FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 27, 2014
DEP COMMITS $360,000 TO MIAMI
GARDENS FOR PROTECTION OF BISCAYNE BAY
~Stormwater improvement project
reduces pollutants reaching the bay~
TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department
of Environmental Protection is committing $360,000 to the city of Miami Gardens
for stormwater system improvements and a retrofit project to reduce pollutants
reaching Biscayne Bay. The projects involve the construction of parabolic
swales, a French drain system, an exfiltration system and a number of other
stormwater-treatment technologies. The project will enhance the quality of
surface water runoff by reducing contaminants, consequently improving water
quality for Biscayne Bay.
“Investments in modern
infrastructure are investments in both the community and the environment,” said
DEP Secretary Herschel T. Vinyard Jr. “Properly functioning stormwater systems
not only strengthen water quality, but also protect citizens and homes.”
Stormwater runoff is
water that flows into creeks, streams or rivers after a 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. Increased retention
and filtration of stormwater runoff will reduce negative impacts on water
quality.
Biscayne Bay is a
dynamic marine ecosystem with mangrove shorelines, a shallow bay and living
coral reefs. The bay is a shallow estuary where freshwater from the land mixes
with saltwater from the sea forming a nursery for a variety of infant and
juvenile marine life. The area is home to two state aquatic preserves,
including the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve. The area is home to a variety of
native wildlife including manatees, lobsters and sea turtles.
Florida has
historically been at the forefront of the nation in addressing stormwater
management, as one of the first states to implement a statewide stormwater
program. Florida was also one of the first states to address agricultural and
urban stormwater management through its water-quality restoration program.
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