South Tampa Storm Water Traps Nearly Complete

Two years after south Tampa residents complained about clogged canals and flooded streets, city crews are nearly done installing storm water traps to alleviate the problems, according to a recent report on Tampa Bay online.

The 18 underground sediment pipes and traps being placed around West Shore Boulevard neighborhoods should be completed in about a month. The $717,000 project stems from a 2003 settlement between the city and Florida's Department of Environmental Protection.

This summer, contractors in Sunset Park, South West Shore, Bel Mar Shores and Beach Park have been placing the 13-foot concrete boxes under the road to collect storm water from street-level gutters.

The boxes are designed to allow storm water but not debris to flow to canals, ditches and large retention ponds, project manager Robbie Hayward said. Maintenance crews will vacuum the silt and muck through manholes above the traps.

In 2003, resident complaints led the DEP to fine the city $45,000 for violations related to storm water runoff in south Tampa. The city agreed to install the traps instead of paying the fine.

Source: TBO