Nubbin Slough and Taylor Creek Stormwater Treatment Areas - Post Construction Report

Nubbin Slough and Taylor Creek Stormwater Treatment Areas (STAs) were designed in 2003 and constructed in 2005 and 2006 as part of the Lake Okeechobee Critical Project for reducing phosphorus levels in tributary streams. Both projects utilize pump stations to convey water from their respective streams to distribution channels on the high side of constructed wetlands, manage the flow through the wetlands by automated water control gates, then provide outlet control to return the treated water to the streams a short distance above Lake Okeechobee. Natural processes within the constructed wetlands will absorb and adsorb phosphorus, binding it to organic material and soil particles that will remain with the STA. Nutrient concentrations will be monitored upstream and downstream of the treatment areas. Detention times, pumping rates, discharge rates, and water depth will be controlled to provide maximum reduction of phosphorus from the streams. The project was sponsored by the Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District, and South Florida Water Management District. The phosphorus removal process was modeled by Dr. Robert Knight, Wetland Solutions, Inc. The facilities were designed by Stanley Consultants, Inc. Construction of the two areas has been completed and the startup period has begun. During this phase, the STAs will be brought to design water levels so that preferred emergent vegetation can become established and some of the operation guidelines can be developed. This report will describe the site conditions of the two STAs before and immediately after construction, discuss the lessons that were learned during design and construction, and illustrate some of the benefits the project has returned to date.