S-28 Spillway Design
Overview
The South Florida Water Management District’s S-28 spillway structure is in the C-8 basin located at 10000 Biscayne Blvd, Miami Shores, FL 33138. This structure allows for a controlled release of water into the sea. As sea level rises, the structure’s ability to convey floodwaters is impeded. As a result, Atlas Atlantic Solutions is tasked with raising the structure, building a retaining wall that ties into the railroad to prevent flooding onto the golf course, and designing a forward pump to assist with the increased demand in the drainage area. Over the course of a year, our team has completed a request for qualifications, a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, an Alternative Analysis, and a completed site plan with calculations and design-work. The new structure was moved in front of the train tracks, closer to the ocean, because it would sit at a more favorable elevation. Modeling was done to show how effective the pumps will be and show how likely areas of the C-8 basin are to flood during certain storms. In order to remove phosphorus and provide better water quality in the canal, a cattail pond will be placed in an area where the golf course is currently located.
Community Benefit
The new S-28 structure will be able to discharge enough water in the basin and provide long-term flood protection in the C-8 basin. In addition, vegetation will be added to help the local marine organisms and improve water quality, creating a better area for the local animals and residents.