Highlights

Lake Park Phase 3

This project takes place in a highly developed watershed. Alum treatment was selected to maximize the reduction of nitrogen in a watershed that has limited land available for water quality projects. In addition to this, Lakes Park West Lake has a unique configuration. Very little to no circulation limits the treatment options. The water quality problem in the lake is further compounded by the presence of a wading bird rookery. Stated in the 2009 report Wading Bird Nutrient Loading Contributions at Lakes Regional Park: “Based on Lee County Environmental Lab’s recorded historic levels of nitrogen and phosphorus, at the inflow and outflow of the western lake, the contribution of nesting wading bird feces at Lakes Regional Park to the total nutrient load estimated to be 21% of the total nitrogen load and 100% of the total phosphorus load.” The compounding high nutrient levels and the presence of the toxin producer “Prymnesium parvum”, makes a chemical water quality improvement process the perfect candidate for this project. 

The estimated cost per pound removal identified in a 3 year term below. Per Conceptual Design Report for Lakes Park Water Quality Phase 3, the BMP annual reduction estimate for TN is 3,510lb and 271lb for TP. A two-pronged approach is proposed at Lakes Park to meet the remainder of Lee County’s TN load reduction overall target of 10,084 pounds/year for Hendry Creek. An initial whole-lake application of liquid alum will remove nutrients from the water column in the lake on a one-time basis and lock up the nutrients in the sediments to reduce internal nutrient recycling. A continual recirculation system will apply low doses of alum throughout the lake and reduce annual nutrient outflows to downstream Hendry Creek and Estero Bay.

Bob Janes Preserve Water Quality Improvement Project

The Bob Janes Preserve is a 5,620-acre parcel of land located on the northern border of Lee County, north of the Caloosahatchee River.  Both surface water and groundwater flows within the area are significantly affected by the close proximity to the River.  The Bob Jane Preserve watershed provides drainage from previously farmed land, formerly part of the Babcock Ranch, into the Caloosahatchee River, which has a TMDL for total nitrogen and is currently subject to a State of Florida Basin Management Action Plan.  

The Bob Jane Preserve Water Quality Improvement project consists of two projects. Project 1 involves adding a diversion structure in the upper Fichter’s Creek to deliver water via an improved field ditch to an old agricultural field with reestablished berms to create about 25 acres of shallow open water wetlands.  Project 2 involves adding a diversion structure in a tributary slough to Cypress Creek to deliver water via an old agricultural field perimeter ditch to help rehydrate native wetlands.  These projects provide a passive and native means to reduce pollutant load with minimal disturbance to the natural habitat. 

APWA & FES Co-Hosted Social

The APWA and FES branches of SWFL are excited to announce a co-hosted social for all of our members to attend and reconnect with their local colleagues and industry friends. This social will be hosted at the Resurgence Brewery located off of 6 Mile Cypress Parkway from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. All are welcome, but we especially encourage our young professionals to attend as it's a great opportunity to network and make connections. 

Thanks to our event sponsors, this is a free event with 2 complimentary drink tickets provided per guest. Appetizers will also be available during the event. For all interested in attending, please RSVP at the following link: 

Florida Engineering Society - Calusa Chapter - Meeting/Event Information