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Picayune Watershed Water Quality Feasibility Study

Feasibility Study

The intent of the Picayune Watershed Water Quality Feasibility Study is to improve the quality of water entering the Collier-Seminole State Park, Rookery Bay Estuarine Research Reserve, and the Cape Romano – Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Water flows entering these protected areas currently have increased levels of phosphorus and nitrogen. The feasibility study will review existing data, evaluate nutrient inflow levels and recommend treatment technologies.

Site Analysis

The purpose of the Water Quality Site Analysis was to identify candidate parcels or parcel areas that could serve to host one or more of the water quality projects identified in the Water Quality Feasibility Study and provide a basis for comparative analysis among the candidate parcels to support site selection. Of the 1,935 parcels reviewed, three parcels (803, 1207, and 1920) have the potential to meet the intent of this project noting that each have their own unique benefits and challenges.

Map of Study Area

study area map

 

Identified Technologies 

Treatment technologies will be evaluated against their a) capacity to reduce nutrient inflows, primarily Total Phosphorous and secondarily Total Nitrogen and b) ability to be installed within the boundaries of the study area south of US 41 (project sites must be under public ownership and appropriately sized). The following technologies have been identified for review:

  • Applicable
    • Constructed treatment wetlands
    • Flow equalization basins
    • Spreader berms and canals
    • Restored wetlands
    • Offline alum treatment
    • Air diffusion systems
    • Periphyton/submerged aquatic vegetation growth & removal
  • Non-applicable
    • Algal scrubbers
    • Floating treatment wetlands
    • Bold and Gold®
    • NutriGone Media™
    • Downstream Defender®
    • Aquifer storage and recovery
    • Deep well injection

Status, Resources, Next Steps and Public Involvement

Team members have compiled an Information Collection Summary Report. This report will provide findings for each of the identified technologies. It will also recommend more detailed research on the technologies that will be most applicable to the study area.

To receive information and updates about the Picayune Watershed Water Quality Feasibility Study, register by using the link below: 

Fact Sheets