Laserfiche WebLink
Comprehensive Plan Conservation Element <br />ANALYSIS <br />The purpose of this analysis section is to assess the existing conditions that have been identified and <br />to identify current problems and future needs relating to conservation issues. Those problems and <br />needs then form the basis for developing a set of conservation goals, objectives, and policies. <br />Soil Erosion <br />Over time, soil erosion has the potential to inflict damage on the natural environment and to cause <br />economic losses. In Indian River County, economic losses attributed to soil erosion include: reduced <br />agricultural productivity, increased maintenance costs, reduced habitat value for wildlife, reduced <br />harvesting of fish and shellfish, and aesthetic problems. <br />When fertile topsoil is removed, the agricultural productivity of soils is reduced. As fertile topsoil is <br />removed, agricultural operations must offset the loss of natural productivity by inputting a greater <br />amount of energy, in the form of artificial fertilizer. This, in turn, raises the cost of production. <br />Furthermore, fertilizer nutrients are transported by runoff, thereby reducing the quality of surface <br />waters. <br />Within Indian River County, the Indian River Soil and Water Conservation District (IRSWCD) <br />offers assistance to agricultural operators in developing soil conservation plans. Although <br />implementing a soil conservation plan is voluntary, agricultural operators that adopt a plan are <br />eligible to participate in federal incentive programs. Other economic benefits may include an <br />increased yield per acre ratio. <br />Generally, a soil conservation plan is designed to minimize soil erosion through the use of Best <br />Management Practices (BMPs). According to a SJRWMD report, non-structural BMPs, such as soil <br />conservation plans, land use planning, preservation of wetlands and floodplains, and education, are <br />cost effective erosion control measures. The following reductions of pollutants were attributed to the <br />two most common structural BMPs: a vegetated conveyance system (grassed swale) and a wet pond. <br />TABLE 8.10 <br />POLLUTANT REMOVAL EFFECTIVENESS OF <br />COMMON NON-STRUCTURAL BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES (BMPs) <br />water quality parameter grassed swale wet retention pond <br />total nitrogen 15% 30% <br />total phosphorous 30% 50% <br />biological oxygen demand 45% 60% <br />total suspended solids 80% 80% <br />flow 20% 25% (evaporation) <br />Community Development Department Indian River County 91 <br />