6/18/1996 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

EXISTING RESTORATION EFFORTS SOLUTIONS Programs such as environmentally endan- gered land acquisition and storm -water utili- ties can have a direct impact on the resources of the Lagoon. Several programs of this nature have been implemented by local governments throughout the Lagoon region. While other efforts, such as regulatory programs and the development and implementation of compre- hensive growth management plans, may be considered non-specific to the Lagoon and a traditional governmental role, these programs are important in protecting and managing the Lagoon's resources. Several efforts have been initiated by local governments and state and federal agencies to protect and restore the Indian River Lagoon's resources, as well. Prior to the initiation of the National Estuary Program, the only Lagoon - specific and Lagoon -wide program was the Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM) program implemented by the St. Johns River and South Florida water management districts. The SWIM program developed a manage- ment plan for the Indian River Lagoon and undertook much of the initial critical research and diagnostic work. In addition, SWIM spon- sored numerous restoration or demonstration projects in the region. In 1990, the Florida Legislature, recogniz- ing the impacts of wastewater discharges on the resources of the Lagoon, passed the Indian River Lagoon Act. This act required all domes- tic wastewater treatment plants to cease dis- charge to the Indian River Lagoon, reducing Pollutant loadings. Most wastewater plants are now in compliance with the act. Those facilities which are not in compliance are work- ing on projects which will end their discharges to the Indian River Lagoon. The CCMP for the Indian River Lagoon has been developed by participants in the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program Management Conference. The CCMP addresses three major issue areas. These include: --Sediment and Water Ouality Improvement • Living Resources Preservation and Restoration • Public and Governmental Support and Involvement Each of these issues contains several action plans addressing issues of concern. These issues were identified either during characterization of the resources of the Indian River Lagoon or during workshops with resi- dents of the Lagoon region. Each action plan contains several action steps specifically developed to accomplish the action. In total, the CCMP includes 15 action plans with 70 individual actions. As the NEP transitions into the implemen- tation phase, revisions to the IRLNEP Management Conference have been proposed. The Management Conference would become an advisory board to the SJRWMD and SFWMD and other members of the Management Conference. As an advisory board, the revised Management Conference would review pro- posed policies and actions affecting the Indian River Lagoon, as well as actively developing and promoting projects implementing CCMP actions. COPY OF THE INDIAN RIVER LAGOON COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION & MANAGEMENT PLAN IS ON FILE IN ITS ENTIRETY IN THE OFFICE OF THE CLERK TO THE BOARD Mr. Busby advised that they will be bringing the final report to the Board in early September after they finish taking the final draft around to the cities and counties along the Indian River Lagoon. The cost to implement the plan is estimated at $88 million. Commissioner Eggert commented that the report is easy to read and the pictures are good. Chairman Adams asked what we are considering when we say the Lagoon is restored, and Mr. Busby said that if we can get it like the area around Jupiter, we could consider it restored. One of the final indicators would be when people are able to use the Lagoon and when there is an abundance of fish and seagrass beds. Chairman Adams read aloud the following proclamation: 18 BOOK 98 F�F,38.2 JUNE 189 1996