SUBJECT
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Approve the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Grant Agreement (WRP15) in partnership with Polk County for the Restoration and Creation of Wetlands along Lake Hamilton and Peace Creek Canal (One-time revenue of $850,000; required County match $850,000).
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DESCRIPTION
Lake Hamilton is a key waterbody within the Peace River Watershed as water flows from Lake Hamilton into the North branch of the Peace Creek Canal into the Peace River.
Annually, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) section evaluates waterbodies that are not meeting water quality standards. In 2020, FDEP identified Lake Hamilton and Middle Hamilton as impaired water bodies. Water quality was decreasing to the extent that it warrants the State to develop a TMDL. Lake Hamilton is considered an impaired waterbody for Chlorophyll-a, Total Nitrogen, and Total Phosphorus. In lieu of the Lake Hamilton Chain of Lakes being assigned a TMDL, an Alternative Restoration Plan (4E Plan) allows for corrective action for excessive nutrient loading into a waterbody. In 2021, the Lake Hamilton Chain of Lakes Pollutant Reduction feasibility study was approved by FDEP. A part of that plan is to implement restoration projects to decrease excess nutrients in the waterbodies.
The County has worked with FDEP in the past to conserve and manage lands that have valuable water quality conservation and recreational components. To continue this successful partnership the County applied for a grant through FDEP and was awarded $850,000. The grant is to restore wetland habitat and improve water quality within the Peace Creek hydrologic basin by expanding on-site wetlands and constructing treatment wetlands to act as water quality improvement sites along the northwest side of Lake Hamilton.
The project will divert excess surface water from the Peace Creek Canal to a Polk County-owned parcel, restoring the hydrology of previously disturbed areas. R...
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