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Public Benefits <br /> Abandoned flow-wells result in the unnecessary consumption of groundwater. Moreover, artesian flow <br /> wells tend to have high chloride levels. The high chloride levels, in turn, lower water quality in the <br /> surficial aquifer, which is the principal water source for private potable wells. Renewal of the attached <br /> agreement will continue an important and successful water quality and water supply protection program. <br /> In addition, the agreement renewal will fulfill Comprehensive Plan Natural Groundwater Aquifer <br /> Recharge Policy 3.5,which calls for renewal of the program contingent on funding availability. <br /> Eligible wells <br /> County Code Section 931.09 requires developers to plug abandoned artesian flow wells on development <br /> project properties in conjunction with county site plan and subdivision approval. Flow wells on such <br /> properties are not eligible for funding under the County/SJRWMD cost-share program. Rather, the cost- <br /> share program targets other wells (not on development project sites) to provide public funding for <br /> landowners that may need financial assistance to carry out a proper well abandonment, which can cost <br /> hundreds or thousands of dollars,depending on the characteristics of the particular well. <br /> FUNDING <br /> For FY 2020/21, funding for the well-plugging program has been allocated in Planning/Code <br /> Enforcement Budget Account # 00420724-033190, under "Professional Services." Continuation of that <br /> annual budget allocation will fund the program in future years, contingent on funding availability. <br /> Section 4 of the proposed agreement("Funding Contingency") specifies that the District and the County <br /> intend to fulfill their 3 year obligations but that funding each year is subject to budgetary approval of the <br /> parties. <br /> RECOMMENDATION <br /> Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners approve the proposed countywide abandoned <br /> flow well plugging cost-share agreement renewal with the SJRWMD, and authorize the Board Chairman <br /> to execute the agreement. <br /> ATTACHMENT <br /> 1. County grant information form. <br /> 2. Proposed cost-share agreement. <br /> F:\Community Development\WELL PLUGGING\BCC Staff Report 081820.doc <br /> 155 <br />