This environmental restoration project is located on the Cross Bar Ranch Wellfield in Pasco County. With the exception of Tampa Bay Water's production well sites, the property is owned by Pinellas County. The goal of the project is to modify the existing agricultural ditch network on the Cross Bar Ranch Wellfield to restore natural drainage patterns and improve wetland water levels. It is anticipated that these drainage modifications will improve up to 295 acres of stressed wetlands.
During Phase 1, which was jointly funded by SWFWMD and Pinellas County, four ditch block structures were installed in the west-central portion of the property. During Phase 2, which was initiated by Tampa Bay Water in July 2001, analyses were performed to identify additional locations where drainage modifications would be beneficial.
Project Costs
The cost for design and permitting activities of Phase 2 of the Cross Bar Ranch Wetlands Restoration Project is $312,784. The project is jointly funded by SWFWMD ($62,250) and Tampa Bay Water ($250,534). The estimated cost for future construction activities is $248,000.
Current Status
Analyses were performed to evaluate drainage improvements at 16 potential locations on the Cross Bar Ranch Wellfield. Based on the results, six locations were identified as having the most potential to improve wetland water levels. A field review of the proposed sites with SWFWMD regulatory staff was held in August 2002. Surface water modeling has been performed to evaluate the effects of the proposed structures on wetland water levels and offsite flooding. A final report and recommendations for stucture design and operations are anticipated to be complete in June 2004. The engineering design and preparation of necessary permit applications are anticipated to be completed in late summer of 2004.
