phosphorus, nitrogen and suspended solids. The facility will treat diverted flows from Soldiers Creek, which discharges to Spring Hammock Preserve, Lake Jesup and the middle St. Johns River.

Construction is expected to finish in early 2017. Once complete, the facility expects to remove up to 82 percent of total phosphorus and 43 percent of total nitrogen annually when operating at peak capacity. Similar technology has been used successfully to improve water quality in other locations, including the Nutrient Reduction Facility at Lake Apopka’s North Shore. The total estimated project cost is $7.6 million.

For more information about the current cost-share application process, visit www.sjrwmd.com/funding.