The Process Behind Stormwater & Flood Mitigation Projects

Stormwater and flood mitigation projects are complex undertakings that must follow a series of deliberate and regulated steps to ensure safety, effectiveness, and compliance with state and federal requirements. Unlike routine maintenance, these projects involve comprehensive planning and execution phases that span multiple years.

The process begins with watershed or basin analyses, which model how water moves through an area under various storm scenarios. These studies require extensive data collection, including topographic surveys, groundwater and surface water levels, soil conditions, tailwater data, and historical rainfall records. The results identify the most feasible solutions and help prioritize areas of concern.

Once a solution is identified, the project enters the design and permitting phase, which could involve multiple regulatory agencies such as the St. Johns River Water Management District, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Florida Department of Transportation. Each agency has different requirements and review timelines, which can impact how quickly a project progresses.

Land acquisition may also be required if drainage improvements or infrastructure expansions extend into private property. This step can add further time and complexity, especially if funding sources come with additional stipulations or restrictions. After design, permitting, and any required land purchases are complete, the project moves into the construction phase, which itself can take months or even years depending on scope and weather conditions.

This process may seem lengthy, but each phase is essential to ensuring that infrastructure is built to last, performs reliably under extreme conditions, and complies with environmental and safety standards. Through this approach, Volusia County ensures its stormwater and flood mitigation investments provide long-term protection for residents and communities.