FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 23, 2014
DEP COMMITS $425,000 TO HELP RESTORE BISCAYNE
BAY
~Stormwater improvement project protects water
quality for Biscayne Bay~
TALLAHASSEE – The
Florida Department of Environmental Protection has committed $425,000 to the city
of Aventura for a restoration project to reduce pollutants reaching the
northern portion of Biscayne Bay. The project will connect two storm sewer
networks to reduce flooding in the area and will also install exfiltration
trenches -- a treatment technology that reduces pollutant content by percolating
stormwater through the soil rather than flushing it downstream to the bay.
“This
project is another step toward the restoration of Biscayne Bay,” said DEP
Secretary Herschel T. Vinyard Jr. “Improving stormwater infrastructure has
long-term benefits for both our state’s communities and our natural resources.”
Stormwater
runoff is water that flows into creeks, streams or rivers after rain.
Stormwater runoff usually contains a number of pollutants including
fertilizers, pesticides, oil and grease. Once this runoff reaches a body of
water, the pollutants can cause rapid algal growth, algal blooms and other
complications. Retention and treatment of stormwater runoff through the
exfiltration trenches will improve water quality.
Biscayne
Bay runs approximately 35 miles along the coast of south Florida. The bay was
designated as a state aquatic preserve in 1975 and is home to Biscayne National
Park, the largest marine park in the national park system. Biscayne Bay is a
valuable resource for food, transportation and tourism.
The
waterbody is host to mangrove shorelines, seagrass meadows and coral reefs.
These ecosystems support a wide variety of wildlife. The bay is also a popular
destination for boating, snorkeling and camping.
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