City Stormwater Project Protects Winona LakeIf you’ve tried traveling along Winona Avenue in the vicinity of the Argonne Road intersection in the past few months, you may have encountered road construction barriers.
A storm line project that started last November, coordinated by the City of Warsaw Stormwater Utility, culminates this month in a high-tech, below-ground stormwater treatment system along McKinley Street, according to a news release from the city.
Most stormwater flowing into storm inlets enters local lakes and streams untreated. The newly installed Vortech device will remove pollutants from stormwater before it enters Winona Lake. The device separates solids and traps trash, debris, sediment and more. Not only that, it will also better manage stormwater during strong weather events, the release states.
As a local partner to the City Stormwater Utility’s water quality programs, the Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams is excited for the impacts of the project and the city’s proactive approach to protecting the health of Winona Lake.
“We appreciate the lake-focused projects the city has initiated over the years,” said Dr. Nate Bosch, director of the Lilly Center. “The lakes are one of the most valuable resources in the county, well worth protecting. We’re excited to see the Vortech device in action!”
Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer also emphasized the importance of the project.
“Our local lakes and waterways are very rich community assets. Sustaining water quality is a very important community responsibility that the City of Warsaw takes seriously,” he said. “The lake associations have long talked about concerns with direct runoff into the lakes. This project will allow the physical separation of significant pollutants and contaminants that have long been ‘unfiltered’ and immediately improve water quality. The Stormwater Utility will continue to prioritize projects that preserve and enhance quality of the natural resources we are entrusted to protect.”
The Vortech is easy to inspect and maintain, allowing the city to regularly treat stormwater flowing into the north side of Winona Lake, according to the news release. An informative video on how the stormwater treatment device works can be found at warsaw.in.gov/vortech.
