City of Naples

over 15 islands used by the city

to clean storm water ponds. 

A few years ago, the City of Naples became concerned that rampant spraying of copper sulfate by lake management companies was destroying the benthic flora and fauna in storm water ponds and receiving waters. 

The City passed an ordinance banning copper sulfate applications, but lost in a lawsuit to Lake Doctors, since herbicide applicators are regulated by the State of Florida.  The City subsequently offered stakeholders with retention ponds floating treatment wetlands and aerators if they would agree not to apply copper sulfate to the ponds.  

​Dr. Mike Bauer, the Director of the storm water program has been instrumental in establishing a very successful, natural, nutrient pollution treatment program, and the islands are appearing in ponds all over the city.  ​