Notice of Construction Activity: Coastal Highlands Phase II Stormwater Improvement Project

Ray Wells, Inc. will begin construction of a long-awaited stormwater project in the area of Willow Loop between 16th Street and 18th Court shortly. The contractor anticipates to begin moving in equipment and material starting September 8, 2020.

The existing stormwater drainage system for this area utilized an infiltration system as its primary stormwater management strategy. Unlike a traditional curb and gutter system where street run off water is directed to specific points of discharge; infiltration systems rely upon sheet flow of the street run off and allow stormwater to permeate naturally through gravel and soil layers into the water table. Unfortunately, over the last 25 years much of the existing drainage system has been modified or covered up. Unknowingly, several residents have completed landscaping improvements on their properties that extend into the public right-of-way, reaching all the way out to the edge of the ribbon curb. In many cases, the drainage swales have been covered up, preventing surface water runoff from being allowed to drain. As a result, residents within this area have been faced with seasonal flooding problems.

In addition to the surface water drainage issues, this area is also prone to extremely high groundwater levels. With high groundwater levels, the stormwater has nowhere to go to infiltrate into the ground. The Coastal Highlands Phase II Stormwater Project will construct and install a new stormwater collection system to gather street runoff and high groundwater levels from at-risk flood areas on 18th Court, Pine Court and 16th Street. The project consists of installing a series of catch basins, manholes, and stormwater piping with a new discharge outfall located in Munsel Creek.

Florence Public Works would like to extend our thanks to the public for their patience as we begin this very important stormwater project that will effectively manage both stormwater runoff from the roadways and groundwater in this area. Although we have planned the construction well and have worked hard to minimize any inconvenience, due to the nature of this construction project there will be slight inconveniences, particularly to the residents that live along the route of construction. The City sincerely apologizes for any inconvenience we or the contractor might cause during this project and we will certainly try to minimize those inconveniences.

This $525,000 project is made possible by a combination of Stormwater System Development Charges (SDC’s) and stormwater management fees.

If you have questions about this project, please contact the City of Florence Public Works Department at 541-997-4106.