Item Q2 Q.2
G BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
County of Monroe Mayor Sylvia Murphy,District 5
The Florida Keys l'U � � Mayor Pro Tern Danny Kolhage,District 1
�pw° Michelle Coldiron,District 2
Heather Carruthers,District 3
David Rice,District 4
County Commission Meeting
July 17, 2019
Agenda Item Number: Q2
Agenda Item Summary #5747
BULK ITEM: No DEPARTMENT: County Administrator
TIME APPROXIMATE: STAFF CONTACT: Lindsey Ballard (305) 292-4443
11:00 AM
AGENDA ITEM WORDING: Request to speak to the Board of County Commissioners by Robert
Betancourt, in regards to the seaweed invasion issue in Tavernier Ocean Shore Community.
ITEM BACKGROUND:
PREVIOUS RELEVANT BOCC ACTION:
CONTRACT/AGREEMENT CHANGES:
n/a
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
DOCUMENTATION:
RE_Sounding Board item -TOS seaweed invasion-Unplugging canal from TOS to Blue Water canal
could be a sustainable method to increase water flow and quality
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Effective Date:
Expiration Date:
Total Dollar Value of Contract:
Total Cost to County:
Current Year Portion:
Budgeted:
Source of Funds:
CPI:
Indirect Costs:
Estimated Ongoing Costs Not Included in above dollar amounts:
Packet Pg. 3259
Q.2
Revenue Producing: If yes, amount:
Grant:
County Match:
Insurance Required:
Additional Details:
REVIEWED BY:
Bob Shillinger Completed 06/27/2019 3:04 PM
Kathy Peters Completed 06/28/2019 8:57 AM
Board of County Commissioners Pending 07/17/2019 9:00 AM
Packet Pg. 3260
Q.2.a
Peters-Katherine
0
From: Robert L. Betancourt <rbetancourt@gartek.cc>
Sent: Monday, June 24, 2019 11:45 AM
To: Ballard-Lindsey
Subject: RE :Sounding Board item -TOS seaweed invasion-Unplugging canal from TOS to Blue
Water canal could be a sustainable method to increase water flow and quality
U)
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
22
0
Hi Lindsey:
I would like to bring to the Commissioners' attention the Seaweed invasion problem (s) in our Tavernier Ocean Shore
(TOS) Community and in particular the following related issues affecting our neighborhood, in an effort to get this
problem resolved as soon as possible, since it is negatively affecting our marine environment and human health:
1) Seaweed invasion has come to Tavernier Ocean shores. Seaweed is being trapped inside our TOS canal with
nowhere to go except the bottom of the canal where it sits and rots
2) How could we request County experts to test the quality of our waterways and make people aware of the health
dangerous involved (people w/o knowing may be swimming in toxic polluted water, and/or using this water to co
clean their fish catch they will eat later, diving in to clean jet skis intakes are they stall in the dense seaweed
mats. etc.). I believe the water contamination levels could be high reaching hazardous toxic levels to humans. 0
There is no marine life now when only a few month ago they were thriving in TOS water ways (e.g. if you
release bait fish they all will die in a matter of 2 minutes due the lack of oxygen and presence of other toxics
gasses ).
3) How we could request experts to test Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) levels in the air we are breathing (e.g. the rotten
egg smells of H2S is felt as soon as you turn from US1 to Julep Road )
4) H2S is affecting the must vulnerable in our community(e.g. people suffering from asthma and other upper
respiratory problems. Is H2S classified by the County as a Hazardous gas?
5) How could we protect our marine life endangered species (sea turtles, manatees, lobsters, etc.),that enjoyed
TOS as a habitat refuge and they are now dying with nowhere to hide?
6) How could we stop the negative effects of toxic gasses (H2S) produce as seaweed rots in our canal bottoms?
7) How could we protect our health and have a healthy marine environment like we used to? a®
8) How could we stop the wrong location placement of air bubblers by people that are not experts or don't need a
permit to install one and/or by trying to solve their nuisance problems instead are creating a bigger
problem for all. U)
co
9) How could we amend or change our laws, on a case by case approval basis,to allow the dredging on an
entrance canal from TOS to Blue Waters that is now blocked and preventing the water flow circulation needed
in our waterways to improve water quality using a sustainable natural method that do not consume our fossil
fuel resources and/or adds pollution to the air we're breathing (Pumping Systems need electricity, cost
money and will pollute the air).
0
10) How could we improve navigational safety in our canals. TOS has only one (1) SW very narrow entrance (in and
out)that is very dangerous to navigation, since only one vessel fits at a time. If we could open the SE second
canal entrance that is now plugged by rocks, we can solve several problems: increase water
flow/quality problems, improve dangerous vessel navigation problem s in our waterways as well as use the 0
removed rocks and sands to back fill our existing canal that is too deep (an average of 16 feet deep)and one of co
the culprits behind the bad water quality problems we are facing at this time.
Could you please let me know if you'll need any additional information from me. Also please kindly could you
provide me with a tentative time frame on the proposed 7/27 of sounding board item.
1
Packet Pg. 3261
Q.2.a
Thank you very much for your e-mail below, I look forward to your response.
Have a great day!
0
Robert L. Betancourt P.E., LEED AP
President
Gartek Engineering Corporation U)
7210 SW 39 Terrace•Miami, Florida 33155•Phone(305)266-8997•Fax(305)264-9496 U)
6801 Lake Worth Road.•Suite 117• Greenacres, Florida 33467• Phone(561)249-3431 •Fax(561)249-3472
2700 N.29th Avenue•Suite 109•Hollywood, Florida 33020•Phone(954)404-8100•Fax(954)404-8133
Website addresse '..............................
Email server address:,,,,(ujSgg,,,i!11eJk,cc o
DISCLAIMER
Gartek Engineering Corp.makes the electronically stored data and attachments in the e-mail transmission available for information purposes only.No warranty either expressed or implied is made
regarding the accuracy or reliability of this data.Gartek Engineering Corp.reserves the right to revise,update and improve its electronically stored data and attachments without notice and assumes no
responsibility for any damages which may arise as a result of the use of this data.The user agrees to verify the data in the e-mail transmission to ascertain its accuracy for the intended use.Gartek �g
Engineering Corp.makes every effort to ensure this transmission is virus-free,however,Gartek Engineering Corp.assumes no responsibility for damages caused by the installation of this data.Emails
sent to(cDaartek.cam willll mat be receiived by Gartek�naiineerina Carp. We assume na Iliabitllities rellated to anv carresoandence ar privac nat addressed to lcDgartek.cc.Use of the data in this
transmission indicates that the user accepts the above conditions.If these conditions are unacceptable,the transmission should be returned to Gartek Engineering Corp.main office located at 7210 SW
39 Terrace,Miami FI.33155.All copies must be destroyed. �S
Nease¢soIrnsudeir the einvuire;,rlrnlimteint Ilxefoirtrw Ipidina.iing a.Ns e.irnaill
0
C0
From: Ballard-Lindsey<Bal lard-Li ndsey@ Mon roeCounty-FL.Gov>
Sent: Monday,June 24, 2019 9:55 AM
To: Robert L. Betancourt<rbetancourt@gartek.cc>
Cc: Ballard-Lindsey<Bal lard-Li ndsey@ Mon roeCounty-FL.Gov>
Subject: RE: Unplugging canal from TOS to Blue Water canal
Importance: High
Good morning Mr. Betancourt,
r
1 will be assisting in placing a Sounding Board item on the July 171",2019 BOCC Meeting in Agenda.That meeting will
be held in Marathon, at the Marathon Government Center located at 2798 Overseas Highway in the BOCC Meeting
Chambers on the 2nd Floor. I will need for you to send me a short synopsis of what exactly it is that you would like to
address the Board of County Commissioners about. I will use this in the agenda item wording and your email train as
the back-up so the Commissioners are aware of the details prior to the meeting. Below is how Sounding Board
works: U)
co
b) Sounding Board: A separate section of the regular meeting agenda will be E
reserved for Sounding Board. Sounding Board must be scheduled for a time
approximate for public convenience. The purpose of the Sounding Board is to allow
individuals to address the County Commission on a matter pertaining to County 013
o
government, excluding matters in litigation and complaints against specific personnel.
The initial speaker on an item-whether representing him or herself, or a non-profit
organization-may address the County Commission for a period up to ten minutes.
Subsequent speakers who are speaking for themselves on the same item may co
speak for three minutes. A subsequent speaker on the same item may address the
County Commission on behalf of another nonprofit organization for five minutes.
Individuals who wish to utilize Sounding Board must contact the County
Administrator's Office in writing in order to be scheduled on the agenda, must specify
the subject matter of the presentation, and must comply with the agenda deadlines
2
Packet Pg. 3262
Q.2.a
established in this Section 1.03. No action maybe taken by the County Commission on
an item on the Sounding Board agenda.
0
if you have any questions, please feel free to contact at me any of the numbers below or by email.Thank you.
Sincerely,
°
Lindsey Ballard U)
Aide to Roman Gastesi,County Administrator U)
iloo Simonton Street, Suite 2-205
Key West, FL 33040
(305)292-4443(Office)
(305)393-4442(Cell Phone) o
(305)292-4544(Fax)
Courier Stop#1
Ballard-Lindsey@monroecounty-fl.gov
www.monroecount�fl°gov
co
Monroe County, Florida
"The Florida Keys" 0-
4-
PLEASE NOTE: FLORIDA HAS A VERY BROAD RECORDS LAW. MOST WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS TO OR FROM THE
COUNTY REGARDING COUNTY BUSINESS ARE PUBLIC RECORDS AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC AND MEDIA UPON
REQUEST. YOUR EMAIL COMMUNICATION MAYBE SUBJECT TO PUBLIC DISCLOSURE.
°
U)
From: Robert L. Betancourt<rk:r1 „Irc„? r„1 „g „!-tek.c„c>
Sent: Monday,June 17, 2019 3:18 PM
To: Haag-Rhonda <II Naa.:. If i7ulrr,.a a:�)I�M1ulrr°urCu��lr1:: f=L.n uv>; Shillin er-Bob <. i7illilr.:.r r° uk:a:5.)Moni,'oeCu��l�r1::
8 ...................... ...................................................... ............................................................................................"............................................... 8 .....................................f............................................ ............................................................................................................................................
GJS i:6os �.fl.u.ri .a �r.I. ...:uv; Dvid Di re FWC<david. �iI ..r..a .....w............................................... BOCCDIS5 <B0CC� S 21I.Mo�r.°..oeC0L....jr.1.:. .� ....................r......................... ..l.......................................................... ................................. .... r . ................................................................ ....
f=L.n uv>; Roberts-Michael <If uk:r r1:: II�M1ic:i7ar l a:��I�M1ulrr°urCu��lr1:: f=L.n uv>; McPherson-C nthia <IMc:ilhr^r°sun- U'
.......................................... ........................................................................................................ ............................................................................................ ............................................... Y ........................................................................... co
C Ir1::i7ia.(-:��I�M1IrrrC ��Ir1:: f:L.ev>; cutie-lisette<c:��1::ir liSr1:1::r a:��rrlrrrc: ��lr1: 1I..:.�rv>; � Ir.11.:.lri7arl:a:��1lrir,.ar,. r ..:.�rv;
................................. ............................................................................................. ............................................... .......................................................................................... ................. ................ ....................................... .............................................................1......... ...............
Corning, Greg W<.:.rr .:..c: r[]il~r.:.ri�. �2�r.��lc:.c:�rr> Shillin er-Bob <.Shillilr.:.r�r ���k:G��I�M1�Irr�rC���lr1:: E.L. . >• Mercado-
8 5.............5...........................................E...M,,,,........................................i.............................................. 8 ...........................5............................................. ,............................................................................................ ................................................
Pedro < rr°cado-Iflrfiro � � u 1 .�v> Ballard-Lindsey<Ba.11ar°d.-.Li..rdsr. >�vC ............ ................................................................................. .Le�. �
rlr° .............. ......................................................................................... ,................................................................................. 1...............r.......1Cc: a u ....................................... rr lr5 ...M,,,,.........r...........a....c.............c...:
5a � G�5.r .....il.....crr
.... .. .. . r r :r.�.... . a ............r...r........
Donald°v�rrk:k: �G�.:.Trail.c: rr ��.:.G�1::irrk:rrc:rrrlclivilr.:..c: rr r1::.:.ri11G2.g.mail.c: rrn If:i�i7rr�lr.:.rr. 1::G�..fl
.....5.......................................................... ......................... ...M,,,,..........................................................................................................5............................... ....................5..................... 5......................................................... .....................................................5............................ ,......................................................
n rr .:.ur k:ar i7G�.:.rrnail.c:urrn I�M1ar1::i7ar�.7G�a l.c: ern• airwave^c:ur G�k:r 11 ��1::i7.1rr1:: I�M1ii,- nrrnikesi r�,2.p .c:urrn
5.............. ......................................M,,,,.... .......................................................... ...................................................................... ,...................................................... .....................................................................1........M,,,,...................................................................................... ..................................................................................
ak .09 D �5.....r........a.......il.....c er ..C..................................................... ...........M .............................................................. ..... r 9 il...c..........e............................... 1................e ..M�.. .
a................................................. ................. c . ,�
.............. ............ ...a... .... c: ............ ........................................
1G .i..7.....�........�.............c....:...�........r....r....n..73s
oraci.a 7 ,,�.. ,�..l..rr � c .r / r c05 ...................................... .... v ..D ........ r .....l ..G ...................................................................................................... ................... ...........
!:::.LJben.. ..kip.!:::!:.i'.'ar�.es.:.c.�.!n; ...V.:�:1::�.!!..!..c.��..��..E.!:E. ..!..�...:.c.�..!:E.
Subject: RE: Unplugging canal from TOS to Blue Water canal
Hi Ms. Haag: E
Understood obtaining permits for unplugging a canal is a lengthy process, although it may take some time, I think it is a,
worthwhile investigating it and applying for permits now. Also researching the feasibility with our Commissioners to
3
Packet Pg. 3263
Q.2.a
add an exemption to the existing Monroe County Plan policies and Land Development Codes, to allow it, in a case by
case basis approval basis, as one of the approved TOS canal restoration method, especially since this is a sustainable
method, where the removed rock material and sand (which don't need any testing since it is natural and already in our o
waterways); could be placed back to fill our canal reducing the filling cost as well as increasing at the same time the
much needed water flow circulation from TOS to Blue Waters, without burning fossil fuels and/or increasing the carbon
foot print (e.g. adding pumping systems) of our TOS neighborhood.
This is a win-win situation for everyone including improving the navigational safety in the existing TOS canal where
now onlyone vessel can o through at a time . Our SW canal is too narrow and it does not allow two vessels at the same
g g U)
time, making it very dangerous. I had a very close almost head on boat collision with one of the neighbors who was U)
going out and I was coming in at the same time in our only existing navigable very narrow SW canal!
Again thank you very much for your time and assistance explaining the canal restoration methods available as well as
22
what works and what doesn't in real time .
I'm looking forward to seeing you and speaking with you next Saturday June 22 at the Old Settlers Park in Tavernier as 0
well as on the BOCC July 17t" meeting .
Regards, ate,
Robert L. Betancourt P.E., LEED AP
President
Gartek Engineering Corporation o
7210 SW 39 Terrace•Miami, Florida 33155•Phone(305)266-8997•Fax(305)264-9496 CO
6801 Lake Worth Road.•Suite 117• Greenacres, Florida 33467• Phone(561)249-3431 •Fax(561)249-3472
2700 N.29th Avenue•Suite 109•Hollywood, Florida 33020•Phone(954)404-8100•Fax(954)404-8133
0
4-
� IYY °—
e Slte add
reSSe`���..�....
�' P � � 8PJ
Email server addresse.�f'rii.`��-�„Ri!!I� II� ,,„f!:�, �
DISCLAIMER
Gartek Engineering Corp.makes the electronically stored data and attachments in the e-mail transmission available for information purposes only.No warranty either expressed or implied is made
regarding the accuracy or reliability of this data.Gartek Engineering Corp.reserves the right to revise,update and improve its electronically stored data and attachments without notice and assumes no °
responsibility for any damages which may arise as a result of the use of this data.The user agrees to verify the data in the e-mail transmission to ascertain its accuracy for the intended use.Gartek 0)
Engineering Corp.makes every effort to ensure this transmission is virus-free,however,Gartek Engineering Corp.assumes no responsibility for damages caused by the installation of this data.Emails :3
sent to _gartek.cam will not be received by Gartek oengineering Corp. We assume no liabilities related to any carrespondence orprivacV not addressed to(cDpartek.cc.Use of the data in this
transmission indicates that the user accepts the above conditions.If these conditions are unacceptable,the transmission should be returned to Gartek Engineering Corp.main office located at 7210 SW
39 Terrace,Miami FI.33155.All copies must be destroyed.
Nease tea"inso eir the einvoiroil irneiln�t Ilxe�foirtlw Ipidiln�a'.ing a'hi s e.irnaill
U)
From: Haag-Rhonda <IL::H. .. .g.:.IfI7 ?!rr. ... .. ."..!..!:. ". . "..�..!.:1::. .::::I:.�.:.e �r>
Sent: Monday,June 17, 2019 1:26 PM
............................................. uTo: RobertL. Betancourt<,kr1 rcu��.r1 Shillin er-Bob <. 7illir rrukG,�...� ::. . =.Le. uu>,.........................................................................G .... ....................................f .................................... ........... u .....
�a
G U S.If i0 ' CO
. ��fl!2.Liiair.1. .,.g.!y, Dvid Di re FWC<iauid.dil,. ...F...r .................................................... BOCCDISS <BOCC II� :......................................................G .. . ....r.. :
.....
1:1.Gov>• Roberts-Michael <I::roberts I�Vich elri I�Vuirrur u��ir1:: f=L.e�uu> McPherson-C son-Cynthia <I�Vc:lf�l'7r r�uir-
.......................................... ............................................... Y ...........................................................................
i G �I�Vuirrur u��ir1:: f:L.e uu> cutie-lisette<c:��1::ir li r1:1::rG �rrnuirrurc:u��irt fl..:.�ru> Muir.11.:.lrl'7 r1::G �flurir,.i r,.ir ..:.�ru
........ .................................... .............................................................................................. ............................................... .................5............... 5........................................M,,,,.............................................................I......... ...............
Corning, Greg W< .Lg.:..c:uri]ii~r.:.ri�. �uuri�lc:.c:urr�> Shillin er-Bob <.Shilliir.:.rr ��uk:E2.. uirrur u��ir1:: E.L. gy>• Mercado-
g 5.............5...........................................E...M,,,,........................................I.............................................. g ...........................5............................................. ,............................................................................................ ................................................
Pedro
°V..u...............r<........k...:.... ercado-Iflr. i o uiru� r 1 .uu> Ballard-Lindsey< .Il ri.-.Li..ri r... �.................ir
............... ............ ................................................................................. uur ....... .Le uu>
....................................................................... .
oCc: S l...c �rr . ir.5.r ur
. ucur2 ..l.i.r . lr . r1u M� 013
................:................................. � ......................... , rr.
r ir.:.prrir irfluv�r rG�.:.rrn il.c:urrn ��r Ilrr�ul::ur��ur1::�G��c:urr�c:��1::.irr 1:: ��uk:�irrik:riri.:.r G���ul.c:urr� ��ir.:.1�IcG���ul.c:urr�
i...................................................................................... 5......................................................... ....................................................................!................................. ,................................................................................. ........................................................................ ........... ,...................................................... ................ .......................M,,,,......................................................
IDonalri°v�rrk:k: � d:��.:.rrn il.c:urrn; I2u�j.:. 4:��tirrnber.c:r.eeklivi.n.:..c:urrn; r1::.:.riff d:��.:.rrn il.c:urrn; If:i hrrnunp....,.!-5 :-��ul.c:urrn;
.............................................R.................................................... .....!.......................................................... ......................... .. ..........................................................................................................!............................... .................... ..................... .... .......................................................... .....................................................!..........................�......................................................
.............. ..................................... .... .....................i..lc: gii,wa.. veci irunrrikei. ..2................ ....... .............................................. 1. . .......... .............. ...........................
0
saL,)so.195l ..2.:.rYpil.corYn; �..�. r lei:d:r�(:�brYn : �i::.IIC 1::; 6 brYnl d:r� �b .C:CbrYn; br IC 9 4:r�.:.rYn I .C:CbrYn; . fCbl11::IC:IC d:r� '1CbCb.C:CbrYn; CO
.... .......................................................... ................................................ ................................................................................ ................................... ..................................................... ........................................................ .... ......................................................... ..................................................................... ..... ..............................................................
I
73se c:r.af1::d..2.:.rrn�il.c:r�rrn; .�1::rvrfis.h 1 d:.�..Yl u.c:urrn; ..rri��rrn it 4:��1::rirrnsuftware.c:urrn;Yfi pc:fl d:�2.:.M il.corn
................................................................... .... .......................................................... ......................................................... ................. ..... .............................................................. .................................................... .................................................................................................................... ................................................. .... ..........................................................
!:::.� L r!r... ..k .!,-:!:.:!..� _r�.es.:.�.�".!n; j..:�:i::�".!!..!..�.��.. ..!......:..............!:E.
Subject: RE: First Steps for TOS restoration process
Mr. Betancourt, as to the unplugging of plugged canals in the County, please note that Monroe County has um
Comprehensive Plan policies and Land Development Codes in place that prohibit new dredging
4
Packet Pg. 3264
Q.2.a
(including the removal of canal plugs). These policies would need to be amended before any canal could
be unplugged. Note that process can take some time, if direction were to be provided by the Monroe
BOCC to move forward.
Thank you,
Rhonda Haag
Director Sustainability U)
(305) 453-8774 U)
22
0
From: Haag-Rhonda
Sent: Monday,June 17, 2019 12:49 PM
To: Robert L. Beta ncourt<r beta l~rC0U.1"1::G��.:.�r1::rlc.c:c:> Shillin er-Bob ��ck:G��I�Vulrrur u��lr f=L.e�uu>
............................................................................. ................................................. g .....................................f.............................................. ,............................................................................................. ...............................................
. ail,SS l:.iosGF,�fl!2.Li iar,.ir�,.g!2y• Dvid Di re FWC<r ay.id.dili. r°r^GI,�rrn 1v�r�:.c:urrn> BOCCDISS < C::� II. G �I�Vulrr°ur u��lr1::
.................... ...I.......... ..............., p I...................... ,................. ..................................................... . .....
f=L.t uu>; Roberts-Michael <If uk:r r1:: II�Vic:l'7 r a:b�l �bllP"�bC �binlll:: f=L.t uu>; McPherson-C—Cynthia <IMc:lfPherson-
.......................................... ........................................................................................................ ............................................................................................ ............................................... Y ...........................................................................
Ir1::l'7ia a:��I�Vulrrur u��lr1:: f:L.e uu>; cutie-lisette<c:��1::ir li r1:1::r a:��rrnulrrurc:u��lrt 1I..:.�ru>; �ulr.11.:.lrl'7 r1:a:��ilurir,.i r,.ir ..:.�ru; o
.................................. ............................................................................................. ............................................... ........................................................................... .......................................................................................... ................. ................ i....................................... .............................................................I......... ...............
Corning, Greg W<.:.Lpg.,c,ur°Irilr.:. a:��v�ruuri lc:.c:urrn>; Shillin er-Bob <.SI'7illin.:.rnr° ck:a:b�l �bllP"�bC �binlll:: f=L.t uu>; Mercado- CO
g .............. ............................................i.. ........................................I.............................................. g ............................................ ............................................................................................ ................................................
Pedro l. -Lindsey<B .11ard.-.Li..� isr. .. .......................... >
.uu>; Ballard b
.................................................................................................. ........... ..... .....f..... ................................................................................. : ...... uu
Cc: Cb�CI::a.b� Cb .C:Cbrrn; 2,C. C�:'7Cba.b�.:.rrnI .c:Cbrrn; I1.:.CIIIII:: s1::1I1.:. a:b� 1:: .I1C1::; CbCc:�bI11::CI1C. a.b�rrnc:.C:Cbrrn;
................................. ..................................................... .......................................................... .... ......................................................... ............... ..................................................................... ..�............................................... �......................................................................�.............................................................
r lr.:. rrir lriluv�r r G�.:.rrn il.c:urrn ��r Ilrr�ul::ur��ur1::�G��c:urr�c:��1::.1~ret; ��ck:�lrrik:riri.:.r G���ul.c:urr� ��Ir.:.��IcG���ul.c:urr�
i...................................................................................... ......................................................... ....................................................................1................................. ,................................................................................. ........................................................................ ........... ,...................................................... ................ .......................M,,,,......................................................
IDonalr,.i°v�rrk:k: �G�.:.rrn il.c:urrn u��.:.G�1::irrnk:rrc:rrrlcliuilr.:..c:urrn r1::.:.ri1iG�.:.rrnlil.c:urrn If:i�l'7rrnulr.:.rr�1::G���ul.c:urrn
,.....i.......................................................... ......................... ...M,,,,..........................................................................................................i............................... .................... ..................... ......................................................... .....................................................i............................ ,......................................................
.c:urrn �V r1::17 r�. G� u .c:urrn pii, avec:ur G�k:r u��1::'7.1rr 1:: �Virunrrnil<esi. �2pu .c:urrn �
i.............. ......................................M,,,,.... .......................................................... ...................................................................... ,...................................................... .....................................................................I........M,,,,...................................................................................... ...............................................................................
...
sa::su.: 91F2.:.MDil.....cu.rr ............. 9 il...cu.rr• u1
. Ic.. .cu ... . ri ul icir 1.1 .G.M,�.....
................................................................. ................................ .......... .. ............................... ........................................ .........I.'.7.....u........u.............c....:...u........r....r....n... _
73seacraf1G .................................................... ...........M .............................................................. ................................................. ....... ................. u 7 ,, ..� rG�..l..rr � c .r /. ......... .r ..... ....c .r....r
..................................... .... ..D l .. ...................................................................................................... ..... ...................... ....... �'
!::� Lr . !::! ir ....ccrr,.� I ...........:.....:...............:�.I cCr.r.... : .. .. ........ ............ ...c........ r rr
Subject: RE: First Steps for TOS restoration process
Hi Mr. Betancourt, I'd be happy to attend the community meeting this Sal ur°day al 9 00 a tn and discuss
how an air curtain works and the benefits. I'm assuming items #2-5 below are for the residents
discussion, and not something I would participate in.
Please note the Monroe County July county commission meeting is on Wednesday ju y 1 Tl'G, tiol I he 191'G, �
and is being held in Marathon Mr. Shillinger may explain how that item would be handled, if it is placed �
on the agenda as an item.
Either I or Gus Rios will send the links to the regulatory agencies for the process of applying to unplug the
canal. That may take a couple of days to assemble....
0
Thank you and see you Saturday!
Rhonda Haag co
Director Sustainability W
Monroe County BOCC
102060 Overseas Hwy, Ste. 246
Key Largo, FL 33037
(305) 453-8774
5
Packet Pg. 3265
From: Robert LBetanmurt
Sent: Monday,June 17, ZU191Z:Z9PM
To: Haag-Rhonda � 3hiUin�e�Bob � �
Dv� 0pn� FVVC BOCCD|3S —
FL1����� Roberts'K�i�hae| � K��Pherson'[ynthia �
^ �utie'|isette � ^
Corning, Greg VV ; 3hi||inger-Bob � K�ercado' 0
Pedro >
Cc: � �
0
I. il.corn
Subject: First Steps for TO3 restoration process u
Good afternoon Ms. Haag: %_
Thank you very much for your valuable help in sharing with us how to begin laying out the first steps ona plan of
action for the Tavernier Ocean Shores canal restoration project. Summarizing these first steps: �
1) Step 1: Meeting with all Residents. I would be a good idea and much appreciated, if you could please attend CD
the first meeting tofurther explain the available methods pros and cons, best locations of air bubbler 'CD
systerns, cost, options, etc in person.
a) Is'meeting is being proposed on Saturday June 22,d at 9 am at the Old settlers Park in Tavernier
b) If there is a conflict with the above proposed date and you'll prefer another day and time I'm willing as well
as other neighbors to accommodate any other day/time more convenient to you, so you could please
attend to go over the outline presented on this e-mail will be the beginning or quickest solution,that could �
offer some relief to nuisance odors and poor navigational hazards vxe are presently experiencing, as well E
as to avoid further exposure to Hydrogen Sulfide that is killing to our endangered marine life as well aswell
as being hazardous to our health.
c) Z"a meeting is being proposed to be with you, the TO3residents and the Monroe County Board of County �
Commissioners meeting, tentatively scheduled for Friday July 191h Mr. 3hiUinger. the BOCC Attorney, is
being ccon this e-mail to see ifhe could kindly request the inclusion our request agenda item dealing with �-
the TO3 water quality issue problems vve are presently facing, before the July 191hBOCC deadline for
submission of topics, presenters, etc., as well as the time allowed as well as the maximum number of
speakers that could participate on this presentation.
Z) Step Z: Obtain Z cost proposals for the existing jetty restoration. 0
ca
a) Obtain Permits required
b) I believe some neighbors were looking into this already I might be able to share this proposal and findings'
with all.
1. Obtain a second proposal co
|
Z. Determine best lot location where rocks could be delivered and then be loaded to barge to be mm
placed on the jetty to make this restoration more economically feasible —
3) Step 3: Obtain a cost proposal for a new air bubbler system at the entrance of the TOS SW canal
a) Determine location where the air pump could be installed
b) Approval by the property Owner where the system will beinstalled
c) Secure permits for the installation ~~
6
Q.2.a
d) Installation of system by a certified contractor
4) Step 4: Obtain a cost proposal for the relocation of the existing air bubbler system at the entrance of the
TOS SE canal
a) Location where the air pump could be installed (investigate if pump could remain where installed at Mr.
Garcia's Home and/or if the air system submerge pipe under TOS water ways could be extended to the SE
canal entrance.
b) Approval by the property Owner where the system will be relocated to
c Secure permits for the installation (although the actual piping installation is exempt from permits I believe
the electrical system is not and permits will be required U)
d) Secure the services of a licensed and certified Monroe County contractor for the installation of this system.
5) Step 5: Secure the service of a company that could look into the permit process and jump the
22
numerous hurtles to unplugged the water ways from TOS to Blue Waters canal on the SE canal end.
a) Obtain permits even if we don't do it now. Permits could be extended until funds are available. 0
b) Secure estimates from at least to Contractors that could perform dredging work
Please let me know if you could attend the Saturday 6/22 scheduled meeting, if not please let me know on what days
you could be available before the July 19 BOCC meeting, so I could coordinate meeting dates with all involved. Also
kindly please provide us with the link you were working with Mr. Gus Rios from DEP to place all of the applicable
regulatory links on our canal restoration page, so that residents would know where to begin. ca
0
co
0
4-
a
E
U)
E
U)
co
0
ca
0)
E
0
co
LU
Packet Pg. 3267
Q.2.a
o
r �
# 5 � E
f„ C
` #{ orm .
N
5 0
10
♦ 'y "" LOL
i # E
s C
f' L
r� i �_ 5F
C .4 "
C
C.1
Q
C
O
C
The only entrance /exit for There is no entrance/exit
vessel(s) ire/out Tavernier channel for vessels o
Ocean Shores waterways in/out Tavernier Ocean
is on SW side, Shores on the SE side
L
O
m
Many Thanks again for all the help and assistance you kindly provided. c
1 look forward to our meeting soon.
Sorry for the long e-mail on a Monday! w�
Regards,
r
Robert L. Betancourt P.E., LEED AP m
President E
t
U
r
_ Q
8
Packet Pg. 3268
Q.2.a
Gartek Engineering Corporation
7210 SW 39 Terrace•Miami, Florida 33155•Phone(305)266-8997•Fax(305)264-9496
6801 Lake Worth Road.•Suite 117• Greenacres, Florida 33467• Phone(561)249-3431 •Fax(561)249-3472
2700 N.29th Avenue•Suite 109•Hollywood, Florida 33020•Phone(954)404-8100•Fax(954)404-8133
uo � irl�e slte a resse��." u �u �il�ll� � !!���!I !!!!!I � !I...!! r
Email server address: gi,,,!1!!�Oc,xc ,�
DISCLAIMER
Gartek Engineering Corp.makes the electronically stored data and attachments in the e-mail transmission available for information purposes only.No warranty either expressed or implied is made
regarding the accuracy or reliability of this data.Gartek Engineering Corp.reserves the right to revise,update and improve its electronically stored data and attachments without notice and assumes no UD
responsibility for any damages which may arise as a result of the use of this data.The user agrees to verify the data in the e-mail transmission to ascertain its accuracy for the intended use.Gartek :3
Engineering Corp.makes every effort to ensure this transmission is virus-free,however,Gartek Engineering Corp.assumes no responsibility for damages caused by the installation of this data.Emails U)
sent to _gartek.cam will not be received by Gartek oengineering Corp. We assume no liabilities related to any carrespondence orprivacV not addressed to(cDpartek.cc.Use of the data in this
transmission indicates that the user accepts the above conditions.If these conditions are unacceptable,the transmission should be returned to Gartek Engineering Corp.main office located at 7210 SW �g
39 Terrace,Miami FI.33155.All copies must be destroyed.
Nease¢soirmtmudeir the eir Aire;,rirmilmtm int Ilxt foirf.w Ipidirma.iing a.Ns e.Ilmtaill
0
0
0
CO
0
L_
a
0
a�
U)
CO
0
0
CO
I
9
Packet Pg. 3269
A FF
Monroe County
Tavernier Ocean Shores
Sargassum Seaweed Invasion Problems
Sustainable "Green " Solution 's Methods
for achieving better TOS Canal water quality
Sounding Board
July 17th, 2019 Agenda Item
Presented By: Robert Betancourt : ,�, , , , , , _ ,,
135 Dubonnet Road, Tavernier FL '•
Q2
0 „i, , " ., , '
c.) # - t. v. . . , fir. Mil- '4.,
). � - w.
•"` a a'y
1 _ / • -A .! 41 ,.. :% ',.• . 4 t• 0 .\lt.c A,
„ . itr .
. _. , .,k, , +Az_
•
'''f 4 • Vi , ,e , _ f+�. r
�, ' r ` Air Curtain vats •
s r' j•.� obese nstalled
ir'� ''� « �. • 4., on May'4t , 201•
t� + ` •
ot . .. •
w . 1 . 4141 -° %
lei•
2tte \9 . .- .
' 4
There is another canal N th
(SE Canal)that is
The only entrance/exit for presently plugged
water to openly flow impeding water
in/out Tavernier Ocean circulation to naturally
West East
Shores waterways canals is flow in/out of Tavernier
on the SW side of this TOS Ocean Shores on the SE South
subdivision side
r Y, . .
Seaweed is trapped for several days e.g. ` ., :.,l , , , , " tt r I
: .:*7 r..
until winds changes direction from SE to y - ' , .
NW); falling to the bottom and rotting as ,, "� --► f
it decomposes creating a nuisance rotten Vow* '-. ' ‘
egg like nuisance smell (H2S), impeding 1!
swimming, snorkeling, etc, trapping and -`
killing aquatic life including sea turtles' 3 ;
hatch lings, fish, etc.,
r
.° ... 4~,
,
-,
'•
y
r • lb
5 •
View looking SE from Orange blossom front water way
Seaweed dense matt is blocking
the only vessel entrance/exitfrom
Tavernier Ocean Shores water
ways (SW canal). Jet skis, jet boats
cannot navigate through it.
Outboard/inboard motorboats
will overheatand stall and shut
down
w
r
eili-�.
! �, .r,--ice'' .. .J -,
om_ i,..lir
w ,-
t y 4
k t f;~ 1. .,sT' Guw 'C "di#,d6p�i r y.iw�,.�` ,. a - ;fir
4, ry...e f x'"�r;` 3. x it a r - f +� .. "r'� ✓fi ma' r .
pf
t F ,.�v'"' y� 4 �,SlfnL H`:r, F d £�Y�'�° y�.S -- 1,�^, 5 f 91
��- .e7(9 •^¢. 1 ,sky
t T �i gr i ;",P+t „y 1+.' f`+„i+' .,m ;;Z^ � .k }, W.yG X r '�¢ y�irp!> f,
Yy s.I 4"',..re r :u y�ets h.,�,6t � """t _}7""'"':'i..*.i' 0, y.. e�,C,,,;;, ,r.''.� ,�.,L -,.. -1.. 5:., -. `11•' 'A,•3•� ..
;�.:..jPyrl .. 'J'a[. „ j « 1�°"re..A 7" '�a'•yr` F`' ...�•�E 1r+►r,�rii>. �i �,t ` s' '4 .� '4 s".-.
if:
_ 1 ,,_ i 1 � . f _ Tl �� .)�,' 1 e' �'�a'-
With an air curtain at #1 (where presently installed), incoming weed wrack will
accumulate between #1 and #2, and will sink and rotten. At mouth #3 weed wrack
will enter the canal. The front jetty canal receives abundant sargassum. When wind
velocities exceed 15 mph the installed air curtain at #1 will not stop the seaweed
from going over the barrier or accumulation and rotted seaweed on the back-canal
MI II r
, ..e i:4:.- _ .
'4.4, Ii aIN10 117:411. a.' „7 le- *v. ( --1- r. -....-,:.
4 41CrYitlei
r 4 �"�' •�, Weed wrack will :...
-..,„„. t 4.., _,
._, 2 �—1,
• accumulate
le a . ...1.
t
r' _ 4 ' . - .. �. tea, •
A.,4 P Sri ` c tr ` ,
yF /0"..f. .� Rry oaf/. tL
Ilt
/i; ' 10 its 0 E. 4 i \..,4. "N . c '46?"11.
. \N .e- t k V `'
s, . '�► •4 'I r Accumulation )
Y, ~ - of weed wrack 30
3 Air curtain +
;4 „ ` Weed wrack will m•ve in
Who is - of cted by our new un-
wanteda .
batk yard neighbor.
The most vuln rabl TOS residents' young kids and the
elderly, suffering from upperrespfratoryhe .issue tide
asthma : . �. , -- ,..i = _� ' - - ;�. : . _
ram- '• Endangered marine species including sea turtle hatchlings
.....may -. .
manatees, fish , etc. �- - �" � � "���' �� _
- �°''"d"'Ey'�
4imm.
• Real estate economy (vvho wants to buy or ease ou a that
has a strong rotten eggs like smell?)
• Local business and Tourism economy (who wants To snorkel ,
rent jet skis and dive in a dense foul-smelling seaweed mat
and end up sick with a skin and/or eye's infe tion as a Florida
Keys souvenir ?)• Future Generations may not be able to enjoy the beauty of the
Florida Keys Sanctuary "Paradise " if we don 't act now
Endangered Marine Species can 't survive without Oxygen!
Oxygen levels measured in TOS canal bottom on June 2019
was 4.9% DO saturation (aquatic life needs 42% DO
saturation), PH was very low and Turbidity levels were very
high. These are all indicators of very low water quality levels
for marine life to survive and hi• h people health risks
Tavernier Ocean+ Shorefs: Ff�Y%, �.
j ,.„'„i t1 ems ,
_ - ;_ -,,� . on and after May 4th - 2019
ri ' ' ' Y ti':t .. ,' "-A y.
„y y„ - 4i l > Six.a. 1 ✓A✓BEd y - ., ,
7 ._�•S rt 1 s4'2 �. , `T _ _ .�. -1. die . ... < _ _ 1
4 . 1 -• R: �.�A 0.4 _ - — s� . .._
MARINE - . �- r ,�.
ENDANGERED s � s
SPECIES " .. iL `
. that once
inhabited- the ram• or '
'area can - 'aSO .;,- �. i-I : =� � -" ,
NO LONGER _ , , a . •• •--,�
)-,4, SURVIVE - R - : _ -
L
fti, 'fr;11,t,"41::):, -. . . • ,...- . .
.7 .x / -«,:, ' ‘- 1: ...' -. ,404:‘,, . . - _ , ,
-, 1,14t4,,x' .:11.41*" dl.'.ti.-7";Al lit. .14rt.:'",.';‘,.).:': `..'''i
r ,
v'
Effective GREEN Methods to stop the Seaweed
Invasion & reclaim our TOS canal water Quality:
Stop seaweed outside our water canals by
rebuilding existing TOS jetty wall. (Residents)
• Back filling our canal from 16' to 7' deep (County)
r Replace undersized existing Culvert installed
angler Julep Road with as larger one (Count.._
Dredge a small bottom section from TOS SE canal
o Blue Water canal to avoid water stagnation and
achieve a sustainable water circulation movement
IP during Tidal changes (Residents) inv..
• Relocate installed air curtain to S canal entrance
Add a second water ai urtain on SW canal
entrance *(County). -�-.
* Air curtains might not be required after completion of the 4 above Green Canal Restoration Methods
Sustainable "GREEN" Canal Restoration Method for TOS canal #125.
Provide a hydrodynamic modeling of canal simulating dredging a small section of canal
bottom to eliminate existing TOS SE dead end canal condition and open SE end to
improve circulation.
Use rocks and sand removed to back fill TOS Canal reducing costs. No added electrical
pumping consumption costs! No added maintenance costs! Reduces carbon foot print of
TOS subdivision!
Modeling results could demonstrate a favorable permanent green water quality solution
approach for Canal #125 water quality restoration method!
--ow • `iiir
�.(• fit'.\ � i.. � �� ►• -�.��-
-^ ` `~
. : ' Yr) gr* P.. .. ,... Mrt;.211'1.: • rt ''. #‘ Tv. ."••• .-.' ' ""r*i..-.Nr,-
- :its 4r1M" --. .... -- . ar AA% � • t:• ri. _fir yyyy����....,,,����,, _
- .. �.-$ l —
- • mac. ... __.�_�. ^��.
yam...~±.� A •
.a- _ .+ +icy s ..,a-
i 7".�;�,
-4i 4 ' 1. • • . fir T , ��.�� y �r`sz' ��
'�_� f - '� y , . -. j' t- 4 rr,i ir!s �, T4 --ger-
110 t r/' ;! Adick; i .� [
• <'':, >
•
Olitjil°
't *-4t. - \
kr•
_
ram(` &>
J *
'� l"�`fig -
If Hydrodynamic computer modeling indicates flow is improved, please
consider allowing permits to Dredge a small section of canal bottom to open
TOS SE dead end canal to open ocean water, improving circulation of stagnant
water caused by dead end existing canal #125 condition.
An economically feasible permanent "green" water quality solution approach !
ig-'. tku--' ' -. .-14, . ,,, NjOr
- raire`k, 714911. ....p. .
ri ..' ifir4" - .::::
„so a :4:7, , e: i ?), 7
mop
Sby"Y� +`�r ,
•
441 Iv
lig
R
NI i
Thank You very much to all of you! Special Thanks to Ms. Rhonda Haag Director
of Monroe County Canal Restoration Project, Ms. Lissette Cutie Monroe County
Building Department-Code enforcement Officer, as well as all other Monroe
County agencies' staff members including FWC, Corps of Engineers, EPA , etc.,
that kindly offered their time to listen, clarifying issues, and presenting solutions
_. „Ia._ : ...,,...rovaiweif 1,7e-..... . _
ter. .._"' -. ,� � ::<, „ � .� ,�_ $
$IPIP
llm
tit L i
... ! :.. !It' , . Pie IN111111111911 itatriiii iiiii it
I \ lam
y
Acknowledgments: Special Thanks to Ms. Breedge Boyer, Mr. Narasimha
Madugula and Dr. Briceno PhD, FIU author of Florida Keys EPA water Quality
Canal Remediation Methods dated May 2008, for their participation in measuring
water quality readings as well as offering their guidance, knowledge and support
lit„., t t
_ , yr--z p.,--
'4P
- . J ate._ - �+C- -.-- - -.
" "' '"s `"` ,-=a` - u-*- - ,.,,ice^_` �"`_ 1"..-_-
�- r_ .
,... - - - '-"+Z--�' ",41C ,,r-era.A�ar-,-.
J�%SED Sr4,
7� CONCLUJSLONS
Z
w
By FIU on Monroe County Commissioners 8-15-18 meeting
z z
0
FyTq O��G�\P R
• In general, all remediation methodologies resulted in
some improvements in water quality
• Those improvements are more evident and more
expedite in those sites where water circulation was
enhanced .
• Backfilling, the most radical remediation technique,
renders immediate positive results
Culvert Installation follows backfilling in efficiency by
improving circulation and exchange
TEAM :
Henry O_ Briceno, PF-i _ E_
Jeff Absten
Breege Boyer
FIU $outh. `moron mental"smmun*Cater S a n d r o St LAr,, lc)f
FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVF,RSITV