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Cypress Bridge II Project Project Background The Cypress Bridge II project was originally chosen in November 1998 as one of seven new Master Water Plan projects. In 1999, the Tampa Bay Water board postponed development of the project pending further consideration. In June 2001, the board approved Cypress Bridge II as part of the second phase of the Master Water Plan. The aim of Tampa Bay Water's Master Water Plan is to develop diverse new drinking water supplies that are environmentally sound and sustainable over the long term. This goal is at the forefront of all Tampa Bay Water supply projects. Project Description This project involves evaluating several alternatives for well sites and connecting pipelines for the development of no more than 4 million gallons per day (mgd) of additional drinking water supply in eastern Pasco County and/or northern Hillsborough County.
The project is proposed to consist of four dispersed water production and associated monitoring wells, four well houses and a raw water transmission main to connect the new water supply wells to Tampa Bay Water's regional water supply system. Each well is expected to supply 1 mgd. The general project study area extends southward to the existing Morris Bridge Wellfield in northern Hillsborough County, just west of Interstate 75 and at Cypress Creek Wellfield, west of Zephyrhills and south of Dade City. The project study area comprises approximately 220 square miles and is generally to the north and east of wellfields that are targeted for pumping cutbacks. Why is this Project Needed? The water from the Cypress Bridge II project will help meet Pasco County's demand, which will increase significantly, along with its population, over the next 10 years. At the same time, permit limits for all Tampa Bay Water wellfields in Pasco County will be reduced from 93 mgd to 51 mgd. This represents a 45 percent reduction in groundwater pumping, even if Cypress Bridge II is implemented. Project Schedule The following schedule shows the major milestones for the Cypress Bridge II project:
Aquifer Performance Testing Based on preliminary investigations conducted last year and input from the Southwest Florida Water Management District, Tampa Bay Water and its consulting engineer determined that aquifer performance testing would be required within the project study area in order to better define aquifer characteristics. Two sites owned by Pasco County were used for the aquifer testing, which was completed in 2002. The information gained from aquifer testing is being used to refine a groundwater flow model that will be used to predict any impacts associated with the new groundwater withdrawals. The refined model will be used during the permitting process. Alternative Route Analysis A 1999 feasibility study identified six alternatives for developing this water supply. One of these alternatives considered additional pumping from the existing Cypress Bridge Wellfield. That alternative was eliminated from additional consideration. After the aquifer performance testing Tampa Bay Water's consultants began revisiting the alternatives identified in the previous study, and are developing additional alternatives for consideration. At the conclusion of the route analysis, a preferred alternative will be recommended to the Tampa Bay Water board of directors for approval. The selection of the recommended alternative will take into account public comment, and be based on technical and environmental criteria. Public Input Public input helps us develop projects that are more responsive to the community's needs. That is why Tampa Bay Water provides multiple opportunities for residents to comment on its projects. We received general input on this project at an open house in 1999 and at three meetings on our second phase of the Master Water Plan – referred to as System Configuration II -- in May 2001. (Public meetings on System Configuration II projects were held in Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties.) The Tampa Bay Water board of directors will take public input on this project and others under consideration for the next series of Master Water Plan projects on October 28, 2003 . The project team conducted a public workshop on this project September 20, 2003 (Meeting Summary) and took input on project siting criteria. The Tampa Bay Water board of directors also takes public input at its board meetings. For more information on the public input process during our Board Meetings, click here to contact us. Funding The Project capital cost will be approximately $18 million, and the annual operating and management cost is estimated at $197,000. It will be funded through water rates paid by Tampa Bay Water's member governments. Contact Information If you would like more information about the project or wish to be added to the mailing list, please contact David Wiley of Leggette, Brashears & Graham at (813) 968-5882, ext. 15, or contact Mandi Rice of Tampa Bay Water at (727) 796-2355. |
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This page was last modified: 3/22/2007 8:22:27 AM
