## City of Lakeland Public Works Department Lakes & Stormwater Division April 2005 

# CITY OF LAKELAND STORMWATER UTILITY OVERVIEW AND STATUS REPORT

## TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION 3

STORMWATER UTILITY PROGRAM 4

POLLUTION CONTROL DEVICES 7

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS 9 Lake Bonnet Diagnostic Study 9 Lake Bonnet Drain Flood Study 10 Lake Gibson Southwest Basin Retrofit Project 11 Lake Hollingsworth Alum Treatment Project 12 Lake Hollingsworth Southern Landing Treatment Wetland Project 13 Lake Hollingsworth Dredging Project 14 Lake Hollingsworth West Side Stormwater Treatment Project 15 Lake John Shoreline Stabilization Project 16 Lake Mirror Main Street Water Quality & Flood Control Project 17 Lake Mirror Park Stormwater Master Plan Study 18 North Lake Mirror Promenade/Main Street Re-Alignment 19 Lake Morton Diagnostic Study 20 Lake Morton Master Plan 21 Lake Parker Griffin Road Stormwater Treatment Wetland 22 North Lakeland Regional Stormwater Master Plan 23 Lake Parker Shoreline Erosion Control 24 Lake Parker Shoreline Erosion Control 25 Lake Parker Water Quality Improvement Project 26 Lake Parker Southwest Outfall Project 27 Lake Parker Tributary Swamp Restoration 28 Capital Improvement Projects: Drainage Projects 29

NPDES STORMWATER ACTIVITIES 30

TOTAL MAXIMUM DAILY LOAD (TMDL) 31

REGULATORY ACTIVITIES 33

PUBLIC EDUCATION AND OUTREACH 34 Adopt-A-Lake Program 34 Educational Workshops – The Florida Yards and Neighborhoods 36 Speaker’s Bureau 37 Other Public Education and Outreach Projects 38 Lakes Education and Action Drive (LE/AD) 42

LAKE MONITORING 44

AQUATIC PLANT CONTROL 46

APPENDIX A. COMPREHENSIVE LAKES MANAGEMENT PLAN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 48

## INTRODUCTION

The following report outlines the programs and activities that have been undertaken since the inception of the Stormwater Utility in 1999. The Utility was adopted by the City of Lakeland City Commission following the completion of the Comprehensive Lakes Management Plan(BCI, 1996). The study provided a 20-year master plan that prioritized sixteen of the City’s water bodies, a schedule and cost estimates for implementation, and options for funding the program.

The Lake Hollingsworth sediment removal project was the impetus for developing a master plan. In order to fund the sediment removal project, the City Commission had to cut several projects and tap into reserve funds. It was apparent that the current level of funding for the Lakes Program would not support major watershed management projects. The Plan noted that the existing funding level only supported “maintaining existing surface water flows, repairing system problems as they develop, water quality monitoring, aquatic plant management, trash removal, and response to complaints”. It was determined that an annual budget of $4.3 million was needed to implement the Plan, and that a Stormwater Utility was the most equitable means of generating the additional revenue (Appendix A).

Based on the report’s findings and recommendations, the City Commission adopted the Stormwater Utility effective April 1, 2000. A sunset provision was included in the ordinance that read as follows:

“Absent the affirmative action of the City Commission by the adoption of a duly-enacted ordinance after public hearing, in conjunction with the public hearings for adoption of the Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2005-2006, this ordinance shall sunset and be repealed by operation of law on September 30, 2005.”

This report is intended to assist the City Commission in their deliberations on the merits of reauthorizing the Utility. There have been some important developments since the publication of the Comprehensive Lake Management Plan . Most significant is the new EPA/FDEP regulatory program involving the identification of impaired waters and the development of Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) as a means of correcting impairments. There is a section in this report that further explains the program and its potential fiscal impact on the City of Lakeland.

The Stormwater Fund is currently set up to receive revenues from the Stormwater Utility. This fund is used by the Public Works Department for capital improvement projects, drainage projects, public education, and operations and maintenance. Two full time environmental specialist positions are funded through the Stormwater Fund. In addition to the approximately $1.3 million collected annually from Utility fees, the fund receives $1.2 million from the Transportation Fund alo ng with grant funds that have averaged approximately $150,000 to $200,000 per year, combining for a total of approximately $2.65 million to $ 2.7 million of annual revenue.

The following sections provide a brief overview of the programs operating out of the Stormwater Fund.



### 3

## STORMWATER UTILITY PROGRAM

Introduction and Justification Stormwater has been identified as the number one source of pollutant loading to lakes and rivers.

The City of Lakeland’s lakes are important assets to the local community. They provide recreational opportunities and are the natural habitat for fish, birds, and other wildlife that are reliant on healthy lakes for their survival. If left untreated, stormwater runoff would pollute the City’s lakes. Therefore, preventative stormwater treatment and watershed management are necessary to protect these natural resources from degradation.

In December 1999, the Lakeland City Commission adopted the Stormwater Utility to provide a dedicated funding source for operation and maintenance of our City stormwater system (to include extension and replacement), pollution abatement devices, and lake improvement projects.

The Stormwater Utility is a unit within the City that provides stormwater management. Like water, wastewater, solid waste, recycling, and electric utilities - the Stormwater Utility generates its revenue through user fees. These fees are used for construction, maintenance and operation of stormwater management devices, for stormwater systems planning and for lake management. The stormwater utility fee is included as a separate item on the utility bill and is due each month through the monthly utility payment.

All developed property within the City limits that receive an electric utility bill are charged a stormwater service fee. This includes residences, businesses, churches, and schools. The base fee is $2.00 per month for single-family residential customers. Mobile homes and attached multi-living residential units are assesse d $1.34 and $1.19 per month respectively. The City does allow owners to apply for as much as a 75% credit if all of the stormwater is treated on-site prior to leaving the site, and a lesser credit based on the portion of stormwater that is treated. In a few instances an exclusion (100% credit) from the stormwater fee is granted if all of the stormwater remains on-site.

Fees for non-residential customers are based on the amount of impervious (pavement, roofs, sidewalk) area on each property. Exclusive of any credit, non-residential customers are assessed a monthly rate of $2.00 per 5000 square feet of impervious area. Bills are sent to customers currently receiving a monthly electric bill. Owners of rental properties may arrange to have the Stormwater Utility bills sent directly to tenants.



### Benefits The benefits from the funds generated by this utility are illustrated throughout this report by the wide variety of various capital improvement projects and educational programs that have been created since the utility’s inception.

Monies generated from the stormwater utility fee also pay the salaries for 2 full time environmental specialist employees. One of the positions is paid through Project #006576 – Stormwater Administration, which is annually allocated $50,000.00 for the project’s budget. The other position is paid through Project # 006144. NPDES Permit Administration which is annually allocated $60,000.00 for its project budget. The



### 4positions are responsible for a number of tasks that are vital to the success of the Lakes and Stormwater Division. Several of their major duties include:

1) Overseeing the stormwater utility accounts(e.g. coordinating account administration with the Billing Office, calculating impervious areas to determine the billing amount, reviewing application) 2) Assisting with the Stormwater Utility Fund CIP planning program , which includes identifying and prioritizing stormwater needs, project management, submitting applications for grant monies and administering awarded grant monies, and supervising contractors and consultants through the project process. 3) NPDES administration – refer to Section 4.0 NPDES Stormwater Activities. 4) Performing regulatory dutieswhich includes investigating complaints, performing compliance inspections, specifically inspecting erosion and sediment control plans to be employed during construction activities. 5) Assisting with lake and stormwater education/public relationsthrough such activities as the development and implementation of public education programs, giving presentations about the City of Lakeland’s stormwater program, and assisting with Adopt-A-Lake activities.



### Revenue The following table illustrates the amount of funding generated since the utility’s creation. From May 2000 through September 2004, a total of $5.588 million has been generated from this utility.

Table 1. Stormwater Utility Revenue

Fiscal Year Commercial/Municipal Residential TOTAL 2000 $ 192,963.25 $ 282,623.46 $ 475,586.71 2001 $ 508,693.32 $ 693,226.42 $ 1,201,919.74 2002 $ 569,726.71 $ 703,237.55 $ 1,272,964.26 2003 $ 601,657.20 $ 709,191.80 $ 1,310,849.00 2004 $ 606,462.20 $ 720,829.24 $ 1,327,291.44 TOTAL $ 2,479,502.68 $ 3,109,108.47 $ 5,588,611.15



### 5The following table illustrates the breakdown of different customer categories that contribute to the stormwater utility fund since December 2004.

Table 2. Customer Categories of Various Stormwater Utility Accounts.

Industrial 34

Commercial 2,329

City 30

Total Commercial 2,393

Residential 20,139

Mobile Homes 7,469

Apartments 12,995

Total Residential 40,603

TOTAL 42,996



### 6

## POLLUTION CONTROL DEVICES

Introduction and Justification Stormwater picks up chemicals, pesticides, oil, leaves, and other pollutants as it travels across the landscape. These materials are carried to our lakes by pipes and ditches. Untreated stormwater can degrade a lake by filling the basin with sediments and debris, and by carrying dissolved chemicals into the waterbody. In an effort to reduce the pollutant loading from stormwater, the City of Lakeland’s Lakes & Stormwater Division has installed various pollution control devices (PCDs). These devises control pollution by separating and holding debris and chemicals, while still allowing water to flow through. Currently, the City utilizes three types of PCDs, curb inlet baskets, a baffle box, and a continuous deflective separation (CDS) unit.



### Locations There are currently 50 curb inlet baskets installed in Lakeland; 49 in the Lake Hollingsworth watershed and one that C&M installed near Lake Mirror. The units were installed into existing inlets and manholes. A curb inlet basket traps leaves, grass, sediments, paper, bottles, and other trash while allowing water to flow down through the storm drains. They also ensnare various chemicals in a fibrous boom encircling the opening.
Also near Lake Mirror, the City has installed a Continuous Deflective Separation, or CDS, unit. This unit, located beneath the ground, acts as a large filter by stopping trash, leaves, sediments and debris from entering the lake. Stormwater flows through the system where objects larger than 1/5 of an inch are trapped by a screen. The filtered stormwater is then discharged into Lake Mirror.

The City of Lakeland’s Baffle Box, located at Success Avenue and Lake Hollingsworth Drive, is another PCD utilized to improve the quality of the water entering the lake. The Baffle Box intercepts dirt, leaves and trash flowing in the storm drain pipe that collects water from a 25-acre sub-basin south of McDonald Street. The deep wells in the Baffle Box allow heavy particles to settle out while the elevated baskets capture floating debris. The annual Total Suspended Solids (TSS) removal is eighty percent (80%), based on a 50- micron size particle.



### 7

### Pollutant Removal Data

PCD Pounds removed Curb Inlet Baskets (since 2001) 36,870 lbs. CDS unit (Approximately 23 cleanings x 502lbs/cleaning =) 11,546 lbs.

Baffle Box (Approximately 15 cleanings x 525lbs/cleaning =) 7,875 lbs.

Total 56,291 lbs.



### Cost Analysis Installation of curb inlet baskets (Hollingsworth & Mirror) $ 38,970 Annually to maintain 50 baskets $ 6,000 CDS install $ 22,251 Annual average to maintain CDS $ 731 Baffle Box install $106,500 Annual Average to maintain Baffle Box $ 1,188 

### Location Map

8

## CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS

Lake Bonnet Diagnostic Study August 2001-September 2002



### Introduction and Justification A diagnostic study of Lake Bonnet was initiated in May 2001 to evaluate current lake conditions and to identify sources of lake pollution. The study focused on the lake’s poor water quality caused by over enrichment by nutrients. The study identified stormwater runoff and in-lake sediment resuspension as the primary sources of nutrient loading. Study recommendations included retrofitting stormwater outfalls around the lake, and a rough fish harvesting program to reduce resuspension of nutrients from the sediments.



### Benefits A diagnostic study is the first step in developing a watershed management program. It identifies the current condition of a lake and sources of problems. Such a study is a beneficial tool in identifying what measures need to be taken in order to reduce pollutant loading and subsequently improve water quality and overall lake health.



### Costs Diagnostic study $ 79,920

Figure 1. Aerial view of Lake Bonnet and surrounding watershed.



### 9

## Lake Bonnet Drain Flood Study March 2004 – August 2004



### Introduction and Justification Lake Bonnet Drain, serving as the outfall from Lake Bonnet, discharges to Itchepackesassa Creek. The study was conducted to identify the source(s) of frequent flooding in the May Manor Mobile Home Park. City of Lakeland staff have responded to numerous requests for service over the years from the affected homeowners. The study included a hydrologic evaluation of the watershed, conveyance system, and related drainage structures from the Lake Bonnet control structure at Brunnell Parkway to the Howard Avenue bridge crossing.



### Benefits The purpose of the study is to identify and quantify flooding conditions that occur to numerous properties in May Manor. The potential flood relief improvements are required to be consistent with FEMA regulations for floodplain management and with the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s (SWFWMD) permit requirements for flood protection.



### Costs Total Study Cost $ 42,790 SWFWMD Matching Grant Funds $ 21,193

Figure 2. Flooding at May Manor.



### 10

## Lake Gibson Southwest Basin Retrofit Project September 2004 – Present



### Introduction and Justification Lake Gibson, a natural lake located in north Lakeland, is considered to be one of the healthiest lakes in the City, with excellent water quality and a well-balanced assemblage of aquatic organisms. Over the last decade, there has been an increase in development activities, particularly the areas in the southwest part of the watershed. Land use in this 230-acre basin is mixed. A regional mall, highway widening, commercial development, and hotel/apartment construction have all occurred in recent years in this area. Surface runoff through the sub-basin is channeled into a highly modified ditch / stream that runs from the upper reaches of the basin in the southwest to the discharge point at the lake. The extensive development of land has greatly increased the peak runoff rates and volumes, and reduced base flow. This has resulted in erosion of the stream channel with the deposition of eroded sediments in Lake Gibson. A large sediment delta has formed at the mouth of the stream. In addition to the increase in peak flows, stormwater runoff quality is poor.



### Benefits The study will include an ecological and engineering analysis of the stream and the contributing watershed, characterization of the hydrology of the basin, modeling of the drainage system; estimation of pollutant loadings to Lake Gibson from this basin, and development of a conceptual plan to address and alleviate problems that have been identified by the City. The analysis will include stormwater runoff monitoring, flow monitoring, and surveys of the existing baseline conditions. The conceptual design will incorporate enhancement of existing treatment systems and will examine the feasibility of providing additional treatment wetlands in the basin. The evaluation phase should be completed FY 2005.



### Costs Management Plan (budgeted) $ 236,000 SWFWMD Matching Grant Funds $ 124,380

. Figure 3. Aerial view of Lake Gibson project area.



### 11

## Lake Hollingsworth Alum Treatment Project October 2003 – January 2004



### Introduction and Justification Lake Hollingsworth is a eutrophic water body in a highly urbanized portion of the City of Lakeland. Previous studies have demonstrated that lake sediments and stormwater runoff contributes significant nutrient loads to the lake. The City conducted a dredging project that removed approximately 3 million cubic yards of organic sediment from the lake bottom, but additional watershed retrofit projects were necessary to reduce pollutant loads and meet water quality goals. Alum treatment was identified as a cost effective tool to clarify water, inactivate phosphorus release from lake sediments, and reduce algal production. It was hypothesized that improved water clarity would facilitate the establishment of submerged aquatic vegetation, which in turn, would provide long term water quality and wildlife habitat improvements. The alum application was conducted in December 2003.



### Benefits The whole lake alum application improved water clarity and established more suitable conditions for the growth of submerged grass beds. In the past, the lake water was so cloudy that there was not enough light reaching the bottom to allow the plants to survive. If enough submerged vegetation is established, these plants can compete with phytoplankton for nutrients, and provide a long-term, low cost method for maintaining good water clarity in the lake. In addition, the grass beds will provide an excellent habitat for fish and wildlife.

Since the alum treatment was completed, there has been a marked improvement in lake water quality. This includes significant decreases in nutrient concentrations (phosphorus, nitrogen), algal densities, and lead and bacteria concentrations. There has also been a significant increase in water transparency and submerged vegetation.



### Costs Pre-application evaluation costs $ 12,476 Alum application costs $ 79,023 Total Project Cost $ 91,499 SWFWMD Matching Grant Funds $ 45,749

Figure 4. Improved water clarity as a result of the alum treatment applied to Lake Hollingsworth.



### 12

## Lake Hollingsworth Southern Landing Treatment Wetland Project September 2004 – Present



### Introduction and Justification Lake Hollingsworth is a eutrophic water body in a highly urbanized portion of the City of Lakeland. Previous studies have demonstrated that stormwater runoff contributes a significant nutrient and sediment load to the lake. The City has completed a dredging project and whole lake alum treatment on the lake, but stormwater retrofit projects are necessary to further reduce pollutant loads. The 1995 Lake Hollingsworth Watershed Management Plan identified potential locations for the creation of stormwater treatment facilities. Southern Landing was included as a potential area for such a facility.



### Benefits The recently completed Southern Landing project is located directly across from Florida Southern College on the shore of Lake Hollingsworth. The 1.3-acre treatment wetland was designed to provide treatment to a 66-acre sub-basin on the northwest side of Lake Hollingsworth. In addition to the treatment of stormwater, the wetland will serve as an outdoor laboratory for the college. The wetland will include boardwalks that will allow public access through and across the facility. Upland areas, including areas along the shoreline will be preserved to provide continued use by the college for various activities and recreation. A ceremony to commemorate the opening of the park took place November 15, 2004.



### Costs Design and Construction Costs $535,000 SWFWMD Matching Grant Funds $147,230

Figure 5. Aerial View of Southern Landing.



### 13

## Lake Hollingsworth Dredging Project September 1995 – Present (Permit Closure Activities)



### Introduction and Justification Lake Hollingsworth, a 355-acre lake located in the heart of Lakeland, is the premier recreational resource for the local community. For decades, City officials had recognized that the lake had become highly degraded due to the accumulation of organic sediment upon the lake bottom. Following a diagnostic feasibility study completed in November 1994, it was determined the organic sediment was responsible for as much as 70 to 80% of the nutrient enrichment in the lake. In addition, a lake sediment volume assessment determined that the average total depth of the lake was 10 feet but that accumulated organic sediment occupied 6 feet (60%) of the lake volume and resulted in a mean lake depth of 4 feet.



### Benefits The project resulted in the removal of 2.9 million cubic yards of organic sediments. Dredging was halted due to a record two year drought. Some targeted sediment deposits remain in the lake, and may be recommended for removal in the future.

Following completion of the dredging project, water quality sampling indicated significant decreases in total nitrogen, chlorophyll a, bacteria and lead levels.



### Costs Total Costs 1 $10,949,103 EPA Federal Grant $ 3,500,000 SWFWMD Matching Grant Funds $ 748,240

1 Stormwater Utility Fund provided $1,454,664.55 of total cost. Remaining monies provided by earlier funding sources.

Figure 6. Lake Hollingsworth being dredged.



### 14

## Lake Hollingsworth West Side Stormwater Treatment Project September 2002 - Present



### Introduction and Justification As part of the City’s overall goal to reduce pollutant loadings into Lake Hollingsworth, the City has developed conceptual plans to construct stormwater treatment wetlands on the west side of the lake. The plan consists of constructing linear wetland strands along the lakeshore. The strands will be approximately 30’ wide and will be vegetated with wetland plants. Lakes and Stormwater staff are currently working with engineering consultants to develop final design plans. Subsequent tasks will include permitting, easement acquisition and construction.



### Benefits The strands will intercept stormwater runoff from 13 existing outfall pipes that currently discharge untreated stormwater into the lake from a 217 acre sub-basin. Locating the strands near the lakeshore was necessary hydraulically, but will also serve to preserve the open space and recreational nature of the remaining upland areas between the lake and road.



### Costs Conceptual Design $ 21,710 Estimated Design/Permitting Costs $ 35,600 Estimated Future Construction Costs$384,500

Figure 7. Lake Hollingsworth West Side Stormwater Treatment Project.



### 15

## Lake John Shoreline Stabilization Project June 2004 - Present



### Introduction and Justification Shoreline erosion of Lake John has been occurring at Peterson Park along the peninsula that contains the bike/foot path. The erosion is being caused by boat wakes from boaters using the ramp at Peterson Park and by residents accessing the narrow waterways east of the park.



### Benefits To address this issue, the Lakes and Stormwater Division developed a stabilization project to repair and stabilize shoreline near the bridge crossing and shoreline adjacent to the bridge. Construction is scheduled for FY 2005.



### Costs Estimated Design/Permitting/Construction Costs $ 24,873

Figure 8. Bank eroding under bridge located on Lake John.



### 16

## Lake Mirror Main Street Water Quality & Flood Control Project September 2000 – August 2003



### Introduction and Justification The City of Lakeland Public Works Department completed a project in downtown Lakeland that was designed to reduce street flooding along Kentucky Avenue and Main Street. As part of the project, the City constructed a stormwater treatment pond east of the Police Department parking lot on Pine Street.

Prior to the project, heavy rains would cause flooding on Main Street and Kentucky Avenue. Several persons had reported seeing the manhole lid at Main and Iowa Street hovering several feet above the road on a pillar of water bubbling from the manhole. The flooding problem was the result of undersized pipes that transported the stormwater from the road inlets to Lake Mirror. In addition to the flood problem, the discharge of untreated stormwater runoff to Lake Mirror degraded the quality of the lake. Untreated stormwater contains trash, sediments, yard debris (leaves, grass, fertilizer and pesticides) and dissolved pollutants.

The stormwater treatment pond contains four underdrain pipes that are buried beneath a sandy drain field. The drain field filters the stormwater before it is collected in the underdrains and discharged from the pond. When the pond becomes full, water spills into the outlet structure. This prevents water from overflowing the pond banks.



### Benefits The pond receives and treats the first flush of stormwater runoff from the highly developed 32-acre sub-basin in the northeast downtown area, thus reducing the amount of pollutants discharged to Lake Mirror and improving lake water quality. Also an inspection of the pond following a recent rainfall brought to light the amount of floatable trash contained in urban stormwater runoff. Cups, bottles and other debris had formed a ring around the high water line of the pond.



### Costs Design and Construction Cost $320,541

Figure 9. Stormwater treatment pond located near Lake Mirror.



### 17

## Lake Mirror Park Stormwater Master Plan Study June 2003 – June 2004



### Introduction and Justification The purpose of the study was to analyze and identify opportunities and technologies that could be utilized by the City to improve the overall water quality of Lake Mirror



### Benefits The benefits of this type of study include developing a better understanding of the stormwater drainage capacity and dynamics of the study area. With such knowledge, managers can better determine the most appropriate BMPs for conveying stormwater to other areas as well as reducing pollutant loadings.

Recommendations proposed in the study included the use of: 1) offline-treatment systems (e.g. ponds and vaults) to capture the initial flush of stormwater before it enters the lake; 2) Ultra Urban Best Management Practices (BMPs) are engineered devices that can be installed stormwater pipes – they have a high percentage of removal capabilities for oils, grease, grit, and debris; and, 3) Catch Basin Inserts, once retrofitted into existing curb inlets, will remove some of the oil, grease, grit, and debris associated with stormwater runoff depending on the mesh size of the filtering system.



### Costs Study Cost $22,233

Figure 10. Aerial view of Lake Mirror Flood Control Project Area.



### 18

## North Lake Mirror Promenade/Main Street Realignment Anticipated start of funding 2005



### Introduction and Justification Lake Mirror receives a large amount of untreated stormwater that drains from a portion of downtown Lakeland approximately 90 acres in size. The City of Lakeland has developed design plans to re-align Main Street away from Lake Mirror’s shoreline. The new design will also include the construction of an interceptor drainage system near Iowa Street that will re-direct stormwater to a basin to be constructed on the northeast side of the lake. This basin will be equipped to provide stormwater storage and subsequent alum treatment. Treated water will then be discharged back into Lake Mirror. There are also plans to install a pump system on the northwest corner of the lake that will pump lake water into the interceptor system so that captured lake water will also undergo alum treatment prior to being re-circulated back into the lake.

Benefits The alum treatment pond will provide treatment to the first flush of stormwater from the 90-acre Main Street sub-basin. In addition, the alum pond system will treat lake water during non-storm periods. The system should reduce pollutant levels, thus improving water clarity and overall water quality.

Costs

Estimated Design/Permitting/Construction Costs $650,000

Figure 11. Overview of Lake Mirror Promenade/Main Street Realignment Project.



### 19

## Lake Morton Diagnostic Study May 2001 – January 2003



### Introduction and Justification Lake Morton is 41-acre urban lake, located in the central downtown Lakeland area. A narrow park area surrounds the perimeter of Lake Morton which is used extensively for passive recreational activities. Water quality monitoring began in 1987 and since then Lake Morton has been characterized as having extremely poor water quality and elevated levels of total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and chlorophyll-a. Algal blooms have been a constant occurrence. Sources of nutrient loading to the lake include lake sediments, untreated stormwater runoff, and the large abundance of waterfowl that inhabit the lake.

A diagnostic study was initiated during April 2001 to develop water and nutrient budgets to Lake Morton from stormwater runoff, waterfowl, groundwater seepage, bulk precipitation, and recycling from bottom sediments.



### Benefits This diagnostic study quantifies pollutant loads that the surrounding watershed contributes to Lake Morton. Such a study is a beneficial tool in identifying what measures need to be taken in order to reduce pollutant loading and subsequently improve water quality and overall lake health. This study will also serve as a preliminary step in developing a watershed management plan for Lake Morton.



### Costs Diagnostic Study $49,500

Figure 12. Shoreline erosion on Lake Morton.



### 20

## Lake Morton Master Plan July 2003 – Present



### Introduction and Justification The Lake Morton Master Plan was initiated by the City of Lakeland in an effort to preserve and enhance the success and popularity of Lake Morton as a significant public space within the city. The Plan attempts to direct future renovation and address continuing maintenance concerns in order to perpetuate a quality visitor experience to Lake Morton, representative of the City’s outstanding parks and open space system. Phase 1 of the Master Plan addresses the shoreline erosion and lack of wildlife habitat.



### Benefits The primary benefit of Phase 1 is improved erosion control. Lake Morton receives a great deal of foot traffic from citizens and visitors enjoying the lake, as well as waterfowl grazing and nesting activities. This has resulted in extensive erosion around most of the shoreline. The Plan will outline a combination of methods for repairing and stabilizing the shoreline that will include the use of seawalls, rock, sloping banks and aquatic vegetation to reclaim lost shore, stabilize the bank and provide enhanced habitat.



### Costs Conceptual design $ 31,200 Design/Permitting $ 31,332 Estimated Construction Costs $ 1,713,322 Total Project Costs $ 1,775,854

Figure 13. Project view of Lake Morton.



### 21

## Lake Parker Griffin Road Stormwater Treatment Wetland September 2004 – Present



### Introduction and Justification Lakes and Stormwater Division recently completed an evaluation of the cost/benefits of stormwater treatment projects at the Lake Parker tributary swamp and at the recently acquired 5-acre parcel at Griffin Road/Lakeland Hills Boulevard. The evaluation indicated that both projects would be needed to provide significant reductions in pollution loading from the 2,015-acre drainage basin. The study also provided a conceptual design for a stormwater treatment wetland system at the Griffin Road site.

The drainage basin that flows through the canal system adjacent to the project site contributes a large pollutant load to Lake Parker. A recommendation to provide stormwater treatment to this system was listed as the number one priority in the Lake Parker Diagnostic/Feasibility Study (SWFWMD, 1993). The basin includes portions of US 98 North and areas north of Griffin Road. Under the proposed plan, water flowing through the canal system would be diverted into the wetland for treatment prior to discharge back into the canal and eventual discharge into Lake Parker.



### Benefits The construction of the Griffin Road wetland will result in the removal of approximately 11% of the total suspended solids from the basin flow. The wetland will also capture nutrients and will provide an aesthetic amenity to the area.



### Costs Conceptual Design $ 17,610 Design and Permitting $ 71,720 Estimated Construction Costs $473,900 FFWCC Grant Funds $125,000 SWFWMD Matching Grant Funds $200,000

Figure 14. Aerial view of proposed Griffin Road project area.



### 22

## North Lakeland Regional Stormwater Master Plan (Lake Parker Area) February 2003 – Present



### Introduction and Justification Since the City annexed the Robson Street neighborhood in October 2001, the City has been receiving numerous complaints of flooding in the streets and private properties in this north Lakeland neighborhood. The Public Works Department’s preliminary evaluation of this area was insufficient. The City contracted the engineering firm of Keith & Schnars to perform a master plan study.

The area of study was delineated as north to Interstate-4, east to Lakeland Hills Boulevard, south to Griffin Road, and west to U.S. 98, and located west of Lake Parker. The purpose of the study was to assess the flooding conditions within the project boundary.



### Benefits The master plan will be used provide potential solutions to abate existing flooding conditions and prepare a priority capital plan for implementation.



### Costs Master Plan Study $ 118,064 Estimated Design/Permitting/Construction Costs $1,376,559

Figure 15. Study area for North Lakeland Regional Stormwater Master Plan



### 23

## Lake Parker Shoreline Erosion Control October 2000 – January 2001



### Introduction and Justification The City of Lakeland determined that plans for shoreline stabilization were needed at four separate locations along Lake Parker that were undergoing erosion. Those areas included Seratoma Park west of the boat ramp, two locations south of the Lake Parker Park boat ramp, and a fourth location northwest of a walk bridge at Lake Parker Park.



### Benefits Erosion can lead to water quality impacts by introducing sediment loads and increased turbidity levels, not to mention further erosion, shoreline de-stabilization, property damage, and risks to human safety.



### Costs Design and Construction Costs $22,355

Figure 16. Lake Parker ero sion controls put in place.



### 24

## Lake Parker Shoreline Erosion Control Projected Start 2005/2006



### Introduction and Justification Recently repaired shoreline sections as well as additional shoreline areas were heavilyeroded due to the severe summer hurricane season of 2004. These locations will be readdressed during the latter part of 2005/early part of 2006.



### Benefits Erosion can lead to water quality impacts by introducing sediment loads and increased turbidity levels, not to mention further erosion, shoreline de-stabilization, property damage, and risks to human safety.



### Costs Projected Design and Construction Costs $50,000

Figure 17. Eroded shoreline area at Lake Parker.



### 25

## Lake Parker Water Quality Improvement Project (Best Management Practice Identification) April 2003 – October 2004



### Introduction and Justification The Lake Parker southwest subbasin drains approximately 575 acres of highly developed urban land. This project will compliment the Southwest Outfall project in efforts to polish stormwater prior to discharge into Lake Parker. Due to a limitation of available land, the Southwest Outfall pond project is undersized. This project will provide stormwater attenuation and treatment in land upstream of the Outfall project.



### Benefits The project will provide stormwater treatment and peak flow attenuation to stormwater runoff within the southwest basin.



### Costs Conceptual Design Costs $ 69,554 Design and Permitting Services $ 89,958 SWFWMD Matching Grant Funds $ 34,128

Figure 18. Aerial view of Lake Parker.



### 26

## Lake Parker Southwest Outfall Project August 2001 – Present



### Introduction and Justification The southwest sub-basin at Lake Parker drains a 575 acres highly urbanized landscape. This area has been extensively developed and includes many acres of pavement, roofs, and roads, which results in the stormwater runoff collecting large amounts of litter that are ultimately carried into Lake Parker and deposited around its shoreline.

A feasibility study led to the design and permitting of two stormwater treatment ponds that are under construction near the shoreline of Lake Parker. The design included diversion structures to route low flows from the existing drainage network to the wetland ponds, with higher flows bypassed directly to the lake.



### Benefits Construction of wetland ponds would have severable desirable benefits including water quality treatment; reduction of pollutant loading to Lake Parker; general scenic improvements due to reduction in litter; and a reduction in potential flooding of adjacent roadway.



### Costs Total Cost of Project to Date $ 2.3 million SWFWMD Matching Grant Funds $ 393,860

Figure 19. Litter carried into Lake Parker via stormwater discharge prior to project Figure 21. Completed project site with Stormwater treatment ponds.



### 27

## Lake Parker Tributary Swamp Restoration April 2001 – Present



### Introduction and Justification Located in the northeastern portion of the City of Lakeland, the subject wetland is a tributary of Lake Parker and is comprised of approximately 200 acres. As a tributary system, the wetland site discharges to Lake Parker and is an important headwater component of the Peace River. One of the most important aspects of the system is its uniqueness as the largest undeveloped, forested wetland system remaining in the urbanized Lake Parker drainage basin. The subject wetland receives surface water runoff from surrounding urban areas prior to its discharge to Lake Parker. Historically, the wetland area attenuated stormwater flow volumes and provided water quality treatment functions such as sediment deposition and nutrient removal. However, channelization within the wetland system has apparently reduced historic storage time characteristics and may have resulted in significantly degrading desirable wetland attributes. A study was conducted to determine the storage and treatment capacity of the wetland.



### Benefits Restoration and enhancement of the wetland system would provide several desirable benefits: restoration of a significantly degraded, urban wetland ecosystem; water quality treatment; reduction of pollutant loading to Lake Parker; and, possible public ecological education opportunities.

Costs Study Cost $ 42,329

Figure 22. Aerial view delineating Tributary Swamp region.



### 28

## Capital Improvement Projects: Drainage Projects

The following table lists the stormwater utility-funded, smaller-scale capital improvement projects that were specifically designed to alleviate drainage or flooding issues.

Project Name Dates Project Costs Lake Mirror Outfall 3/01 $ 80.96 Retrofit Existing Storm Sewers 10/00 - Present $1,023,110.24 Renovation of Culvert on 10th from 14th to Valencia 10/00-8/01 $ 261,331.00 TV and Clean Storm Drain Structures 10/00-0/04 $ 170,140.17 General Lake Improvements 9/00 - Present $ 743,407.90 GIS Storm Sewer Inventory 10/00 - Present $ 298,072.12 Olney Road Storm Line Replacement 6/00 - 11/02 $ 209,233.55 Pablo Street Drainage Improvement 10/00 - 1/02 $ 144,105.30 Lake Hollingsworth/Lake Morton Outfall Pipe Replacement 10/00 - 9/02 $ 117,893.00 Kentucky/Bay Drainage Improvements 10/00 - 7/03 $ 274,805.04 Alamo Dr/Old 37 Drainage Improvements 10/00 - 7/04 $ 118,943.45 Brandy Place to King Ave - Pipe or Pave Open Ditch 10/00 - 7/02 $ 24,663.26 Gary Road at CSX - Drainage Study 10/00 - 11/02 $ 14,812.65 Chestnut Woods - Restructuring 10/00 - 12/02 $ 36,492.69 Edgewood Drive Widening - City share 11/04 - Present $ 336,135.48 Shotgun Ditch - between S. Lincoln and San Gully Road 12/01 - 3/02 $ 71,832.58 Drainage Study Park Drive at Atlanta Ave 7/02 - 6/04 $ 36,497.86 Warrington Ave Ditch -Drainage Study 1/03 - Present $ 119,778.60 Meadowbrook Ave - Upsize Storm Pipe 11/02 - 3/04 $ 19,137.39 Camp Fire USA Bldg - Stormwater Improvements 3/03 - 10/03 $ 48,881.90 Easton Drive - Pipe Repair or Replacement 7/04 $ 67,088.00 El Dorado - Pipe Alignment 7/04 $ 31,174.00 Lake Hunter - Pipe Replacement 5/04 - 7/04 $ 30,823.50 South Polk Ave - Drainage Project 4/04 $ 1,690.08 Swannanoa Neighborhood Drainage Improvements 1/04 - 9/04 $ 25,230.90



### 29

## NPDES STORMWATER ACTIVITIES

Introduction and Justification Water pollution degrades surface waters making them unsafe for drinking, fishing, swimming, and other activities. As authorized by the Clean Water Act, the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program controls water pollution by regulating point sources that discharge pollutants into waters of the United States. Point sources are distinct conveyances such as pipes or man-made ditches. The City must maintain, and abide by, the NPDES permit administered by the FDEP in order to continue to discharge stormwater into “waters of the United States”.


### Activities/Programs

xStorm sewer maintenance such as pipe sealing, lining, and replacing

xPlan review to ensure construction sites will not cause erosion or sedimentation off-site

xRoadway litter pickup by personnel and volunteers

xStreet sweeping

xCIP projects

xPrograms to reduce pesticide, herbicide, and fertilizer use

xInspections of illicit discharges

xSpill Prevention and Response

xOutreach programs to encourage public reporting of suspected illicit discharges

xAmnesty Days

xStorm sewer plaques

xOutreach programs to educate septic tank owners on proper maintenance of their system

x High Risk Facilities Inspections

x Construction site inspections

x Site Operator Training (Erosion and Sedimentation Control class)

x Presentations to educate those involved in construction activities about the NPDES Generic permit

xEducation Programs on water resource management and conservation for the community



### 30

## TOTAL MAXIMUM DAILY LOADS (TMDLs)

Introduction and Justification Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act (CWA) requires states to submit lists of surface waters that do not meet their designated uses (recreation and wildlife propagation). Waters classified as impaired are required to have Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) developed for the pollutants of concern. TMDLs establish the maximum amount of a pollutant that a water body can assimilate without causing exceedances of water quality standards. As such, development of TMDLs is an important step toward restoring our waters to their designated uses.



### TMDL Cycle The TMDL Program is based on a five-phase cycle that rotates through Florida's basins every five years. Objectives in each phase of the cycle are as follows:

Year 1: Initial Basin Assessment Objectives: Establish the general ecological health of the basin, identify waterbodies requiring restoration, protection, and/or TMDL development, identify sources of pollution, develop a coordinated monitoring plan, and develop consensus-based water resource protection and restoration goals.

Year 2: Coordinated Monitoring Objectives: Supplement existing data to further characterize basin conditions, investigate areas with identified or potential water quality problems, evaluate the effectiveness of management actions, and collect data for TMDL development.

Year 3: Data Analysis and TMDL Development Objectives: Document the water quality data collected in phase 2, noting any changes in the conclusions of the initial basin assessment; provide a more detailed assessment of major pollutant sources, including the quantification of nonpoint source loadings; and conduct and document TMDLs, as needed.

Year 4: Basin Management Action Plan (B-MAP) Development Objectives: Work with local stakeholders to develop a Basin Management Action Plan to specify how established goals will be achieved by recommending management activities, establishing who is responsible for implementation, establishing a schedule for implementation, and noting how the effectiveness of the plan will be assessed.

Year 5: Begin Implementation of Basin Management Action Plan (B-MAP) Objectives: Begin implementation of the B-MAP and associated water resource protection and restoration efforts, including development and implementation of BMPs, habitat protection and restoration activities, environmental infrastructure improvements, and issuance of permits.



### City of Lakeland TMDL Status Lake Hunter is the first of several impaired waterbodies in Lakeland to be selected to undergo TMDL development. Lake Hunter is located within the Hillsborough River basin, and ultimately drains to Tampa Bay via the Hillsborough River. Lake Hunter has been verified as an impaired waterbody based on nutrient criteria as the lake has high phosphorus and nitrogen levels. By examining specific criteria, a TMDL has been



### 31established that prescribes an 80% reduction in annual loadings of total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus levels (TP).

Other water bodies located within the City of Lakeland have also been listed as impaired. These include: Lake Bentley Lake Crago Lake Hollingsworth Lake Bonny Lake Gibson Lake Parker These lakes will be required to undergo TMDL development but during a later cycle.



### Benefits The Florida legislature has passed legislation adopting the TMDL process. The TMDL program will be administered by FDEP and enforced through the NPDES permitting system. The Lakes & Stormwater Division and the FDEP have begun the preliminary planning for Phase 4 of the TMDL Cycle, the development of the Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP) for Lake Hunter. The BMAP process will be the vehicle for implementing the TMDL. Development of the BMAP will include participation by all stakeholders in allocating responsibility for pollutant reductions. The ultimate goal is to improve the water quality of Lake Hunter through a concerted community effort.



### Costs The costs associated with TMDL development are still relatively unknown as there are many different steps that can be taken to address the causes of lake impairment. The following table provides a rough estimate of what potential costs could be, based on a unit cost estimate of stormwater retrofitting (these estimates were developed in a study done in Tallahassee). For example, based on the table the money required to reduce the loading levels into Lake Hunter could total as much as $4.4 million.



### Assume $7,498/acre retrofit cost; 10% area providing treatment Lake Drainage Basin (Acres) Retrofit Cost 45% Retrofit Cost 90% Retrofit Cost 100% Bentley 2319 7,041,760 14,083,520 15,648,326 Beulah 79 239,561 479,122 532,358 Bonnet 820 2,490,085 4,980,170 5,533,524 Bonny 1151 3,374,100 6,748,200 7,767,928 Crago 100 303,669 607,338 674,820 Hollingsworth 1647 5,000,416 10,000,832 11,112,036 Holloway 299 907,633 1,815,266 2,016,962 Horney 267 809,784 1,619,568 1,799,520 Hunter 731 2,220,157 4,440,314 4,933,684 John/Sommerset 1373 4,170,388 8,340,776 9,267,528 Mirror 314 954,870 1,909,740 2,121,934 Morton 215 651,201 1,302,402 1,447,114 Parker 3030 9,201,171 18,402,342 20,447,046 Wire 1062 3,225,640 6,451,280 7,168,088

Total 15,909 $40,590,435 $81,180,870 $90,470,869



### 32

## REGULATORY ACTIVITIES

Introduction and Justification Various regulatory activities conducted by the Lakes & Stormwater Division are funded by the Stormwater Utility. These activities include the permitting of docks, seawalls and boathouses, the site plan review process, as well as enforcement of numerous stormwater related ordinances.


### Permitting In reviewing requests for seawalls, docks, and boathouses, staff ensures that the shoreline and aquatic vegetation will be properly protected and maintained.

In the site plan review process, staff inspects the sites for threatened and endangered species and habitat and reviews the plans for erosion and sediment control.



### Enforcement Staff enforces City Code to prevent pollution of Lakeland’s lakes and stormwater system. This enforcement includes writing citations and participating in Code Board hearings when issues are not properly remedied. Since the initiation of our tracking log in August 2000, 336 citations have been written for first offences, 13 for repeat violations, and 10 cases have gone before the Code Board.



### 33

## PUBLIC EDUCATION AND OUTREACH

Adopt-A-Lake Program

Introduction and Justification The Adopt-A-Lake (AAL) program was started in 2001 as a way to involve the community in efforts to conserve and protect Lakeland’s lakes. There are several components of the AAL program, including lake cleanups, water quality monitoring, aquatic plant management and storm drain plaque installation. Volunteer groups can choose to embark upon one or more of these activities for a one-time community service project—for a Lakes Appreciation Month event, for example—or they may choose to perform lake protection events regularly. If a group performs activities on their “adopted lake” four or more times a year, they receive an AAL recognition sign posted beside the lake. Brief descriptions and summaries of the AAL activities are listed below.

Activity: Volunteer Monitoring

A volunteer monitoring program to sample area lakes is administered by the University of Florida’s Lakewatch Program. Volunteers are trained and equipped by Lakewatch staff to collect monthly water quality samples from their lakes. The samples are shipped to the University of Florida for analysis, and reports explaining the results are returned to the Adopt-A-Lake program volunteers. Annual meetings are held with Lakewatch biologists to discuss the health of lakes in the region. The Lakes & Stormwater Division assists this program by storing the supplies and samples until they are picked up by the Lakewatch volunteers and staff, respectively. The Division also helps recruit volunteers for the program.

Benefits: The Lakewatch Volunteers collect valuable data that is readily available to the City. To date, seven Lakeland lakes are regularly tested by Lakewatch volunteers.

Activity: Lake Cleanups

Lake and shoreline cleanups are the most popular AAL activity. The City of Lakeland provides volunteers gloves, garbage bags, grabbers, safety vests, buckets, etc. Lakeland Clean and Beautiful lends AAL volunteers poles and nets also.

Benefits: Seven lakes are officially adopted by 12 volunteer groups. Since the AAL program started, volunteers have removed over 16 tons of trash from Lakeland’s lakes.



### 34Activity: Storm Drain Plaque Installation

In order to educate the community and minimize impacts of stormwater runoff to Lakeland’s lakes, volunteers apply “Dump No Waste: Drains to Lake” plaques on storm drain inlets. Volunteers also provide data as to where plaques are applied, missing, or replaced. The City supplies volunteers the plaques, glue, safety vests, and maps of inlet locations.

Benefits: Nearly 650 plaques have been installed since the stormwater utility was implemented in May 2000.

Activity: Aquatic Plant Management

Volunteers can assist in establishing and maintaining aquatic vegetation around their lakes. This vegetation is important in providing habitat for fish and wildlife, and the vegetation helps prevent bank erosion. Volunteers also assist in invasive specie s removal by manually removing air potato vines or other invasive plant species from the lake and lakeshore.

Benefits: To date, 1500 aquatic plants and 90 wetland trees have been planted in our lakes by volunteers.

Costs: 

### The average yearly cost is $5,900. The program-to-date costs are listed below.

Year Activities’ Materials— grabbers, nets, storm plaques, etc. Public Outreach— newsletter, AAL signs, etc. PromotionalItems—AAL Tshirts, stickers, hats, pencils, etc. Total

2001 $2,400 $20 $740 $3,160

2002 $840 $5,600 $1,130 $7,570

2003 $470 $6,175 $800 $7,445

2004 ------- $4,500 $1,000 $5,500

Total $3,710 $16,295 $3,670 $23,675



### 35

## Educational Workshops--The Florida Yards and Neighborhoods

Introduction and Justification The Florida Yards & Neighborhoods Program is administered by the University of Florida—IFAS Extension Service. This program provides education and outreach workshops to teach homeowners how to create environmentally-friendly landscapes and how this helps protect Florida’s water resources. The Lakes and Stormwater Division supports this program by promoting events in the quarterly newsletter and by providing meeting space at free or reduced rates. Occasionally, the Division also purchases supplies for workshops.



### Benefits: Examples of workshops offered include: Rain Barrels —participants learn about storm water runoff, water conservation, and receive a 50-gallon rain barrel; Water Wise—participants learn about water conservation and receive a micro-irrigation kit; Florida Friendly Landscaping —participants learn to identify native plants and how to create a beautiful yard with minimum amounts of pesticides and fertilizers. Since May, 2000, approximately 450 people have participated in the Florida Yards and Neighborhood programs offered in Lakeland. At least 75 rain barrels were created and taken home by local residents.



### Costs: The total yearly costs for the program is $2,000. Since this program is administered by the University of Florida Extension System, the cost to the City of Lakeland is very minimal. With an average of 4 workshops a year, the cost is approximately $150 per workshop, which covers the cost of rental space and refreshments. The Lakes & Stormwater Division also provides incentives, periodically, by purchasing supplies for the workshop (ex. rain barrels) that are normally paid for by the participants.

Living by the Lake workshop—Fall 2003



### 36

## Speaker’s Bureau

Introduction and Justification Public education and outreach is a major component of meeting NPDES permit requirements. The Lakes & Stormwater Division staff is available to speak to school groups, civic clubs, and other Lakeland-area groups who are interested in learning about lakes education and protection, ongoing stormwater projects and more. The staff is also available to present at technical conferences. Presentations can be targeted to individual needs.



### Benefits Examples of Speaker’s Bureau topics include: Lake Ecology: Living Lakes—discusses how lakes are formed; wildlife and aquatic vegetation associated with the lake, etc.

Stormwater Runoff: When it Rains, it Pollutes—discusses the basic concept of rain water and how it can potentially pollute our water bodies. It also points out ways individuals can eliminate stormwater pollution; Lakes & Stormwater Projects: Lake Restoration and Stormwater Pollution Prevention Projects in Lakeland —explains what the Stormwater utility fee pays for. The presentation informs participants about current and future lake management and stormwater pollution prevention projects.

Since May, 2000, nearly 1700 children in grades K-12 have benefited from Speaker’s Bureau presentations. Talks at conferences, churches, homeowners’ associations and other civic organizations addressed at least another 450 people.



### Costs The cost to develop the Speakers Bureau brochure was $2194. There are no additional costs associated with implementing this program.

Students looking at bugs during a Lakes Ecology presentation.



### 37

## Other Public Education and Outreach Projects

Introduction and Justification Stormwater runoff is now considered the State’s largest water pollution source for our lakes, streams and rivers. Since this nonpoint source of pollution originates from ordinary people doing ordinary things, it is difficult to control and monitor. Therefore, it is extremely important to educate the public about ways individuals can prevent polluted runoff. The Lakes and Stormwater Division has embarked upon several projects aimed at making the citizens of Lakeland more aware of how they affect their water resources. Brief summaries and project descriptions are listed below.

Project: Water Quality Brochures

Two types of water quality brochures— Water Quality & Our Lakesand Protect Our Water —were developed to educate the residents of Lakeland about stormwater and water quality issues. The brochures also explain how to participate in city activities associated with lakes and stormwater.

Benefits: The brochures provide pictures and easy to follow descriptions of water quality issues. They also include tip s on what individuals can do to help reduce their contribution to water pollution. We have several kiosks and other public areas where the brochures are available for pickup. We also mailed the brochures to people in our database and other targeted groups or individuals. Finally, the brochures are an integral part of our Adopt-A-Lake and Lakes & Stormwater displays used at community events.

Cost: The total cost of the brochures was $5770. A SWFWMD Community Education grant totaling $2100 was awarded to offset the cost of publication.

Brochure: Agency Services: Layout & Design, copywriting, art production, etc. Printing costs Total

Water Quality & Our Lakes $1,950 $1,210 $3,160

Protect Our Water $1,462 $1,148 $2,610

Total: $3,412 $2,358 $5,770



### 38Project: Mall Display

A mall display informing visitors about the Lakes and Stormwater Division is located in the Lakeland Square Mall. The display contains pictures of lake improvement activities on local lakes. It also has a brochure holder attached so that newsletters and brochures can be disseminated.

Benefits: Unfortunately, many citizens of Lakeland are unaware that the City has a Lakes and Stormwater Division, or are unfamiliar with what the Division does. With an estimated 11 million visitors per year, the Lakeland Square Mall is a highly visible location for a public awareness display of this nature. Shoppers not only become aware of the Lakes and Stormwater Division’s responsibilities, but they also have the opportunity to learn more by picking up literature, or calling the Stormwater Hotline number.

Cost: The initial cost of creating the display was $942.50. The annual fee for having it displayed at the mall is $2820.00 a year.

Project: Theater Slide

Periodically, the Lakes & Stormwater Division contracts to do a thirty-second digital advertising display at the Merchant Walk and Lakeland Square Mall movie theaters. These contracts usually correspond with high movie-going seasons.

Benefits: The theater slide is another way to raise awareness about stormwater pollution prevention. Although the lawn clippings ordinance has been in place for some time, many people still do not know it exists. This is an ongoing challenge that continues to warrant attention.

Cost: It costs $150/week for the theater slide. A contract of at least twelve weeks is required with a total cost of $1800/per contract.



### 39Project: Lakes and Stormwater/Adopt-A-Lake Display Boards

The Lakes and Stormwater Division has two display boards used for various events, such as Public Works Week, Lakes Appreciation Month, etc. The display boards contain a general overview of the Lakes andStormwater Division’s Adopt-ALake programs.

Benefits: Setting up display boards at public events allows the Lakes and Stormwater staff to be visible and available for questions and comments. It is also good for recruiting volunteers for the Adopt-A-Lake program and other Division projects. Finally, it is another tool to raise awareness about how to keep Lakeland’s lakes clean.

Costs: Besides the initial cost of purchasing the display boards, there is not a yearly cost associated with this activity.

Students looking at Lakes and Stormwater display board.



### 40Project: Lakes and Stormwater Division Website http://www.lakelandgov.net/publicworks/lakes/

The Lakes and Stormwater Division maintains a website within the City’s website network. The website contains numerous links informing visitors of Lakes & Stormwater Division projects, current events calendar, water quality data, contact information, etc.

Benefits: It is advantageous to have Lakes and Stormwater information readily available to people via the internet. This allows for exchange of information with very little turn-around time and minimal amount of effort from the staff.

Cost: Since the website is hosted by the City of Lakeland, there is no additional cost to the Lakes and Stormwater Division.



### 41

## Lakes Education and Action Drive (LE/AD)

Introduction and Justification In 1985 the City of Lakeland provided the funding for the creation of the Lakes Education/Action Drive. The City issued a request for proposals for establishing a public lakes education program in Lakeland. This resulted in a grassroots, volunteer, non-profit organization with the mission of providing lakes education through a variety of programs and activities. Through the years, LE/AD has grown and evolved into a countywide group that receives annual funding from several local governmental agencies. The City of Lakeland has supported and continues to support this growth. The need for community education and activism in the management of our water resources is as important today as it was in 1985. LE/AD sponsors, or partners with the City, on several educational and outreach activities in Lakeland throughout the year. Brief descriptions and summaries of some LE/AD activities are listed below.

Activity: Lakes Appreciation Month

Lakes Appreciation Month is a national event coordinated by the North American Lake Managers Society (NALMS). It is a way to promote volunteer participation in lake restoration activities such as habitat restoration, invasive plant identification and removal, and litter pick-up and removal. The event usually includes a volunteer appreciation dinner, or picnic, and some form of entertainment.

Benefits: Lakes Appreciation Month is a terrific way to motivate the regular program volunteers to engage in lake activities, as well as recruit new participants. It is also a way to recognize the volunteers for their efforts throughout the year. Finally, a large amount of debris is collected from in and around the lakes during this month.

Activity: Youth Day



### 42Youth Day is an annual family event held in Lakeland. Youth Day involves handsBenefits: Youth Day provides a

tivity: Lake Signage

urrently, the City of Lakeland has several sets of signs along Lakes Bonny,

enefits: The interpretive

ssive learning to those who are not necessarily



### Costs of Lakeland provides LE/AD with continued funding at the level of on activities which stress lake environments and their care or other water resource and environmental issues. Past activities includeEnviroscape© presentations, walking tours of the lake’s littoral area, species collection and identification, pontoon boat tours, and various craft activities.

variety of environmental science experiences for children of all ages. Participants, in turn, learn more about their environment and why they should protect it. On average, Youth Day attracts around 300 particip ants.

Ac

C Morton, and Hollingsworth. Signs will be installed at Lake Parker in 2005. These signs vary in content, but generally discuss stormwater pollution prevention and stormwater treatment topics. Other issues discussed include native aquatic vegetation and wildlife.

B signs are a useful tool for those wanting to learn more about the natural environment of the City’s lakes. With simple wording and illustrations, the interpretive signs also provide pa interested in learning about stormwater or lakes ecology, but visit lakes for other reasons such as exercise or relaxation.

The City $25,000 per year.



### 43

## LAKE MONITORING

There are thirty-eight named lakes in the City of Lakeland ranging in size from 2.5 acres in Lake Blanton and 2,272 acres in Lake Parker. There are numerous other surface waters that include both natural and man-made lakes, ponds and streams. Water enters our lakes from rainfall, underground seepage and runoffs from streets bringing with it pollutants that are harmful to lakes ecology. Our lakes discharge through pipes, ditches, canals and creeks which flow into three major river basins: Peace, Hillsborough and Alafia. Lakes provide opportunities for recreation activities, sanctuaries for wildlife and their natural beauty. Lakes have an economic value and contribute to a community’s quality of life.

City staff has monitored water quality in seventeen lakes on a quarterly basis since 1988. Lake Hollingsworth has been monitored monthly since January 1996 to document the effects of the dredging and whole lake alum treatment projects. Physical parameters include temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, and turbidity are taken at site using a portable YSI or Hydrolab water monitoring equipment at various depth intervals. Other parameters include physical (color, total dissolved and suspended solids), chemical (nutrients - phosphorous and nitrogen, and metals), and biological (chlorophyll, total and fecal bacteria). The Glendale Wastewater laboratory facility analyzes the collected lake water samples to determine these parameter levels. The water quality data are then used to determine trends in the lakes, and to evaluate lake health. Annual cost for monitoring the seventeen lakes is $ 9,540.

The following graph is an example of how the water quality data can be used to track trends over time. The graph illustrates the reduction of lead (Pb) levels over time. Important benchmarks are also noted on the graph (e.g. when the alum treatment took place).

Figure 1. Lake Hollingsworth Lead LevelsStart of DredgingEnd of DredgingRefillAlum Treatment

0.00 5.00 10.00 15.00 20.00

Jun-95 Jun-97 Jun-99 Jun-01 Jun-03Pb (ug/L)



### 44The following table lists the seventeen lakes that are monitored by the Lakes and Stormwater Division. All lakes are monitored on a quarterly basis (March, June, September, and December), with the exception of Lake Hollingsworth is monitored on a monthly basis. The Parameters Measured column depicts the different suite of parameters that are measured on each lake.

Table 1. Monitored lakes, monitoring frequency, and parameters measured.

Lake Name Frequency Parameters Measured Bentley Quarterly Beulah Quarterly Bonnet Quarterly Bonny Quarterly Crago Quarterly Gibson Quarterly Hollingsworth Monthly, Quarterly Holloway Quarterly Horney Quarterly Hunter Quarterly John Quarterly Meadowview Quarterly Mirror Quarterly Morton Quarterly Parker Quarterly Somerset Quarterly Wire Quarterly FIELD DATA : Temperature, pH, Dissolved Oxygen, Conductivity,Secchi, Turbidity, OxidationReduction Potential (ORP)

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES : Total Dissolved Solids, Suspended Solids, Color

BIOLOGICAL: Chlorophyll a, Total E. coli and Fecal E. coli (Bacteria)

INORGANIC NUTRIENTSNUTRIENTS: Alkalinity, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Ammonia

METALS: Calcium, Magnesium, Iron, Zinc, Chromium, Lead, Cadmium, Aluminum, Copper



### 45

## AQUATIC PLANT MANAGEMENT

Aquatic plants play an important role in lake management. Fish and wildlife populations depend on aquatic plants in lakes and other water bodies for survival. It has been reported that lakes with healthy native plant assemblages support healthy and diverse wildlife communities.

In 1987 the Lakes and Stormwater Division began an extensive aquatic plant management program to establish sustainable native plant communities in our lakes. By utilizing the three basic methods of control - Mechanical, Chemical and Biological treatments, the City was successful in controlling nuisance and/or exotic plants.

Desirable plants play an important role in the uptake and storage of nutrients, prevent shoreline erosion by binding soils and buffering suspension of sediments from wind and wave activity, and provide habitat for fish and wildlife. Aquatic Plant Management activities have been conducted in eleven of our lakes between March 2000 and present. These activities are listed below:



### Lake Bonnet Hydrilla treatment in Lake Bonnet Canal downstream to prevent flooding at May Manor MHP, Sterling MHP and Lone Palm Golf course community. Project Cost: $3,075



### Lake Bentley After receiving complaints from lakefront homeowners concerning shoreline erosion, City personnel installed fifteen buoys at various distances apart and 150 ft away from the shoreline in the lake. These marker buoys provide boaters with operational boundaries. The City has replaced buoys that have been vandalized. Project Cost: $3,480



### Lake Beulah A total of fifty-six wetland trees were planted along the slope of the bank. An acre of American lotus was eradicated. Wetlands trees included Cypress, red maple, bays, holly, and gums. Project Cost: $5,500



### Lake Bonny The Lakes & Stormwater Division contracted Aquatic Weed Control of Orlando to plant thirty-one wetland trees along the Main Street Park area. The City staff harvested six acres of smartweed in 2003 and controls threeacres of American lotus annually. Riprap material was placed on both sides of the Public boat ramp to prevent further shoreline erosion. Project Cost: $ 20,500


### Canyon Lake City crews control water lettuce, water hyacinth and grasses three times per year. Project Cost: $ 2,500



### 46

### Lake Hollingsworth A total of 442 wetland trees were planted in and around the shoreline of Lake Hollingsworth. Another fifty-nine were planted in and around the Camp Fire Girls retention pond at Buckingham Avenue and Easton Drive. A total of 94,700 roots or clusters of submerged, emerged and floating aquatic plant species were planted in the lake. Species include pickerelweed, arrowhead, knotgrass, bulrush, spike rush, eleocharis, eel grass, pondweed, fragrant water lilie s, and nuphar. Some 20,000 roots of giant bulrush will be transplanted to other sectio ns of the lake by the end of December. All planting activities were conducted by contractors, PPM workers and City staff. Project Cost: $75,000



### Lake Horney Selective harvesting and herbicide applications are being conducted in the lake to control the spreading of hydrilla, water hyacinth, water lettuce and nuphar. The lake is also used a donor site for fragrant water lilies and nuphar. Project Cost: $8,500



### Lake Hunter Twenty-two wetland trees were planted along the west shoreline. This lake also serves as a donor site for certain aquatic plants. Project Cost: $1,500



### Lake John The entire shoreline of Lake John from Warrington Ave to Martin’s Landing was revegetated with aquatic vegetation to establish a littoral zone community. Also sixty-one wetland trees were planted along the shoreline. Project Cost: $12,650



### Lake Mirror Eighty-five sterilized grass carp were introduced in the lake to control hydrilla. Nuphar (water lilies) were also planted in an effort to control hydrilla. This biological method proved successful (both of these projects were completed more than twelve years ago).



### Lake Parker Twenty-three wetland trees were planted along the Sertoma Park area. Mechanical harvesting is being used to remove floating tussocks in the lake during high water elevation. A bulrush transplant project is underway at Sertoma Park A shoreline stabilization project study is currently underway to stabilize shoreline erosion at Sertoma Park, the main park at the boatramp area and at the bridge area at the canal. Project Cost: $ 35,500



### Lake Wire The City harvests hydrilla annually using mechanical harvesters. The permit requires that no more than eight acres be harvested between the months of October and December. Annual cost varies depending on the number of acres harvested. Project Cost (2003): $5,593 Project Cost (2004): $5,516



### 47

## APPENDIX A

COMPREHENSIVE LAKES MANAGEMENT PLAN

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

48