Recently Completed Projects

Completed Stormwater Projects Since 2019: Strengthening Flood Protection and Water Quality

Over the past five years, Volusia County has made significant progress in stormwater management, drainage improvements, and water quality enhancement through the completion of multiple large-scale infrastructure projects. These projects, totaling $8.877 million, were designed to reduce flood risks, upgrade stormwater conveyance systems, and improve the health of local water bodies. Many were jointly funded through county investments and state or federal grants, demonstrating effective collaboration to maximize resources.

On This Page:

• Rio Way Drainage Improvements and Water Quality Project (Completed FY20)
• Thornby Park Water Quality Improvement Project (Completed FY20)
• North Peninsula Exfiltration Projects (Completed FY20–FY22)
• Lake Beresford/Lakeside Drive Stormwater Improvement Project (Completed FY21)
• Gabordy Canal and 10th Street Stormwater Facility Project (Completed FY22)
• Ariel Canal Water Quality Improvement Project (Completed FY22)
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring Water Quality and Long-Term Planning
• National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Annual Reporting and Permitting (Ongoing)
• Stormwater and Wastewater Needs Analysis for House Bill 53 (Ongoing, First Cycle Completed in 2022)
• Mosquito Lagoon Reasonable Assurance Plan (RAP) Annual Reports (Ongoing, First Adopted in 2019)
• A Commitment to Environmental Accountability
• ARPA-Funded Stormwater Projects: Enhancing Flood Protection and Water Quality
• Pooser Pond Stormwater Improvements Project (Scheduled for Award November 2024, $2.69M)
• Buckingham Drive Exfiltration System Project (Expected Completion January 2025, $589,520)
• South Clyde Morris Boulevard Drainage Rehabilitation (Completed FY24, $1.2M)
• Lake Monroe Water Quality Improvement Project (Expected Completion January 2025, $1.3M)
• B-19 Canal Box Culvert Project (Scheduled for Award October 2024, $1.895M)
• Advancing Volusia County’s Stormwater Infrastructure

Rio Way Drainage Improvements and Water Quality Project (Completed FY20)

The Rio Way area within the Riviera Oaks subdivision had a long history of chronic flooding, prompting Volusia County to undertake a multi-phase mitigation effort spanning nearly two decades. After various studies confirmed that enhanced flood control measures were needed, the county implemented a comprehensive buyout and stormwater enhancement plan to alleviate flooding in the community.

The first phase, completed in 2002, established the Riviera Oaks Stormwater Park, which provided some relief but did not fully resolve flooding for homeowners along Rio Way. Continued severe flood events led to additional measures, and by 2014, the county purchased and demolished 21 flood-prone homes in the subdivision using funding from a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Mitigation Assistance Grant. This allowed for the creation of a stormwater detention area, but even more improvements were needed.

The final phase of the Rio Way project, completed in 2020, involved constructing a wet detention pond designed to connect with the existing Riviera Oaks pond, expanding its capacity to handle excess stormwater and reduce downstream flooding. This new regional stormwater detention pond enhances flood protection, increases storage capacity, and improves water quality by filtering pollutants before runoff reaches natural water bodies.

The total project cost $1.638 million, funded through a combination of local and state contributions:

• Volusia County: $298,000
• City of Ormond Beach: $107,000
• Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Grant: $756,000
• St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) Contribution: $477,000

These improvements significantly reduce the flood risk for the Rio Way area, demonstrating Volusia County’s commitment to long-term stormwater planning and community resilience.

Thornby Park Water Quality Improvement Project (Completed FY20)

Thornby Park, located in Deltona along the shores of Lake Monroe, was identified as an ideal location for stormwater improvements due to its proximity to an impaired water body. Stormwater runoff from surrounding areas carried excess nutrients, sediment, and pollutants into Lake Monroe and, ultimately, the St. Johns River, contributing to water quality degradation.

To address this issue, Volusia County constructed a stormwater treatment system designed to filter out pollutants before runoff reaches the lake. This system captures, treats, and removes sediment and excess nutrients, significantly improving the water quality of one of the county’s most important natural resources.

The project was 60% funded by state grants, including contributions from the Florida DEP and SJRWMD, reducing the county’s financial burden while delivering substantial environmental benefits. The total project cost was $500,000, further demonstrating Volusia County’s ability to secure state funding for local water quality initiatives.

North Peninsula Exfiltration Projects (Completed FY20–FY22)

The North Peninsula area, located near the Halifax River in the Northern Coastal Basin, faced stormwater infrastructure challenges due to aging drainage systems. The existing corrugated metal pipes had deteriorated over time, leading to reduced drainage efficiency, increased flooding risks, and uncontrolled stormwater discharge into the Halifax River.

Over three fiscal years, Volusia County implemented a multi-phase stormwater upgrade project to replace the aging infrastructure with modern exfiltration trench piping. Unlike traditional stormwater pipes, exfiltration trenches allow water to filter through layers of aggregate material, helping to:

• Reduce the volume of untreated stormwater entering the Halifax River
• Improve water quality by filtering out sediment and nutrients before discharge
• Enhance overall stormwater conveyance and reduce flooding risks

The county invested a total of $333,000 into this effort across multiple years, ensuring a gradual but impactful improvement to the North Peninsula stormwater system. These projects contribute to the county’s ongoing efforts to reduce nutrient loads into impaired water bodies and enhance regional flood protection.

Lake Beresford/Lakeside Drive Stormwater Improvement Project (Completed FY21)

Located in DeLand, the Lake Beresford/Lakeside Drive project focused on stormwater treatment enhancements to protect Lake Beresford and the St. Johns River from excess nutrient loading. These water bodies are considered impaired, meaning that runoff containing pollutants like nitrogen and phosphorus has negatively impacted their ecological health.

To address this, the county installed a stormwater treatment system that captures and filters runoff before it enters Lake Beresford. This system provides:

• Sediment and nutrient removal to reduce pollution entering the waterway
• Increased stormwater retention capacity to prevent rapid runoff and soil erosion
• Improved overall water quality in the region

This $806,000 project was partially funded through a 35% construction grant from the Florida DEP, showcasing the county’s ability to utilize state resources to improve local stormwater management.

Gabordy Canal and 10th Street Stormwater Facility Project (Completed FY22)

The Gabordy Canal and 10th Street Stormwater Facility, located in the Edgewater/New Smyrna Beach area, is a major stormwater improvement initiative designed to enhance flood protection and improve water quality in the Mosquito Lagoon. The Mosquito Lagoon is a sensitive coastal ecosystem that has been negatively impacted by nutrient pollution, contributing to harmful algal blooms and water quality degradation.

As part of the Mosquito Lagoon Reasonable Assurance Plan (RAP), this project was developed to reduce nutrient loading into the lagoon while simultaneously improving the drainage system’s efficiency. The project consisted of:

• Upgrading stormwater conveyance infrastructure to improve flood resilience
• Implementing water quality treatment measures to reduce pollutant discharge
• Enhancing the capacity of Gabordy Canal to handle high water volumes

With a total investment of $3.2 million, this project was 72% funded by grants from the Indian River Lagoon Council, SJRWMD, and Florida DEP, reinforcing the county’s strategic use of external funding to support large-scale stormwater initiatives.

Ariel Canal Water Quality Improvement Project (Completed FY22)

Similar to the Gabordy Canal project, the Ariel Canal Water Quality Improvement Project was designed to improve water quality and reduce nutrient pollution flowing into the Mosquito Lagoon. Located within Riverbreeze Park in Oak Hill, the Ariel Canal plays a key role in conveying stormwater runoff from surrounding areas into the lagoon.

The project involved the installation of stormwater treatment infrastructure to:

• Filter out excess nutrients and sediment from runoff
• Slow down water flow to prevent erosion and sediment displacement
• Enhance the overall water quality of the Mosquito Lagoon

With a total cost of $2.4 million, the project was 56% funded by grants from the Florida DEP and SJRWMD. These improvements align with state-mandated restoration efforts and contribute to long-term ecological benefits for the lagoon and surrounding areas.

Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring Water Quality and Long-Term Planning

In addition to completing major stormwater infrastructure projects, Volusia County remains committed to regulatory compliance and proactive environmental planning. Compliance with state and federal stormwater regulations ensures that stormwater systems function efficiently, water quality is protected, and long-term planning efforts are in place to address future challenges. Through annual reporting, legislative compliance, and water quality restoration programs, the county demonstrates strong leadership in stormwater management and environmental responsibility.

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Annual Reporting and Permitting (Ongoing)

Volusia County operates a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4), which collects and conveys stormwater runoff. Unlike sanitary sewer systems, which treat wastewater before discharging it, stormwater systems carry rainwater directly into natural water bodies. To ensure that pollutants do not degrade water quality, the county is required to comply with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting process, administered by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) under the authority of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The county’s Phase II MS4 NPDES permit requires ongoing reporting, monitoring, and best management practices (BMPs) to prevent pollutants such as sediment, nutrients, oil, and debris from entering rivers, lakes, and coastal waters. These efforts include:

• Routine inspections and maintenance of stormwater infrastructure to ensure proper function.
• Public education initiatives to inform residents and businesses about ways to reduce pollution from stormwater runoff.
• Regulatory enforcement measures to ensure compliance with stormwater management requirements.
• Monitoring and testing of stormwater discharges to assess water quality impacts.

The county has successfully completed Cycle 5 of its NPDES permit application, ensuring continued compliance under the NPDES Two-Step Generic Permit for stormwater discharge. This process reinforces the county’s commitment to responsible stormwater management, water quality protection, and regulatory accountability.

Stormwater and Wastewater Needs Analysis for House Bill 53 (Ongoing, First Cycle Completed in 2022)

During the 2021 Florida legislative session, House Bill 53 (HB 53) was enacted to require long-term planning for stormwater and wastewater infrastructure across the state. This legislation mandates that counties, municipalities, and special districts responsible for stormwater or wastewater systems submit a 20-year needs analysis every five years. These reports help identify infrastructure deficiencies, prioritize improvements, and ensure adequate funding for stormwater and wastewater systems over the next two decades.

Volusia County completed its first required analysis and submitted the report to the Florida Office of Economic & Demographic Research (EDR) in July 2022. The report provides a detailed assessment of existing stormwater infrastructure, projected future needs, and cost estimates for system upgrades. Key components of the analysis include:

• Evaluating the capacity and condition of current stormwater and wastewater infrastructure.
• Identifying future infrastructure improvements necessary to accommodate growth and mitigate flooding risks.
• Outlining estimated costs and potential funding sources for long-term stormwater management projects.
• Ensuring compliance with evolving state and federal stormwater regulations.

By participating in this statewide planning effort, Volusia County is ensuring that stormwater and wastewater systems remain efficient, sustainable, and resilient in the face of future environmental and population growth challenges.

Mosquito Lagoon Reasonable Assurance Plan (RAP) Annual Reports (Ongoing, First Adopted in 2019)

The Mosquito Lagoon is a vital estuarine ecosystem that has suffered from water quality degradation due to excess nutrient pollution. In response, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) adopted the Mosquito Lagoon Reasonable Assurance Plan (RAP) in September 2019, outlining a 15-year restoration schedule aimed at meeting water quality targets and reversing environmental damage in the lagoon.

The RAP establishes a coordinated approach among local governments, water management districts, and state agencies to implement pollution reduction strategies and stormwater treatment initiatives. Volusia County, along with Edgewater, New Smyrna Beach, and Oak Hill, participates in this effort through a Joint Participation Agreement, ensuring that local stormwater improvement projects align with state restoration goals.

As part of its RAP commitment, Volusia County submits annual reports to FDEP documenting:

• Progress on stormwater infrastructure projects that help reduce nutrient runoff into the Mosquito Lagoon.
• Implementation of best management practices (BMPs) to filter pollutants from stormwater.
• Water quality monitoring results to track the lagoon’s improvement over time.
• Public education and outreach efforts aimed at reducing pollution sources.

These reports are critical for securing future grant funding and ensuring that ongoing projects remain effective in reducing pollution and enhancing the lagoon’s long-term health. The county’s participation in the Mosquito Lagoon RAP reflects its commitment to restoring and protecting one of Florida’s most unique and sensitive marine ecosystems.

A Commitment to Environmental Accountability

Volusia County’s regulatory compliance efforts play a key role in ensuring responsible stormwater management, preventing pollution, and maintaining compliance with state and federal environmental standards. Through annual reporting, long-term planning, and participation in restoration programs, the county is taking a proactive approach to stormwater and wastewater management, ensuring that its systems remain effective, sustainable, and prepared for future challenges.

ARPA-Funded Stormwater Projects: Enhancing Flood Protection and Water Quality

Through funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), Volusia County allocated $7.67 million toward stormwater infrastructure improvements, flood mitigation, and water quality enhancements. These projects are strategically designed to address long-standing stormwater issues, improve drainage systems, and protect local water bodies from pollution.

By leveraging Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (CLFRF) under ARPA, the county is investing in critical upgrades that will provide long-term resilience to local communities. Each project was carefully selected based on engineering assessments, environmental impact studies, and regional stormwater priorities to maximize flood protection and stormwater management efficiency.

Pooser Pond Stormwater Improvements Project (Scheduled for Award November 2024, $2.69M)

Pooser Pond, located in unincorporated Orange City, has been an area of concern due to persistent high-water levels and localized flooding. The surrounding stormwater system lacks sufficient drainage capacity, resulting in water retention that threatens roadways, nearby properties, and emergency access routes.

To mitigate these issues, Volusia County installed a permanent pump station that will allow county crews to proactively lower water levels in Pooser Pond and an adjacent stormwater pond before significant storms. This proactive measure will create additional water storage capacity, reduce the risk of overflows, and improve flood protection for the surrounding neighborhood.

The project will also feature the installation of a second forcemain and a temporary intake pump station pad near a smaller stormwater pond north of East Holly Drive. These additional components will increase the efficiency of stormwater movement, helping to drain excess water more quickly during heavy rain events.

The $2.69 million project is scheduled to be awarded by the Volusia County Council on November 19, 2024. Once completed, this project will significantly enhance flood resilience and stormwater management capabilities in the Orange City area.

Buckingham Drive Exfiltration System Project (Expected Completion January 2025, $589,520)

Located in Ormond Beach, the Buckingham Drive Exfiltration System Project is a key component of the Halifax River Stormwater Outfall Assessment (2015 Study). This study identified the Buckingham Drive area as a stormwater management priority, where improvements could help reduce stormwater runoff pollution into the Halifax River and enhance drainage capacity.

This project involves:

• Replacing aging exfiltration pipes with a modern exfiltration trench system that will filter and slow down stormwater before it reaches the Halifax River.
• Installing a weir structure at the downstream end of the trench to regulate water flow.
• Retrofitting the outfall with a nutrient-separating baffle box, which will capture sediment and nutrients before they enter the river, improving water quality.

Approved for ARPA funding by the Volusia County Council on February 15, 2022, the project was designed and permitted by Jones Edmunds & Associates. Following the bid process in March 2024, the $589,520 construction contract was awarded to GPS Civil Construction on May 7, 2024.

By implementing stormwater best management practices (BMPs), this project will help Volusia County meet Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) goals for nutrient reduction in the Halifax River, improving both stormwater conveyance and water quality.

South Clyde Morris Boulevard Drainage Rehabilitation (Completed FY24, $1.2M)

South Clyde Morris Boulevard, a major roadway in Port Orange, had long suffered from stormwater drainage deficiencies due to aging infrastructure and limited conveyance capacity. Heavy rain events frequently caused localized flooding, affecting road safety and transportation efficiency.

To resolve these issues, the county invested $1.2 million in pipelining and rehabilitating stormwater structures along:

• South Clyde Morris Boulevard (between SR-421 Dunlawton Avenue and Ravenwood Drive)
• Willow Run Boulevard drainage outfall

The drainage system improvements included the replacement and lining of various catch basins connected by reinforced concrete pipes (RCP). Pipe sizes ranged from 15 inches at the upper reach of the system to 60 inches at the discharge outfall, ensuring greater stormwater flow capacity and more effective flood mitigation.

With these upgrades, the South Clyde Morris drainage system is now better equipped to handle high-intensity storms, reducing roadway flooding and improving long-term infrastructure resilience.

Lake Monroe Water Quality Improvement Project (Expected Completion January 2025, $1.3M)

Located in the Deltona area, this project is part of the St. Johns River Stormwater Outfall Assessment (2017 Study) and was selected for ARPA funding due to its importance in reducing nutrient pollution and improving water quality in Lake Monroe and the St. Johns River.

The $1.3 million project consists of:

• Installing nutrient-separating baffle boxes with sorption media upflow filters at key stormwater outfall locations, including:
  • Clark Street
  • Children’s Way
  • Enterprise Osteen Road
  • Lemon Bluff Road

Filtering out sediment, nitrogen, and phosphorus before stormwater enters Lake Monroe. Slowing down and controlling stormwater flow to reduce erosion and improve drainage efficiency.

This project is expected to be completed in 2025, helping to enhance water quality and meet TMDL goals for pollution reduction in the St. Johns River.

B-19 Canal Box Culvert Project (Scheduled for Award October 2024, $1.895M)

The B-19 Canal in Port Orange serves as a critical stormwater drainage channel, helping to direct runoff away from residential areas and roadways. However, a seawall installed in 2006 has underperformed, leading to erosion, structural weaknesses, and reduced stormwater conveyance.

To address these issues, Volusia County is installing a double-barrel box culvert along a section of the canal, which will:

• Reinforce and stabilize the canal banks to prevent further erosion.
• Improve stormwater flow capacity to enhance flood protection.
• Increase structural resilience for long-term stormwater management.

Bids for this $1.895 million project were received on September 12, 2024, and the project was awarded by the Volusia County Council on October 15, 2024. Once completed, the B-19 Canal will have greater stability and drainage efficiency, protecting surrounding properties from stormwater overflow and flood damage.

Advancing Volusia County’s Stormwater Infrastructure

Through ARPA funding, Volusia County is making major advancements in stormwater management by enhancing flood protection, improving water quality, and modernizing drainage infrastructure. These five projects represent a strategic investment in long-term stormwater resilience, helping the county address existing flooding concerns while preparing for future growth and environmental challenges.

By leveraging federal funding, data-driven planning, and engineering expertise, Volusia County continues to prioritize public safety, environmental stewardship, and infrastructure reliability. As these projects progress toward completion, they will provide lasting benefits to local communities, reducing flood risks and improving the overall health of Volusia County’s water systems.