DeBary Bayou

For the past several years, Rep. John Mica has worked with both interested local residents and community leaders in a combined effort to cleanup and restore the Debary Bayou. It has been the Congressman’s goal to bring together representatives of local and county government, the St. Johns Water Management District, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other officials to develop a plan for restoration of that natural waterway.

FDOT and Army Corps presented their findings relating to the causes of the pollution to community leaders and citizens. That report highlighted the problems of water runoff from urban development and certain spring water elements. Much to the surprise of nearly all who heard the presentation, I-4 highway runoff was not identified as a primary source of the pollution. Unfortunately, consideration was not given in the report to the long-term damage increased by the actual original construction of the interstate berms and earth structures that blocked natural flow to the bayou. The study did cite that a dramatic increase in surface water runoff was a major contributor to the deterioration of the waters quality. With these findings it is now important that local and state officials establish their priorities for both cleanup and restoration.

Most residents have expressed a desire that the polluted water, debris and silt to be removed. These must be part of any restoration plan. Additionally, it is important that a long-term plan to protect and keep the waters from future pollution be developed. 

Congressman Mica remains committed to finding a cost-effective and workable solution on the restoration plan and continues to work with all parties. In the short-term, water management and new drainage systems must be reviewed.