01/14/2014 (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

To: From. RE: Date: The Board of County Commissioners Peter D. O'Bryan, Chairman Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program Grant January 14, 2014 The Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program (IRLNEP), as administered by the St. Johns River Water Management District (District), is now accepting proposals for funding lagoon - related projects The primary goals of the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program are to attain and maintain water and sediment quality in order to support a healthy, macrophyte- based estuarine lagoon ecosystem; protect endangered and threatened species, fisheries and wildlife; and achieve heightened public awareness and coordinated interagency management of the Indian River Lagoon. On July 16, 2013, the Board of County Commissioners approved and funded an oyster reef pilot project. The site is located off the discharge point for the FDOT contiguous with the northern boundary of the Spoonbill Marsh. The construction portion of the project was completed in October 2013 and is already showing signs of providing substantial habitat for attached organisms, juvenile fish and invertebrates. Previous studies of the effect oysters have on nutrients in the estuarine waters indicated that oyster shells can provide for long term storage of phosphorus. The oysters and attached growth on the shells will also facilitate the removal of nitrogen from surrounding waters. We have an opportunity to expand the oyster reef concept to several other locations in the County (see attached maps for locations) by submitting a proposal to the IRLNEP. These projects would follow the same general pr'nciples used to design the existing reef, however, a larger footprint may be possible. We are seeking matching funds from the IRLNEP in amounts up to $50,000.00 as required for capital projects. The County would contribute up to $50,000 in matching funds from the Sales Tax reserve account pending a successful award of the grant. Time is of the essence. The grant application must be completed and submitted by 5:OOpm, January 15, 2014. Preparation of the grant application would require the County to provide the locations of these proposed oyster reefs, a conceptual design plan for each reef, a best management plan for construction activities, and preferably obtain permits for the reefs involved with our application. Relative to the permit issues, it is possible to immediately submit a letter to the District requesting a permit determination. Keep in mind the State approved construction of the existing reef as a de-minimis activity. A similar finding for the proposed oyster reefs potentially could allow the County to show these projects have been permitted by the State. The success of oysters to create better water quality has been well documented. Their ability to filter large volumes of water is beneficial in reducing dissolved nutrients, reducting suspended solids and increasing safe habitat for marine life. As part of the grant submittal, a technical presentation will be made to the grant advisory committee in February 2014 with final determination of the Grant on or before May 31, 2014. If the County is successful with the award, matching funds are distributed October 1, 2014. 86