Venice Stormwater Plan May Not Address Bacterial Issues

As the city tries to get to the bottom of what has been causing periodic spikes in fecal bacteria on its beaches, it is moving forward with plans to divert storm water from two major outfalls so it no longer flows onto the beach where it could sicken swimmers.

The $2 million plan involves retaining storm water in a holding pond, treating it with ultraviolet light and then pumping it into the Gulf.

Sarasota County is taking a similar approach at Siesta Key Beach with an outfall that empties into a pond and spills onto the beach during heavy rainfall.

The County Commission is expected to approve the second phase of the $1.55 million Siesta Key project at its meeting today and begin construction next summer.

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