$1.7 Mil for River Restoration

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$1.7 Mil for River Restoration

Florida DEP and the City of Fort Myers Commit $1.7 Million to Caloosahatchee River Restoration Plan Addressing Nutrient Pollution

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has partnered with the city of Fort Myers for a restoration project to reduce pollutants reaching the Carrell Canal and ultimately the Caloosahatchee River. The department is committing $840,000 and the city is providing matching funds in the amount of $890,000. The project will create stormwater treatment systems using diversion structures, filter marshes and control structures within the non-play areas of a city-owned golf course.

"This project, along with the department's restoration plan, is a positive step forward for Fort Myers and the Caloosahatchee River," said Tom Frick, director of the Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration. "We are grateful to the city and the rest of our stakeholders for their commitment to our water resources."

Water that flows off land and into creeks, streams or rivers after a rain is referred to as stormwater runoff. Stormwater runoff usually contains a number of pollutants including fertilizers, pesticides, oil and grease. Once this runoff reaches a waterbody, the pollutants can cause rapid algal growth, algal blooms and other complications. Retention and treatment of stormwater runoff through filter marshes and diversion structures will reduce impacts on water quality.

"The city of Fort Myers has partnered with DEP for a long time with one goal in mind, to make sure our waterbodies are protected and restored," said city of Fort Myers Public Works Director Saeed Kazemi. "We look forward to continuing this important partnership."

Source: Florida Department of Environmental Protection

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