News Summary
St. Petersburg is set to improve its flood defense with a new AquaFence installation around Lift Station 85, which manages 25% of the city’s wastewater. Costing $600,000, the 9-foot-tall system can be set up quickly before storms, ensuring vital services remain protected. This initiative is part of the St. Pete Agile Resilience plan and draws on lessons from Tampa General Hospital’s experience during past storms.
St. Petersburg is set to enhance its flood protection measures with the installation of a new 9-foot-tall, 500-foot-long AquaFence around Lift Station 85, located near Albert Whitted Airport. This initiative, aimed at safeguarding the wastewater lift station from potential storm surge, is particularly critical as the station manages approximately 25% of the city’s wastewater flow and supports several important institutions including Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital.
The AquaFence system, which cost around $600,000, was inspired by a successful installation at Tampa General Hospital which demonstrated its capabilities during previous storm conditions. Last year’s storms almost inundated Lift Station 85, highlighting the urgent need for improved protection against flooding.
City officials have announced plans to conduct a test deployment of the AquaFence in July 2024, ensuring that installation crews are prepared ahead of any potential storms. The AquaFence can be set up quickly, allowing crews to install it in less than a day when a storm approaches. Furthermore, additional flood barriers will be positioned within the AquaFence perimeter for enhanced security.
The materials used in the construction of the AquaFence, including marine-grade laminate, stainless steel, aluminum, and reinforced PVC canvas, offer resilience against floodwaters, demonstrating an ability to withstand storm surges of up to 15 feet. Its effectiveness was notably illustrated during Hurricane Helene, when the AquaFence successfully kept Tampa General Hospital dry while surrounding areas experienced significant flooding.
This project is part of the St. Pete Agile Resilience (SPAR) plan, aimed at improving the city’s disaster preparedness. Planning for the AquaFence installation began late last year, with the City Council granting approval in February 2024. Currently, approximately 75% of the AquaFence panels have been assembled, with the final touches being completed by city crews.
Looking ahead, the city is considering the potential installation of AquaFences at other facilities, taking into account factors such as space and terrain. The proactive investment in flood protection measures follows Tampa General Hospital’s experiences with storm surges, driving St. Petersburg to prioritize safety and resilience against flooding.
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Additional Resources
- WTSP: AquaFence Prevent Storm Surge in St. Petersburg
- Bradenton: Sponsored Article
- Florida Politics: St. Pete City Council Considers AquaFence Purchase
- TBB Business Magazine: A Tale of Two Storms
- Wikipedia: Flood Protection
Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER
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