MANASOTA & PEACE RIVER BBDs Meeting Notebook 10-21-09.docx

W437
(Completed) North Port Water Enhancement Program
Project Type SWIM
AOR(s)
Water Quality
Basin(s) Manasota
Cooperator(s)
Project Manager SMITH, RANDY
Task Manager(s)
City of North Port, City of North Port - Public Utilities
KAUFMAN, KRIS
Status Completed
Description
The study will include preparation of a sampling plan, data collection, data analysis, reporting and development of
conceptual alternatives. Approximately 20 stations located in the Cocoplum canal system and Myakkahatchee Creek
will be sampled on a monthly basis for one year. Information collected during this project will be used to develop a
conceptual plan for the implementation of projects to improve water quality in downstream receiving water bodies.
Downstream receiving water bodies include the Myakka River and Charlotte Harbor, a Surface Water Improvement
and Management (SWIM) priority water body. The Cocoplum canal is part of approximately 80 miles of surface water
canals within the City that connects to Myakkahatchee Creek. Water quality samples will be analyzed for 31 select
parameters including nutrients, metals, fecal coliform and total suspended solids. Flow and water level monitoring will
be used to calculate pollutant loads. There will be an emphasis on sampling canals with frontage areas populated with
septic systems as these could contribute to water quality degradation. This sampling plan will result in a strategy to
prioritize areas of the City's surface water system that requires water quality enhancement.
Benefits
This project will identify issues contributing to the degradation of water quality so that a conceptual plan for the
implementation of water quality improvements can be developed. Improving water quality in this system will improve
the water quality in downstream receiving water bodies. Water quality improvements in the system will benefit multiple
ecologically sensitive and important water bodies. Improving water quality in this system will also benefit local
governments who utilize it for their water supply.
Costs
The FY2008 project cost is $390,000, with the City of North Port contributing $195,000 and the District contributing
$195,000. The District's share is split between the Manasota Basin Board ($97,500) and State SWIM ($97,500). The
District funding amounts shown in the table include staff salaries, travel and central garage charges.
Additional Information
The District currently has an ongoing cooperative funding project with the City of North Port to perform a Watershed
Management Program (WMP), City of North Port Big Slough WMP (K883). The emphasis of project K883 is flood
protection. The District is also currently funding the Myakka River Watershed Initiative (H048). This project will include
the development of a strategy to restore water quality, natural systems, and floodplain impacts in the watershed in
ways that can also provide a benefit to water supplies in the Southern Water Use Caution Area. The three of these
projects (W437, K883 and H048) have the potential to compliment each other without duplicating efforts. The City of
North Port's SWFWMD Water Use Permit was recently renewed in mid 2006 allowing the City to withdraw raw water
from both the Myakkahatchee Creek and Cocoplum canal at an average flow rate of 4.4 mgd. The Myakkahatchee
Creek is the central artery of the Big Slough watershed. The Big Slough discharges into the Myakka River, a Wild and
Scenic designation and an Outstanding Florida Water. The Myakka River empties into Charlotte Harbor which is a
State of Florida Aquatic Preserve, Outstanding Florida Water and a SWIM priority water body.
021 - Manasota Basin 55