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BOOK 93 PAGE 108 <br />E. Letter of Support for National Estuary Program Grant Application <br />The Board reviewed the following memo dated August 16, 1994: <br />TO: James Chandler <br />County Administrator <br />FROM: Robert M. Keating, AICP 4A4k <br />Community Development Director <br />DATE: August 16, 1994 <br />SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR <br />NATIONAL ESTUARY PROGRAM GRANT <br />APPLICATION <br />It is requested that the data herein presented be given formal <br />consideration by the Board of County Commissioners at its regular <br />meeting of August 23, 1994. <br />DESCRIPTION & CONDITIONS: <br />In 1990, the Indian River Lagoon was designated as an estuary of <br />national significance. Subsequently, the Indian River Lagoon <br />National Estuary Program Management Conference was established. <br />Since then, the IRLNEP Management Conference has been preparing a <br />comprehensive conservation and management plan (COMP). The purpose <br />of the CCMP is to structure a plan for the restoration of the <br />lagoon. <br />Among the issues being addressed by the NEP are lagoon water <br />quality problems associated with septic tanks. There is, however, <br />little specific data on the issue of- septic tank impacts to surface <br />water bodies. Now, the NEP has the opportunity to obtain a <br />demonstration project grant from EPA to undertake a septic tank <br />study. <br />To enhance the chances of the NEP receiving the requested <br />demonstration project grant, NEP staff have requested that local <br />governments participating in the management conference send a <br />letter of support to EPA. To assist local governments, NEP staff <br />transmitted a draft letter which can be modified and sent to EPA. <br />ANALYSIS: <br />As proposed, the septic tank study would benefit Indian River <br />County, as well as the NEP. Not only may the study results prove <br />useful in planning sanitary sewer line extensions, but these <br />results could also affect the County's existing utility connection <br />Policies. Most importantly, this project will not cost the County <br />any money. <br />For these reason, staff recommends that the Board authorize the <br />chairman to sign -and send the attached letter to EPA. That letter <br />is a modified version of the draft letter sent out by NEP staff <br />which underscores the County's support for the proposed septic tank <br />study. <br />6 <br />August 23, 1994 <br />