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pollution when winter visits brings enormous flocks of wildlife who use Orchid Isles as one of <br />their rest stops. It is inconsistent to imply that a County sewer system is badly needed, yet <br />residents can still elect to use their own septic tanks after the County system is installed. He <br />summarized by saying it is unfair and undemocratic to impose these of undeserved penalties. It is <br />a huge cost and high risk to trees that cannot be replaced in a lifetime, and he asked the Board not <br />to pursue the project. <br />Chairman Macht addressed the need to develop a logical conclusion and make a <br />decision on how to proceed. <br />MOTION WAS made by Commissioner Ginn, SECONDED by <br />Commissioner Neuberger to put this item on the shelf and not pursue it <br />any further, unless solid evidence of pollution into the River from <br />septic tanks is brought before the Board by the Department of <br />Environmental Protection. <br />Under discussion, Commissioner Neuberger said he was understandably disturbed to <br />hear from the residents of the astronomical amount of the assessments. He said he, too, would <br />have to consider selling his home, if he lived there. <br />Chairman Macht asked if there is evidence of pollution and does it apply to everyone <br />or is it an individual situation. He thought if it is one or two residents that are causing the <br />pollution, then he did not feel it is incumbent upon the Board to condemn the entire system. <br />Commissioner Ginn concurred that they need to be concerned but if there is no <br />negative impact to the Lagoon then there is no need to proceed with such an expensive project. <br />Commissioner Neuberger queried if staff has investigated a new source of funding and <br />what agency is determining there is pollution. <br />Chairman Macht asked staff for a background on what, if any, pollution is occurring <br />Director of Utility Services Erik Olson, stated that St. Johns River Water Management <br />District (SJRWMD), Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and S. Florida Water <br />Management District (SFWMD) say as a rule over time there is leaching from septic tanks. There <br />is funding for this type of project and he recommended obtaining a consensus by regulatory <br />agencies (St. Johns River Water Management District and Department of Environmental <br />SEPTEMBER 2, 2003 19 <br />