Be Prepared for Hurricane Season with Smarter Stormwater Infrastructure

June 2025

June 03, 2025

In this edition:

  • Developer Spotlight: Seascape Resorts Smart Pond Project

  • Recap: 2024 Hurricane Season NST Pond Performance

  • Different Tools in the Toolbox: Comparing RSMS and WQEA Stormwater Credit Frameworks

  • Webinar Recording: Avoiding Offsite Impacts with Wetland Assimilative Capacity Analysis

Developer Spotlight — Seascape Resorts Smart Pond Project: Maximizing Stormwater Efficiency through Innovation

Seascape Resorts recently increased developable land by reducing pond size. Employing available technology and relevant Florida permitting experience enabled Seascape to optimize land use and enhance flood resilience.

“Implementing CMAC smart pond technology at Seascape has transformed our approach to stormwater management. We’ve reclaimed valuable land, strengthened our flood protection, and gained peace of mind knowing the system runs itself — all while preparing for the future. It’s been a game-changer for our resort.” — Paul Davis, Director of Development, Seascape Resorts

Key developer benefits include: 1. Significant Pond Size Reduction 2. Enhanced Flood Protection 3. Hurricane Resiliency 4. 24/7 Monitoring & Automatic Control 5. Adaptive for the Future 6. Reduced Peak Flows and more!

Recap: 2024 Hurricane Season NST Pond Performance

As we enter hurricane season 2025, it’s critical to spotlight proven stormwater solutions. During last year’s Hurricane Milton, our CMAC-equipped smart pond located at SR-676 in Hillsborough County performed as designed/permitted.

The system began to lower water levels 24 hours before the peak rainfall was forecast, preparing for the heavy downpour that followed. The site received an extraordinary 13.2 inches of rain in less than 24 hours, equivalent to a 200-year storm event. Importantly, the pond managed this runoff effectively, even though the peak water level was caused by the adjacent Delaney Creek overtopping its banks. A total of 9.71 acre-feet of runoff was captured during the storm, ensuring that the pond did not contribute to localized flooding in the area. The captured storm runoff then began its treatment period vice running untreated directly into Tampa Bay.

Different Tools in the Toolbox: Comparing RSMS and WQEA Stormwater Credit Frameworks

In the evolving landscape of stormwater management, understanding the full range of regulatory and market-based tools is essential. We often hear questions about the distinctions between Water Quality Enhancement Areas and Regional Stormwater Management Systems-based Stormwater Nutrient Credits. Though they serve related purposes, these tools differ significantly in structure, application, and regulatory alignment. This article unpacks those differences to help engineers and developers make informed, strategic decisions in planning and compliance efforts. Spoiler Alert: SNCs are available now!

Webinar Recording: Avoiding Offsite Impacts with Wetland Assimilative Capacity Analysis

Thank you to the 217 attendees that participated in our most recent stormwater series webinar session led by Jeff Littlejohn, PE! We look forward to seeing you at our next one.

If you missed it, you can still learn how wetland assimilative capacity helps demonstrate compliance with Florida’s new stormwater discharge requirements.

Save the Date! 3rd Annual New Stormwater Rule: What You Need to Know Webinar

July 15 at 11 A.M.

Streaming LIVE from Environmental Permitting Summer School in Marco Island. Don’t miss this chance to explore the latest tips and insights from Mark Thomasson, PE. Details to follow!

For more updates, enlightening articles, forthcoming events and webinars, count on the National Stormwater Trust Inc. to be your trusted resource.