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Comprehensive Plan Conservation Element In the IRL National Estuary Program's 2008 update to the IRL Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP), there are various recommended actions to address issues that affect the lagoon. These actions include eradication of invasive flora and fauna, reduction of sedimentation, and assessment of potential climate change impacts to lagoon resources. Going forward, the County should revise its policies to include those actions recommended in the CCMP update. • St. Sebastian River From 1996 to 2007, water quality in the St. Sebastian River remained unchanged. As in 1996, current water quality within the St. Sebastian River fails to meet the designation of Class III (swimming and fishing). Recently, a river -dredging project began in the St. Sebastian River. This project will result in the removal of two million cubic yards of muck from the river bottom and will likely lead to improved water quality. Currently, the SJRWMD is working on plans for a stormwater park south of Micco Road in Brevard County, similar to the recently completed Sebastian Stormwater Park. When complete, the Sebastian Stormwater Park will reduce total suspended solids entering the South Prong annually by an estimated 173,180 pounds. In combination with the Sebastian Stormwater Park, the stormwater park in Micco will reduce the amount of sediment flowing into the St. Sebastian River and ultimately reduce the amount of muck reaching the lagoon. In 2006, the County adopted a conceptual management plan for the St. Sebastian River Greenway. The St. Sebastian River Greenway extends from approximately one mile south of CR 510 (85a' Street), northward along the South Prong, to the river's intersection with the C-54 Canal at the north county line (approximately five miles). The purpose of the greenway plan is to conserve river resources while affording an opportunity for public access along the greenway's length. In implementing the greenway plan, the County has acquired conservation lands to provide a buffer to the St. Sebastian River and to enhance recreational access opportunities along the river. In the future, the County's policy should be to continue to acquire land within the greenway corridor and to develop a greenway trail along the corridor. Groundwater The Natural Groundwater Aquifer Recharge (NGAR) Sub -Element of the Comprehensive Plan provides a detailed description and analysis of conditions relating to both the surficial aquifer and Floridan aquifer. As described in the NGAR Sub -Element, the Floridan aquifer will play an increasingly important role in augmenting water supplies from the surficial aquifer as population growth continues to increase at a healthy pace in Indian River County. Nevertheless, maintaining the water quality of the surficial aquifer is still an important concern since it continues to be the main source of potable water for the City of Vero Beach and for residents utilizing private wells. Community Development Department Indian River County 97