FDEP Information on this Stormwater Project

The Project:

The City of Eustis is constructing a wet detention stormwater management facility for the downtown area. Currently, downtown Eustis has minimal stormwater treatment and attenuation prior to discharge into Lake Eustis. The main objectives of the project are to "clean up" the downtown City of Eustis' stormwater runoff thereby reducing pollutants entering Lake Eustis and reduce localized street flooding.

Generally, the project will convey stormwater via a new storm sewer systems consisting of approximately 3,400 linear feet of 18"-84" RCP storm sewer pipe and associated manholes and inlet structures running along SR 19 (Grove Street), CR 44 (Orange Avenue), and multiple City Streets. A new 66" storm sewer outfall pipe will be constructed discharging the treated stormwater runoff into Lake Eustis from the proposed pond. As a result of the project; the entire 32.40 acre drainage basin will be treated and attenuated providing an immediate reduction in phosphorus and nitrogen loading up to approximately 64.5% and 40% respectively into Lake Eustis. 

As a result of the installation of the new storm sewer collection and conveyance system, utilities will need to be adjusted within the various roadway corridors. All existing roadways within the installation areas will be reconstructed as well. Final completion of this project is scheduled for July 2012.

5 Benefits:

1. Provide treatment of the stormwater prior to discharge directly to the surface water within an urbanized area.  The existing water quality of Lake Eustis deteriorated with time and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies the lake as “impaired”.

2. Prevent flooding problems to local traffic and business within the downtown area.

3. Eliminate the requirement for properties developing in the downtown area to have individual stormwater retention areas, thus providing more buildable land.

4. Provide significant stormwater drainage credits for downtown redevelopment projects.

5. Providing a scenic park near Orchid Lake for residents and visitors.

Funding:

The City has set aside funds from several sources over the last three fiscal years to pay for the City’s share of this project, to include: Lake County Water Authority $ 1,312,605 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 1,000,000 Florida Department of Transportation 662,000 St. Johns River Water Management District 477,250 Lake County 397,207 Total Grant Funding $ 3,849,062 The above mentioned grant funding, along with City funding of approximately $2.68 million, should totally fund the approximately $ 6.53 million stormwater project.