State Budget Includes $627,000 to Fund Stormwater Treatment Project to Improve Lagoon Water Quality

The total project cost will be $1.43 Million

BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – The state budget that went into effect July 1 included $627,500 to help fund an important stormwater treatment project in the City of Melbourne.

Harbor City Treatment Train Water Quality Improvements project is the first phase of a water quality and flood prevention initiative for a 410-acre basin within the City of Melbourne that was developed before modern stormwater regulations.

The project includes the installation of two baffle boxes that will keep sediments and pollution, including approximately 1,164 pounds of nitrogen and 448 pounds of phosphorous a year, out of the Indian River Lagoon.

Baffle boxes are underground structures made up of chambers that trap debris, trash, and other pollutants from stormwater that flows off of streets and into storm drains after heavy rains.

The city is installing baffle boxes in older neighborhoods throughout Melbourne as part of its comprehensive plan to reduce the amount of stormwater pollution going into the Indian River Lagoon.

The total project cost will be $1,430,800. Matching funds will be provided by stormwater utility fees and a $203,008 grant from the Save Our Indian River Lagoon program.

Construction is expected to begin in early 2022.

Similar Stories