Water-Related News

Construction to begin on Lake Bonny nutrient reduction infrastructure

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LAKELAND – The City of Lakeland will begin construction to install a nutrient-separating pollution control device (PCD) at an existing drainage outfall to Lake Bonny. The project site is located on the north side of North Crystal Lake Drive near the intersection of US Highway 98 North. Lake Bonny does not meet current state water quality standards due to elevated levels of nutrients and the lake has a mandated Total Maximum Daily Load nutrient reduction requirement. The Lake Bonny Stormwater Outfall Retrofit Project includes the permitting, construction, and installation of an underground PCD with nutrient removal capabilities using an innovative biosorption-activated media filter and baffle box designed to remove sediment and trash from the stormwater flow before it enters the lake.

The City has been awarded a State Water Quality Assistance Grant in the amount of $280,000 from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) for the project’s construction material costs. The City will provide matching funds through the FY24 Stormwater Utility Capital Improvement Projects Fund for the labor and equipment costs incurred during the construction and installation of the project. Implementation of this project will enhance the City’s ongoing efforts to reduce pollutant loads in stormwater entering Lake Bonny.

This project is scheduled to begin in late February and will be completed within three months from the construction start date by the Public Works Construction & Maintenance Division. Heavy construction traffic can be expected on North Crystal Lake Drive between US Highway 98 North and Commercial Park Drive during the construction project. Periodic lane closures with traffic control measures will occur throughout the project, Monday through Thursday between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For questions regarding this project, please contact the Lakes & Stormwater Division at 863-834-3300.