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City Stormwater Improvement Projects to Remove Estimated 15 Tons of Pollutants Annually

Through the completion of three stormwater improvement projects by the City of Pensacola, an estimated 15.3 tons of pollutant solids will be removed annually and prevented from discharging into Bayou Texar, enhancing the water quality of the bayou and connected waterways.

The City of Pensacola's Public Works and Facilities Department has recently completed the following projects as part of the city's ongoing efforts to improve local water quality:

• East Cross, Yates, Escambia, and Osceola Outfalls at Bayou Texar Stormwater Treatment Enhancement Project - Estimated 6.1 Tons of Pollutant to be Removed Annually 
• Scott, Yates, Lakeview and Strong Outfalls to Bayou Texar Stormwater Treatment Enhancement Project - Estimated 5.8 Tons of Pollutant to be Removed Annually 
• Bayou Boulevard, Perry, Blount, and Avery Outfalls at Bayou Texar Stormwater Treatment Enhancement Project - Estimated 3.4 Tons of Pollutant to be Removed Annually

These projects provide treatment for several stormwater basins which previously discharged into Bayou Texar with no form of treatment. All of the stormwater treatment units installed through these projects collect stormwater runoff and trap sediment, trash, oils, greases, and other pollutants inside and allow cleaner water to be discharged into Bayou Texar and Pensacola Bay.

In addition to providing stormwater treatment, previous issues with standing water along the shoulder of Bayou Boulevard were addressed through the Bayou Boulevard, Perry, Blount, and Avery Outfalls at Bayou Texar Stormwater Treatment Enhancement Project, making the roadway safer for both motorists and cyclists.

"Pensacola has long been a community with a strong connection to our waterways, and it's so important that we preserve and protect them for future generations," Mayor Grover Robinson said. "I'm excited that the City of Pensacola is continuing to complete important projects like these to improve our water quality and provide opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy cleaner, less polluted waterways in Pensacola."

The completion of these projects is an integral part of the city's ongoing water quality improvement program and will serve many benefits to the environment. In addition to collectively capturing an estimated 15 tons of pollutant solids annually, these projects will help to provide improved recreational experiences for those who use and enjoy local area waterways.

"These new treatment units will capture pollutants during rainfall events before they reach the bayou, which greatly benefits the marine estuary environment of the bayou," City of Pensacola Public Works and Facilities Director Derrik Owens said. "We're looking forward to future opportunities to implement projects like this to further enhance water quality in Bayou Texar and Pensacola Bay for years to come."

For more information or general questions, email pio@cityofpensacola.com. To stay informed about what's happening with City of Pensacola government, sign up for email or text notifications through Notify Me or follow @CityofPensacola on social media.