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The City of Lakeland will begin construction to retrofit an existing stormwater pollution control device (PCD) located at the intersection of Lake Hollingsworth Drive and Palmola Street. This device uses innovative technology to enhance nutrient removal in stormwater discharges to Lake Hollingsworth. The City has obtained all required permits and will utilize funds appropriated for stormwater management and treatment within the Lake Hollingsworth drainage basin.
The project involves installing a 40’ x 12’ underground biosorption activated media (BAM) treatment unit that will be connected to the existing baffle box PCD. The baffle box PCD is designed to remove gross pollutants such as sediment, litter, and debris from stormwater flows, while the addition of the BAM unit will remove soluble nutrient pollutants from stormwater prior to discharging into Lake Hollingsworth. Implementation of this project will enhance the City’s ongoing efforts to reduce pollutant loads in stormwater entering Lake Hollingsworth. Lake Hollingsworth has a current State Total Maximum Daily Load mandate to reduce nutrient loads entering the lake.
The project is scheduled to begin June 6, 2023 and will be completed by Public Works Construction & Maintenance crews within a week from the construction start date. Construction equipment can be expected in the area Lake Hollingsworth Drive and Palmola Street, with equipment and vehicles periodically entering and leaving the site while also crossing the Lake Hollingworth recreation path. The city will provide traffic control at the recreational pathway for the safety of residents throughout the construction activities as needed. The estimated cost to complete this project is $57,000, which is provided through the FY23 Stormwater Utility Capital Improvement Projects Fund.