12/15/1992 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

DEC, 15 19 BOOK 88 PAGE 282 -7 project to monitor the waters of the Indian River monthly to measure the light penetrating to the seagrass. This type of contracting with other agencies has brought in over a half millions dollars in the past 5 or 6 years. Environmental Health's major contract right now is the underground storage program which includes 1,031 registered tank facilities in Indian River -County. When these tanks are dug up, we find that all of them have been leaking and Environmental Health enforces the cleanup. Indian River County's Environmental Health Department is one of only four county health departments that enforce the state's environmental rules locally. In 1985, in conjunction with the Board of County Commissioners, Environmental Health wrote and developed the special act called the Indian River County Environmental Control Rule. It authorizes the appointment of Environmental Control Officers and the establishment of a Board of interested participating citizens to hear environmental cases locally. The current board members are Attorney Alan Polackwich, John Orcutt, Ellie Van Os, Steve Snoberger and Dr. Roger Zwemer. In the last four years Environmental Health assessed and collected over $170,000 in environmental fines here in Indian River County. Currently we have $20,000 in the Pollution Trust Fund. We are currently designated a "Local Program," and are pursuing an agreement to allow us to enforce local DER rules related to mangrove trimming. We hope in the future to be delegated to wastewater and public drinking water programs. There is a potential for a permitting program for doctors, veterinarian and nursing home waste disposal, and on January 1 there will be a new small public water systems program for small water systems like those serving shopping centers. Director Galanis stated that his jurisdiction is Indian River County and while his department is employed and paid by the State of Florida, his loyalties remain with Indian River County. Commissioner Adams asked about indoor pollution, or the "sick building" problem. Director Galanis felt his department is one of the best equipped departments to investigate that problem but it is a complex problem involving the whole realm of sensitivity in individuals. He stated that he was invited to help in the investigation in the Martin County Courthouse case, but he refused because many experts already were involved, and he predicted they will abandon that building. Chairman Eggert asked about the status of rabies control. Director Galanis stated that the rabies program was traditionally investigated by the Public Health Department. He reported that for over 25 years we have not had a case of rabies in 16