Stormwater Resiliency and Safety Project

image of tree that has fallen within a canalStormwater Resiliency and Safety Project

Canal Maintenance

Project Description

CSID takes the safety of its residents very seriously. We are following best practices that our industry recognized after Hurricane Irma demonstrated the urgency to be proactive in keeping the canal system, including rights-of-way, clear of vegetation that could block water flow and cause flooding. We will be performing canal maintenance to remove vegetation, such as trees, along the 22-mile canal system that we manage.

Background

The District experienced near hurricane force winds during Hurricane Irma that caused extensive damage. Numerous trees fell into the canals blocking the water’s path and preventing the drainage system from working properly. Following the storm, the District removed, mulched, and disposed of about 500 tons of vegetation. Fortunately, the District was not subjected to higher winds and the canal system continued to operate.

Despite the number of trees that have fallen, approximately 2,500 trees remain within the District’s rights-of-way. For those unfamiliar, the rights-of-way are the District-owned property where the canals are located. The right-of-way consists of the canal itself and the land on both sides of the canal. In most locations, the right-of-way extends 5-20 feet beyond the water’s edge. The trees located within CSID’s rights-of-way pose a risk of falling into the canals during high winds. If the canals become obstructed, there will be flooding. The stormwater resiliency program is a proactive step to ensure the canals remain unobstructed and can convey water to the pumping stations.

What to Expect

  • A start date has not been solidified for this project. Once the project is started, it should be completed within one year, pending inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
  • Daytime work will occur between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
  • Work will take place from barges in the canals and equipment in the right of way.
  • Adjacent properties should expect noise from chainsaws and other types of large equipment. The project team is aware of and will comply with local noise ordinances.
  • Adjacent properties should expect irrigation interruptions. Irrigation systems will need to be shut off during construction.
  • Updates will be provided online, via email, and posted on social media.

Phased Implementation

The project will be implemented in four phases beginning with the North Zone, followed by the South Zone, then East Zone, and finishing with the West Zone. Each zone will take approximately three months to complete.

Prior to work beginning in each zone, we will provide information to homeowners’ associations and go door-to-door in the effort to speak to each property owner along the right of ways. We will be providing members of the community with informational flyers and fact sheets.

project zonesMore Information

The project team looks forward to meeting with residents and interested stakeholders during an upcoming open house. The open house, being offered both virtually and in-person, will provide an opportunity for members of our community to provide questions and comments. The date and time for the open house will be announced soon.

For more information, please see a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

Contact Us

We value your input and look forward to answering questions throughout the course of the project. There are multiple ways to contact us.

Project Hotline: 954-320-7115

Email: Michael.Cobelo@qcausa.com

We also encourage you to follow the District’s social media pages for the latest news and updates on all CSID projects and initiatives.