Subject:
Title
Grant application for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Fiscal Year 2025 Nonpoint Source Management Program Grant for Funding to Implement a Nutrient Separating Baffle Box along the Outfall Pipe to Joe’s Creek Detention Pond.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval by the County Administrator of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (FDEP) Nonpoint Source Management Program grant application for implementation of a Nutrient Separating Baffle Box (NSBB) along the outfall pipe into Joe’s Creek Detention Pond.
• Proposed project aims to implement an NSBB to provide nutrient and sediment removal in Joe’s Creek.
• Requested grant funding is $990,000.00 (60%); anticipated County match is $660,000.00 (40%).
• Delegate authority to the Public Works Director to electronically submit Grant Application.
• Application deadline for submission is March 31, 2025.
• No signature by County Administrator is required.
• Joe's Creek Nutrient Separating Baffle Box is a new capital project request for the FY26 Budget. It is not budgeted in the FY25-FY30 CIP; however, funding for the match requirement is available and budgeted under Stormwater Quality Program PIV project, 004296A, funded by Local Infrastructure Sales Surtax (Penny for Pinellas).
Total project cost estimated $1,650,000.00, with anticipated grant funding received being $990,000.00; County match is $660,000.00; Approval to submit the grant application.
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Strategic Plan:
Resilient Infrastructure and Environment
1.4 Improve environmental quality
Healthy and Safe Communities
2.1 Improve public health
Summary:
Approval of the Nonpoint Source Management Program grant application to the FDEP for implementation of a NSBB along the outfall pipe into Joe’s Creek Detention Pond. This action authorizes the Public Works Department to electronically submit the grant application.
Joe’s Creek is a priority waterbody identified by FDEP in which stormwater runoff contributes to nutrient loading. This proposed project consists of implementing a NSBB to provide sediment and nutrient removal capabilities along the outfall located directly north of 46th Avenue North and 43rd Street North in Lealman. This outfall discharges into the Joe’s Creek Detention Pond, a key stormwater management feature within the Joe’s Creek Watershed.
Based on preliminary findings, the NSBB could remove an estimated twenty-two percent (22%) of nitrogen and fifty percent (50%) of phosphorous from stormwater before it reaches Joe’s Creek Detention Pond. By intercepting and treating stormwater before it discharges into the detention pond, the project will contribute to improved water quality in Joe’s Creek and downstream waterbodies, including Cross Bayou.
Background/Explanation:
Joe’s Creek Watershed is a 9,256-acre highly urbanized drainage basin located in the south-central portion of the County. The watershed includes parts of the cities of Pinellas Park, St. Petersburg, and Kenneth City, as well as unincorporated Pinellas County. Joe’s Creek is a priority waterbody identified under the FDEP Water Body Identification 1668A.
Stormwater runoff within the watershed contributes to nutrient loading, which leads to water quality impairments such as bacteria, eutrophication, and algal blooms. A 2024 Best Management Practice analysis for water quality improvements within the watershed identified the NSBB as the highest effective treatment measure for the project location (outfall located directly north of 46th Avenue North and 43rd Street North in Lealman). The NSBB can be retrofitted into the existing stormwater infrastructure to capture and remove pollutants before they enter Joe’s Creek Detention Pond.
Fiscal Impact:
Joe's Creek Nutrient Separating Baffle Box is a new capital project request for the FY26 Budget. It is not budgeted in the FY25-FY30 CIP, however, funding for the match requirement is available and budgeted under Stormwater Quality Program PIV project, 004296A, funded by Local Infrastructure Sales Surtax (Penny for Pinellas).
Stormwater Quality Program PIV project, 004296A, has a total program allocation of $1,859,000.00 in the FY25-FY30 CIP. If the grant is not awarded, a budget amendment may be requested in FY26 to shift Penny for Pinellas funding from Stormwater Quality Program PIV project, 004296A, to Joe's Creek Nutrient Separating Baffle Box (if project request is approved by the BCC).
The total estimated cost for the proposed project is $1,650,000.00. Requested grant funding is $990,000.00 (60%); anticipated County match is $660,000.00 (40%).
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to approve submission of this Grant Application is granted under code section 2-62 (a)(1).
Staff Member Responsible:
Kelli Hammer Levy, Director, Public Works
Partners:
FDEP
Attachments:
Application
OMB Intent to Apply
Public Works Director Memo
Delegated Approval Code 2-62