Barges arrive for drainage project

Two barges have arrived off Siesta Beach to begin drilling a storm water discharge pipe 2,000 feet into the Gulf of Mexico as part of a project to preserve water quality.

The barges are moored together and will be lit at night for safety. Men and equipment will be on the barges during normal working hours, according to county officials.

The Beach Road Drainage Improvements Project is designed to collect rainwater runoff from the beach parking lot and surrounding areas in a one-acre retention pond. The water will then pass through an ultra-violet light filtration system, which will be built adjacent to the pond, and pumped into the Gulf of Mexico.

The project will cost $2 million.

Mike Elfers, Sarasota County construction services manager, said the project is projected to be completed in November.

Contact Nolan Peterson at [email protected]