Laserfiche WebLink
Public Benefits <br />Abandoned flow -wells result in the unnecessary consumption of groundwater. Moreover, artesian flow <br />wells tend to have high chloride levels. The high chloride levels, in turn, lower water quality in the <br />surficial aquifer, which is the principal water source for private potable wells. Renewal of the attached <br />agreement will continue an important and successful water quality and water supply protection program. <br />In addition, the agreement renewal will fulfill Comprehensive Plan Natural Groundwater Aquifer <br />Recharge Policy 3.5, which calls for renewal of the program contingent on funding availability. <br />Eligible wells <br />County Code Section 931.09 requires developers to plug abandoned artesian flow wells on development <br />project properties in conjunction with county site plan and subdivision approval. Flow wells on such <br />properties are not eligible for funding under the County/SJRVV MID cost -share program. Rather, the cost - <br />share program targets other wells (not on development project sites) to provide public funding for <br />landowners that may need financial assistance to carry out a proper well abandonment, which can cost <br />hundreds or thousands of dollars, depending on the characteristics of the particular well. <br />FUNDING <br />For FY 2017/18, as had been budgeted in the past, funding for the well -plugging program has been <br />allocated in Planning/Code Enforcement Budget Account # 00420724-033190, under "Professional <br />Services." Continuation of that annual budget allocation will fund the program in future years, <br />contingent on funding availability. Section 4 of the proposed agreement ("Funding Contingency") <br />specifies that the District and the County intend to fulfill their 3 year obligations but that funding each <br />year is subject to budgetary approval of the parties. <br />RECOMMENDATION <br />Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners approve the attached countywide abandoned <br />flow well plugging cost -share agreement renewal with the SJRWMD, and authorize the Board Chairman <br />to execute the agreement. <br />ATTACHMENT <br />1. County grant information form. <br />2. Proposed cost -share agreement. <br />M:\WELLPLUG\BCC items\Well plug SJRWMD cost -share agree renew BCC item 10-24-17.doc <br />P69 <br />