For Florida DITCHMEN
Media Contact:
T ori Durliat
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EVERGLADES WATER
CONTROL PROTOTYPE UNIT
Plastic Pipe Key Component of Sluice Gate Structure;
According to the Plastics Pipe Institute, Inc. (PPI), large diameter polyolefin pipe is playing a
pivotal role in the restoration of the Everglades. PPI is the major North American trade association
representing all segments of the plastic pipe industry.
The water control project used ten runs each of 100 linear feet of 60-inch diameter
polypropylene storm pipe in a structure equipped with vertical lift gates to provide east/west drainage
through a levee. The unit has a maximum combined flow of 750 cubic feet per second (cfs) with
velocities up to 1.8 inches (3 cm) a second to allow for pulse releases. Officially called the Water
Conservation Area 3 Decompartmentalization & Sheetflow Enhancement Hydrologic Field Test L-67A
Levee & Turn-Around project, it performed as intended, and more of these systems are to be installed
along the entire levee.
According to PPI, this is a significant ecological endeavor made possible by plastic pipe. No
other pipe could provide the long-life, ease of installation, low-impact delivery plus the watertight
joints or the strength needed.
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DITCHMEN • OCTOBER 2019