Save Lake Roberta - Trapping Sediment

The only lake in Seminole Heights is Lake Roberta in the Hampton Terrrace area (near Publix). This is a beautiful area. However the lake has problems and so OSHNA neighbors formed the Save Lake Roberta and took action.

The Muscovey ducks were dying on Lake Roberta. They were obviously sick, slowly dying, unable to lift their heads. An autopsy performed concluded they were dying of botulism. The botulism was caused by a few factors:

Lack of rain so the lake did not flush out.

Heat. The water heats up and algae blooms occur and there is a depletion of oxygen.

The ducks themselves. At one time there were over 100 muscovey ducks on the lake, without rain the lake could not deal with the duck droppings and that is what caused the botulism. We have had at least four outbreaks and buried at least 102 ducks.

On July 30th, 1998 we had our first official meeting of Save Lake Roberta. Approximately 35 people came to here Cecil Brockinton, an environmental Specialist from Hillsborough County, discuss some of the problems with Lake Roberta. Brockinton's opinion was straight foreword, "your lake is dead". He suggested that the only way to help this lake would be planting along the banks and in the water. Plants will help clean the soil as well as the water.

We came up with a 3-part plan to clean Lake Roberta.

Alter the way water enters the lake by dredging sumps at the end of all drains and pipes bringing water to Lake Roberta. The sumps will allow sediment and chemicals to settle in a contained area where they can be periodically removed.

Landscaping the entire lake and the berms created by the dredging (we are applying for a grant from the SWFWMD to purchase plants). The nile perch in the lake and the muscovey ducks would also have to be controlled before planting begins.

Monitor the water quality over the next 5 years to gauge the results of our project.

Two years later in 1999 much had changed. The water levels were at an all-time low. We also had only about a dozen ducks living on the lake. With so few ducks and low water levels, it was a good time to continue planting. We applied for and received a Community Grant from The District (thank you once again) and planted a large quantity of plants. Working with Yvonne Wilder of the Parks Department we selected a few plants that could survive the water fluctuation and the ducks. On April 1st, 2000, we planted a small test group of plants. Four each of Sand Cordgrass, Soft Rush and Sawgrass.

Fast forward to 2005

Now that re-energized group has achieved some more goals.

Sep 15, 2005

Lake Roberta To Tap Into Sediment Trap
By KATHY STEELE

SEMINOLE HEIGHTS With a sediment trap and a little de-mucking, Lake Roberta could again look more like what it is -- a natural lake -- and less like what the city made it into -- a retention pond.

The city council approved more than $140,000 last week to install a sediment trap on a pipe that drains stormwater runoff into the lake from the other side of Nebraska Avenue.

Baker Construction Services was awarded the contract, and stormwater officials expect work can begin by November. It will take four to six weeks to complete, said Steve Seachrist, design development manager for the city's stormwater department.

"The sediment degrades the water quality," Seachrist said. "It causes turbidity, or cloudiness, and can carry pollutants."

The pipe drains into the west side of the lake. Seachrist said the trap will catch sediment and debris before they enter the lake. The city has used Lake Roberta as a retention pond since the 1950s.

About two years ago, the city began installing sediment traps in other ponds.

The traps generally need to be cleaned every six months, Seachrist said.

But more frequent checks will be done immediately after installation at Lake Roberta to monitor how quickly it fills, he said.

Resident Jeff Harmon said he expects the filter will need monthly cleaning at least of debris. It might be helpful for residents to have access to the trap to remove surface trash, he said.

Harmon heads a committee of residents who want to protect the lake.

Besides the muck and runoff, the lake has other environmental problems, including overgrowth of exotic water plants and Muscovy ducks.

"People want the lake to look natural," Harmon said.

In recent weeks, residents have noticed the return of mallard ducks. About seven teenagers have settled in, Harmon said. There are also a couple of Moore hens, he said.

Once the lake is restored, committee members want to consider suggestions to add amenities, such as benches. Harmon said some have objected to standard park benches, but other options can be considered, including individual seats or alternative seating with a "natural look."

This story can be found at: http://centraltampa.tbo.com/centraltampa/MGBGH0TXLDE.html