Cone & Graham, Inc. completed construction on the Crane Creek / M-1 Canal Flow Restoration Project, a critical water quality improvement initiative in Brevard County, Florida. Originally constructed more than a century ago to divert stormwater from the St. Johns River Basin to the Indian River Lagoon, the M-1 Canal has long contributed to nutrient pollution in the lagoon, fueling harmful algal blooms and degrading ecological health.

Led by the St. Johns River Water Management District, the restoration project was designed to reverse this legacy impact by redirecting stormwater westward for treatment prior to discharge into the St. Johns River. The project aimed to reduce nutrient loading to the Indian River Lagoon while restoring a sustainable base flow—approximately 7 million gallons of freshwater per day—to the St. Johns River for potential use as an alternative water supply.

The scope of work included installation of an operable weir within the M-1 Canal, two stormwater pumping stations (east and west of the St. Johns Heritage Parkway), dual 24-inch diameter force mains, and the construction of a stormwater treatment area west of Interstate 95. The operable control structure was engineered to maintain existing flood control capacity while capturing runoff for redirection. The treatment area filters nutrient-laden stormwater before it reenters the natural hydrologic flow.

Cone & Graham, Inc. coordinated closely with project stakeholders and funding partners—including the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Brevard County’s Save Our Indian River Lagoon Program—to ensure successful delivery of this multi-million dollar effort. Upon completion, the project is expected to eliminate approximately 24,000 pounds of nitrogen and 3,100 pounds of phosphorus annually from entering the lagoon.

The Crane Creek / M-1 Canal Flow Restoration Project represents a major step forward in restoring balance to Florida’s interconnected water systems, supporting both environmental recovery and regional water resiliency.