NWFWMD Approves Water Quality Projects for St. Andrew Bay

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 13, 2014

CONTACT: NWFWMD Communications (850) 539-2663 or Lauren.Engel@nwfwmd.state.fl.us 

NWFWMD Approves Water Quality Projects for St. Andrew Bay

HAVANA – The Northwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board today approved nearly $1.8 million in combined funding for two stormwater retrofit projects that will improve water quality in the St. Andrew Bay watershed.

Under the first project, the District will provide more than $1 million to the City of Parker to install a stormwater treatment system within Parker Bayou, which is part of the St. Andrew Bay system.

“The District is committed to protecting and improving water quality for the communities and natural resources of Northwest Florida,” said District Governing Board Member Nick Patronis. “We look forward to continuing to partner with local governments, state agencies and other stakeholders to improve water quality within the St. Andrews Bay and other waterbodies of the panhandle.”

The proposed treatment system includes construction of stormwater drainage improvements and a stormwater retention facility to capture and treat stormwater, as well as the installation of a baffle box, which will remove pollutants and nutrients from stormwater before it discharges to the Bayou. The project encompasses an 810-acre urban watershed that currently has no stormwater treatment facilities.

“The Department and Water Management Districts are committed to spending taxpayer dollars on tangible projects that improve water quality,” said Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Herschel T. Vinyard Jr. “These projects will upgrade stormwater treatment, which will be a big win for the environment.”

The Governing Board also approved more than $705,000 in District funding to the City of Callaway for the development of a new stormwater management system facility.

The proposed facility includes three interconnected stormwater treatment ponds and associated drainage systems, along with a drainage outlet which will replace the existing outlet along Lake Drive.  The system will both improve water runoff quality and provide flood attenuation for the area.

Protection of the St. Andrew Bay system remains a high priority for the District under its Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM) program. The District’s Fiscal Year 2013-2014 budget includes $3.9 million for the St. Andrew Bay watershed protection, including the restoration of spring bank and riparian habitat associated with Williford Springs and Econfina Creek. It also includes grant funding assistance to local governments for stormwater and other projects to improve water quality and aquatic habitat within the Bay.