RENAISSANCE PROJECT
OVERVIEW: The Renaissance Project is an integrated water resources management program designed to control stormwater run off from City Place , the Palm Beach County Convention Center , the Kravis Center extension and Pineapple Park . But more than that, it enables us to convert that water for use in our potable water supply system.
   
View of Completed Project
PROCESS:
The Renaissance Project diverts stormwater from the above-mentioned sites, to the Stub canal and from there to a 5-acre settling basin where heavy debris is removed as the water passes through traditional bar screens. Chemicals (alum and polymer) are added to the standing water to aid settling and the removal of heavy metals, oil, and grease. We then pump the storm water into the South end of Clear Lake where it is polished and further cleaned through natural processes and interaction with wetlands plant materials.
This water, after cleansing, can be pumped into the North end of the Clear Lake and into the West Palm Beach Water Treatment Plant. When treated and tested this former storm water becomes safe, potable drinking water ready for distribution to our customers.
PROCESS DIAGRAM:
Components of the Renaissance Project:
1. Boyd Street Divide Structure: Three 60-inch sluice gates at Boyd Street will normally be closed to divert water to the north
2. Conveyance System: Large diameter pipes extending from City Place to the Pump station
3 . Pump Station: A 250 CFS Stormwater pump station that pumps water from the Stub canal to the settling basin while blending chemical to enhance settling.
4. Pretreatment System: A 5-acre settling basin, where solids are trapped, settled, and collected, cascading to a 5 acre polishing wetland.
5. Water Supply Pump: A pump and structure at Okeechobee Blvd. to pump 30 cfs into Clear Lake and to maintain water supply levels.
6. Lake Control Structure: Gravity discharge bleeder (20 cfs max during a 10 year, 3-day storm.) This bleeder is normally closed.
RENAISSANCE PROJECT BENEFITS:
WATER QUALITY
- Eliminating untreated discharge to Lake Worth Lagoon
- Providing a Water Quality Treatment “Train ”
- Trash Rack/baffle Design
- Chemical Treatment and Venture Aerators
- Sludge Removal
- Wetland Polishing
WATER SUPPLY
- Eliminating over 800 million gallons per year of seepage losses
- Adding over 300 million gallons per year of treated Stormwater
- Minimal transmission loss
Five Acre Settling Pond
Heavy metals, oil and grease are removed from storm water in the settling pond. Chemicals (alum and polymer) aid in the settling process. Bar screens remove debris as the storm water enters the basin.
ENVIRONMENT
- Less reliance on Lake Okeechobee
- More water for FLorida Everglades and the Loxahatchee Slough
- Wetlands enhancement & Apoxee Wilderness Preserve
FLOOD PROTECTION
- Reduced flooding in low lying areas adjacent to Stub Canal
- Reduced canal conveyance problems
- Reduced flood levels and durations
5 Acre Settling Pond and South Clear Lake
PROVIDING WATER MANAGEMENT FOR:
- CityPlace
- Palm Beach County Convention Center
- Kravis Center Expansion
- Pineapple Park Neighborhood
Testing Parameters:
Heavy metals, oil and grease are removed from storm water standing in the Stub Canal. Chemicals (alum and polymer) aid in the settling process. Bar screens remove debris as the storm water enters the canal.
Water Recovery Data:
The Renaissance Pump Station became operational in September of 2002. Between September of 2002 and January of 2003, the estimated quantity of water pumped through the Renaissance Pump Station was 340.82 million gallons.
Costs and Grants:
The Renaissance Project was a major undertaking. The completed cost of the project was seventeen million, six hundred thousand ($17,600,000) dollars. The cost of this project was defrayed with much-appreciated grants in the following amounts:
Environmental Protection Agency: One million (1,000,000) dollars
Palm Beach County: Nine hundred thirty seven thousand five hundred (937, 500) dollars
South Florida Water Management District: Four hundred thousand (400,000) dollars
Total of Grants: Two million, three hundred thirty seven thousand, five hundred (2,337,500) dollars
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