MELBOURNE, Fla. — An $11 million Brevard County project aims to restore a century-old canal and help protect the struggling Indian River Lagoon.
- $11 million restoration project to restore Indian River Lagoon canal
- Project will install pump station to capture 7 million gallons of storm water
- 24,000 pounds of nitrogen flowing into lagoon will be reduced yearly
The M-1 Canal is a man-made drainage area between St. Johns River and the lagoon that diverts stormwater from 5,300 acres from areas of Melbourne, Melbourne Village, West Melbourne, and other parts of Brevard County.
The project involves installing a pump station that will capture 7 million gallons of storm water each year and send it away from the lagoon into a treatment area west of Interstate 95.
"Bring that water back to the St. Johns River, restoring that natural flow. That way the Indian River Lagoon won't be getting that many nutrients, suspended solids, and freshwater inputs," said St. Johns Water Management District Civil Engineer Mark Vanheden.
Engineers estimate the work will reduce 24,000 pounds of nitrogen from flowing into the lagoon yearly.
The pump station will also allow flood waters to come through during major storms, such as hurricanes.
The St. Johns Water Management District is partnering with Brevard County and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection on the restoration project.