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BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS <br /> Joseph E. Flescher �Q Tim Zorc <br /> Chairman District 3 <br /> DZStYZCt Z <br /> -= �C Peter D. O'Bryan <br /> Wesley S. Davis District 4 <br /> Vice Chairman <br /> District 1 Bob Solari <br /> District 5 <br /> May 15, 2013 <br /> Dr. Brian E. Lapointe <br /> Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute at Florida Atlantic University <br /> 5600 U.S. 1 North <br /> Fort Pierce, FL 34946 <br /> Re: Letter of Support for Florida SeaGrant Proposal <br /> Dear Dr. Lapointe, <br /> Please accept this letter of support for your proposal to Florida SeaGrant entitled "The Effects <br /> of Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems (OSTDS) on Water Quality of the Indian <br /> River Lagoon, Indian River County, Florida."The proposed study areas along the three primary <br /> drainage canals (North, Main, and South Relief canals) and the St. Sebastian River are of <br /> particular interest to the Board of County Commissioners and the Public Works Division of <br /> Indian River County. Indian River County and its municipalities currently have 37,000 <br /> permitted septic tanks, most of which are located either directly adjacent to surface waters or in <br /> highly developed communities adjacent to surface waters. The close proximity of the septic <br /> tanks to surface waters coupled with high groundwater tables in Indian River County increase <br /> the potential for wastewater nitrogen enrichment of the Indian River Lagoon, especially during <br /> periods of heavy rainfall. <br /> Your recent research has shown that, when compared to other segments of the Indian River <br /> Lagoon, Indian River County has relatively high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus pollution in <br /> its surface waters. Eutrophication of these surface waters is likely the result of several factors, <br /> including, but not limited to groundwater discharge (i.e. OSTDS), stormwater runoff (i.e. urban <br /> and agricultural fertilizers), and atmospheric deposition. Better understanding of the contribution <br /> from groundwater discharge associated with OSTDS would allow our staff to use science-based <br /> management approaches (such as modification of county code) to address present day nutrient <br /> pollution and prepare for rising sea level (thus rising groundwater levels in our coastal <br /> communities) over the next several decades. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> Commissioner Tim Zorc <br /> Indian River County Board of County Commissioners <br /> District 3 <br /> 1801 27th Street, Building A <br /> Vero Beach, FL 32960 <br /> (772) 226-1490 <br /> 85 <br />