09/09/2025 (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final September 9, 2025 that this requirement be removed altogether. **Natural Groundwater Sub -Element Proposed Policy 2.5** Administrator Titkanich indicated that Policy 2.5 was proposed to be revised as outlined. This policy could be found on page 296 of the agenda packet. The proposed policy for the Natural Groundwater Element stated that the County would promote the use of wet detention and retention ponds for irrigation to maximize the beneficial use of stormwater runoff. He stated that a common concern was raised, prompting the Planning staff to make several adjustments. The County required that all wet detention and retention ponds, where practical and feasible, be utilized for irrigation to take advantage of stormwater runoff. It was noted that ensuring every wet retention pond was available for irrigation when stormwater was collected was essential. He noted that these discussions highlighted that some ponds might have become too low and could have been impractical for this purpose. As a result, it was decided to specify that the requirement would apply only where it was both practical and feasible. This suggestion underscored an important consideration regarding what constituted practical and feasible. In conclusion, this policy aimed to limit the use of consumptive water for irrigating grass. **Natural Groundwater Sub -Element Proposed Policy 2.6** Administrator Titkanich proposed deleting Policy 2.6, which required the County to contact the U.S. Geological Survey by 2011 to obtain an updated countywide Geo -Hydrologic Survey. This proposal aligned with Conservation Policy 3.8, which mandates a similar requirement, although it was phrased differently. Staff noted that the policy was not particularly relevant, as the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) had a core mission centered on water supply and water quality. This agency was responsible for managing, evaluating, and monitoring water supply, and for issuing consumptive -use permits for potable water. He noted that Indian River County staff met with representatives from the SJRWMD on two occasions and that the SJRWMD would not fund or undertake the update of the Geo -Hydrologic Survey. Commissioner Moss emphasized the importance of updating the 1988 Hydrologic Study conducted by the United States Geological Survey (USGS), highlighting concerns about saltwater intrusion into aquifers due to increased water pumping and unmonitored leaks from wells. She noted that an updated study would clarify issues related to groundwater waste and rising salinity, which impacts water treatment costs. Chairman Flescher and Mr. Leiske discussed the County's transition from Reverse Indian River County, Florida Pape 18