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Several changes have been made to the project design since the October 1985 D.R.I. approval. All of these changes have occurred within the proposed estuarine system. Originally, four marina areas were proposed. Plans now propose only one marina in the "Harbor Center", located in the existing marina basin in the northeast corner of the project. The conceptual PRD plan incorporates these estuarine system modifications and provides more detail in regards to the phasing and development of the residential areas of the project. ESTUARINE PLAN AND D.O. AMENDMENT In the period since the County approved the Development Order on October 23, 1985, the estuarine plan has undergone various revis- ions and concept improvements. The applicant is requesting that the County approve the design plan, mosquito management plan and revised permit drawings, all of which represent the final estuarine plan product. The plan (see attachment #6 & #7) pro- poses to restore the existing marsh system from its highly altered and degraded condition through the implementation of Open Marsh Water Management (OMWM). The objective of OMWM is to return the marsh area. to a more naturally functioning estuarine ecosystem, while at the same time eliminating mosquito habitats and breeding areas. This will be accomplished by creating channels and rotary ditches that will open the marsh to the Indian River. The intertidal connection between the marsh and the River will provide ecological benefits such as increased water circulation and fish penetration, thereby creating nursery areas and increasing the movement of needed nutrients. The channels and ditches created for the marsh system will eliminate those depressional- and ponded sites within the marsh that act as breeding areas for salt marsh mosquitos. The proposed estuarine plan designates development and golf course fill areas (approximately twelve acres) within the "non-exempt" wetlands. Presently, the D.O. limits excavation and fill within the non-exempt wetlands to what is necessary for adequate flushing, habitat restoration and mosquito control. The plan does nQt meet these. limitations. The applicant is proposing that a total of sixteen wetland acres be restored in the exempt area or created in upland areas in exchange for permission to allow twelve acres of development in the "non-exempt" wetlands. Approval of this scheme will require amendment of the Development Order by the Board of County Commissioners. County and regional planning council staff find the estuarine plan and D.O. amendment proposal acceptable as long as certain conditions are attached to the plan as follows: 1. a back-up mosquito control technique administered by the I.R.C. Mosquito Control District shall be established by the developer; 2. an estuarine waterway maintenance plan, acceptable to the County and Regional Planning Council, shall be provided by the developer; 3. it shall be a requirement that all site plans ensure control of run-off into wetlands; 4. a maximum depth of -3 feet for all interior wetland system channels with the major connecting channels tapering to -4 feet at the interface of the estuary and the Indian River be established and channel widths shall be limited; and 5. the D.O. shall be amended to allow for development of up to. ten acres within the "non-exempt" wetlands in exchange for an equal number of acres restored or created in exempted areas. 3 OCT 2 0 1� BOOK � f'r��r 89