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Utility Services Director Terry Pinto explained that as part <br />of the permitting process for the artificial wetland, the Florida <br />Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) is asking us to do a <br />study to prove that a reuse system would not be a practical <br />alternative to the wetland. The study must include a rate analysis <br />to determine whether a reuse system that would serve private <br />homeowners would result in more than a "reasonable" rate increase, <br />but we do not know the FDEP's definition of reasonable. The FDEP <br />favors the artificial wetland, but the Florida Statutes do not <br />specifically cover artificial wetlands, and a reuse study is <br />required anytime there is a discharge of effluent into canals. <br />Director Pinto emphasized that staff is convinced an artificial <br />wetland will be cost-effective and environmentally sound, and he <br />asked the Board for authorization. to hire Brown and Caldwell to <br />assist him in negotiating with FDEP on the permitting requirements. <br />Administrator Chandler commented that depending on the <br />decision that is made at the local level, we may want to go to <br />Tallahassee and speak to the Secretary of the FDEP. <br />Commissioner Macht felt that we have ample grounds for <br />challenging the need for this study. <br />Commissioner Adams was concerned about using Brown and <br />Caldwell in the negotiating process, because it would benefit Brown <br />and Caldwell if the study is required. <br />Director Pinto explained that he will do all the negotiating, <br />and Brown and Caldwell will provide the technical expertise. <br />ON MOTION by Commissioner Macht, SECONDED by <br />Commissioner Adams, the Board unanimously (4-0, <br />Commissioner Bird being absent) authorized the <br />expenditure of $5,800.00 for Brown and Caldwell to <br />assist County staff in negotiating with FDEP to <br />reduce the requirements of the permitting process; <br />and if the outcome of the negotiation is that the <br />FDEP determines that a Reuse Feasibility Study is <br />required, authorized the expenditure of not more <br />than $55,000.00 for Brown and Caldwell to conduct <br />the required study, as recommended by staff. <br />WORK AUTHORIZAtion NO. 6 IS ON FILE <br />IN THE OFFICE OF THE CLERK TO THE BOARD <br />31 <br />FEB ® 8 1994 BOOK 91 F,i E 710 <br />