C-706 "Outfall Canal" and Turnpike Canal Tree and Vegetation Removal Project

The C-706 “Outfall Canal” Tree and Vegetation Removal Project is intended to ensure the C-706 and a 2.5-mile section of the Florida Department of Transportation’s Turnpike Authority canal, between the C-18 canal and Donald Ross Road on both the West and East side canals, can provide adequate flood protection for residents in Palm Beach Country Estates.

This work is part of needed maintenance on District rights-of-way to ensure that regional canals function optimally during a storm or hurricane. These canals are not connected to the C-18 canal and must convey water to Interstate 95, then under the Interstate to the C-706 canal, and finally discharge into the Loxahatchee Estuary downstream of the S-46 Structure.

Due to logistics, funding, and permit requirements, the South Indian River Water Control District has initiated the land clearing effort over two phases. For both phases, after the vegetation is cleared, the District’s contractor will conduct an initial herbicide treatment of the areas on both sides of the Turnpike and then conduct monthly inspections and “touch-up” treatment to manage the vegetation. District staff will also conduct boom mowing as needed to keep the area ready to convey maximum flows. A 1984 agreement between the Florida Department of Transportation and the South Indian River Water Control District made the District fully responsible for the stormwater management downstream of the Palm Beach Country Estates community adjacent to the Turnpike and Interstate 95. The agreement was necessary to drain the Palm Beach Country Estates site for residential development.

Phase One (Fiscal Year 2024-25)

The West Turnpike canal is being cleared of all obstructions between the C-18 canal and Donald Ross Road. The work is being completed with competitively-bid contractors using heavy equipment to grind wood vegetation from the Turnpike fence, eastward to the east toe of the canal. The C-706 “Outfall Canal” levees are being cleared of woody vegetation by District staff, starting from the point of discharge at Indiantown Road and moving westward to Interstate 95. Phase One began in April 2025 and is expected to be completed by July.

Phase Two (Fiscal Year 2026-27)

The East Turnpike canal will be cleared of all obstructions from the C-18 canal to Donald Ross Road. The work will include the design, permitting, and construction of two features. First, culverts will be installed across the eastern Turnpike canal in order to gain access to the large trees and conduct the clearing of vegetation. Second, a platform will be constructed adjacent to the single culvert under Interstate 95. The platform will allow heavy equipment access to keep the culvert clear of debris if it dams or obstructs the culvert. The District will complete the design and submit the two required permit applications to the Florida Department of Transportation in Fiscal year 2025-26 to allow for the culvert and platform construction. The District will remove any trees remaining from Phase One within its C-706 right-of-way on both sides of the canal east of Interstate 95.