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Indian River County. He outlined some valuable information which had not been included <br />in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) made for the County on Spoonbill Marsh, <br />and voiced concerns about the potential environmental impact of the proposed project. Dr. <br />Gilmore talked about the importance of the wetlands and informed the Board that the <br />Indian River Lagoon was a virtually closed system, with a low exchange rate of water, <br />similar to a lake. He urged the Board to consider future fresh water requirements, to <br />examine other options, and to have a very detailed and accurate study done of the Spoonbill <br />Marsh. <br />Dr. Gilmore responded to questions from Commissioner Davis regarding <br />possible effects to the Indian River Lagoon, whether the wetlands would be affected by the <br />tides, and whether the project would be an overall improvement to current conditions at the <br />Spoonbill Marsh site. <br />Commissioner Davis asked Director Olson what the County would be faced with <br />if the Spoonbill March project was unsuccessful, and it became necessary to go to ocean <br />outfall. Director Olson mentioned that ocean outfall was an expensive process and <br />suggested the Commissioners become familiar with some of the recent current events <br />surrounding the process. He added that he is looking forward to receiving input from Drs. <br />Gilmore and Cox. <br />Dr. Gilmore was concerned about the loss of fishery and wetland values. He <br />suggested that the County look at cost sharing as a way to go to ocean disposal and to <br />eliminate worries about wetland impacts. <br />Joseph Paladin, Chairman Growth Awareness Committee, and Black Swan <br />Consulting, felt that eventually the brine would have some negative effects on plant and <br />September 18, 2007 44 <br />