Lake Jackson Basin (27,235 acres):
Lake Jackson in northwest Tallahassee is the area's most well known and heavily used recreational lake. Periodically (most recently in 1999) this lake drains through sinkholes. Due to its significant recreational value to the community, the region and state, the lake has been the focus of significant lake restoration and regional runoff treatment efforts. The Lake Jackson Stormwater Filter and Constructed Wetland Treatment system on the Megginnis Arm was one of the first stormwater retrofit facilities constructed in the state. However, stormwater remains a threat from the I-10 corridor, the North Monroe Street business area and residential subdivisions that surround all but the north side of the lake. In addition, septic tanks appear to represent a significant source of pollution along the western side of Lake Jackson. The Lake Jackson Basin is characterized by a relatively high percentage of developed area (69%) and a moderate percentage of existing stormwater treatment (14.7%). Much of the residential development that surrounds the southeast and western side of the lake as well as that in the Megginnis Creek watershed was constructed prior to state regulations that require attenuation and treatment. One of eight local water bodies identified as impaired and in need of pollution reduction by EPA is located in the west Lake Jackson Basin. The water management district study and the City Stormwater Pollution Reduction Program (SPRP) results rate the Megginnis Arm Branch watershed as the basin's highest priority for implementation of stormwater controls. Several capital projects have been completed with more on-going or planned to help address both pollution and flood control in this high priority area of the basin. Examples include the City's John Knox Stormwater Facility; the Boone Blvd. Stormwater Facility; the Abbiegail Drive Stormwater Facility; as well as, the Tupelo Terrace Erosion Control and Ditch Enclosure Project.