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Comprehensive Plan Conservation Element ➢ Data from an IRLNEP study rate the non -point source discharges from Indian River County (Segment 3) as a significant impact to water quality of the IRL. ➢ In addition to non -point source loadings, discharge from on-site (septic) disposal systems (OSDS) also presents a threat to the water quality of the IRL. Areas of particular concern for reducing OSDS discharge are residential developments with OSDS proximate to the Indian River Lagoon. • Upper St. Johns River Basin In 1988, the SJRWMD and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACOE) began construction of the Upper St. Johns River Basin Project to restore and enhance more than 150,000 acres of marshes in Indian River and Brevard counties. The $200 million project, considered one of the largest wetland restoration projects in the world, is targeted to be completed by 2010. The SJRWMD describes the Upper Basin project as a semi -structural system of water management areas (WMAs), marsh conservation areas (MCAs), and marsh restoration areas. The project is designed to: provide flood control; improve water quality; reduce freshwater discharges to the Indian River lagoon; provide water supplies; and restore..and enhance wetland habitat. The project also provides public recreational opportunities, including boating, hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, camping, fishing and hunting. Since 1996, the SJRWMD and the USACOE have progressed in implementing the Upper Basin project, which is near completion. As a result, environmental conditions and recreational opportunities in the Upper Basin have improved. With the recent acquisition of +6,000 acres from Fellsmere Joint Venture, the SJRWMD will initiate a +10,000 acre floodplain restoration project - the Fellsmere Water Management Area (FWMA) - associated with the Upper Basin. The FWMA project will produce public benefits by providing treatment for agricultural runoff, while reducing the occurrence of freshwater releases through the C-54 canal to the Indian River Lagoon. The FWMA project will also provide flood protection benefits; create wetland habitat; and provide more public recreation opportunities for fishing, nature study and boating. According to the SJRWMD, another purpose of the FWMA project is to increase the reliability of the St. Johns River for water supply withdrawals and to ensure that downstream minimum flows (in Brevard County and north) are met. Consequently, the FWMA will enhance water supply on a regional basis, as well as increase alternative water supply opportunities in Indian River County. Overall, the Upper St. Johns River Project provides many public benefits, both locally and regionally, and the County's policy should be to continue to support restoration and management efforts associated with the Upper Basin. Community Development Department Indian River County 95