DEP partners with Fort Myers on golf course stormwater treatment project

Stormwater project reduces the pollutants reaching the Caloosahatchee

FORT MYERS – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has partnered with the city of Fort Myers for a restoration project to reduce pollutants reaching the Carrell Canal and ultimately the Caloosahatchee River. The department is committing $840,000 and the city is providing matching funds in the amount of $890,000. The project will create stormwater treatment systems using diversion structures, filter marshes and control structures within the non-play areas of a city-owned golf course.

Water that flows off land and into creeks, streams or rivers after a rain is referred to as stormwater runoff. Stormwater runoff usually contains a number of pollutants including fertilizers, pesticides, oil and grease. Once this runoff reaches a waterbody, the pollutants can cause rapid algal growth, algal blooms and other complications. Retention and treatment of stormwater runoff through filter marshes and diversion structures will reduce impacts on water quality.

This project is occurring in a largely urban area. Because there is little land area to construct new stormwater facilities, this project takes advantage of existing marshes and ponds to improve water quality. This project creatively uses space in a municipal golf course, improving the aesthetic for players and improving water quality for the community.