6/21/1994 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

r J U H 211994 BOOK 92 R'GE 683 R.O. Water Plant Besides the reconfiguration of the South County park conservation area, FWS staff recommend that the County establish a +5.5 acre conservation area on the South County R.0 Plant site. The R.O. Plant property is approximately 37.5 acres in total size (excluding a +2.5 acre fire station on the south portion of the property) , and currently supports a 2.5 million gallon per day (mgd) water treatment plant. Approximately 15 acres of the R.O. Plant property have been cleared and developed under existing plant Phase I construction. According to Utilities Department staff, two additional water tanks are planned north of two existing tanks on the County R.0 Plant site. As proposed, the +5.5 acre conservation_ area on this property accounts for these additional tanks, and would be located just north of the future tanks site.. To allow for future water/waste water transmission mains and a future well location in the proposed conservation area, staff can structure a conservation easement to provide for such improvements. This conservation area (+15% of the total site) would satisfy the county's native upland set-aside requirement that would eventually be required as part of future site construction. Moreover, in that the FWS has identified this area as part of existing scrub jay territory, preservation or mitigation of the area would be required in conjunction with future site construction for compliance with the federal Endangered Species Act. The conservation area would serve an additional function of protecting wells with undeveloped green -space. Notwithstanding the above referenced points, the Utilities Department has been reluctant to endorse the addition of conservation restrictions on the property, citing a preference to maintain development flexibility for potential future needs. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners authorize reconfiguration of the conservation area at the South County Park to protect +9 acres of undeveloped scrub habitat on the north portion of the site, providing maintenance allowance of an existing FPL power easement. Staff also recommends that the Board consider U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's recommendation that a 5.5 acre conservation area be established at the north end of the R.O. Plant property, providing for future placement of a well and water transmission mains, as needed. Additionally, staff recommends that the Board authorize staff to coordinate with the FWS and other appropriate agencies to manage the conservation areas, including prescribed -burning and/or mechanical management. 28