Pump station improvement project set to begin in late January

[dropcap]W[/dropcap]e hear from the Miami Dade Water and Sewer Department (WASD) that they’ll start work this month on a Pump Station Improvement Program to “provide necessary upgrades to the sanitary sewer collection system pump stations and force mains that provide high quality wastewater services, protecting public health and the environment.” One of the first pump stations to be improved in the Town of Cutler Bay is PS 607, which is located at 20299 SW 83 Avenue. The WASD will coordinate with the town and residents and there are no anticipated roadway closures or traffic disruptions for this project. They don’t expect any effect on wastewater services or impacts to adjacent properties, which is good news. There will be limited access to the adjacent sidewalk and the nearby tree will require trimming, but that’s a minor thing. All of the construction activities will take place during daytime hours and the project is expected to take six months.

 

Time to clean up! Yep, the 4th annual World Wetlands’ Day Clean Up at Black Point Marina is scheduled for Saturday, January 31, from 9 a.m. to noon. As you may know from previous years, it’s a volunteer project involving all Cutler Bay students, families and community members. In the past three years they have collected almost one ton of debris. Sponsors of the event include Youth Service America and Dream In Green. The USCG Auxiliary Flotilla 61 (FSO-Sea Partners) will be there as well. Participants can meet the organizers and other volunteers at the pavilion on the jetty side. Appropriate attire and sunscreen are suggested. The yearly project is supported and approved of by the Miami-Dade County Public School system, and it’s a great chance for youngsters and parents to do something positive for the environment.

 

And speaking of the outdoors, the 7th Annual “” takes place Saturday and Sunday January 24-25 in Everglades National Park. South Florida National Parks Trust Board Member Rainer Schael and his wife Noël host their yearly family camping weekend to support the park’s Camping Adventure with My Parents (CAMP) program, which is a ranger-led program that introduces South Florida families to camping and the Everglades. A number of activities are included in the program: Dinner on Saturday night (shrimp boil, burgers, dogs and more) and Sunday Breakfast. Regularly scheduled ranger guided hikes, canoe and boat trips are also available. You’ll need to bring camping gear, cameras, bicycles, bug spray, and food for lunch on Saturday. Tickets are $40 per person and $20 kids under 18. For details and Reservations call 305-979-4290 or send an email to <rainer@ rs-env.com>. For information on the South Florida National Parks Trust, visit <www.southfloridaparks.org>. (Note: Donations to the South Florida National Parks Trust are tax deductible.)

 

Thought of the Day:
Success is the sum of small efforts repeated day in and day out.
— Robert Collier
Gary Alan Ruse contributed to this column.

Got any tips? Contact me at 305-669- 7355, ext. 249, or send emails to Michael@communitynewspapers.com.