BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. - A major engineering project has reversed the flow of water in a century-old canal to protect the Indian River Lagoon and restore a natural watershed divide in Brevard County.
The $23.2 million Crane Creek/M-1 Canal Flow Restoration Project, completed this summer, redirects base flow from the M-1 Canal back west to the St. Johns River instead of eastward into the Indian River Lagoon via Crane Creek. The canal, originally dug about 100 years ago, had diverted water that historically flowed to the St. Johns River, sending it instead into the lagoon.
Marc Van Heden, supervising professional engineer with the St. Johns River Water Management District, explained the significance of the project during a recent site visit.
"About three miles west of the Indian River Lagoon, there's a natural drainage divide between the St. Johns River and the Indian River Lagoon," Van Hayden said. "The canal was dug through that ridge to drain the St. Johns River basin into the lagoon. This project restores that historic drainage divide by diverting as much base flow as possible back to the St. Johns River."
The system includes an operable weir with inflatable bladders that raise steel plates to hold back water, two pump stations, and a constructed storm water treatment area.
Water held by the weir is pumped through pipes under I-95 and St. Johns Heritage Parkway to the treatment pond, where it is cleaned before being discharged into the St. Johns River Marsh.
"This project captures about 7 million gallons of freshwater per day and removes an estimated 24,000 pounds of nitrogen and 3,100 pounds of phosphorus annually from entering the lagoon," Van Heden said.
The restoration is expected to improve the overall health of the Indian River Lagoon by reducing nutrient-rich runoff, which contributes to pollution and ecological damage. The project also provides an alternative water supply source for the St. Johns River Basin.
The canal continues to serve as a flood control feature for parts of Melbourne, West Melbourne, and unincorporated Brevard County. The operable weir is designed to lower automatically during heavy rain or storms, maintaining the canal's original flood control function and preventing additional flooding.
"This project was identified in a 2017 feasibility study as one of the best cost-benefit solutions to restore natural water flow and improve water quality," said Rob Bradley, chair of the St. Johns River Water Management District Governing Board. "It demonstrates what can be accomplished through strong partnerships among state and local agencies."
Governor Ron DeSantis joined the celebration last month at a press conference announcing the projects completion. He highlighted the importance of sustained investment in Florida's water resources.
"The Indian River Lagoon is a place where families fish, boat and enjoy the outdoors," Bradley said. "Projects like this are about preserving the lifestyle, environment and economy that make this part of Florida unique."
Van Heden, who has been involved with the project for about five years, described the engineering challenge and satisfaction of seeing the system operational.
"It's a deceptively simple concept but involves complex hydraulics, structural, and electrical features," he said. "It's rewarding to see all the partners come together to make this project a reality."
The Crane Creek project is part of a larger, long-term effort to restore water quality in the lagoon and improve regional resilience. Other similar projects are underway to further restore natural watersheds and reduce pollution.
For residents of Brevard County, the project means cleaner water in the Indian River Lagoon and a healthier environment without impacting flood control or increasing flooding risks during storms.
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