Improving A Key Natural Asset

Because the Withlacoochee River is an Outstanding Florida Water it has special protections. Izaak Walton Investors are going well beyond what is required to prevent impact—our plans will actually improve water quality.

We’re planning several projects along the Withlacoochee River and Yankeetown’s canal system, including the Izaak Walton Lodge and Marina, Yankeetown Boat Company and Anchorage Boathouse and Preserve. All aspects of the mixed-use development will use environmentally sensitive practices to preserve and protect the Withlacoochee River. Doing so ensures that the water quality of this Outstanding Florida Water is enhanced.

Leaching from septic tanks is a significant source of pollution in the Withlacoochee River, and all of Yankeetown is on septic tanks. Studies clearly show that the water quality has deteriorated from a variety of non point source pollutants. Our plans call for development of a central sewer system. We’re building a system with the ability to serve all businesses and homes within the redevelopment as well as part of the town. Doing so will dramatically improve the quality of water that runs in our streets, through our canals and into our river.

But there’s more.

Flooding and the pollutants from the streets make it into the canals and river, too. We’re developing a stormwater management system to collect and treat rainwater along approximately 5827 feet of shoreline. These improvements will allow us to treat the stormwater runoff from 16.25 acres of waterfront property.
In the end, by treating the runoff coming off our streets and switching to a centralized sewer sytem ,we will improve the quality of water, wherever it is in our community.

Aerial view of proposed location of new wastewater treatment plant, (Dingman/Wehr parcels, upper right-hand corner)

Reconfiguration of existing marinas will improve the rivers edge to create a more natural river flow, correcting the problems created when the bank was originally cut out. The stagnant water that collects in the man-made canals around Yankeetown is also a source of concern for residents, since tidal forces do not adequately flush the canals.

With the input of Yankeetown’s residents, Izaak Walton Investors can develop a smart growth plan that qualifies for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certifications for the mixed-use development, using guidelines developed by the U.S. Green Building Council.

When it comes to protecting the environment, we believe the minimum requirements aren’t good enough. We have to do better.