Resolution 226-1990
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RESOlJUTION NO. 226 - 1990
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOAfuJ OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF
MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA RECOGNIZING THE EXISTENCE AND
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EXCELLENCE OF THE FLORIDA
KEYS
WATER
QUAT.,ITY
COMMITTEE
ITS
INTEREST,
CONCERN,
AND
AND
PERSEVERANCE RELATING TO WATER QUALITY ISSUES IN THE
FLORIDA KEYS
YrrlEREAS, a concerned group of regulatory agency personnel., private
citizens, business people, land trust and conservation group staff have
formed an ad hoc group known as the "Florida Keys Water Quality
Committee;"
WHEREAS, the committee wishes to provide the community with sound
scientifically verified information on water, water quality and water
quality related issues;
WHEREAS, the committee has provided several publicly attended
seminars on water quality, septic systems, and canal water quality
improvement;
WHEREAS, the committee has shown an interest in providing their
information to Monroe County's Board of Commissioners and to its
citizens without profit;
WHEREAS, the committee is comprised of experts from the regulatory
field, private citizens at l.arge, privat,e business, land trusts, and
conservation groups who have knowledge of water quality and water
quality related issues; and,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOAPJ) OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE
COUNTY, FLORIDA, that the Board should recognize the fine efforts of
this committee and request their participation in providing input on the
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preparation of the Monroe County Comprehensive Plan as it relates to the
above identified issues.
Their information shall be received and evaluated for inclusion
into the Comprehensive Plan, when the required plan elements are
prepared and reviewed by the public and by the Monroe County Board of
County Commissioners for its final adoption.
However, neither the Board of County Commissioners nor the Growth
Management Division of Monroe County, Florida is bound to accept any or
all of the information or recommendations provided, but, simply to
recognize the past, current, and future efforts of the commi tt.ee.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe
county, Florida, at a regular meeting held on the ~r""'~ day of March,
A.D. 1990.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OF MONROE COUNTY , FLORIDA
ok~
By
Mayor/Chairman
Attest :DANNX 1... KOLHAGE, ~l,erk
ByL2L~fJ9.~
(Seal)
BY
WATER
o f
QUALITY COMMITTEE
the Florida Keys
I. History: The "committee" had very modest beginnings August of
1989.
The stimulus for the committee was a desire to effective gather
and discevinate information on water and water quality related
issues. A great deal of information is available, though there are
many gaps, and lack of coordination between knowledgeable
individuals is inefficient and leads to development of
misinformation. The committee formed and has been meeting to
discuss issues on a bimonthly basis.
When it was discovered that the dumping of septage and treated
sludge was to be restricted at the Cudjoe and Long Key Landfill
sites,' the committee acted to assist sewer service companies in
finding and effective, cost efficient alternative. The committee
invited Charles Aquero, to a meeting to assist in finding a
reasonable solution.
The first official meeting was held on October 17, 1989, at Crane
Point Hammock. Discussions centered around alternatives to
improving the treatment of sewage. This resulted in increased
efforts to revise rule 10 D-6, Part II relative to OSDS's (on site
sewage disposal systems). See attachment A.
On December 12th a seminar was conducted which brought in a
unique collection of experts in the area of OSDS. See attachment
B. From this seminar resulted proposed changes to Rule 10D-6
concerning improved septic tank absorption beds. It also created
an increased awareness concerning the effects of improperly
treated sewage, such as in standards drainfields and pools.
On January 25th the committee sponsored a tour of the new Key
West Sewage Treatment facilities.
When it was discovered that the dumping of septage and treated
sludge was to be restricted at the Cudjoe and Long Key Landfill
sites, the committee acted to assist sewer service companies in
finding an effective, cost efficient alternative. The committee
invited Charles Aguero, to a meeting to assist in finding a
reasonable approach.
The next milestone was a canal seminar held on February 20th.
Information was presented relative to improving canal water
quality using weed gates and aeration systems. Representative
Ron Saunders spoke at this seminar on state level fundings
sources and particulary SWIM funds for Monroe County. See
attachment C.
During the committee's short tenure it became clear that the
committee should expand its membership if it was to maximize its
impact. Therefore additional members were added to provide a
cross section of interests. The present membership is listed in
attachment D.
II. OVERAL COMMITTEE GOALS:
1. To develop and maintain a library of information relative
to water quality
2. To become informed relative to extent. and solutions to
water quality problems.
3 , Gather additional information data and make recom
mendations for improving ground and surface water quality
in the Keys.
4. To effect coordination and stimulate cooperation between
those involved in water quality matters.
5. To invite other knowledgable individuals state wide to
participate with the committee in seminars so as to become
more knowledgable and better informed.
III. PRIORITIZED COMMITTEE GOALS:
The committee is presently discussing the establishment of
prioritized goals to correct water quality conditions. The basic
tenet is to priortize based on the least cost/effort for the
maximum benefit in improving general water quality on preventing
degradation, Examples of causes / source. are: excessive
weed wrack; unnatural water flushing; improperly treated sewage;
non point sources; seafood processing houses; fertilizers:
individual sources; commercial fishing; boating operations;
nutrient sources outside the Keys. etc.
IV. WORKING ASSUMPTIONS
Relative to water quality. the committe makes two (2) basic
assumptions:
1 . Degradation of Water Quality -
A. Waters of the keys have historically been nutrient
limited.
B. Sources of nutrients are being deposited in the Keys.
degradetion receiving waters.
C. In other areas of the world excessive nutrients have
resulted in degradation of receiving waters.
D. Waters with minimum flushing are currently degraded.
Therefore, eventually waters surrounding the Keys will
become degraded.
2 . Canals as point sources of pollution -
A. Deep canals are pollution sinks.
B. These pollutants are generally retained within a poor~y
flushed canal system.
C. Eventually the canals will fill with sediments, becoming
greater sources of pollution over time.
Therefore, the canals will eventually become non point for
sources for the pollution Outstanding Florida Waters (OFW).
V. CURRENT ACTIVITIES AND FUTURE PLANS
In an effort to have scientific research conducted in a coordinated
manner, Dr. Sandra Vargo spoke at the February 27th meeting of the
committee. She represents the Florida Institute of Oceanography with a
facility in Layton. She assured the committee that they welcome our
coordinating efforts and promised that the committee would review any
plans for research in the Keys.
The committee is actively involved in having high level administrative
staff from DER (in Tallahassee) come to the Keys and observe water
degradation problems. It is expected that these actions will result in
improved assistance from Tallahassee.
The most important quality of the committee is its role as providing an
informed forum for organizations involved in water quality matters.
Through this committee staff members can interact in a coordinated
fashion, resolve general problems efficiently and discuss alternatives in
a group situation.
The committee has expressed a desire to make itself available to the
Monroe County Commission as a "sounding board" in matters relative to
water quality in the Keys.
FLKEYS/WORD/USER3
ATTACHMENT "A"
AGENDA FOR
SEWAGE TREATMENT IN THE KEYS
October 17, 1989
Crane Hammock Marine Science Center
1 - 5 P.M. plus evening (if needed)
MODERATOR:
Barry McAlister, F.D.E.R.
Introduction, DER Rules, Overview of sewage
treatment.
PANELISTS:
Chris Schrader, Ecosytematics
Operation and maintenance of treatment plants
permitted by DER
Steve Breshears, Monroe County Health
Department HRS permitting, design,
installation, operation and maintenance of
OSDS's (on site disposal systems). Stressing
septic tanks.
Operational performances including cess pits.
Dr. Brian LaPointe, Results of septic system
research and its effect on marine
environments, specific findings relative to
effluent flows from individual septic tanks
into inshore waters.
John Heber, Domestic Wastewater Section, DER,
Tallahassee Review of Rule 10D-6 Part II.
OSDS's, particularly small aerobic units.
George Garrett, Monroe County Planning
Department Development criteria, density
regulations and future goals, relative to
sewage treatment systems and their effects.
Emphasis on alternative methods to achieve
density goal.
Format will be: Each panelist to make a 10-15 minute
presentation followed by no more than 15 minutes of
questions and answers. Following this period will be more
in-depth discussion of a few important subjects, to include:
(1) solutions for improved performance of small
aerobic treatment systems,
(2) central sewage systems as an alternative to OSDS's
(3) upgrading existing systems and conceptual design
of improved treatment systems,
(4) the necessity of future meetings and their goals
and objectives
Anticipated Attendees:
George Kundtz
Bob Ernst
Mike Puto - Mayor
Pete Kalla - F.G.F.C.
Ross Burnaman - Wilderness Society
Brian Schmitt
Earl Cheal
Curtis Kruer
Larry Olney, DCA
ATTACHMENT "B"
SEWAGE TREATMENT IN THE KEYS
MEETING II: TREATMENT ALTERNATIVES FOR STANDARD SEPTIC SYSTEMS
December 11, 1989 - Meet the Speakers, Social Gathering
The Beach House, Key Colony Beach
7:00PM - until
9:00AM
9:15AM
10:00AM
10:30AM
11:15AM
1:00PM
1:45PM
December 12, 1989
9:00AM until 5:00PM
Jaycees BUilding - 33rd Street Gulf
Introduction - Barry McAlister, F.D.E.R.
Mr. Damann Anderson, P.E., Ayres Associates,
Tampa. CURRENT OSDS RESEARCH, PARTICULARLY MOUND
TREATMENT SYSTEMS. ALSO INCLUDING TREATMENT BY
EVAPOTRANSPIRATION.
Brian LaPointe, Ph.D., Director of Marine
Conservation. Florida Keys Land & Sea Trust.
USE OF MARINE ALGAE TO UPTAKE NUTRIENTS.
Dr. Randy Brown, University of Florida, Soil
Science Department. SOILS AND ABSORBTION BEDS,
ESPECIALLY MOUND SYSTEMS.
Mr. Dick Otis, RSE, Ayres Associates, Madison,
Wisconsin. ALTERNATIVE SEPTIC TREATMENT SYSTEMS,
INCLUDING THOSE WHICH REMOVE NUTRIENTS.
12:00 NOON to 1:00PM - LUNCH
Mr. Chris Noble, Vero Beach, USDA Soil
Conservation Service. SOIL CHARACTERISTICS
RELATIVE TO SEWAGE DISPOSAL
Mr. Paul Poor, Sebring, Alpha Septic Industries.
DISCUSSION OF LOW PRESSURE AND STEP TREATMENT
SYSTEMS, WITH EMPHASIS ON INSTALLATION COST AND
o & M PROBLEMS
Attachment "B"
continued
2:30PM Mr. Calvin Locker, Ocala, Multi-Flo Waste Water
Treatment Systems.
DISCUSSION OF MULTI-FLO TREATMENT SYSTEMS, WITH
EMPHASIS ON 0 & M PROBLEMS AND RECENT DESIGN
CHANGES.
3:15PM Mr. Garry Snider, F.H.R.S., Tallahassee.
OVERVIEW OF RULE 10D-6 CHANGES WHICH AFFECT THE
KEYS.
4:00PM DISCUSSION - SPEAKERS AND PANEL WILL DISCUSS
PERTINENT ISSUES RELATIVE TO RULE CHANGES.
Format: 20 minute presentation by speakers,
questions from panel, then questions from floor.
Panel Members:
George Garrett - Monroe County
Bob Ernst - Florida Keys Citizen's Coalition
Homer Rhodes - Monroe county Health Department
Ross Burnaman - Wilderness Society
Pete Kalla - Florida Game and Fish Commission
John Heber - D.E.R. Tallahassee
Kevin Sherman - H.R.S. Tallahassee
ATTACHMBNT "C"
KEYS CANALS - DEAD OR ALIVE
HOW YOU CAN IMPROVE YOUR CANAL WATER QUALITY
FEBRUARY 20, 1990
JAYCEES BUILDING - 33RD STREET, GULF, MARATHON
TIMB
9:00 AM
9:15 AM
10:00 AM
10:30 AM
11:30 AM
12:00 PM
1:30 PM
2:15 PM
3:15 PM
SPBAKBR
TOPIC
Barry MCalister
Welcome
Dr. Brian Lapointe
Canal Water
Quality Problems
Joe Rosenblatt
Weed Gate Design
Mary Sukup
Videos and Slides of
Weed Gates
TBA
Taxing Districts
Lunch Break
Ron Saunders
State Funding/SWIM
Michael Mulvihill
Aeration
Mary Sukup
Aeration Slides and
Canal Aeration Case
Histories
4:15 PM
Ross Burnaman
Point Source
Discharge OFW
Violations
4;45 PM
FDER - Debbie Charvat Permitting
FDNR - Ann Lazar
USCOE - Vic Anderson
County - George Garrett
5:30 PM
Barry MCalister
Close
Sponsored by: Water Quality Committee of the Florida Keys for
Information contact: Barry MCalister (305) 743-5955
ATTACHMENT "D"
WATER QUALITY COMMITTEE
of the Florida Keys
Chairperson:
Barry McAlister
Fl. Dept. of Environmental Reg.
11400 Overseas Highway, Suite 123
Marathon, Florida 33052
305-743-5955
Members:
Ross Burnaman
Florida Keys Representative
The Wilderness Society
8065 Overseas Highway
Marathon, Florida 33050
305-289-1010
George Garrett, Monroe County
Division of Environmental Resources
5825 Jr. College Road, Stock Island
Key West, Florida 33040
305-294-2908 or
305-294-9614
Pete Kalla
Fl. Game & Fish Commission
11400 Overseas Highway, Suite 124
Marathon, Florida 33050
305-743-9312
Larry Olney
Dept. of Community Affairs
P.O. Box 990
Key West, Florida 33401
305-292-6767 & 464-6714 (Suncom)
Larry Olney
Dept. of Community Affair
P.O. Box 990
Key West, Florida 33401
305-292-6767 &
464-6714 (SunCom)
Bob Ernst
Florida Keys Coalition
7525 Gulfstream Blvd.
Marathon, Florida 33050
305-743-6872
Tom Hartye, Division of
Engineering
Florida Keys Aqueduct
Authority
1100 Kennedy Drive
Key West, Florida 33040
305-296-2454 (Lower Keys)
305-743-2643 (Middle
Keys)
Dr. Brian LaPointe
Director Marine Science
Keys Land & Sea Trust
Crane Point Hammock
5250 Overseas Highway
Marathon, Florida 33050
305-743-3900
Dave Ringemann
Fl. Keys Contractors
Association
204 107th Street, Gulf
Marathon, Florida 33052
305-743-5357
Mark Robertson
The Nature conversancy
830 Fleming street
P.O. Box 4958
Key West, Florida 33040
305-296-3880
Chris schrader
Ecosystematics
203 Apache street
Tavernier, Florida 33070
305-852-5103
Brian Schmitt
Realtor and Developer
1100 Overseas Highway
Marathon, Fl. 33050
305-743-5181
Kris Williams
Monroe County Health
Department
5825 Jr. college Rd.,
stock Island,
Key West, Florida 33040
LIAISON MEMBERS:
Mary Sukup
Rt. 4 Box 1255
Little Torch, Key, Fl. 33042
305-872-3326