Breckenridge

Breckenridge began working with Mettauer in 2013

Why They Asked M.E.:

They received notice from Southwest Florida Water Management District that they were out of compliance with their original development order permit in regards to lake bank erosion. Any erosion 9” or greater was a violation and repair was required. All 16 Storm Water lakes had portions in violation of the 9” limitation. Excessive rainwater runoff from surrounding buildings and parking lots turned out to be one of the factors. They reached out to Mettauer for erosion repair and drainage improvements in order to divert water from running over the lake banks and run through drainage systems already running into the lake.

What we were originally hired to do:

  • Repair erosion on their 16 Stormwater Lakes
  • Improve Yard Drain Systems
  • Plant additional littorals.

Additional Problems We Observed:

Immediately we noticed there was an issue with the manner in which the aquatic vegetation was being managed. We noticed the company maintaining the lakes was applying herbicide to the entire shoreline to eliminate all vegetation. We worked with Breckenridge to educate them on the balance between good and bad vegetation. Good ground cover will help stabilize sediment on the shorelines. When all of the vegetation is killed, the banks are exposed to excessive risk of erosion.

We also noticed after returning a year later from our first round of lake repairs that the new littorals we installed were also killed with excessive non-target-specific application of herbicide. This was definitely bad practice, and we worked with them to develop a more hands on, less chemical approach to lake littoral and vegetation maintenance.

We also noticed that they had fountains running because they believed these fountains were properly circulating the water. During the process of developing a better approach to aquatic vegetation management, we introduced them to fine pore bubbler aeration systems. We educated them on the value of additional oxygen added to portions of their lakes. After they understood the value of this type of circulation, we installed aeration to each lake as it was repaired and replanted. We also implemented a less chemically focused management plan.

Another very alarming discovery we made during our first round of lake bank reconstruction was the condition of their on-site conservation areas. A large portion of Mettauer Environmental Inc.’s business model is Invasive Exotic Vegetation removal and management services. We maintain wetlands and preserves for many private and public entities. We couldn’t help but notice their preserves were covered in exotic vegetation, and we understood that if someone was already monitoring their lake permits, it would not be long until they looked into the preserves. We helped Breckenridge develop a long term maintenance program that would keep them in compliance with the Water Management Permit and help them avoid costly fines and vegetation removal fees.

A summary of what we do now:

  • Lake sediment excavation and reuse of material for the repair of the lake bank erosion.
  • Reconfiguration and installation of 6” to 8” yard drains that capture excessive rainwater run-off and directs this water into the lakes without running down the lake banks.
  • This is part of our less chemically focused approach for long-term maintenance of the lake water and vegetation.
  • Designed, installed, and currently maintains Fine Pore Aeration Systems for each lake that has been repaired.
  • For each lake that we repair, we install a custom designed aeration system during the construction process.
  • Lake littoral design, installation, and maintenance.
  • Aquatic Vegetation maintenance and removal.
  • Water quality testing and reporting.
  • Preserve / Conservation Area Invasive Exotic Nuisance Vegetation Management and Reporting.
  • Created visually appealing decorative stone paver retainer wall.

We feel Breckenridge Golf and Tennis Club is a perfect case study to help potential clients realize the relationships we build and the vast array of services we are capable of providing. One of the biggest challenges for Breckenridge, and most of the potential customers we meet, is they have to hire multiple contractors to work in their community. They never receive thorough reporting that includes pictures, gps data for their preserves, electronic water metering reports for the water quality reports, technician summary reports of the aeration operation on a monthly basis, and more. Then, they are referred to Mettauer Environmental Inc., and we help them get away from the chaos of having to coordinate multiple contractors and speaking to multiple people before getting the answers they are looking for. They hire Mettauer Environmental Inc., and they are done. Everything they need comes from one comprehensive, professional local company.

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