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e: Bou 93 PA,E.327 Environmental Impacts The Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission (GFC), in a 1989 technical report, identified approximately 2,709 acres of viable (relatively undisturbed) scrub habitat remaining in Indian River County; 900 acres (33%) of that total occur along the St. Sebastian River. Approximately 300 acres along the east bank are dominated by xeric hammocks undergoing sporadic development. The remaining 600 acres along the west bank are a mosaic of xeric hammock, scrubby flatwoods, sand pine scrub, dry prairie, pine flatwoods, and forested wetlands. The combination of the mentioned natural communities provides significant biological benefits beyond each individual, separate community type.Ospreys, bald eagles, and river otters are examples of wildlife found in the St. Sebastian River area that utilize the combined upland/wetland St. Sebastian River ecosystem. The GFC describes the area as one of the most valuable natural areas . remaini,Ag• in -the county. �D The ecological value of the-St.`Sebastiarr River area xeric scrub is, higher than other scrub areas in the county because of the relatively large size of the St. Sebastian area scrub as well as its association with other complementary habitats, and its presently undisturbed/unencroached status. Other xeric scrub areas in the developing portion of Indian River County have been largely isolated by urban development, are relatively small in size or are not part of a large, diverse ecological system such as the St. Sebastian River area. Thus, the St. Sebastian River area xeric scrub community was given extra consideration in its conservation designation. To provide adequate environmental protection, the proposed amendment contains special restrictions and regulations for development within the C-3 land use designation. For example, the additions to Conservation Element Policy 6.16 would require developers within the C-3 area to: • conduct a survey for listed plants and animals; • preserve 80% of the scrub habitat; • design all access roads to avoid impacts to wildlife; • if feasible, design the development pattern to allow prescription burning; and • develop and implement a detailed habitat management plan. Besides these provisions, the proposed amendment also addresses infrastructure. The soil west of the river (largely Electra fine sand), while not ideal for individual septic systems, has been identified by local soil scientists as one of the better soils in the county for septic drainfields, provided river setback and soil modification precautions are taken. The modification to Sanitary Sewer Sub -Element Policy 6.1 would, under certain conditions, allow community septic systems for clustered developments. These provisions will ensure that negative- water quality impacts associated with individual septic systems will not occur. The modifications to Policy 1.31 of the Future Land Use Element provide that the exact boundaries,.of the -.C-3 District shall be determined by environmental survey ...of.. , soils. -.and vegetation...-_ Because the -intent -,of .the 'C-3 designat3onJ-A'.toprote`c�,rolaetivOk .iindisti.,-bed' aresou-rces; disturbed areas-* east ----a the'.St9 Sebastian =_ River that ' are within the general boundaries- of • the C-3 land use designation and which no longer have wetland or scrub characteristics could appropriately revert to a compatible higher density, such as R, Rural, 1 unit/acre. The 1 unit/acre density in September 20, 1994 36 M M