05/23/2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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County Administrator Joe Baird advised the County would go through all the regulatory agencies to get permits, so they would either issue the permits or not. Eric Olson, Director of Utilities, explained how Utilities time expansion for growth that has already taken place. He clarified this project is not paid for by taxes and that impact fees, previously paid, pay for it. Utilities was working closely with the Salt and Water Conservation Group to confirm its data showing there was no impending danger of water drying up. Utilities were also working very closely with the regulatory agencies. Dr. Baker declared there was concern about putting brine into the marsh. Director Olson stated the County was trying not to waste the brine water and if there were issues or concerns that the Department of Environmental Protection had, the County would work through those. Robert Adair , Vice Chairman, Indian River County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), had real concerns about drilling six new wells. South County well field has reached its capacity without causing adverse problems. South Florida Water Management District will not allow any further drilling because it will adversely impact committed users. If that is true, by increasing capacity in the North County well field, it could cause adverse impact to existing wells. Presently there are 617 wells, many of them outside the urban service area. The County would be responsible for supplying water if the new wells adversely affect water to these existing wells. Mr. Adair wanted the Commissioners to give the SWCD time to work with Camp Dresser & McKee. The County is in the middle of a drought and the artisan pressure is down 50%. If artisan pressure ceases and cannot pump, how will water get to the crops. He preferred the existing wells be monitored first. May 23, 2006 13