USF - CMHAS Hydrologic Investigation of Phosphate Mined Upper Saddle Creek Watershed (1998)

This FIPR funded project (#95-03-118) sought to investigate hydrologic conditions (historical and proposed) of a previously mined, urbanizing basin tributary to the upper Peace River. Among the objectives of this study, was the investigation of the feasibility of creating large scale wetland mitigation and ecosystem restoration on reclaimed mine land and the reestablishment of a more historical hydrologic function of the Saddle Creek watershed. Another important objective was the demonstration of the calibration and utility of the FIPR Hydrologic Model, FHM, for large-scale mine reclamation. A supplemental contract with DEP added flood plain modeling of the upper Saddle Creek. This supplemental scope was added in response to concerns from SWFWMD as to the effects the wetland mitigation might have on areas downstream of the constructed wetlands. This report documents the findings of this investigation and is being submitted jointly to both funding agencies. It summarizes the collection of hydrologic data and current hydrologic conditions of the basin. The report describes model set-up and calibration for both the large scale domain and the near full detailed model of Saddle Creek. The modal has been utilized in a productive capacity for Hydrologic assessment of ecosystem restoration plans. Conclusions as to the best restoration alternatives and scheduling final hydrologic investigation for the engineering design phase are delayed pending agency input.