LAKE HUNTER STORMWATER TREATMENT PROJECT
PROJECT WILL INCLUDE CONSTRUCTION OF STORMWATER TREATMENT PONDS AND A LITTER CONTROL DEVICE
As part of the City of Lakeland’s ongoing efforts to improve water quality in Lake Hunter, the City will begin a project to construct a stormwater management and treatment facility that will assist with nutrient reduction in stormwater discharges to Lake Hunter. Lake Hunter has been identified as a priority waterbody with a regulatory Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) reduction requirement for total nitrogen and total phosphorous.
Larsen Grading & Paving has been retained to complete the construction of the stormwater treatment project at a cost not to exceed $1,133,506, and the City will provide the construction materials at a cost of $335,000. Funding for the project in the amount of $1,468.506 is provided in the Stormwater Utility Capital Improvement Fund (CIP), although a significant portion of the expenditures will be reimbursed at the end of the project. The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) awarded the City of Lakeland a 50% matching Cooperative Funding Initiative (CFI) Grant for project costs up to $1,053,980. At the completion of the project SWFWMD will reimburse the City of Lakeland $526,990. The project will begin June 24, 2019, and is expected to be completed in approximately six (6) months.
The Lake Hunter project includes construction of two (2) stormwater treatment ponds on the north side of Sikes Boulevard between Hartsell Avenue and Lime Street. Several existing wetland areas, recently transferred to the City of Lakeland by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), will be restored. Existing stormwater retention ponds will be deepened to provide additional storage and enhance nutrient load removal for stormwater. Pollution control devices will be installed to aid in removing sediment, litter and floatable trash, and additional nutrients from stormwater before it enters the lake.
The location was chosen to maximize use of available property; improve hydration, habitat and function of existing wetlands; enhance litter capture and removal, and obtain nutrient load reduction of previously untreated stormwater prior to its discharge to Lake Hunter.
A boardwalk is also proposed, with connectivity to the Sikes Boulevard sidewalk and the RP Funding Center. This amenity will provide recreational opportunities and observation areas for public benefit.
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Please contact the Lakes & Stormwater Division at (863) 834-3300 for any questions or concerns.