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000K 0� PAGE 789 mitigation area on the AGC Industrial Tract. This memorandum is presented for the Board to consider approving the proposed mitigation project, including execution of the proposed DEP conservation easement. Wetland Restoration The AGC Industrial Tract contains ±24 acres of freshwater marsh. In the early 1970s, the marsh was divided in two when unimproved right-of-way was filled for an extension of Gibson Street (a.k.a. 130`h Street). Although Gibson Street has yet to be extended, the ROW filling segmented 5 acres of marsh from the remaining ±19 acres of marsh. Over the years, the segmented 5 acre marsh has stagnated and become overrun with cattails, and is in need of restoration. As proposed, restoration entails removal of cattails, including removal of muck that serves as a cattail seed source, and revegetation of the area with native wetland species (e.g., cordgrass). To increase flushing, a culvert connection between the 5 acre marsh and the ±19 acre marsh is also proposed. Cost & Funding The project cost estimate for wetland restoration is $103,000. This estimate includes the cost of removing muck one foot in depth for five acres, and also trucking and planting costs. (A more accurate depth of muck will be determined prior to bid). The cost estimate does not include tipping fees if material is hauled to the landfill. Staff is investigating the opportunity to minimize costs by retaining the excavated muck on-site for a drying -out period, then using the dried organic material on the subject property or for other county projects. As reported to the Board on June 3, 1997, the preliminary wetland mitigation cost estimate was $79,000, assuming mitigation would entail the creation of new wetlands(see attached supporting data with agenda dated May 8, 1997, which was approved by the Board of County Commissioners on June 3, 1997). However, because the County is already committed to restore 5 acres of wetlands under its FCT cost -share grant, staff revised its mitigation plan to what is explained herein. This revision is supported by FDEP staff. To fund the required wetland mitigation, staff proposes that the amount of $79,000 approved by the Board on June 3, 1997 associated with the Treatment Plant expansion project be unchanged, and that the remaining cost (±$24,000) be funding with environmental land bond funds, which funds can be used for initial resource management costs on acquired environmental lands. The mitigation costs described herein are estimates; final costs, once determined, will be brought to the Board of County Commissioners at a subsequent Board meeting for approval. The staff of the Department of Utility Services and the Community Development Department recommend that the Board of County Commissioners: 1. Execute the attached FDEP conservation easement as required for obtaining an ERP permit. 2. Approve the wetland mitigation proposed herein and its estimated cost. 3. Authorize staff to negotiate a change order with Wharton - Smith, Inc. to incorporate the wetland mitigation project activities in the Wharton -Smith contract for construction of the South County Wastewater Treatment Plant expansion. JUNE 179 1997 30