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Siesta Seen events to clean parks, waterways, trails, side- walks and streets, the release says. THE STORMWATER PROJECT Although county commissioners voiced more than a few complaints last year about the tripling of the estimated cost of the Siesta stormwater project, which has been under way next to the public beach, the board had to increase the expense by another $130,000 this week. A memo prepared for the commission points out that because of the necessity of removing "unforeseen buried debris from the construc- tion site," the contract amount had to rise from $4,550,683.28 to $4,680,683.28. The original estimate for the project was about $1.5 million, but an innovative system that allows stormwater to be treated by UV light and pumped about 2,000 feet offshore in the Gulf of Mexico proved far more costly than the engineering consulting firm that designed it had figured it would be. No comment came with the vote on that $130,000 change order during the commission's Feb. 11 regular meeting in Venice. The item was on the consent agenda. The memo to the board emphasized that the project was designed "to protect the public health and safety by meeting recreational water quality standards." Commissioner Patterson emphasized that during the SKA meeting on Feb. 4: The goal is to prevent future closures of Siesta Public Beach to swimmers because of unhealthful levels of bacteria in stormwater flowing into the Gulf of Mexico. The memo to the commissioners provided details about the extra cost. During the exca- vation of the new 1-acre stormwater pond, "an unforeseen layer of debris was discovered" about 4 feet below the surface. It consists of tree limbs, pavement, concrete and rebar, the memo says, noting, "The initial debris removal has been accomplished and test pit exploration indicates the extent of the debris covers the entire east end of the project" and will necessitate the removal of another 117 truckloads of material. % For a complimentary consultation call 941.923.5406 | Christine Koval, D.M.D. | www.askdrkoval.com Tonya Herschberger & Linda Keefe "After a terrible accident I required surgery. Tonya shared with me that Dr. Koval was responsible for her beautiful smile. She gave me hope and direction. I'm so grateful to Dr, Koval. Now I have a smile that I love to share with everyone." Sarasota News Leader February 14, 2014 Page 99