Collier County to host virtual workshop on water quality study

A public workshop will be held on Tuesday for a new water quality feasibility study that is underway to consider opportunities to treat discharges to outstanding Florida waters within Collier County. The South Florida Water Management District, Florida Department of Environmental Protection and local stakeholders have partnered to develop this study.

The district invites the public to take part in this virtual public workshop to provide critical feedback on the study’s progress. The workshop will be held via Zoom on Tuesday from 3 to 5 p.m. EST. Those wishing to attend the meeting must register in advance at this link.

By asking questions and sharing comments during the workshop, members of the public will support the effort to enhance priority ecosystems within Collier-Seminole State Park, Rookery Bay Estuarine Research Reserve, and the Cape Romano – Ten Thousand Islands Aquatic Preserve.

The study area is south of Picayune Strand Restoration Project, which is currently under construction along US Route 41. Given the importance of the state park and aquatic preserve water resources in this area, the review of existing data and evaluation of water quality conditions is a high priority. The study examines technologies for reducing nutrients, including conventional and innovative water treatment resources, stormwater redistribution and active or passive water quality improvement projects.

For more information or to submit comments or questions in advance of the public meeting, please contact Joanna Weaver at joweaver@sfwmd.gov. One or more members of the governing board of the District may attend this workshop, though no governing board action will be taken.

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