3/19/1986 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MAR 19 1986 boa 63 PAGE900 The Conservation & Coastal Zoning Management Element of the Indian River Comprehensive Plan - c;oasta.i zone Management, Interim Goals, Objectives & Policies for the Treasure Coast Region - The Hutchinson Island Planning & Mana ement Plan - The Indian River County Code of Laws and Ordinances - Chapter 16Q-20 F.A.C. This project proposal involves the much publicized salvage operations of Mel Fisher, Mr. Fisher currently holds permits from the State of Florida to recover historical artifacts and also has salvage claims and ownership of the artifacts under U.S. Admiralty Court jurisdiction.:; The application proposes that a permit for the prop wash dusting extend along the entire coastal area of Indian River County for a period from May 1, 1986 to December 31, 1989. The broad coverage of the application is in potential conflict with the Coastal Element of the Comprehensive Plan which states, "The County shall prohibit any non-essential coastal activity which threatens to destroy the natural coastal features occurring between the State Coastal Construction setback line and a point 300' seaward of the mean high water line. Such features include: 1. Nearshore worm reefs....." These reefs are outcrops of coquina limestone which contain a percentage of colonies of an organism known as Phragmatapoma lapidosa, a sabellarid worm. The reefs not only provide a -very valuable biological resource, but also '• a significant recreational resource. Many shoreline fishermen and scuba divers are dependent on the reefs for their activities. The application does not comment on the extent or impact of turbidity from the prop wash dusting activities. Because of its broad coverage, the application does not indicate the location of any reefs which may be adjacent to the proposed salvage operation. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners authorize staff to forward a letter to the D.E.R. objecting to the application as it is currently proposed and that the applicant provide the following additional information: 1) Specific locations for the proposed salvage operations; 2) Methods of operation which will minimize any adverse environmental impacts to the inshore reefs which may be affected by prop wash dusting in the area. 15