In the October 2006 issue of FS, now on newsstands, writer Brett Fitzgerald covers much of the work being done to improve water quality and fish habitat on Lake Worth Lagoon. Here's a Web-exclusive look at a novel approach to cleaning up runoff--something that could benefit many waterways in Florida.

Muck For Sale

An innovative muck removal system is underway above the C-51 spillway, to improve the fresh water draining into Lake Worth Lagoon. The $2 million project is managed by Palm Beach County Environmental Resources Management, and sponsored by Palm Beach County, South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) and the City of West Palm Beach.

Just above the spillway, a dredge pump has been removing muck from the bottom of the canal. Over the years, a thick layer of muck had settled over the once-sandy bottom of C-51. When the spillway is opened, much of the goop is carried into the lagoon.

The cleanup process involves dredging the unwanted sediment, which is piped under Interstate 95 to a dumping site (which used to be a forest of invasive Australian pines). At the site, the muck is moved through a series of thickening/decanting ponds so it can dry. This is done by injecting polymers into the sludge so that it clumps together and sinks to the bottom. The chemicals used are biodegradable, and in fact are the same chemicals used to treat sewage and drinking water. Once dried, the black, rich soil can be used as an excellent top soil. Touring the site with manager Don Lind, I was amazed that the muck had no odor.

Once the muck is taken from the equation, the water is filtered through a series of ponds, and eventually tested for clarity and returned to C-51.

As of midsummer 2006, the dredge at C-51 had removed over 10,000 cubic yards of muck, and plans call for a total of 150,000 yards to be removed by the end of 2008. Although it is impossible to determine exactly when there will be a measurable difference within the lagoon, no one doubts that this is a major step in the right direction.

Palm Beach County Commissioners Warren Newell and Jeff Koons worked hard to help provide funding. County officials leaned on a previous success story involving a similar dredge plan.

“The success of the Lake Osborne muck removal system was vital to the funding of this project,” says Julie Bishop of ERM. “Because we were able to see firsthand what happened to Lake Osborne, it was much easier to visualize how the lagoon could benefit.” Newell also worked extensively on behalf of the Osborne dredge project. “It’s been a huge success,” Newell said. “You can see the sandy bottom again. Grass beds are now thick, and bass beds are popping up all over.” Not coincidentally, FWC has just named Lake Osborne a "bass honeyhole" based on improved catch rates.

--Brett Fitzgerald

Storm runoff goes from the drain in a Palm Beach County neighborhood...

...to a backyard canal...

...and into Lake Worth lagoon via the C-51 canal and spillway.

This is the “water” as it is dredged from C-51...

...and this is how it returns to the canal after “muck removal” processing.

The dredge will be working near the town of Lake Clarke Shores through 2008.

Project manager Don Lind supervises the muck removal at C-51.

Project manager Don Lind supervises the muck removal at C-51.

The City of West Palm Beach, Palm Beach County (through ERM), and South Florida Water Management District worked together to see the dredging project through.

This used to drain into the lagoon at C-51.