The city changed directions and proceeded with a new design that called for ditches with storm drains connected to underground pipes, which would conduct run-off to a "Nutrient Separating Baffle Box" and then into the canal east of The Preserve.  The Nutrient Separating Baffle Box is a large metallic underground structure that separates the pollutants in the water from the runoff water. The idea is that periodically the accumulated materials can be vacuumed out of the baffle box and disposed of. This design was submitted to the St. John's River Water Management District (SJRWMD) for permitting.

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Baffle boxes filter out pollutants, but they do not prevent flooding. SJRWMD declared that the design was not compliant with the requirements because it did not attenuate the peak run-off during a storm. 

 

The city took the position that the requirement to reduce run-off should not apply. Their position is not explained in the paperwork and is puzzling because flood prevention was the city's  "priority number one", and the city had promised never to accept a design that would increase flood risk for residents.  

 

                           (1.9 acres * 43560 sq ft/acre) *( 20 in/12  in/ft) *(7.48052 gallons/cu ft) =  1,031,791  gallons

Fortunately, SJRWMD responded that the requirement was clear, citing specific paragraphs in the regulatory documentation.  At that point, the city withdrew its permit application, in order to work on a new stormwater management design.

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On 29 March 2022, the city reapplied for a permit, based on Design #3, discussed on the next page.

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