THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM-AGING INFRASTRUCTURE

/in

Flood control happens in unison. There is a three-tier system that plays a significant role in protecting our residents. Neighborhood drainage systems, or tertiary systems, are operated by property owners or residential associations. Secondary flood control canals are operated by the Lake Worth Drainage District, and primary flood control is provided by the South Florida Water Management District.

Most culverts, or water pipes that go under the surface, in the U.S. were originally estimated to last between 40 and 50 years before needing replacement due to wear and tear. However, many are now approaching the end of their lifespan, creating significant challenges exacerbated by factors such as population growth and poor planning.

When these culverts begin to reach their lifespan, they can create serious issues for the system. A neighborhood’s excess water drains into community ponds through street and yard drains. A collapsed culvert under a roadway could bring down the road and disrupt a neighborhood.  The cost associated with this can range anywhere from $40,000 to north of $1 million depending on what the actual issue is. This is a massive cost to spring onto homeowners.

It is crucial to ensure that both plans and funding are in place to address these issues. Property managers and homeowners’ associations (HOAs) should be diligent in maintaining storm drains, retention ponds and the pipes that connect to our canals to help manage and mitigate these challenges. Regularly the entire system needs to be checked and examined to check for vulnerabilities. Here is a list of recommendations that should frequently arise

  1. Clear debris, sediment, or trash out of all pipes, inlets, and culverts. Keep grates clear and remove obstructions.
  2. Keep grass areas and swales mowed regularly. Prevent any deposits of yard clippings or related vegetation and waste to prevent filling in overtime.
  3. Check canals and ditches for any signs of erosion and stabilize the areas with plantings or sod. Regularly compare the original design with the existing dimensions and slopes to monitor and address any changes.
  4. Maintain wet ponds and lakes by removing trash, dead vegetation, and debris. Inspect outfall pipes to make sure they’re clear and open. Repair washouts or eroded areas with sod or vegetation.
  5. Routinely inspect any other outfall structures and weir, looking for signs of obstruction or damage that needs to be cleared or repaired. Remove vegetation or trash.
  6. Have the culverts professionally inspected for root corrosion and other signs of failure.

 

 

LWDD ADOPTS FY25 BUDGET WITH DECREASE IN ANNUAL ASSESSMENT

/in

Delray Beach, FL, – The Lake Worth Drainage District Board of Supervisors approved its Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) budget on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, totaling $17.3 million. A notable highlight of this budget is a reduction in the District’s non-ad valorem assessment rate, reducing it from $49.50 to $48.50 per acre of portion thereof. The budget reflects the District’s ongoing commitment to maintaining and improving infrastructure while responsibly considering the financial implications to landowners.

This reduction follows the successful completion of Phase I of the District’s canal rehabilitation program, an eight-year initiative during which over 180 miles of trees and vegetation were cleared from the canal rights-of-way. To expedite this critical work, the Board had previously approved an increase in the assessment rate, allowing the District to utilize contracted services for the rapid removal of vegetation. With the completion of Phase I, the Board is now able to fulfill its commitment to reduce the assessment rate.

“The completion of Phase I of our canal rehabilitation program is a major achievement for the District,” said Board President Steve Bedner. “We are proud to deliver both enhanced infrastructure and financial savings to our residents.”

The extensive canal rehabilitation efforts competed to date have positioned the District to better recover from major storm events. By clearing the canal right-of-way of hazardous vegetation, the District has significantly improved the capacity and efficiency of its water management system, enhancing resilience against future storms.

The FY25 budget ensures ongoing support for essential flood control and water supply services, and continued funding for Phase II of the District’s canal rehabilitation program. Phase II will focus on restoration of canal banks and the removal of unauthorized structural encroachments to re-establish sufficient and safe maintenance banks for enhanced flood control. For more information about the FY25 budget or the canal rehabilitation program, please visit www.lwdd.net or contact us at info@lwdd.net.

By The books

/in ,

All organizations maintain records, but public records are a distinct category exclusive to government entities. The laws governing public records vary by state, and Florida boasts one of the most expansive and accessible policies in the United States. Florida Statute Chapter 119, commonly known as the Sunshine Law, defines our Public Records Law.

According to Chapter 119, a public record encompasses “…all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, tapes, photographs, films, sound recordings, data processing software, or other material, regardless of physical form, characteristics, or means of transmission, made or received pursuant to law or ordinance or in connection with the transaction of official business by any agency.” Furthermore, the statute outlines three principles that govern how agencies handle public records:

  1. Each government agency is responsible for safeguarding its public records.
  2. Government records are available for personal inspection and copying by any individual.
  3. Providing access to public records is a fundamental obligation of each agency.

Unless specifically exempted by statute (e.g., medical information, social security numbers), records must be provided to the public upon request within a reasonable timeframe. If access is denied, the agency will cite the legal basis for the exemption. The State of Florida has identified over 1,500 exemptions where certain records or parts thereof are not disclosed to the public.

The Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) offers many commonly requested records on its website at www.lwdd.net. If you cannot locate the desired records online, you may submit a public records request. While written requests are not mandatory, a request form is available at www.lwdd.net/contact/public-records-request to streamline the process. When making a request, please specify the records you seek and, if possible, include the relevant date range. Vague or overly broad requests may delay fulfillment and incur unnecessary costs for additional records. LWDD is committed to transparent and timely access to its public records, with staff available to assist in obtaining the necessary information.

No Swim Zone

/in , ,

South Florida is a popular destination for water activities during the hot summer months. The Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) canal system may seem like an appealing spot to cool off, swim, or enjoy a day of fishing. However, it’s important to recognize that these waterways can pose significant dangers.

LWDD canals were not designed for recreational use. They serve the critical functions of collecting stormwater for flood control and supplying water to residents and businesses within our area. The operation of this flood control system involves large water control structures that, when opened, can cause sudden changes in water levels and create strong currents that are not always visible from the surface. These currents can catch swimmers and boaters off guard, and near open structures, undertows can be powerful enough to pull swimmers and small boats underwater.

Canal banks lack protective barriers and may collapse due to the soft sandy soil and underlying rocks. Once in the water, the steep slope of the canal bank can make it extremely difficult to climb out. Depending on the time of day or the location of the canal, cries for help may go unnoticed.

Numerous hidden dangers and submerged hazards lurk within the canals, such as broken glass, scrap metal, bottles, cans, and wildlife including alligators, snapping turtles, and snakes. Diving in these canals is particularly hazardous due to varying depths and submerged aquatic vegetation that can entangle limbs.

To ensure safety, adhere to a few essential guidelines: refrain from swimming in canals; opt for safer environments like pools or beaches instead. Maintain a safe distance from canal banks to prevent accidental falls into the waterway, and always steer clear of water control structures.

For more comprehensive water safety tips, visit the Palm Beach County Drowning Prevention Coalition’s website at http://discover.pbcgov.org/drowningprevention.

Be Prepared: Why We Can’t Afford Complacency

/in , , ,

The aftermath of a major storm in Florida can be unforgettable: blue-tarped roofs, piles of yard debris awaiting collection, and the absence of electricity, air conditioning, or clean water. Yet, these memories often fade as life returns to normal. However, for many Floridians, this period of calm can stretch on for years.

The last significant hurricane to impact our region was Wilma in October 2005. As time passes, people tend to forget the hardships of past events. Additionally, newcomers to the area may have never experienced a severe storm, leading to a sense of complacency and procrastination when it comes to emergency planning. However, the tranquility before the storm can swiftly change.

South Florida is renowned not only for hurricanes but also for sudden, intense thunderstorms that can bring torrential downpours any time of year. For instance, in January 2014, more than 15 inches of rain deluged a localized area within hours, causing severe flooding, property damage, and tragic loss of life.

It is crucial for residents to maintain year-round preparedness. This includes regularly checking and replenishing essential supplies like emergency food stocks, water storage, flashlights, and other necessities. Residents should also develop and maintain an evacuation plan, accounting for pets and family members with mobility challenges. Additionally, ensuring insurance policies are current and important documents are readily accessible is essential.

While we hope to navigate through the 2024 hurricane season unscathed, it’s inevitable that our luck may eventually run out. The importance of sustained preparation will then become strikingly evident. Valuable resources for emergency planning information can be accessed at www.ready.gov.