News and Announcements

LAKE APOPKA April 2006 Report - Gian Basili

  • ·         Marsh Flow-Way – All 5 pumps are operational and flows through the system have been increased to ~160 cfs.  More than 220,000 acre-feet have been treated through the flow-way since operation began in November 2003 which is equivalent to ~120% of the lake volume.  Cumulative removal is as follows: 18.5 million lbs of suspended solids, 537,000 lbs of nitrogen, and 10,500 lbs of phosphorus.
  • ·         Duda Property – A portable alum system was installed on the Duda pump in early March and water was pumped from the fields into the retention ponds.  Due to the continuing dry weather, there is additional storage in the ponds and as a consequence, we have achieved the desired water level in the fields without discharging to the lake.  Trail signs have been installed at Duda and a brochure and trail map and kiosk are in progress.  Duda will be open for public use (walking, biking and horseback) in the near future.
  • ·         Restoration in Unit 2 –Construction on the Laughlin Rd extension began the week of May 1.  Remediation pilot studies will be performed in May 9-12 on 20 acres in Units 1 and 2 of the NSRA.  Two techniques will be evaluated; vertical blending and soil inversion.  This will be second test for soil inversion but with improved field conditions and an improved plow, and the first test of the machine that blends (mixes) the first top 4 feet of soil.  If the vertical blending machine performs well under current field conditions, it will be used to remediate a 1-acre piece of the Beall Property in the area proposed for reflooding this summer. 
  • ·         Bioaccumulation Study – The District contracted with three independent toxicology experts to review the District’s body scientific work concerning the pesticide bioaccumulation study and safe levels study.  In mid-April, the District hosted this peer review group and USFWS for a 3 day, 2 night meeting in Mt. Dora and on the north shore of Lake Apopka.   The meeting went well and comments are due back from the reviewers May 5.
  • ·         Other–.  More than 1,034,000 lbs of shad have been harvested from Lake Apopka since November 2005.  Fishing efforts ceased the week of April 4.  Restoring hydrology on the Sand Farm by filling in ditches and canals is complete.  Construction by Orange County on the Jones Ave Stormwater Park will start sometime in August.

 

 

04.07.06
Here is the current Lake Apopka Loop Trail Master Plan by Land Design Innovations in PDF format to study. You will need a PDF reader like the free Adobe Reader to open it.

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The FOLA board meets once a month to discuss the restoration and other business. This meeting is open to the public. It takes place at 4:00 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month at the Health Central Park in Winter Garden on Dillard Street.