A Melbourne waterway linked to the Indian River Lagoon that has been plagued by 'muck' for decades is finally getting cleaned up.
- Dredging project for Eau Gallie River
- Plans to remove 45,000 dump truck loads of muck
- Expected to finish in 2018
The Florida legislature approved a $20 million project to dredge the Eau Gallie River, something that's never been done.
"Mostly dirt and clay that has washed into the Eau Gallie over decades, and built up, in some places, 12 feet deep," said Ed Garland with St. Johns Water Management District.
The nutrient-rich muck blocks the growth of sea grass, clouds the water and has contributed to algae blooms, killing scores of fish and other marine life. Much of the mess comes from stormwater runoff and canals linking to the river.
A four-mile pipeline will link the river and an area near the Brevard County landfill for a temporary dumping area.
Small business owners along the river hope it leads to a spike in customers.
"Our theme here is 'it's your place on the water.' It would be great if we could say 'it's your place on the clean water,'" said Dan Smith with Paddling Paradise.
Some 45,000 dump truck loads of the muck will be removed. Work begins in winter of this year and is expected to wrap up by early 2018.