Sebastian stormwater project to improve Indian River Lagoon water quality

PALM BAY, Fla., Aug. 19, 2016 — Now underway, a partnership project between the St. Johns River Water Management District and the city of Sebastian will capture pollutants before they can reach the Indian River Lagoon.

“Any time our agency can work with a local partner to reduce the impacts of untreated, nutrient-laden storm water on the lagoon, we are making strides,” said St. Johns River Water Management District Executive Director Dr. Ann Shortelle. “The Sebastian project will improve water quality and clarity in a section of the lagoon designated a Florida Aquatic Preserve.”

Located on city-owned property, the stormwater project uses a series baffle boxes fitted with nutrient filters, inlet baskets and a grassy swale to capture pollutants from a 13-acre watershed that includes a parking lot and a section of U.S. 1. City officials anticipate a 56.4 percent nitrogen reduction, 83.2 percent drop in phosphorus and 90 percent reduction in total suspended solids.

The district contributed $46,200 to the $175,000 project through its cost-share program.