By Tamas Mondovics
Hillsborough County Public Works department has announced its plans to improve storm water drainage on and around Greenhills Drive in Valrico.
County officials and Public Works representatives presented the details of the planned $1 million Capital Improvement project during a public information meeting held late last month at the Bloomingdale Regional Public Library, 1906 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico.
The open house format meeting, which saw about a dozen residents, gave attendees a chance to review and comment on the proposed plans including the replacing the Greenhills Drive drainage pump station as well as the construction of a new 2-acre retention pond at the corner of South Valrico Road and Lithia-Pinecrest Road.
Officials said that the project will also connect the Golf Heights Circle pump station to the new pond and create an outfall from the pond to the existing drainage system at South Valrico.
Work is expected to begin in October 2016 and should be completed within 140 days or spring 2017.
According to project manager, David Vogel, construction handled by Bun Construction Company, will generally take place on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. and, will involve heavy equipment and excavation.
Vogel emphasized that the most intrusive portion of the project is the replacement of the drainage pump station located at the back of the pond within the Greenhills neighborhood, which he said will generate normal construction noise.
“Most construction will be in the right of way,” Vogel said, but added that at times it may be necessary to work on private property with prior approval.
As a word of caution, Vogel emphasized that excavation work can sometimes cause an accidental water pipeline break or similar problem.
Should any water service interruption occur, instructions for a precautionary boil water notice will be issued,” he said. “All areas affected by the construction will be restored.”
InfO presented at this meeting will also be available on the Greenhills Drive Drainage Improvements project webpage www.hcflgov.net.
