Design Services for Orlando Flood Mitigation by Drainwell Replacement (Block Grant)

The highly developed urban core of Orlando was built prior to the National Flood Insurance Program, the state's first building code and state stormwater regulations. During the unusually wet periods of 1926-28 and 1948, 1954, 1959-60 and 1964, many drainage wells were drilled in landlocked areas to reduce surface water and mitigate flooding. There were few restrictions on drilling of drainage wells until 1966; since that time, permits have been issued for repair or replacement drainwells only. Based on hydraulic and hydrology modeling, drainage wells can lower flood stages and reduce or eliminate flood risk to properties where there are few alternatives to flood mitigation. The technology has largely remained uniform over the past century. Even with regular maintenance, these wells over time live out their useful life. With the aid of video technology, it's possible to determine whether a well that has become clogged shows signs of the casing failing, and whether it can be repaired or needs to be abandoned. When a well is abandoned, Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) can permit a replacement well near the abandoned one. The project focuses on 13 drainage wells located in low-to-moderate income urbanized areas. These were constructed between 1904 and 1960. Some of the drainwells have been paved over or abandoned, while others are blocked and might possibly be repaired rather than replaced. An initial assessment of any accessible wells will be conducted to determine whether repair is feasible. Permits for replacement wells will be obtained and design of new wells completed. New wells will be drilled and baffle boxes installed where practicable in order to protect water quality.