The Rocky Creek Lake Enhancement Project is located in Northwest Hillsborough County in the vicinity of the Cosme-Odessa Wellfield near Gunn Highway and Racetrack Road. The project has the potential to increase water levels at three lakes (Horse Lake, Lake Raleigh, Lake Rogers) and a wetland totaling 196 acres.
Rocky Creek flows through Lake Pretty into Lake Armistead and then towards Tampa Bay. During wet periods when there are excess flows out of Lake Pretty, it may be possible to divert a portion of these flows into Horse Lake. When the desired lake level is reached in Horse Lake, excess water will be routed to Lake Raleigh. When the desired lake level is reached in Lake Raleigh, excess water will then be diverted to Lake Rogers. If there is still additional surface water available, other lakes such as Chruch Lake, may be added to the project.
During the 1997/1998 El Niño event, the Rocky Creek Lake Enhancement project was implemented by the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) and Tampa Bay Water as a temporary surface water diversion flood control measure. SWFWMD and Tampa Bay Water implemented this temporary project again in 2002-2003. Between September 2002 and March 2003, water levels in Horse Lake, Lake Raleigh and Lake Rogers rose several feet. SWFWMD and Tampa Bay Water are investigating whether the Rocky Creek Lake Enhancement Project should be implemented as a permanent environmental restoration measure.
Project Costs
The estimated cost of permitting, design and construction for the permanent Rocky Creek Lake Enhancement system is $812,734. Tampa Bay Water (#406,417) and the SWFWMD ($407,417) Northwest Hillsborough Basin Board are jointly funding the effort.
Status
The feasibility analysis for the permanent Rocky Creek Lake Enhancement Project was initiated in July 2001 and is anticipated to be complete in August 2004. The first phase of evaluation includes a water quality assessment, surface water modeling, preliminary design of project infrastructure, Public Input and confirmation of landowner participation. If the results of this first phase indicate that there is a feasible engineering alternative and landowners are willing to provide the necessary easements, the project will move into the design and permitting phase.
