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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-063APeter D. O'Bryan Chairman District 4 Wesley S. Davis Vice Chairman District 1 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS May 6, 2014 D ouglas C. Bournique G overning Board Member St Johns River Water Management District P O Box 1429/ 4049 Reid Street / Highway 100 Palatka, FL 32177 5•G•19 010/9.o hs 4 Joseph E. Flescher District 2 Subject: Regional Jurisdictional Water Supply Plan/Attenuation System Dear Mr. Bournique, Tim Zorc District 3 Bob Solari District 5 On Tuesday April 22, 2014 after you spoke to the Indian River County Board of County Commissioners, they unanimously voted to seek funding for a regional water supply plan The intent of this letter is to seek that support and leadership through your governing board, the legislative process and other state agencies such as the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). There is a great need to decisively act with cohesive efforts from the many stakeholders, both inter and intra -county wide, to develop, and implement a regional water supply consolidation plan to reconnect the separate water management districts in the area known as the Fort Drum Marsh. We respectfully request allocating funds to develop and maintain this valid option for the plethora of benefits it will provide Such benefits of the re -connection plan/ regional attenuation system will allow for more effective water management through targeted reductions of and better management of fresh water discharges to the Indian River lagoon; improved water quality, flood control, improved water quantity increased aquifer re -charge and reduction of ground water withdrawals. The end result will be a system that allows the flexibility for agricultural users residents, landowners and visitors to use and preserve the ecologically important resources which we all rely on while simultaneously balancing the economic needs of the area. In 2013, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) labelled the central IRL as being `impaired" due to poor water quality conditions. Documented scientific studies have focused on the resultant decrease in sea grasses throughout the 1801 27th Street, Building A Vero Beach, FL 32960 (772) 226-1490 Bournique Letter Page 2 of 3 May 6, 2014 Lagoon, increased turbidity levels and nutrient loads which in turn have caused biological chain reactions of harmful Algal Blooms (HAB's). Such blooms have had dire consequences to the entire ecosystem The re -connection plan/regional attenuation system is not a new concept. Historically one can look back at the congressionally passed Flood Control Acts of 1948 and 1954. The United States Congress enacted the necessary authorization for the flood control of the areas through prudent water management policies and tactics At the time the plans included Targe scale reservoirs designed to efficiently move and store waters out west and allow flow to travel in a North/South pattern rather than conveying vast amounts of waters West to East. The existing flow patterns now carry large discharge volumes of dissolved nutrients and silt which have contributed to the deterioration of the Indian River Lagoon. In the mid -1970's the Florida legislature, through Chapter 373 and based on the prior federal 1948 and 1954 flood control acts, created separate water management districts such as the SJRWMD and the SFWMD to better manage this resource. The delineation of these Districts is along the Indian River/St Lucie County line. In recent times, the rapid transition to urban development has not only increased the water shed areas but has placed an additional hydraulic burden on the Lagoon through large volumetric discharges that flow un -abated. In Indian River County, an annual average daily flow of up to 96 Million Gallons a Day (MGD) flow to tide, subject to seasonal precipitation fluctuations. Similar effects are evident along the 156 mile Lagoon where agricultural uses are being replaced by urban development. Like a patient in the intensive care unit, the Lagoon is on life-support. We must cooperatively work together to stop or reduce these anthropogenic influences that prohibit proper healing. The grand vision for the ambitious project is to re -connect the hydraulically severed waterways between the separate Districts. The North/South direction of water flow will serve multiple water management purposes and stake holders both immediately and through a long term process. In addition to the decrease in west -east discharges that are continuing to degrade the viability of the Lagoon, the re-connection/regional attenuation system will allow water to be stored in such a way as to help agricultural users with irrigation needs, continue to provide flood control, recharge ailing aquifer systems and enhance options for using the surface water as a potential alternative water supply for potable consumption needs. Failure to act now will lead this great state down the pathway of inevitability and drought -caused implications like what the State of California and Texas have seen this past year. Improper handling of this precious resource will only amplify our needs to proactively act now to set in place a plan and a road map for this effort. In addition to the environmental benefits outlined, the economic benefits of the Lagoon are great The estimated annual economic value provided by this estuary amounts to $415 million for Martin County, $611 million to St. Lucie County and $491 million to Indian River County totaling $1.5 billion per year. The potential of up to 96 MGD of Bournique Letter Page 3 of 3 May 6, 2014 storm water discharges from Indian River County's canal systems to the Lagoon threaten to erode all aspects of the once strong economic and environmental foundation. The annual recreational use value just in Indian River County is $101 million per year! The decrease in water quality has a domino effect on the aquatic life below the surface and visitor use above. The unintended consequences of our actions o r in -action could be a prolonged loss of property values along this waterway. Once that happens, communities, counties and cities will all experience a decrease in tax bases and a perception of avoidance for guests and visitors who want to come to the sunshine state to spend their dollars locally The funding requested will be used to outline a road map based on sound technical and advisory personnel who will evaluate the options and provide guidance. The re- connection/regional attenuation plan has been discussed for far too long and action is needed now. This plan has been endorsed by the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program, the Treasure Coast Council of Local Governments representing Counties of Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee, and St. Lucie: Cities of Fellsmere, Fort Pierce, Sebastian, Stuart and Vero Beach and the Towns of Jupiter Island, Indian River Shores, Sewall's Point and St Lucie Village. The SFWMD, SJRWMD, Army Corps of Engineers and the State of Florida have an o pportunity to create a lasting legacy for generations to come. The funding support that SJRWMD provides, in concert with other state and federal agencies, will serve as a catalyst to begin the epic endeavor which is vital to our way of life and our ability to e nhance the environmental benefits that are critical in bringing this vision to fruition. erely, Peter D. O'Bryan, Chair Indian River County Board of County Commissioners cc: Board of County Commissioners