LAKE HUNTER STORMWATER TREATMENT PROJECT
PROJECT INCLUDED 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 completed 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 and City staff have completed the construction of the stormwater treatment project at a cost not to exceed $1,133,506, and the City provided the construction materials at a cost of $335,000. Funding for the project in the amount of $1,468.506 was provided in the Stormwater Utility Capital Improvement Fund (CIP), although a significant portion of the expenditures was 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 began in June of 2019 was completed in April 2021.
The Lake Hunter project included 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), were restored. Existing stormwater retention ponds were deepened to provide additional storage and enhance nutrient load removal for stormwater. Pollution control devices were 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.
Please contact the Lakes & Stormwater Division at (863) 834-3300 for any questions or concerns.
