Two different methods are used for more efficient control of aquatic vegetation growth
Lake Worth Drainage District regularly treats and removes aquatic vegetation in canals to maintain the flow of water and facilitate effective flood control for communities in Southeastern Palm Beach County. To accomplish this task, the District utilizes both mechanical and herbicide treatment to remove unwanted vegetation.
Containment Boom
Recently, the District has expanded its mechanical removal of aquatic growth with the use of containment booms. Containment booms are floating ribbon-like structures that span the canal cross-section and extend approximately one foot both above and below the water surface. As water flows through a canal or as winds move across the water’s surface, floating debris will move through the canal network. The booms serve as a physical barrier, “corralling” the debris while allowing water to continue to flow unimpeded. Installed at critical locations in order to concentrate floating vegetation and other debris, the booms allow District staff to more effectively collect, treat and dispose of the material.
Herbicide Application
Given the proliferation of aquatic vegetation in Florida’s subtropical climate, it remains necessary to continue the use herbicide treatment to control vegetation growth. When applying herbicides, the District strictly adheres to the rules and regulations established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). Staff applying chemical treatments are trained and certified annually on the proper application and handling of all herbicides used. Periodically, the District receives calls from residents regarding an odor detected after the application of herbicides. Although this concern by residents is understandable, it is important to know that the odor is an expected occurrence the oil emulsion that is mixed with the herbicide. Emulsion herbicides are a thicker consistency, allowing the herbicide to adhere to the vegetation so that it stays in place long enough to be effective.
With more than 500 miles of canals, the District is continually conducting maintenance of its canal system. Effective flood control and your safety is dependent on well-maintained canals.
Controlling Aquatic Plants
/in News, O & MContainment Boom
Recently, the District has expanded its mechanical removal of aquatic growth with the use of containment booms. Containment booms are floating ribbon-like structures that span the canal cross-section and extend approximately one foot both above and below the water surface. As water flows through a canal or as winds move across the water’s surface, floating debris will move through the canal network. The booms serve as a physical barrier, “corralling” the debris while allowing water to continue to flow unimpeded. Installed at critical locations in order to concentrate floating vegetation and other debris, the booms allow District staff to more effectively collect, treat and dispose of the material.
Herbicide Application
Given the proliferation of aquatic vegetation in Florida’s subtropical climate, it remains necessary to continue the use herbicide treatment to control vegetation growth. When applying herbicides, the District strictly adheres to the rules and regulations established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). Staff applying chemical treatments are trained and certified annually on the proper application and handling of all herbicides used. Periodically, the District receives calls from residents regarding an odor detected after the application of herbicides. Although this concern by residents is understandable, it is important to know that the odor is an expected occurrence the oil emulsion that is mixed with the herbicide. Emulsion herbicides are a thicker consistency, allowing the herbicide to adhere to the vegetation so that it stays in place long enough to be effective.
Dead Fish in Ponds, Lakes and Canals
/in NewsMost fish kills are the result of natural processes
Plan Ahead for Aging Infrastructure
/in NewsAuthor: Bob Foster, President of Citrus Glen
In August 2012, during the middle of Tropical Storm Isaac, I found myself watching the floodwater rise in my community. With the authorization of the Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD), I opened Citrus Glen’s discharge control structure. This was a challenge as the lake had risen above the dock and weir mechanism.
Several hours later, when the flooding did not recede, I inspected the end of the pipe that discharged into the canal and realized the pipe was bent and restricting the flow of water. After discussing the pipe with LWDD, they agreed to help repair the pipe but they felt it was not the sole cause of the community’s flooding. District personnel asked how long it had been since the community had its drainage infrastructure cleaned and inspected. It was at this point that I learned Citrus Glen’s pipes, inlets, lakes, and swales, belonged to the community and I had a lot more to learn about the community’s role in flood control.
Over the course of the following year, I was fortunate to locate the original underground pipe design. Citrus Glen had just over one mile of underground pipes, but no one knew what condition they were in. The community hired a contractor to inspect and clean the drainage system for the first time in 25 years. A video inspection illustrated areas where tree roots had infiltrated the pipes. If these pipes failed, potential catastrophic damage could occur!
The work was completed in 2015 at a cost of $905,000. This was an expense our Board had not planned for, but Citrus Glen now has a drainage system that is projected to last 50 plus years. In addition to repairs to the pipes, we raised the structure two feet and installed a new aluminum dock with handrails for safer access.