According to a press release from Hillsborough County, consultants were hired by the Hillsborough County Water Resource Services Department to conduct a land survey and geotechnical study at Sydney Dover Trails Park.
The work is part of the next phase of the county’s project, studying the feasibility of using the “old mine pit” located within the interior of the Sydney Dover Trails Park as a possible reservoir or recharge basin for highly treated reclaimed water. Gita Iranipour, project manager of the Engineering Services Group for Hillsborough County Water Resource Services said, “The site includes a pre-existing 516 acre clay settling area, which, if excavated, could provide approximately 714 million gallons of storage at a depth of six feet.”
The project, referred to as the County’s Water Infrastructure & Supply Enhancement (WISE) Project, was presented and discussed with the public during two public meetings in 2005. As agreed with the community at that time, the park’s use for equestrian purposes would continue to be of the highest priority and be taken into consideration during this survey and geotechnical work. Suggestions from the public were taken during those meetings to improve upon the project and are still welcome.
“The primary use of the park around the reservoir will be by the equestrian community,” Iranipour said. “This project will not change how the park is used. In fact, part of the scope of this project will enhance the park facility.”
Iranipour said the project allows the county to optimize the use of its reclaimed water to achieve conservation of the potable (drinkable) water supplies and provide additional reclaimed water for irrigation during peak periods by saving surplus reclaimed water during non-peak periods of the year.
“Although water use varies from home to home, typical residential water customers in Hillsborough County use around 2,300 gallons of potable water per irrigation cycle, or roughly 10,000 gallons per month, to maintain their landscape under the current one day per week watering restriction,” she said. “Thus, the county can save about one million gallons per month of potable water supplies for every 100 homes provided reclaimed service.”
The work will be conducted during the week, not on the weekends. The activity will use pick-up trucks, ATV buggies, drilling equipment and canoes/boats and will occur along the horse trails, interior “old mine pit” area, and water bodies at the park. Park visitors are encouraged to use caution when in those areas during the weekdays.
For more information, contact Iranipour of the Hillsborough County Water Resource Services Department at 272-5977.
