Melbourne, FL — Crane Creek may appear to be just another small Florida waterway, but its restoration is proving to be a game-changer for the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) and the St. Johns River system. Jones Edmunds, serving as the lead designer for this project, helped transform a century-old flood control feature into an environmentally resilient system that restores natural water flow, improves water quality, and protects one of Florida’s most treasured estuaries.
The Challenge: Aging Infrastructure, Polluted Runoff
The M-1 Canal, a man-made flood control canal in Brevard County, has for decades diverted stormwater east into Crane Creek, sending untreated runoff into the IRL. Excess nutrients in this runoff fuel harmful algal blooms and degrade habitat in what is considered one of North America’s most biologically diverse estuaries.
Recognizing the urgency of protecting the lagoon — a critical part of Florida’s $40 billion tourism economy — the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD), in partnership with Brevard County and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, launched the Crane Creek/M-1 Canal Flow Restoration Project.
The Solution: An Innovative, Science-Based Design by Jones Edmunds.
As the project’s designer, Jones Edmunds, in support of SJRWMD, engineered a state-of-the-art operable weir and pumping system that restores the historic drainage divide between the IRL and the St. Johns River. This innovative design redirects stormwater westward into a newly constructed stormwater treatment area (STA) rather than allowing untreated runoff to enter the IRL. The STA is a large pond that provides floodplain compensation, created by Brevard County during the recent construction of St Johns Heritage Parkway. Brevard County donated the STA property to SJRMWD and it serves the dual purposes of floodplain compensation and stormwater treatment. Treated stormwater is pumped out of the STA and discharge to the St. Johns River.
Jones Edmunds supported SJRWMD through the design, permitting, construction and activation of the weir and pumping systems.
Key project features designed by Jones Edmunds include:
- Operable Weir Structure, Pumping Stations and Piping System – Maintains flood control while restoring natural flow patterns and managing water levels.
- Stormwater Treatment Ponds and Wetland Buffers – Naturally filter pollutants, removing nutrients before water reaches the St. Johns River, while also providing floodplain compensation.
- Resilient Water Management – Captures and treats up to 7 million gallons of stormwater per day, improving water quality and restoring freshwater flow to the St. Johns River system.
Why It Matters
The Crane Creek/M-1 Canal Flow Restoration Project is more than an engineering success — it’s a model for ecosystem recovery and community resilience. Clean water not only protects dolphins, manatees, and fish species but also sustains the outdoor economy that defines Florida’s Space Coast, from fishing charters to waterfront dining.
This project demonstrates how science-based engineering, strong partnerships, and state investment can protect Florida’s iconic waterways while supporting local communities.
