CHA Consulting, Inc. (CHA) received an Honor Award at the ACEC Florida 2026 Engineering Excellence Awards for the Canal Intake, Pump Station & Subaqueous Crossing in Vero Beach. The project was recognized for its innovative approach to stormwater reuse, sustainable water infrastructure, and long-term environmental resiliency in a coastal region facing growing climate and regulatory pressures.
To support the City of Vero Beach’s plan to decommission an aging water reclamation facility and relocate infrastructure inland, CHA designed a 3.0 MGD stormwater intake pump station and 26,000 feet of transmission pipeline. The system includes a 3,600-foot subaqueous crossing beneath the Indian River Lagoon, enabling the beneficial reuse of treated stormwater for nonpotable irrigation.
Stormwater is drawn from the Indian River Farms Water Control District's Main Relief Canal and conveyed through an 18-inch HDPE transmission main installed via horizontal directional drilling (HDD), which minimized environmental disturbance to the lagoon while enhancing durability and performance. The pump station features a 20-foot-deep wet well and four pumps delivering a combined capacity exceeding 700 gallons per minute. Today, the system advances Vero Beach’s nutrient-reduction goals within a regulated Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP) area and provides sustainable irrigation for the John’s Island community, reducing reliance on potable water.
The project exemplifies CHA’s commitment to delivering resilient, environmentally responsible infrastructure solutions that help communities adapt to evolving water challenges. Representative for the City of Vero Beach and CHA accepted the award at the ACEC Florida Engineering Excellence Awards Gala on February 13, 2026.
ACEC Florida represents more than 300 engineering firms and over 20,000 professionals dedicated to advancing innovative infrastructure, economic growth, and quality of life across Florida. Founded in 1973, ACEC Florida strengthens the business of engineering through advocacy, education, and political engagement, while promoting the highest standards of ethics and professional practice. Learn more at ACEC Florida’s website.