Protecting the Indian River Lagoon with Baffle Boxes

Since 2015, the city has successfully implemented 18 installations of baffle boxes as part of its stormwater infrastructure improvement program with plans to add one new system each year. These structures intercept pollutants carried by stormwater runoff before they enter the lagoon, helping protect water quality and marine life.  

A high-performance stormwater solution

In its past, the Indian River Lagoon has faced severe pollution issues caused by stormwater runoff carrying trash, debris, sediments, oils and nutrients. Without effective treatment, these pollutants degrade water quality, harm fish and shellfish and contribute to algal blooms. Melbourne needed a solution that could fit within existing stormwater systems, handle large volumes of debris and provide advanced pollutant removal, including macro-plastics and hydrocarbons, while they remain easy to access, for regular maintenance.  

CRH Company, Oldcastle Infrastructure has been an integral partner in this effort to restore the lagoon, having provided precast Nutrient Separating Baffle Boxes® (NSBB®) engineered to deliver high-performance stormwater treatment. These systems feature multi-chamber designs that slow water flow, allowing sediments and debris to settle, while skimmers capture floating trash and macro-plastics. Meanwhile integrated oil skimmers remove hydrocarbons and chemicals from the stormwater. The NSBB units are designed for easy installation in tight urban spaces, minimizing disruption and reducing construction costs.  

Improving water quality

The baffle boxes installed in Melbourne remove over 4,000 pounds of harmful pollutants each year and have already captured nearly 94 cubic yards of trash and debris this year alone. By intercepting pollutants at the source, these systems prevent contamination of the lagoon and protect aquatic ecosystems. What’s more, its precast design enables scalable deployment. These efforts have significantly reduced pollutant loads and improved water quality in the lagoon, and the multi-year project reinforces the city’s commitment to resilient water systems.  

As Melbourne continues to expand its program, with work currently underway on what will be the largest baffle box in the world, located near Melbourne Orlando International Airport, Oldcastle Infrastructure remains a trusted partner in delivering resilient stormwater solutions.