National Stormwater Trust Inc. (NST), a company that operates stormwater ponds, announced that an installation of its Smart Pond technology won the Environmental Stewardship Award from the Florida Recycling Partnership Foundation for safely capturing and preventing over 175,000 cubic feet of untreated stormwater from flowing into the Tampa Bay during Hurricane Ian.
The Florida Recycling Partnership Foundation annually recognizes companies, organizations and government entities that have made a significant impact in recycling, as well as water reuse, energy efficiency, sustainability and environmental stewardship. The award was presented during a ceremony at the Florida Capitol on Nov. 18.
“This technology is creating a better net gain for the environment, with more nitrogen treatment, and is increasing the amount of usable space for Port Tampa Bay,” says Christopher Cooley, Port Tampa Bay’s environmental director. “Port Tampa Bay is a leading supporter of this environmentally-friendly innovation.”
NST’s Smart Pond connects a pond to live weather forecast data. The installation can use that information to project water levels and, if necessary, automatically lower its water level before a storm arrives. While the sun is still shining, the Smart Pond can actively drain itself to increase its flood storage capacity while in constant communication with professional stormwater managers who can oversee its performance and even remotely control the pond.
