Item C13BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
Meeting Date: June 20, 2012 Division: County Administrator
Bulk Item: 'Yes X No Staff Contact Person: Doug Gregory
Telephone# 292-501
AGENDA ITEM WORDING: Recommendation of the Climate Change Advisory
Committee to evaluate and implement an in -county yard waste composting program.
ITEM BACKGROUND: On March 17`h 2012, the Monroe County Board of County
Commissioners requested the Climate Change Advisory Committee to review and
provide input on proposals to eliminate the out -hauling of yard waste. The Climate
Committee met on May 17 and reviewed proposals presented by Waste Management and
the South Dade Soil and Water Conservation District to compost yard waste within the
County. In -county composting of yard waste seems feasible. The Climate Committee
presents the attached resolution as their report to the Board of County Commissioners.
PREVIOUS RELEVANT BOCC ACTION: On March 17`h 2012, the Monroe County
Board of County Commissioners requested the Climate Change Advisory Committee to
review and provide input on proposals to eliminate the out -hauling of yard waste.
CONTRACT/AGREEMENT CHANGES: none
STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS: Evaluate feasibility of in -county composting of
yard and other organic waste.
TOTAL COST: -0- BUDGETED: Yes No X
COST TO COUNTY: -o- SOURCE OF FUNDS:
DIFFERENTIAL OF LOCAL PREFERENCE: N/A
REVENUE PRODUCING: Yes No X AM UNT PER MONTH Year
APPROVED BY: County Atty OMBIPur in Risk Management
DOCUMENTATION: Included X Not Required
DISPOSITION:
AGENDA ITEM #
A RESOLUTION OF THE MONROE COUNTY CLIMATE
CHANGE ADVISORY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDING
IMPLEMENTATION OF IN -COUNTY COMPOSTING
FOR YARD WASTE AND OTHER ORGANIC MATERIAL
WHEREAS, Monroe County, Florida, encompasses the uniquely beautiful natural environment
of the Florida Keys; and
WHEREAS, the Monroe County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) is dedicated to preservation
of the natural environment, conservation of energy and natural resources, encouraging residents
and visitors to be good stewards of the environment; and
WHEREAS, the BOCC established a target goal for the county to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions and associated energy costs for county operations by 20% by the year 2020 relative to
the 2005 baseline inventory as established by the Extension Service; and.
WHEREAS, the purpose of the Monroe County Climate Change Advisory Committee (Climate
Committee) shall be to make recommendations to the BOCC regarding appropriate mitigation
and adaptation policies needed to address climate change issues; and
WHEREAS, the BOCC, at their March 2012 meeting, requested the Climate Committee to
provide input on a potential in -county yard waste composting proposal and the Climate
Committee reviewed proposals from Waste Management and the South Dade Soil and Water
Conservation District at their May 17, 2012 meeting; and
WHEREAS, proposals reviewed by the Climate Committee indicated that in -county
composting of yard waste and other organics was feasible; and
`'WHEREAS, the transport of yard waste and organics both increases transportation related
greenhouse gas emissions and prevents its use as compost within the county as a soil
amendment; and
WHEREAS, compost would reduce the need for artificial fertilizers and pesticides, can be used
as fill and can be sold to the public; and
WHEREAS, a local compost facility could be co -located with and complement current
wastewater efforts.
RESOLVEDNOW, THEREFORE, BE IT BY THE MONROECOUNTY
CHANGE ADVISORY
Section 1. The Monroe County Climate Change Advisory Committee unanimously
recommends that the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners evaluate and implement
a community composting program for yard waste and other organics to reduce both waste haul
out costs and the consequent greenhouse gas emissions.
Section 2. The community composting program should include interested municipalities and
should be designed to meet the following criteria: minimal greenhouse gas emissions, maximum
benefits for local reuse, potential co -benefits with wastewater systems, minimal water
consumption, the potential forjob creation and potential resilience to sea level rise.
PASSED AND ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY by the Monroe County Climate Change
Advisory Committee, present as indicated below, at a regular meeting held oil the 17th day of
May 2012.
f.
BY:�'
Chair Annalise Mannix'-
Climate Change Advisory Committee
Harry Appel, present
Vice -Chair, Chris Bergh, present
Jol-n Forrer, absent
Torn. Genovese, absent
Robert Glazer, present
William Hunter, present
Chair Annalise Mannix, present
Kelly McKinnon, absent
Don Riggs, present
Chuck Shennan, present
David Tuttle, absent
MEETING MINUTE S
Monroe Count- Climate Change Advisor- Committee
May 17, 2012, Marathon Government Center, BOCC Chambers
Members Present
Annalise Mannix (Chair)
Chris Bergh (Vice Chair)
Hari Appel
Bob Glazer
Bill Hunter
Don Riggs
Chuck Sherman
Members Not Present
John Forrer
Tom Genovese
Kelly McKinnon
David Tuttle
Advisor- Agency Representatives:
TJ Patterson, FL Keys Electric Cooperative
BOCC
Sylvia Murphy, Liaison
George Neugent
Staff present
Dent Pierce, Public Works
Alicia Betancourt & Doug Gregory-, OF Extension
Michael Roberts, Grovah Management,
Environmental Resources
Rosa Washington & Colleen Murphy, Solid Waste
Bill Grant, Public Works
Guests
John Albert, Waste Management
Greg Sullivan, Waste Management
Steve Diddy, Engineered Compost Systems
Bill Totivnsend, South Dade Soil & Water
Conservation District (SDSWCD)
Wendy Lobos, SDSWCD
Cooper McMillan, SDSWCD
Karen Sussman
Rudv Krause
Barbara Nevins
Carrie Bacldund
Annalise Mannix, Chair, called the meeting to order at 12:08 pm.
The agenda (Attachment 1) -,vas adopted and the minutes from the March 15 meeting was adopted without change.
Organics Composting Potential for Monroe County
Doug Gregor- gave an overview of the issue, explaining the charge from the BOCC March meeting that the
Committee provide input regarding potential yard -,waste composting proposals. Two proposals were to be
presented, one from Waste Management and another from the South Dade Soil and Water Conservation District.
The Waste Management proposal was introduced by John Albert and followed by a presentation by Steve Diddy,
Business Development Director of the Engineered Compost Systems (ECS) (See attachment 2). Steve noted that
ECS had designed 50 facilities throughout North America. He gave an overview of the composting process and
explained the various systems or approaches to large scale composting of organic material such as yard and food
waste, wastewater biosolids, etc. He noted that aeration and biofiltration were important to control odors.
The Waste Management proposal was to install an aerated static pile bunker type composting facility at the Key
Largo Transfer Station as that -,vas the only location of sufficient size to accommodate such a system which
requires about 5 acres of land. It Nvould be able to handle about 30,000 tons of waste a year, sufficient for Monroe
Countv's needs.
Chris Bergh asked how the leachate from the compost piles were handled and whether it could be recycled. Steve
Diddy responded the leachate had extremely high BOD (biological oxygen demand) and could not easily be
recycled. Chris also asked about the freshNvater demands for managing the compost piles, noting that freshNvater
access could be limited or expensive. He questioned if saltwater could be used in the composting process. Steve
answered that saltwater was not feasible and that freshwater use did need to be evaluated.
Bob Glazer inquired about the potential effects of our local, sometimes heavy, rain events during the summer.
Steve noted that the compost piles could be easily covered in anticipation of rain or as part of the ongoing process.
Don Riggs inquired if it Nvas feasible to co -locate the composting facility with the existing and proposed
,kvaste,kvater plants. Steve indicated it -,vas possible and helpful for incorporated the NvasteNvater biosolids into the
composting process but it depended on the amount of available land.
John Albeit indicated that the overall costs of the proposed composting system Nvould be equal to or a little less
that the current haul -out costs. He also noted that composted mulch can be sold at this time for $16/ton.
The South Dade Soil & Water Conservation District (SDSWCD) proposal Nvas presented by Bill ToNvnsend (see
Attachment 3). They Nvere proposing for the Count- to use an in -vessel composting system that could produce
compost more quicldy than other methods Nvith much less odor since the compost is completely contained Nvithin
the "In -Vessel Composting Container". Similar composting systems have been installed in Homestead and Boca
Raton. They had previously conducted a 3-week In -Vessel Composting trial at the Key Largo K-8 School in
cooperation Nvith the MC Recycling Program. They have been selling their Homestead compost made from
wastewater biosolids to the agriculture industry- for $23/ cubic yard. Palm fronds compost nicely if they are fully
shredded. Typically, yard Nvaste needs to be ground to about'/4" pieces and mixed Nvith other organics.
The SDSWCD proposal is to do a 6-month pilot study in the County and compost as much organic Nvaste as can be
collected, including yard -,waste, restaurant Nvaste and fish Nvaste. They can generate 24 cubic yards of compost a
day Nvith their 96 cubic yard container. If successful they said it Nvould be possible to locate 2 of the in -vessel
containers at each of the three County Transfer Stations so compost can be readily available throughout the Keys.
Colleen Murphy noted that the County typically handles about 26K tons of yard Nvaste and about 17K tons food
waste a year.
Chris Bergh expressed appreciation that the options presented seemed to be quite feasible for Monroe County. He
said part of the decision on which system to use should be based on potential greenhouse gas emissions and
resilience to sea level rise.
Annalise Mannix suggested the Committee develop a motion and supporting resolution for a recommendation to
the Count- (Attachment 4). After some discussion it -,vas decided to develop the motion during the break.
Break 1:45 — 2:10 pm
After the break, the follo'kving motion kvas adopted by the Committee kvith instructions to staff to develop it as a
Committee Resolution to convev the motion to the BOCC.
The motion Nvas:
The CCAC recommends that the Board of County Commissioners implement a local
program for community composting to enhance waste diversion in Monroe County. This
program should consider the following: Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction, The cost and
benefits for local reuse, collocation and co -benefits with wastewater systems, expanding
local capacity to reuse material, local jobs, minimal water consumption and sea level rise
projections for compost site.
The motion passed unanimously.
Review & Discuss Draft Climate Action Plan Revisions
The Committee discussed the recent revisions to the draft climate action plan and found them acceptable
(Attachment 5--Draft Monroe Count- Community Climate Action Plan, May 2012 Version 4.5). It Nvas decided to
drop the items "Status of Action" and "Resources Required" and for staff to come back to the Committee in June
Nvith the draft action items in final form. Subsequently the document should be largely completed by the
September CCAC meeting. It Nvas discussed and concluded to keep the document in the current format Nvith
descriptions following each action item.
Alicia Betancourt noted that the neN-,-er action items added in the last txN-o meetings have not yet been assigned a
priority.
Bob Glazer recommended a new Solid Waste Action Item under Goal 1:
Action 5-1.5: Monroe County should create an action plan to handle storm related solid waste.
The action plan should include means for composting as much debris as possible as well as its use in the
waste -to -energy plant.
Bob Glazer also recommended that Action s-1.4 be modified to include the following: and reevaluate
existing ordinances to remove restrictions that may discourage recycling. So Action 5-1.4 will read:
Action 5-1.4: Implement ordinances that encourage economic opportunities for recycling/reuse
business ventures
Meeting adjourned at 3:40 pm
Attachment 1 = CCAC May 17, 2012 Agenda
Attachment 2 = WM/ECS-- "Monroe Count- Yard Waste Composting"
Attachment 3 = SDSWCD-- "Proposal for Monroe Count- Organic Waste Recycling'
Attachment 4 = CCAC Recommendation to BOCC
Attachment 5 = Draft Monroe Count- Community Climate Action Plan, May 2012 Version 4.5
Revised 5/3/12
Monroe County Climate Change Advisory Committee
Meeting
May 17, 2012
Marathon BOCC Meeting Room, 12:00 p.m. — 4:00 p.m.
Review and Approval of Meeting Agenda and March Minutes— Mannix (12:00 - 12:20)
IL Overview of Organics Waste Management and March BOCC Meeting — Gregoiy/Washington
(12:20 - 12:30
III. Review and Discussion of Organics Waste Management Proposals
a. Waste Management — Greg Sullivan / John Albert (12:30 — 1:00)
b. South Dade Soil & Conservation District - Cooper McMillan/Bill Tov'mshend/Sonny Clayton
(1:00 — 1:30
BREAK (1:30 — 1:45)
IV. Review & Discuss Draft Climate Action Plan Revisions — Mannix (1:45 — 4:00)
a. Completion of Solid Waste & Recycling, Policy Coordination and Natural Systems Sections
V. Other Business (if needed)
Appointed Members:
Harry Appel Bob Glazer Don Riggs
Chris Bergh (Vice Chair) William Hunter Chuck Sherman
John Forrer Annalise Mannix (Chair) David Tuttle
Tom Genovese Kellv McKinnon
Staff / Office:
Nat Cassel / County- Attornev
Doug Gregoiy & Alicia Betancourt / Extension Service
Rhonda Haag / Sustainable Program Manager
Michael Roberts / Growth Management
Rosa Washington & Colleen Murphy / Solid Waste
ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order
to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator's Office, by phoning (305)
292-4441, between the hours of 8: 30 a.m. - S: 00 p. m., no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the
scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call "711 "
A�ctIO2ei-?_61112012
f
6/1 /2012
6/1 /2012
6/1 /2012
0
IqC- CCAC Axy [y,
SOUTH DADE SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT
1450 N. Krome Ave., Suite 104 — Florida City, FL 33034
Telephone: (305) 242-1288 — Fax: (305) 242-1292
E-Mail:southdadeswcd@southdadeswcd.org
Website: southdadeswcd.org
May 16, 2012
PROPOSAL FOR MONROE COUNTY ORGANIC WASTE RECYCLING
The South Dade Soil and Water Conservation District (SDSWCD), a governmental
subdivision of the State of Florida has been active in working with Monroe Couilty
Florida Keys schools, hotels, restaurants, municipalities and homeowners in the
pursuit of its mission "To provide leadership in implementing conservation
programs and technology that facilitate enhancement, sustainment and stewardship
of our natural resources and environment".
The SDSWCD being the closest Soil and Water Conservation District to Monroe
County, where no Soil and Water Conservation District exists, is available to assist
Monroe County in conservation measures that will be directed towards the
protection of the sensitive environment that exists in the Florida Keys. With 28
years of successful composting experience that includes:
1. Installation of a complete in -vessel composting facility at Broken Sound Club in
Boca Raton, Florida to compost all of the food waste from four restaurants and
the green waste from two golf courses, and the re -use of the compost on the golf
courses eliminating the high cost of commercial fertilizers.
2. A five-year contract with the City of Homestead, Florida to in -vessel compost
their waste water residuals, eliminating the high cost of landfilling their
biosolids as well as the environmental hazards.
3. Developing the protocol for composting Miami -Dade waste water residuals into a
Class AA certified Florida Organix fertilizer that received national EPA Awards.
4. Successfully completing an EPA grant to prove "In -Vessel Composting of Organic
Waste Products and Re -use On Site" composting the food waste and green waste
from the City of Miami Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Homestead Air Reserve Base,
The Breakers Resort in Palm Beach, Florida and the animal waste and green
waste from Zoo Miami.
--The South Dade Soil & Water Conservation District is a Florida non-profit organization, a subsidiary of the USDA.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin,
age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal,
or because all or part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print audiotape, etc.) should
contact USDA's TARGET Center at (205) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of
Civil Rights, 1400 independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (800) 795 3272 or (202) 72 0-63 83 (TDD).
USDA and the South Dade Soil & Water Conservation District are equal opportunity providers and employers.
Payee 12
5. A successful three-week pilot test of in -vessel composting food waste and yard
waste at Key Largo K-8 School.
Many other successful SDSWCD in -vessel composting projects with dairies, poultry
growers, and a cotton gin operator in South Carolina offer Monroe County the
benefit of working with the SDSWCD to create a solid waste disposal system that is
both environmentally and economically advantageous. There is no need to re-
invent the wheel with additional costly tests, pilot projects and consultant fees.
Composting is being done around the world today with excellent results; in -vessel
systems offer economically and environmentally viable options for the Florida Keys.
To ensure the protection of the extremely sensitive local environment, reduce costs
and carbon footprint, a safe system of in -vessel composting organic waste products
produced in the Florida Keys can be implemented. This will substantially reduce
the total volume of solid waste to be transported out of the County.
In response to the need for improved organics disposal options, the SDSWCD
proposes a comprehensive Monroe County in -vessel composting program for organic
waste:
a) Monroe County would utilize the expertise of the SDSWCD through an inter-
governmental agreement between the two government agencies. The
SDSWCD will provide, on an hourly and mileage basis of $75.00 per hour and
$0.51 per mile, not to exceed a total of $50,000.00, a comprehensive proposal,
including the evaluation of the volumes of organic waste produced at each
individual in -vessel composting site and at each transfer station, using
weights produced by the Monroe County Solid Waste Department.
A preliminary estimate of equipment requirements and costs are presented
following this section of the proposal; this is presented based on prior
experience. Meetings with County Solid Waste staff and a tour of County
transfer stations will provide additional guidance for development of the
comprehensive in -vessel composting proposal.
b) The proposed agreement would authorize the SDSWCD to initiate the design
of in -vessel composting installations at each of the Monroe County transfer
stations. The installations will be designed for the maximum volume per day
during the highest peak days of the Florida Keys tourist season.
c) The SDSWCD will provide the Monroe County Solid Waste Department with
the option of a turn -key operation contract with the SDSWCD for
management of the in -vessel composting equipment at any or all of the
transfer stations.
t}-
d) Alternatively, the SDSWCD will train the personnel of WMI, Monroe County
or other designated entity to operate the in -vessel composting equipment and
manage operations of the three composting facilities.
e) Items "b" and "c" will assure that the in -vessel composting facilities are
operated by trained, certified personnel.
f) Residents and businesses will be required to separate their organic waste
products into approved compostable plastic bags or compost collection bins,
provided by the Monroe County Solid Waste Department for a bi-weekly
organic waste collection service that will be delivered to the nearest transfer
station for in -vessel composting_
g) Businesses may purchase and operate an in -vessel composting system for
their own organic waste products on site and will be exempt from any solid
waste disposal fee for this recycled organic waste; residents may also choose
to compost at home, thereby avoiding collection fees.
h) Monroe County BOCC may opt to enact enforcement measures to ensure that
residents and businesses opting out of the County program are not disposing
of compostable organic materials in the trash.
i) Monroe BOCC may also enact an ordinance that will require organic waste
products produced in the Florida Keys to be in -vessel composted at the three
transfer stations, private businesses or residences. This ordinance will allow
the Monroe County Solid Waste Department to create an RFP for the
collection and transfer of organic waste products from residential and small
businesses to the nearest transfer station. A normal tipping fee will be
charged by the Monroe County Solid Waste Department for all organic waste
products delivered to the transfer stations.
j) This project is capable of producing in excess of 25,000 tons of Class AA
compost every year— a highly desirable, readily usable and marketable
product. Disbursement of the finished product will be determined by chosen
management options.
Page. 14
,y
The percentage of food and yard waste in the 2009 solid waste stream (most recent
FL DEP certified figure) is 33%_ Monroe County statistics indicate that the
percentage is between 25-40%, dependent upon weather events and development
trends. At this time, SDSWCD is using 33% for preliminary estimates of the
number and cost of in -vessel composters. Once an inter -government agreement is
signed, the SDSWCD will prepare complete cost projections for composting
installations, equipment, and operating expenses at each transfer station.
Any turn -key operation contracts will be mutually agreed upon between the
individual in -vessel composting installation owners and the SDSWCD or between
Monroe County Solid Waste Department and the SDSWCD or other chosen entity
for any or all of the transfer stations.
A provision shall be included in this agreement to cover any unforeseen situations
such as weather events, loss of power, equipment failures, etc. during which time all
organic waste products will be collected and transferred to the nearest disposal site
outside of the affected area. This could be another Florida Keys transfer station or
an agreement with Miami -Dade County Solid Waste Department for transfer to the
South Dade Landfill or the M-D Resource Recovery Facility (incinerator) under a
temporary, emergency agreement.
This proposal will protect the income of the Monroe County Solid Waste
Department with the collection of transfer station tipping fees and the recycling of
all organic food and yard waste products as Class AA compost. it also provides for
huge cost savings in the hauling of heavy organic waste products, as much as 60%
water. Eliminating long-distance hauling of organic waste (nearly 400 miles round-
trip) also reduces the associated carbon footprint and the costly maintenance to
roads and bridges_
With an accompanying single stream recycling program that will recycle clean
paper, cardboard, metal, glass and plastic, Monroe County can soon become a ZERO
WASTE COUNTY.
The SDSWCD offers these preliminary estimates for consideration based
on the Florida DEP 2009 Monroe County MSW and Recycling Data Summary:
2009 total tons of solid waste/year
County's annual waste disposal fee
Total waste disposal cost
2009 Food and yard waste total
2009 Food and yard waste percentage
Potential avoided waste disposal fees
130,881 tons
$80.37/ton
$10,518,906/year
43,191 tons/year
-- 33%
$3,471,261
Page 15
Estimated in -vessel composting equipment costs:
Two 96 c.y. capacity in -vessel composters = $595,000
(vessels, conveyors, hoppers, hammer mills, mixers,
Delivery and installation _ 58,000
Ground preparation and electrical = 110,000
Estimated cost for each transfer station = 763,000
Estimated total cost for in -vessel
Composters at 3 transfer stations $2,289,000
Notes:
1. Without information on the number of individual in -vessel composting sites that
might be encouraged to operate and the volume of material that they would
produce for composting, we have not subtracted any volume from the total of
130,881 tons/year.
2. With the potential savings of $3,471,261 in disposal fees, the estimated Return
On Investment (R.O.I.) for equipment ($2,289,000) would be less than one year;
this does not include operating expenses or any additional collection expenses.
3. In addition, Monroe County Solid Waste Department could receive significant
funds from sales of the compost. Finished product is estimated at approximately
60% of organic waste total (due to shrinkage during composting). Compost is
valued at approximately $48/ ton in bulk loads; total value of compost could
exceed $500,000 (25,915 tons of compost X $20/ton), especially if sold in bags.
4. This proposal can be environmentally and economically advantageous for all
participants- the County, businesses and residents.
Prepared by: Morgan Levy, SDSWCD Administrator and Bill Townshend, SDSWCD
Project Manager
vet .
SOUTH DADE SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT
1450 N. Krome Ave., Suite 104 — Florida City, FL 33034
Telephone: (305) 242-1288 — Fax: (305) 242-1292
E-Mail:southdadeswcd@southdadeswed.org
Website: southdadeswed.org
MONROE COUNTY CLIMATE CHANGE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
May 17, 2012
Presentation By The South Dade Soil And Water Conservation District:
Environmental and Economic Advantages Of In -Vessel Composting
In The Florida Keys
I. Evaluating the present solid waste disposal system
in the Florida Keys
The Solid Waste Element of the Monroe County Comprehensive Plan Update, May 2011 includes
the following important statement:
"Solid Waste management is a critical issue in the Florida Keys. ...the unique setting of
the Keys makes waste management even more difficult. While landfilling has been the
predominant means of waste disposal nationwide, our nation is becoming increasingly
conscious of what is being thrown away and where it is going. An increasing awareness of
the hazards of landfilling some types of waste of the potential for reuse of other
materials, and the imminent closure of landfalls around the country have brought about
this change in attitudes towards solid waste management. Now, methods of processing
and disposal are evolving that are changing the business of solid waste management."
The high cost of disposal plus the environmental sensitivity of the Florida Keys is a current
problem that needs a good solution.
The South Dade Soil And Water Conservation District (SDSWCD) has had 28 successful years of
composting experience. See the attached "Know Your District" paper. The SDSWCD can provide
consulting services to the Monroe County Solid Waste Department at a very fair and ]reasonable
cost to plan and operate a 8-month In -Vessel Composting Pilot Project at the Key Largo
Transfer Station, utilizing the organic waste from commercial operations, restaurants, hotels,
fisheries whose waste is presently going to this transfer station. No residential waste would be
included in this pilot project
South Dade Soil & Water Conservation District is a Florida non-profit organization, a subsidiary of the USDA. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discriminatie
is programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic
n-rnation, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)
;ons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (205)
Q (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (800'
2 or (202) 720-6383 (TDD). USDA and the South Dade Soil & Water Conservation District are equal opportunity providers and employers.
cl
page 12
Proposal For Consulting Services And Pilot Project
By
The South Dade Soil And Water Conservation District (SDSWCD)
The SDSWCD will provide consulting services for Monroe County Solid Waste Department on an
as -needed basis, but specifically for the immediate need to prove an alternate method of organic
waste disposal that will be both economically and environmentally sound. The SDSWCD will
utilize its 28 years of composting experience in providing this consulting service at the rate of
$75.00/hour, plus $0.51/mile plus 20% overhead.
This pilot project must resolve the high cost of present waste disposal that was originally
$59.00/ton but increased in 2011 to $80.37/ton, a 27% increase in less than five years. Logic tells
us that this cost will continue to increase with the high cost of oil continuing to rise.
This pilot project must also address the extreme environmental sensitivity that must be
protected in the Florida Keys. With no landf l space available and incineration not available
within close proximity, composting to produce a valuable soil amendment that can be re -used
throughout the Florida Keys appears to be a viable solution. The absence of enough land area to
do the aerated compost pile system, plus the environmental hazard of leachate from these piles
contaminating the surface and sub -surface waters and the vermin attraction of birds, rats, and
other local animals rules out that system.
The SDSWCD, after a tour of the three transfer stations, recommends that the pilot project be
located at the Key Largo Transfer Station. This would include:
1. A survey of the commercial establishments that are presently serviced by this transfer
station to determine the volume of organic waste (food waste, yard waste, soiled cardboard
waste, seaweed waste) that would be available. Each commercial establishment will be
given the option of installing their own in -vessel composting system for re -use on their
own property. The SDSWCD will train each participating commercial establishment in
how to carefully source separate their organic waste and place it in special containers or
compostable plastic bags.
2. The results of this survey will be used to prepare a full cost proposal to the Monroe Solid
Waste Department for all of the equipment that will be required to in -vessel compost the
required volume of organic waste.
3. With the approval of the full cost proposal by the Monroe County Solid Waste Department,
the SDSWCD will then order the approved in -vessel composting equipment with funds
provided by Monroe County Solid Waste Department in a Lease -To -Own Agreement.
4. Local waste haulers will bid on the bi-weekly collection of only organic waste from the
participating commercial establishments for delivery to the Key Largo Transfer Station
In -vessel composting facility.
5. The SDSWCD will operate the Key Largo in -vessel composting pilot project under the
same consulting agreement terms, providing the Monroe County Solid Waste Department
with accurate information on all operating costs and information that will include the
volume of organic waste that has been composted, the temperatures reached for each
batch of compost, the lab analyses of each compost batch that has been analyzed and the
market that has been established for the finished compost.
ti
Paue 13
6. .All yard waste not needed as a carbon bulking source in this in -vessel composting process
will be shredded into mulch for re -use in the Florida Keys to build up the organic content
of the sandy, water -leaching poor quality soils. The SDSWCD's research shows that palm
waste, when properly shredded, makes the longest lasting mulch.
7. The Monroe County Solid Waste Department will decide, with the help of the SDSWCD,
how to market the finished compost.
8. The advantages of in -vessel composting in the Florida Keys are:
a) All organic waste is treated and re -used in the Florida Keys, saving the huge costs of
transporting it out of the Florida Keys.
b) All waste is contained in the vessel with no odors, vermin attraction or leachate.
c) The organic waste will be composted in temperatures in excess of 131 degrees F for
four consecutive days, destroying all harmful pathogens and weed seeds.
d) The finished compost will be an excellent replacement for commercial fertilizer that
has tripled in cost in the last two years. Chemical fertilizers leach out with irrigation
and rain, no longer providing nutrients to the plants and polluting the surrounding
waters. This is especially prevalent in the Keys with the sandy coral rock surfaces.
e) The compost holds water and releases its nutrients slowly, requiring less irrigation and
fewer nutrient applications.
f) The compost has been shown to clean up contaminated soils by reducing runoffs, as
well as preventing erosion when used near pathways and highways. Monroe County can help to minimize its footprint on the ecological landscape to preserve it for future
generations.
g) This in -vessel composting process, if properly managed, can add four or more
permanent jobs to the area.
The SDSWCD suggests that this pilot project at the Key Largo Transfer Station be initiated
during the slow summer months when the volume of waste is at its lowest. This will allow for
the startup period not to overwhelm the separation, collection, composting and mulching
operations. As the volumes gradually increase, so will the efficiency of the pilot project.
The SDSWCD is ready to begin this project as soon as it is approved.
r
SOUTH DADE SOIL & WATER CONSERVATIOP
1450 N. Krome Ave., Suite 104 — Florida City, FL 33C
Telephone: (305) 242-1288 — Fax: (305) 242-1292
E-Mail:southdadeswcd@southdadeswed.org
Website: southdadeswed.org
KNOW YOUR LOCAL SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT
C1I'/ WSW 1 �►'.'/
• South Dade Soil and Water Conservation District (SDSWCD), 1450 N. Krome
Avenue, Suite 104, Florida City, FL 33034: Phone: (305) 242-1288; Fax: (305)
242-1292;
• e-mail: southdadeswcd@southdadeswcd.org;
• Website: www.southdadeswcd.org
• The SDSWCD, a non-profit 501-C-3 governmental subdivision of the State of
Florid, has been successfully involved in conservation projects since 1982.
• 1984 to present time, SDSWCD has been involved in the composting and distribution
of waste -water residuals (biosolids) from the Miami -Dade County Water and Sewer
Department (MDWASD). Marketed and distributed Class B and Class A biosolids.
• 1991 First Place Region 4 and Second Place National EPA Award for Beneficial
Reuse of Wastewater Residuals. SDSWCD designed the wastewater residual protocol
for MDWASD to compost sludge and has been marketing the sludge to South Florida
agriculture growers: row crops, groves and nurseries to present time.
• 1992 Lead effort to stop the burning of Hurricane Andrew yard waste. Obtained
FEMA funding for Miami -Dade County Solid Waste Department to grind the yard
waste into mulch_ Distributed 4.5 million cubic yards of free mulch to local
agricultural interests. FEMA reported that it was the most cost-effective disaster relief
program they had.
• 1993-97 Instructed 2,000 Miami -Dade County school students per year on water
conservation in program funded by the South Florida Water Management District,
ending with field trip to Everglades for the students_
• 1995 Contracted with Fort Lauderdale Housing Authority to provide 400 water -
saving showerheads and 800 sink aerators, reducing water consumption from 6 gpm
to 2.5 gprn.
• 1995-96 Successfully conducted a two-year Clean Organic Waste (C.O. W..) Compost
pilot project for Miami -Dade Solid Waste Department, using separated organic food
waste from Morrison's Cafeteria and the University of Miami Cafeteria. Built a
composting site at the University of Florida Tropical Research and Education Center
in Homestead, FL with a mixing pad, four composting pads, two of which were
aerated and two were static, a leachate pond. Tested compost provided 30% increase
in yields, prevented root disease and conserved water.
The South Dade Soil & Water Conservation District is a Florida non-profit organization, a subsidiary of the USDA. —
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color,
national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic
information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program.
(Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of
program information (Braille, large print audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (205) 720-2600 (voice and
TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW,
Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 or (202) 720-6383 (TDD).
USDA and the South Dade Soil & Water Conservation District are equal opportunity providers and employers. --
a Page 12
• 1997 Provided a no -cost plan to South Florida Water Management District
(SFWMD) to remove and control exotic plants from. the Frog Pond, a 5,000 acre tract
of land adjacent to Everglades National Park by leasing parcels to farmers. Received
a five-year management contract of Frog Pond instituting Best Management Practices
(BMP's), funding hydrology and soil research by University of Florida while
providing $40,000.00 per year to SFWMD from leases of farmable land.
• 1999 Received grant to plant 268 trees in Richmond Heights, an underserved,
historic African American neighborhood. Local residents were encouraged to
participate.
• 2002 SDSWCD began contacting the 31 municipalities in Miami -Dade County to
create Conservation Partnerships with them This encourages the municipalities to
participate in conservation practices and to initiate their own conservation programs.
+ 2003 Contracted with SFWMD to remove 2 miles of old chain. -link fence and install
new chain -link fence on State road 9336 bordering the Frog Pond, creating an aesthic
entrance to Everglades National Park.
• 2005 Partnered with South Florida Resource Conservation and Development Council
in an EPA grant to provide 900 water -saving showerheads in Florida City to low-
income families.
• 2006-07 Participated in a Farm Pilot Project Coordination (FPPC) project to compost
cow manure at a 1,000 milking herd dairy by providing an in -vessel aerobic
composter, composting the cow manure and marketing the composted caw manure as
Florida Organb; an excellent soil amendment, to nurseries for potting mix. Became a
distributor for BW Organics, Inc. the manufacturer of the in -vessel aerobic composter
and started marketing it to all large produces of organic waste such as dairy farmers,
poultry farmers, universities and schools, super markets, recreation parks, etc.
2006-07 Received a Community Based Organization (CBO) Grant from Miami -Dade
Department of Environmental Resource Management (DERM) for Teaching the
Public New Conservation Habits While Reducing the Solid Waste Stream. Planted
eleven Xeriscape Gardens around the county, made eleven Conservation
Presentations that included giving away 400 Earth Machine home composters, 1200
water -saving showerheads, 2,000 Citizen's Conservation Guides, sample CFL light
bulbs and a few trees at no cost to the recipients.
• 2009 -2010 Obtained a S50,000.00 EPA Grant to prove, "On Site In -Vessel
Composting of Organic Waste and Re -Use On Site". Successfully included
ZooMiami, City of Miami, Homestead Air Reserve Base and The Breakers Resort in
Pahn Beach. Final report went out to approximately 3,000 Soil and Water
Conservation District in U.S.
• 2010 Performed a successful three-week in -vessel composting test of food waste and
green waste at Key Largo K-8 School.
0 2010 U.S. Composting Council's Hi Kellogg Award For Lifetime Achievements .In
Composting to Bill Townshend, SDSWCD Program Director.
• 2011- 2012 Installed a complete in -vessel composting system for Broken Sound
Country Club in Boca Raton, Florida where they have four restaurants and two golf
courses. In the first year of composting the organic waste they composted
approximately 500,000 pounds of food waste and 1,200,000 pounds of green waste.
Page 13
All of the finished compost was re -used on the two golf courses, reducing the solid
waste disposal fees and the commercial chemical fertilizer costs.
• 2012 Signed contract with NEFCO to distribute Class AA biosolids south of
Highway 80.
• 2012 Signed a contract with the City of Homestead to install a complete drying and
in -vessel composting system to compost their biosolids cake from the centrifuge.
This will save the city approximately $144,000.00 in biosolids disposal to a landfill,
with a return on the entire investment in 2.5 years.
• Pending contracts:
a) Homestead Air Reserve Base
b) Baptist Homestead Hospital
• Negotiations In Progress:
a) University of Miami
b) Monroe County
S Board of Supervisors
The Board of Supervisors are elected by the public to set.policy, establish goals and projects and approve all major
expenditures. In the case of the SDSWCD, the Board is also required to investigate sources of income, since the District
is not funded by the State of Florida, or by Miami -Dade County. The Board Members are all volunteers, serving our
community with no salaries, perks or benefits.
The South Dade Soil & Water Conservation District's Board of Supervisors meets on the third Thursday of every month at
the USDA Florida City Service Center, 1450 North Krome Avenue, Suite 102, Florida City Florida at 9:30 am.
7
VZ
S. Cooper McMillan, Chairman
■ Past Chairman and founding member, Ag Practices Board, Miami -Dade County
Family farming in this area beginning in 1918
■ Lychee and Avocado Grower
R FSA County Committee Community Member
Louise King, Supervisor
■ Owner of Royal Grove Nursery
■ Tropical Fruit Growers of South Florida Inc. - President
Agricultural Recovery Management, Chairman
Dr. Thomas Lee Davenport, Supervisor
Research Scientist trained in plant/water relations
■ Well versed in all aspects of plant physiology, Horticulture and Hydrology of Florida
■ Lychee and Avocado Grower
• Associate Professor Emeritus at University of Florida Tropical Research and
Education Center, Homestead, Florida
John C. DeMott, Supervisor
■ Past President, Dade County Chapter, Florida Nursery Growers Association
District Representative - Miami -Dade County Agricultural Practices Advisory Board
• Committee member - National Woody Landscape Plant Crop Germplasm
■ Ornamental horticulture production
Aquaculture Production
Florida resident since 1951
District Staff
Morgan Levy, SDSWCD Administrator
Email: mlevv@southdadeswcd.org
• Resident of Miami -Dade County since 1926
U.S. Naval Air Force, 1942-47, fighter pilot
• University of Colorado, Civil Engineering
West Dade Federation of Homeowners Associations
■ Founder Dade Coalition for Good Government, Founder
South Florida Resource Conservation & Development Council
4 Airport West Chamber of Commerce, 1999 Achievement of the Year Award
William Townshend, SDSWCD Project Manager
Email: btownshend@southdadeswcd.org
• Over 20 years of developing food, yard, manure and paper composting techniques
• U.S. Composting Council — 2009 HI Kellogg Award Winner for Outstanding
Service to the Composting Industry
• Designed Miami -Dade County AA Biosolids composting process
Hurricane Andrew mulching project - 1993-95 mulched 4.5 million tons of clean
hurricane debris and returned it to agricultural lands, avoiding $90 million in tipping fees,
while eliminating pollution from burning
ff C.O.W. project 1994-96 - Biological, chemical & physical enhancement of clean
organic waste, in conjunction with University of Florida Tropical Research and Education Center and Dade County
Solid Waste Department
Florida Pilot Project Commission - SDSWCD project at Butler Oaks Dairy, Lorida, Florida - Project Manger developing
in -vessel composting of cow -manure on -site to remove phosphorus from Okeechobee Watershed
Pilot
N
i
Robert Perez, MIL LAB Team Leader
Email: rperez(a southdadeswcd.oro
• Electronics Engineer with minor in Environmental Science
• Formerly staff scientist and technical supervisor for FDOT, air, soil, and
groundwater sampling.
• Bilingual Englishl Spanish
• US Air Force Reserve, Combat Engineer, US Army Certification in water and
wastewater treatment and engineering, including reverse osmosis
certification.
Donald Grimsley, NURSERY BMP LAB
Email: don@southdadeswcd.oro
b Nicholson H.S. Valedictorian, Bradenton, FL 1985
MCC, Assoc. Science Degree 1987
F Civil and agricultural engineering contractor 1985-2005
x Agricultural Engineering Consultant Nursery BMP Lab.
L.T. "Sonny Clayton,
Mobile Irrigation Lab Team Member
Email: son nvcbsouthdadeswcd.oro
• B.A. in Business Administration from Florida Memorial University 1972
Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Board of Florida City.
• Member of several community organizations.
• Retired from Scotts after 34 years of specializing in lawn and garden needs.
Wendy Lobos, MBA
Chief Financial Officer
Email: south dadeswcd(o?southdadeswcd.oM
• Masters of Business Administration 2007from NOVA Southeastern University
• BA in Political Science with minor in Spanish Literature SUNY Cortland 1997
• Former Councilwoman for City of Homestead
• Former Member of the Audit Committee for Miami Dade County School Board
South Dace Soil & Water Conseryafioii District
1450 N. groxne A -venue, Sure 104
Flux i& City, FL 33034
soutbdadeswcd @southdadeswcd.ora
Tel: 305-242-1-788 yr%nv.sos hdadeswcd.ora Fax: 305-242-1292
Attention Lar~e Food Operations -
AUniversities, Recreation and
Theme Parks
Your Garbage is Gold!
Don't pay to have it dumped in a landfill.
You can turn it into a valuable organic -soil additive that
will enhance your landscaping, saying your casts on
chemical fertilizers and the irrigation required.
Permit the South Dade Soil and Water Conservation District to show
you how to do this with an in -vessel aerobic composter at your site. One
person can be instructed on how to divert your organic food waste and
paper into a easy to operate in -vessel composter that will produce an
organic product that your organization can put to good use.
What you will save on garbage hauling fees, chemical fertilizers and
irrigation can pay for the in -vessel aerobic composter in just a few years.
The savings will then begin to mount up whileyou are also recycling your
food waste and protecting our environment.
Check out the South Dade Soil and Water Conservation District
website at www.southdadeswcd.grg to find out the many ways your
organization can conserve water, improvewater quality, and enhance and
sustain our valuable natural resources, the water, the soil and the air.
-OVER-
IN -VESSEL AEROBIC COMPOSTING
TURNS YOUR ORGANIC WASTE PRODUCTS
II i
GOLD!
*COW MANURE
oHO G MANURE
•HORSE MANURE
•POULTRY LITTER
SEWAGE SLUDGE
*FOOD 117ASTE
*YARD WASTE
*ANIMAL WASTE AND CARCASSES
Can be speedily and efficiently composted to produce
a Valuable, saleable product with no additional
heating source required. Recycling at its best.
South Dade Soil and 'Water Conservation District
1450 N. Krome Avenue, Suite 104, Florida City, 'FL 33034
recommends & delivers
B W Organics, Inc. In -Vessel Aerobic Composters.
Call: (305) 242-1288.....Fax: (305) 242-1292
e-mail: southdadesvc7cdQsouthdades-vN cd.org
Check our website: ww"T.southdadeswcd.org
(OVER)
5/17/2012
E:'i..,_, LU,,'- I,Llt JI'. I I I:t.
Monroe County Climate Change Advisory
Committee
May 17, 2012
soswco...... a
A non-profit, governmental subdivision of the
State of Florida.
Has 29 years of experience in composting
bio-solids and various organic wastes.
Winner of EPA National Awards, Hi Kellog Award
from the US Composting Council, and several
individual achievement awards including a park
in Doral being named for the District
Administrator Morgan Levy, for his contributions
to his community.
a 2009 EPA Grant
o In 2009 we obtained a SSO,000 EPA Grant to prove, "On
Site In -Vessel Composting of Organic Waste and Re -Use
on Site." Successfully included Zoo Miami, City of Miami,
Homestead Air Reserve Base, Key Largo Elementary
School, and The Breakers Resort in Palm Beach. EPA sent
the Final report to approximately 3,000 Soil & Water
Conservation District in U.S.
5/17/2012
2012 Current Projects a
o Charlotte Airport in North Carolina
National Archives in Washington D.C.
..
2012 Current Projects
s City of Homestead
NO
> Broken Sound Club in west Palm Beach
Monroe CotlntyComprehensive Plan
May 2011
-Solid Waste management Is a critical issue in the Florida Keys.
...the unique setting of the Keys makes waste management even
more difficult. While land filling has been the predominant means of
waste disposaS nationwide, our nation is becoming Increasingly
conscious of what is being thrown away and where it is going. An
increaMng awareness ofthe hazards of landfilling same types of
waste of the potential Far reuse of other materials, and the
imminent closure of landfills around the country have brought about
this change in attitudes towards solid waste management. Now,
methods of processing and disposal are evolving that are changing
the business of solid waste management.'
2
5/17/2012
In -Vessel Composting Pilot Project
ry
e
P Key Largo Transfer Station
P Duration: 6 months.
o Compost organic waste from commercial operations,
restaurants, hotels, and fisheries.
i No residential waste would be used in pilot project.
Goals of Pilot Project
: Prove an alternate method ofiorgan�cwaste
d is posal that will be both ecanomically and
environmentally sound } }
P Address the extreme environmentaiseris�tEv�ty�"'
that must be+protected in the F]oridaKeys�. F.wA
Re solvethe presanthigghcost
ofwastedisposal:
which has increased 29 irr lessthan.fiveyears:
P Prod ucea-.valtiablesoil
,amen dmenithatcanbe
re -used throughoutthe Florida Keys
f
Key Largo Transfer Station
Pilot Project
Survey commercial establishments.
t Train participating commercial establishments to
source separate.
r Prepare a full cost proposal to the Monroe Solid
Waste Department based on survey results.
3
5/17/2012
Key Largo Transfer Station
Pilot Project
> With proposal approval, local waste haulers wfll bid on the bl»weekly
collection of only organic waste.
. The SDSWCD will operate the Key Largo in -vessel composting pilot
project.
The information provided to the Monme County Solid Waste
Department will include: volumes compasted, temperatures reached
for each batch, lab analyses of each batch, and the market
established for finished compost.
°��
t
Benefits of In --Vessel Composting
in the Florida Keys @-r-
All organic waste is treated and re -used in the
r=
Florida Keys, saving the huge costs of
transporting it out of the Florida Keys.
All waste is contained in the vessel with no odors,
vermin attraction or leachare.
"'ate
The organic waste will be composted in
temperatures in excess of 131 degrees F for four
consecutive days, destroying all harmful
T-=
pathogens and weed seeds.
-
The finished compost will 6e an excellent
replacement for commercial fertilizer that has
tripled In cost in the Iasi two yeah. Chemical
--
fertilizers leach out with irrigation and rain, no
fongger providing nutrients tothe plants and
polluting the surrounding waters. This is
especially prevalent in the Keys with the sandy
coral rock surfaces.
Benefits of In -Vessel Composting
in the Florida Keys
The compost holds water and reIeases its nutrients slowly,
requiring less irrigation and fewer nutrient applications.
The compost has been shown to clean up contaminated
soils by reducing runoffs, as well as preventing erosion
when used near pathways and highways. Monroe County
can help to minimize its footprinton the ecological
landscape to preserve it for future generations.
. This in -vessel composting process, if properly managed,
can add four or more permanentJobs to the area.
4
5/17/2072
Preliminary Estimates
Th12 SDSWCD offers these preliminary estimates for
consideration based on the Florida DEP 2009 Monroe County
MSW and Recycling Data Summary:
2009 total tons of solid waste/year
= 130,981 tons
r County's annual waste disposal fee
= S8037/ton
. Total waste disposal cost
= S10,518,9061year
. 2009 Food and yard waste total
=43,191 tons/year
2009 Food and yard waste percentage
=33%
> Potential avoided waste disposal fees
=S3,471,261
Preliminary Estimates
. Estimated in -vessel composting equipmentcosts:
. Two 96 c.y. capacity in -vessel composters
=S595,000
(vessels, conveyors, hoppers, hammer mills,
mixers)
. Deliveryand installation
=558,OD0
. Ground preparation and electrical
=5110.000
. Estimated cost for each transfer station
=S763.000
t Estimated total Cos tforin-vessel
Composters at 3 transfer stations
$2,289,000
Notes to the Estimated Figures
> Without information on the number of individual In-vesselcomposting
sites that might be encouraged to operate and the volume of material
that they would produce for com postin we have not subtracted any
volume from the total of 130.881 tons year.
With the potential savings or S3,471,261 In disppoosal fees. the estimated
Return 4n Investment equipment (52,289,0001 would be less
than one year; this does not Include opt rating expenses or any
additional collection expenses.
. In addition. Monroe County Solid Waste Department could receive
significant funds from sales of the compost. Finished product is
estimated at approximately 60% of organic waste total (due to shrinkage
during com posting). Compost is valued at approximatelyy S4al ton in
bulk loads; total value of compost could exceed S500.000 (2S.915 tons
of compost X S201ton), especially if sold in bags.
, This proposal can be environmentally and econamical3yadvantageous
far all participa nts- the County, businesses and residents.
5
5/17/2012
South Dade Sod a. Water conservation District
our Mission
The mission of the South Dade
Soil & Water Conservation
District Is to provide leadership
in implementing consenretion
programs and technology that
facilitate enhancement,
sustainment and stewardship
Of our natural resources and
environment.
Board of Dlrectors
Capper McMillan, Chair
Family farming in this area sincel 91 9
Avocado and Lychee Grower
Louise King, Vice -Chair
Ownerof Royal Grove Nursery
Tropical Fruits Grower
Dr. Thomas tee Davenport
Research Scientist
Lychee and Avocado Grower
John C. DeMatt
MDC Ag Practices Board
Ornamental Horticulture and
Aquacu2ture Production
Questions? Contact Us
South Dade Soil & Water Conservation District
1450 N. Krome Ave. Suite 104
Florida City, FL 33034
Office: (305) 242-1288
Fax: (305) 242-1292
southdadeswcd@)southdadeswcd.orA
www.southdadeswcd.org
A
A RESOLUTION OF THE MONROE COUNTY CLIMATE
CHANGE ADVISORY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDING
IMPLEMENTATION OF IN -COUNTY COMPOSTING
FOR YARD WASTE AND OTHER ORGANIC MATERIAL
WHEREAS, Monroe County, Florida, encompasses the uniquely beautiful natural environment
of the Florida Keys; and
WHEREAS, the Monroe County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) is dedicated to preservation
of the natural environment, conservation of energy and natural resources, encouraging residents
and visitors to be good stewards of the environment; and
WHEREAS, the BOCC established a target goal for the county to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions and associated energy costs for county operations by 20% by the year 2020 relative to
the 2005 baseline inventory as established by the Extension Service; and
WHEREAS, the purpose of the Monroe County Climate Change Advisory Committee (Climate
Committee) shall be to make recommendations to the BOCC regarding appropriate mitigation
and adaptation policies needed to address climate change issues; and
WHEREAS, the BOCC, at their March 2012 meeting, requested the Climate Committee to
provide input on a potential in -county yard waste composting proposal and the Climate
Committee reviewed proposals from Waste Management and the South Dade Soil and Water
Conservation District at their May 17, 2012 meeting; and
WHEREAS, proposals reviewed by the Climate Committee indicated that in -county
composting of yard waste and other organics was feasible; and
WHEREAS, the transport of yard waste and organics both increases transportation related
greenhouse gas emissions and prevents its use as compost within the county as a soil
amendment; and
WHEREAS, compost would reduce the need for artificial fertilizers and pesticides, can be used
as fill and can be sold to the public; and
WHEREAS, a local compost facility could be co -located with and complement current
wastewater efforts.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MONROE COUNTY CLIMATE
CHANGE ADVISORY COMMITTEE:
Section 1. The Monroe County Climate Change Advisory Committee unanimously
recommends that the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners evaluate and implement
a community composting program for yard waste and other organics to reduce both waste haul
out costs and the consequent greenhouse gas emissions.
Section 2. The community composting program should include interested municipalities and
should be designed to meet the following criteria: minimal greenhouse gas emissions, maximum
benefits for local reuse, potential co -benefits with wastewater systems, minimal water
consumption, the potential for job creation and potential resilience to sea level rise.
PASSED AND ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY by the Monroe County Climate Change
Advisory Committee, present as indicated below, at a regular meeting held on the 17th day of
May 2012.
Chair Annalise Mannix
Climate Change Advisory Committee
Harry Appel, present
Vice -Chair, Chris Bergh, present
John Forrer, absent
Tom Genovese, absent
Robert Glazer, present
William Hunter, present
Chair Annalise Mannix, present
Kelly McKinnon, absent
Don Riggs, present
Chuck Sherman, present
David Tuttle, absent
Draft Monroe County Community Climate Action Plan
May 2012 Version 4.5
0. INTRODUCTION
1. POLICY COORDINATION (P)
2. IDENTIFY AND MONITOR RISKS AND VULNERABILITIES (M)
3. EDUCATION AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT (E)
4. NATURAL SYSTEMS (N)
5. BUILT ENVIRONMENT (B)
6. WATER AND WASTE WATER (W)
7. RENEWABLE ENERGY (R)
8. SOLID WASTE AND RECYCLING (S)
The purpose of the Monroe County Community Climate Action Plan (MCAP) is to outline a course
of action for the County government and communities of Monroe County for a coordinated
countywide strategy to minimize climate change impacts and to increase the sustainability of the
communities within the Florida Keys. The MCAP is an attempt to mitigate future impacts by
reducing community -wide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to 20% below 2005 levels by 2020 and
to identify local adaptation needs for protection against future sea level rise.
The MCAP has been designed to support three primary functions:
- Provide clear guidance to County staff regarding when and how to implement key provisions
of the plan,
- Inspire residents and businesses to participate in community efforts to address climate change
issues, and
- Demonstrate Monroe County's commitment to climate change mitigation and adaptation.
The scope of the MCAP is to reduce GHG emissions and adopt mitigation and adaptation strategies
in municipal and community -wide activities. GHG reductions and Climate strategies will be
achieved in the areas of building and community energy use, waste diversion, water conservation,
natural areas, and transportation. The plan contains strategies, objectives, measures, and actions that
will direct the County's efforts.
The timeframe for the MCAP extends from the date of adoption through December 31, 2020. Over
the coming decade, the County will facilitate considerable changes both within its operations and
throughout the community.
Overview of Climate Change
In the southeastern U.S. annual average temperature has risen 2°F since 1970, with the greatest
seasonal increase in the winter months. There has been a 30 percent increase in fall precipitation
over most of the region but a decrease in fall precipitation in South Florida. Summer precipitation
has decreased over almost the entire region. The percentage of the Southeast in moderate to severe
drought increased over the past three decades. There has been an increase in heavy downpours. The
power of Atlantic hurricanes has increased since 1970, possibly associated with an increase in sea
surface temperature.
Continued warming is projected, with the greatest temperature increases in summer. The number of
very hot days is projected to rise at a faster rate than average temperatures. Average annual
temperatures are projected to rise 4.5°F under a lower emissions scenario and 9°F under a higher
emissions scenario with a 10.5°F increase in summer and a much higher heat index. (See the full
report for information on the emissions scenarios.) Sea level rise is projected to accelerate,
increasing coastal inundation and shoreline retreat. The intensity of hurricanes is likely to increase,
with higher wind speeds, rainfall intensity, and storm surge height and strength.
(United States Global Change Research Program. August, 2011.
http://www.globalchan,_e.gov/publications/reports/scientific assessments/us-impacts/regional-
climate-change-impacts/southeast )
Priority Rankings of Recommended Action Items
Priorities:
o High --Critical project, will not meet Climate Action Plan mission without it
o Medium --Important project with significant outcomes, worthy of consideration and
resources
o Low --Important but mitigation and/or adaptation outcomes may not merit implementation
with current resources; implement if resources allow
Planning Horizon:
Immediate (0-2 years), Short term (0-5 years),
Midterm (0-25 years) and Long term (0-50 years).
1: POLICY DEVELOPMENT
Goal P-1: Leadership -Create collaborative community and intergovernmental
practices in Monroe County that serve as a tool for the County, municipalities,
and other entities to address climate change mitigation and adaptation needs.
Action P-1.1: Develop an implementation strategy for the Monroe County Community Climate
Action Plan.
Monroe County should assign a working group of employees the task of developing an
implementation strategy for the Community Climate Action Plan for adoption by the BOCC. This
should include measurable objectives, specific department/personnel assignments and cost estimates.
Priority: High Planning Horizon: Immediate
Action P-1.2 Provide resources and leadership to the South Florida Climate Change Compact
to advance mitigation and adaptation efforts to address the potential negative impacts related
to climate variability and change.
Monroe County is the most vulnerable partner within the Compact with respect to climate change
induced sea level increases. Not only is our primary source of drinking water threatened by SLR but
our very homes, businesses and infrastructure are also directly at risk to SLR. The County should
continue to actively support the development of a Regional Collaborative Climate Action Plan
with the neighboring counties through the Southeast Florida Regional Climate Compact to address
the impacts of sea level rise and other related climate change impacts.
Priority: High Planning Horizon: Immediate
Action P-1.3: Provide advocacy and leadership for adoption of climate change policies and
legislation with local, state, and federal entities.
Encourage all agencies, utilities and franchisees operating within Monroe County to adopt climate
change mitigation plans to minimize greenhouse gas emissions and adaptation plans to minimize
potential impacts of sea level rise. Monroe County should collaborate with local municipalities and
other public and private entities to coordinate, develop, and implement a suite of planning tools to
address climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.
Monroe County should continue to demonstrate leadership in advocacy for climate change
issues and legislation to the National Association of Counties, Florida Association of Counties
and the Florida League of Cities, and in Washington, DC and Tallahassee. Support proactive
environmental and climate change public policies and standards that support adaptation funding to
meet those needs.
An example of such an effort might be to work with local utilities to research incorporation of
"smart metering", "smart load management" devices and the potential benefits of solar power as
distributed generators and electric cars as household storage systems. The electric utilities could
consider implementation of aggressive "demand -side" energy conservation incentive programs.
Similarly, the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority could be encouraged to implement innovation
measures for increasing their energy efficiencies and reducing water withdrawals for consumptive
uses.
Priority: High Planning Horizon: Immediate
Action P-1.4: Maintain and support a Monroe County Sustainability Office.
Monroe County should maintain and support a Sustainability Office to provide an identified point of
contact for the County's sustainability related issues. Activities of the office should include
oversight of energy efficiency and climate change policies, initiatives, and sustainability programs,
countywide coordination to local governments, development of climate mitigation and adaptation
plans and implementation strategies, and to serve as liaison and support for multi -county climate
change strategies and agencies in which Monroe County participates.
The office should identify governmental and community adaptation needs, educate employees;
identify sources for future grants; and provide/advise/encourage sustainability actions, best
management practices, and energy efficiency for Monroe County government operations and the
communities within the County.
A mechanism needs to be developed to direct a percentage of the savings from energy efficiency
measures and grant monies to fund the Sustainability Office with minimal dependence on ad -
valorem taxes.
Priority: High Planning Horizon: Immediate
Action P-1.5: Provide staff and resources to an inter -departmental task force to 1) address
energy efficiencies and adaptation needs for BOCC government operations and 2)
development of an implementation strategy for the Monroe County Community Climate
Action Plan.
Monroe County should provide support for an active Energy Reduction Task Force to effect the
target reduction adopted by the BOCC in 2010 of at least a 20% reduction in energy consumption
and greenhouse gas emissions below 2005 levels by 2020. This goal is to be accomplished through
completion of a Governmental Operations Climate Action Plan for operations under the purview of
the BOCC. In addition, Monroe County will need to assign a working group of employees the task
of developing an implementation strategy for the Community Climate Action Plan for adoption by
the BOCC.
Priority: High Planning Horizon: Immediate
Action P-1.6: Maintain a community BOCC Climate Change Advisory Committee
Monroe County should maintain an advisory committee to assist and advise elected officials and the
Office of Sustainability on climate related issues. An advisory committee similar to the existing one
is an ideal forum for community coordination in the important area of addressing climate change
needs in Monroe County.
Priority: High Planning Horizon: Immediate
Goal P-2: Comprehensive Plan Integrate climate change planning into Monroe
County's Comprehensive Plan and climate change adaptation and mitigation
strategies into the Land Development Regulations.
Action P-2.1: Revise Monroe County Comprehensive Plan to address strategic planning
related to climate change mitigation and adaptation needs.
The Monroe County Comprehensive Plan should include strategies to address the impacts of climate
change. Adaptive management principles should be used to continually review and revise climate
mitigation and adaptation policies, objectives, and Land Development Regulations. Revisions to the
Plan should include:
• Creating a Climate Change Element within the Monroe County Comprehensive Plan which
can be a model to other local government efforts.
• Address greenhouse gas reduction and energy conservation strategies that promote compact,
bicycle and pedestrian -friendly development; increase public transportation; reduce reliance on
automobiles, the constriction of energy efficient buildings; and address the potential effects of
rising sea levels, and other climate change issues.
• Consider climate change impacts as a factor in determining appropriate levels of development in
vulnerable areas.
• Include climate change mitigation and adaptation in all relevant elements of the Comprehensive
Plan including; future land use, transportation, infrastructure, coastal management, conservation,
recreation and open space, intergovernmental coordination, and capital improvements.
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Priority: High Planning Horizon: Immediate
Action P-2.2: Advance livable communities as identified in the Communi-Keys Master Plan
through adoption of LDR policies.
Monroe County should continue to support the livable communities concept which promotes
functional, walk -able mixed use development designs and projects by providing flexibility in
development review for these projects, revising the zoning and land development codes to allow and
encourage these projects, establishing incentives for this type of development, and adopting specific
goals in the Monroe County Comprehensive Plan to support and establish sustainable development
patterns(www.monroecounty-fl.�4ov/DocumentView.aspx?DID=173).
Priority: Low Planning Horizon:
Action P-2.3: Create policies for future development to incorporate sea level rise inundation
vulnerabilities for the life expectancy of the infrastructure.
1. Require one or two feet of freeboard (depending on the life expectancy of the stricture) on
all strictures typically designed to the NFIP 100-year flood elevation. (This also provides
significant discount on flood insurance)
2. Require all new commercial buildings to be elevated to NFIP standards plus 1 or 2 feet of
freeboard, or elevate flood proofed buildings to a minimum of 2 feet above the road elevation.
3. All new and significantly renovated roads parks, pump stations, filled lots, towers, etc. shall have
the grade elevated to above the land's projected sea level for the expected life of the
infrastructure.
4. All stormwater infrastructures shall be designed with the assumption that MHW and MLW is the
highest projected sea level during the expected life of the infrastructure.
5. All flood proofed buildings shall be designed for buoyancy based on the highest projected sea
level during the life expectancy of the stricture.
6. All new residential homes and commercial strictures shall have 50% of the lot filled to the level
of the highest projected sea level for the life expectancy of the stricture
7. All new commercial parking lots shall be designed, at a minimum, to the level of the highest
projected sea level for the life expectancy of the stricture.
Priority: High Planning Horizon: Immediate
Action P-2.4: Incorporate "Adaptation Action Area" designation into local comprehensive
plans and regional planning documents to identify those areas deemed most vulnerable to sea
level rise and other climate change impacts.
"Adaptation action area" or "adaptation area" means a designation in the coastal management
element of a local government's comprehensive plan which identifies one or more areas that
experience coastal flooding due to extreme high tides and storm surge, and that are vulnerable to the
related impacts of rising sea levels for the purpose of prioritizing funding for infrastructure needs
and adaptation planning." §163.3164(1), F.S. (2011),
Adaptation Action Areas will include the built environment as well as natural areas and be used as a
development tool to guide policies and regulations that will serve to reduce future risk and economic
losses associated with sea level rise. Adaptation Action Areas will account for both existing and
needed infrastructure. Vulnerable natural areas can be protected by directing development to non -
vulnerable areas.
Priority: High Planning Horizon: Immediate
2: IDENTIFY AND MONITOR RISKS AND VULNERABILITIES
Monroe County should take advantage of all available tools and resources to complete their task of
determining where the impacts of climate change will first occur, and what should be done to assure
sustainability.
Goal M-1: Coordinate with peer organizations and assure availability of up-to-date
scientific and technical information.
Action M-1.1: Encourage and participate in long-term regional modeling.
Monroe County should participate in the long-term and regional modeling efforts including: tide
gauges; hydrologic, geologic, and groundwater quality and levels; water quality (including
temperature); precipitation; and groundwater withdrawals.
Encourage and seek dedicated local, state and federal funding for modeling efforts and data
gathering including monitoring of scientific data that improves our knowledge of climate change
impacts for Southeast Florida and the down -scaling of global climate models to enable increased
awareness of climate change predictions for Monroe County.
Priority: High Planning Horizon: Immediate
Action M-1.2: Seek technical support from state and federal agencies and universities for
development of climate change scenarios appropriate for Monroe County.
Monroe County should engage the support of state and federal agencies (e.g., FDEP, FDOT,
SFWMD, NOAA, USGS, FEMA, USFWS, USAGE), and universities that can provide technological
and logistical support and work with state, county, and local planning bodies to develop regional
scenarios of climate change and analyze potential changes in vulnerability.
Priority: High
Planning Horizon:
Goal M-2: Identify the most vulnerable areas and facilities that will be affected by
sea level rise in Monroe County.
Action M-2.1: Improve inundation mapping and modeling.
Improve current analysis and mapping capabilities to identify small areas of the county vulnerable to
sea level rise by utilizing the best available LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) elevation data,
GIS, aerial photography and other appropriate data, including direct observation at spring high tides.
Initial analyses should focus on levels of sea level rise projected by the Southeast Florida Regional
Climate Change Compact Counties, Technical Working Group report, "A unified sea level rise
projection for South Florida", April 2011. Those projections included a range of sea level rise of 3-7
inches by 2030 and 9-24 inches by 2050. Similar ranges have been adopted by the USACOE and
the SFWMD.
Priority• High
Planning Horizon:
Action M-2.2: Use improved inundation mapping to identify the sections of roadways, and
critical structures that will be affected by sea level rise projections.
Now that airports, hospitals, schools etc. have been mapped, expand the mapping of potential sea
level rise impacts to the natural and built environments. Identify critical elements of our residential
and business community infrastructure (natural areas, county roads, community centers, shopping
areas, etc.) that will be affected by the increased flooding caused by sea level rise impacts during
regular and extreme high tides.
Priority• High
Planning Horizon:
Goal M-3: Create a countywide sea level rise monitoring and adaptation process.
Action M-3.1: Develop a monitoring program to evaluate and observe climate change impacts
and responses on the natural and built environments within Monroe County.
An ongoing monitoring program to document climate change related impacts on the built and natural
area is needed to identify best management practices for improving adaptation responses to protect
both the natural and built environments. Particular emphasis, obviously, will be on monitoring the
amount and rate of sea level rise, but temperatures, rainfall and drinking water availability are also
important. Monroe County should seek data being collected by other agencies and supplement it,
where needed, with in-house monitoring.
Priority• High
Planning Horizon:
Action M-3.2: Develop plans with service providers for the delivery of routine and emergency
services to areas impacted by each of the current SLR projections.
Maintain a database of critical roads and infrastructure vulnerable to sea level rise according to the
various sea level rise projections. To maintain maximum functionality within the communities of
Monroe County as sea levels increase, Monroe County needs to provide leadership to the business
community in developing strategic plans for the delivery of routine and emergency services.
Priority: Medium
Planning Horizon:
Action M-3.3: Create a framework to evaluate vulnerabilities and prioritize them for
adaptation actions.
Effective adaptation options will be limited, as will the funding necessary to implement them. Some
vulnerability will severely impact the residential quality of life and sustainability of business. These
should be prioritized and adaptation options should be planned.
Priority: Medium
Planning Horizon:
3: EDUCATION AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Goal E-1: Increase awareness and understanding of climate change impacts and
adaptation.
Action E-1.1: Promote climate change education to community leaders and the public
regarding the potential negative impacts of climate change and sea level rise on the County's
built and natural environment and the available mitigation and adaptation strategies that
would minimize those impacts.
An active communication and education strategy is needed to help the general public understand the
need for mitigation and adaptation responses to climate change. Natural and built system responses
to climate change both differ and can be similar. The potential for declines in the local environment
and the need for rational responses are critically needed. A first step would be to educate residents
and commercial interests on existing riles, ordinances, etc., and promote Florida -Friendly
Landscaping (http://www.floridayards.or�4) along with national and international programs with
appropriate non -governmental organizations. Information is needed, as well, for residents and
business owners to learn the potential impacts of sea level rise on the existing built environment and
the county's roadways, properties and critical infrastructure.
Priority: High
Planning Horizon:
Action E-1.2: Require climate change adaptation training for contractors to learn green
building practices and to protect the natural shoreline against sea level rise.
The Monroe County Building Department should consider training requirements for contractors to
remain informed of the best management practices for green building practices and protection of
private property against sea level rise effect while maximizing protection of the natural shoreline.
Priority: Low
Planning Horizon:
Action E-1.3: Develop education programs to highlight the differences between storm surge
and SLR and the appropriate hazard mitigation & adaptation techniques for each.
Storm surge and sea level rise are related subjects in that both can and will cause flooding but they
result from different natural phenomena and have relatively different impacts. It is important for
people to understand the similarities and differences in developing adaptations to both while
recognizing that while sea level rise is a gradual and permanent phenomenon whereas storm surges
are infrequent and temporary but extreme events.
Priority: Medium
Planning Horizon:
Goal E-2: Business & Workforce Development --Expand local green workforce and
business opportunities through training and business development initiatives.
Action E-2.1: Develop or encourage green workforce development within the County.
Local tradesmen and contractors need training in green technologies if appropriate constriction
techniques are to be implemented. Green industries grow the local economy. Therefore, green job
training and retraining must be priority issues for the County.
Monroe County should look for technical training opportunities to enhance the local workforce. This
enhancement can be accomplished directly through collaboration with the FKCC and the MC School
Board to develop green job training. Funding opportunities exist to support curriculum development
to train students in energy management and installation of renewable energy systems.
Local green workforce enhancement can also be accomplished indirectly by requiring green job skill
development for the appropriate county employees in Engineering, Project Management and Public
Works, by requiring green credentials and outcomes into RFP proposals.
Priority: Medium
Planning Horizon: Short term
Action E-2.2: Enhance Sustainable Business Development.
Initiate a Sustainable Business Development effort to encourage growth of green businesses. This
could include evaluation of opportunities to provide incentives for green business development and
to create economic and similar other incentives to encourage environmental (green) businesses to
relocate to the county. Coordinate and partner with local chambers of commerce to establish
"green" initiatives.
Priority: Medium
Planning Horizon: Short term
4: NATURAL SYSTEMS
Goal N-1: Vulnerability-- Identify vulnerability of natural resources (i.e. natural
areas, species, groundwater) to coastal hazards and climate change impacts including
storms, sea level rise, drought and rainwater flooding.
Action N-1.1: Coordinate with state/regional/national strategic planning efforts to evaluate the
vulnerabilities of the natural environment to climate change impacts.
Monroe County should coordinate with other state, regional and national strategic planning efforts to
prepare for climate variability and change. For example, the SE Florida Climate Change Compact's
regional Climate Action Plan, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission/Fish and
Wildlife Research Institute's species vulnerability, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service/Landscape
Conservation Cooperative scenario planning(specifically related to the Keys Wildlife Refuges
activities), the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary management planning, the South Florida
Water Management District water supply planning, and the NOAA "Coastal and Marine Spatial
Planning" under auspices of the National Ocean Policy.
Priority: Medium
Planning Horizon:
Action N-1.2: Evaluate and support protection and restoration programs in potential climate
change affected natural habitats.
Key habitats include the Keys' freshwater lenses (groundwater), freshwater wetlands and
coastal/intertidal wetlands to stave off saltwater intrusion driven by SLR, storm surges and highest
tides of the year and to absorb/filter storm water. Restoration may include filling or plugging
ditches, installing culverts to allow storm surge to nun off, and fire management (Create or maintain
high frequency, low intensity fire regime in fire -dependent uplands and wetlands of the lower Keys
to stave off succession from pine/herbaceous vegetation to broadleaf vegetation dominance).
Priority: High
Planning Horizon:
Goal N-2: Resilience Increase the resilience of the natural and urban landscapes to
climate change through implementation of mitigation and adaptation strategies.
Action N-2.1: Support the recommendations of the Florida Reef Resilience Program's
"Climate Change Action Plan for the Florida Coral Reef System 2010-2015" through
participation in recommended management, education and research areas, as appropriate.
Protection of the marine environment surrounding Monroe County is critical to maintaining a
productive fishing and tourist economy. The Florida Reef Resilience Program's Climate Action
Plan's vision is to achieve: 1) increased resilience to global climate change impacts via active
management of local reef impacts; 2) enhanced communications and awareness about climate
change impacts on reefs and reef users; and 3) targeted research about those impacts. More detailed
information is available at: littl):Hfrri).org/SLR%20dociuiieiits/FL%2OReef%2OAction%20Plan-WEB pdf
Priority: High
Planning Horizon:
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Action N-2.2: Maintain Land Development Regulations that protect high quality natural areas
from conversion to other land uses.
This should include specific mention of the Tier System, requirements for removing invasive plants
prior to issuance of certificates of occupancy, etc. It is important to minimize the fragmentation and
degradation of existing natural areas. See language for P 2.4 Provides a bulwark against slr and
storm surges,,,, account for "grey" infrastructure (e.g. seawalls, stormwater management systems,
etc.) improvements in the protection and restoration of natural processes, natural areas and native
species as well as protection and restoration of existing "green infrastructure" (i.e. natural areas in
general and reefs, wetlands, beach/dune systems and barrier islands in particular) and by directing
development and growth to non -vulnerable areas.
Priority• High
Planning Horizon:
Action N-2.3: : Ensure that Monroe County Land Authority places a high priority on
purchasing natural areas for conservation purposes and supporting efforts of federal, state,
municipal and private interests in purchasing natural areas for conservation purposes.
Protecting green infrastructure protects both the built environment from storms and provides
corridors for migration of habitat as sea level rises.
Priority• High
Planning Horizon:
Action N-2.4: Identify, protect, restore and enhance sites where `green infrastructure' (e.g.
mangroves, natural beaches, freshwater wetlands, coastal berms), alone or in combination
with built infrastructure, protects people and the built environment from coastal hazards and
climate change impacts including storms, sea level rise, drought and rainwater
Priority• High
Planning Horizon:
SEE IF AN ADAPTATION GOAL CAN BE INSERTED AND ALIGNED WITH SOME OF
THE ABOVE NATURAL ACTION ITEMS 1.1 ETC
Goal B-1: Landscape -Promote the conservation of native species and sustainable
landscape practices.
Action B-1.1: Promote Florida -Friendly Landscaping (http://www.floridayards.org) or similar
landscape programs.
11
Florida -Friendly Landscaping promotes resilient landscapes that require minimal fertilizer and
pesticide applications and is more adaptable to natural rain cycles, thus also minimizing the need for
artificial irrigation. Native landscaping is a good mitigation and adaptation practice for landscapes
within the built environment.
Priority: Low
Planning Horizon:
Action B-1.2: Encourage the planting and proper long-term maintenance of native flora and
discourage establishment and spread of invasive exotics species.
This will increase carbon sequestration and to help reduce energy costs. Review current buffer
requirements to encourage a balance of trees, understory, shrubs, and groundcover. Reduce pea -rock
and turf grass on rights of way whenever possible and replace with native ground cover, plants, and
trees.
Priority: Low
Planning Horizon:
Action B-1.3: Support programs for rapid identification and removal of invasive exotic species.
Develop strategies to respond to potential increases in undesirable exotic and invasive species.
Emphasize prevention of new invasions through education, early detection of and rapid response to
new invasions and control of well -established invasive species populations that have particular
impacts on climate change vulnerability (e.g. Australian pines are bad in any natural area but on
dunes they promote coastal erosion which can reduce resilience of the dune itself and therefore
everything landward of the dune, to waves, storm surges and rising sea levels. The Florida Keys
Invasive Exotics Task Force needs to review their existing policies and activities in context of
climate change and sea level rise (http://www.floridainvasives.or�4/Keys/).
Priority: Low
Planning Horizon:
Action B-1.3: Encourage creation of new community gardens and produce markets.
Community gardens and produce markets are great ways to encourage healthy eating. Monroe
County should adopt policies to encourage community gardens by reducing barriers and cost. Look
for opportunities to use public spaces for establishment of community gardens and produce markets.
Priority: Low
Planning Horizon:
Action B-1.4: Determine and provide incentives for the preservation and use of eco-system
functions (e.g. hammocks, mangroves, wetlands, aquifers) via amendments to the land use
policies and regulations during new development and re -development.
Priority: Low
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Planning Horizon:
Goal B-2: Built Adaptation Incorporate adaptation to climate change impacts,
especially sea level rise and storm singe in building codes, the planning of
developments and provision of services, as appropriate.
Action B-2.1: Develop and implement adaptive planning and zoning policies, regulations and
programs to ensure that appropriate land use, construction and redevelopment activities
address the potential impacts of sea level rise on Monroe County's infrastructure.
Monroe County will ensure that new, renovated and replacement residential and commercial
buildings are designed in a manner which takes into consideration the impacts from global climate
change, including rising sea level and storm surge, to assure resilience and sustainability.
Establish an ongoing process to review local and regional zoning and building code requirements
implemented by other counties, determine their applicability to Monroe County, and adopt as a local
code when appropriate regarding the need for resilience of existing and proposed strictures in areas
at risk to inundation and climate change.
Priority: Medium
Planning Horizon:
Goal B-3: Built Mitigation Identify measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
through changes in building codes and practices.
Action B-3.1: Support and develop Energy Code and Land Development Regulation changes
to increase energy efficiency and storm readiness of new and remodeled residential and
commercial structures.
Monroe County should support changes to Florida's Residential Energy Code recommended within
the report "Effectiveness of Florida's Residential Energy Code: 1979-2009" completed by the
Florida Solar Energy Center on June 15, 2009 for the Florida Department of Community Affairs
fsec.ucfedu/en/publications/pdf/FSEC -CR-1806.pdf). The Report recommends that all home
energy uses be covered by the Code and that additional measures be required to increase energy
efficiency in new residential constriction.
Priority: High
Planning Horizon:
Action B-3.2: Develop and adopt policies to promote renewable energy systems and projects
that achieve net -zero or maximum energy efficiency exceeding the Florida Building Code
requirements.
Homeowners, businesses and builders need guidance and assistance in creating homes and offices
that minimize the use of non-renewable energy. The creation of net -zero buildings is the right goal
for Monroe County residents that can only be facilitated by appropriate policies and assistance from
local governments, their departments, and the local utilities.
13
Implement expedited permitting processes, such as checklists, to minimize time delays in the
permitting, constriction and inspection aspects associated with energy -related projects.
Develop an incentive program within the Monroe County Building Department permit fee schedule
to reduce permit fees for renewable and alternative energy installations for pilot a minimum of 2
years. Identify and reduce any permitting issues that may inhibit development of renewable energy
installations.
Priority: Medium
Planning Horizon:
Action B-3.3: Incorporate green construction practices.
Incorporate energy efficient design, constriction, maintenance and waste reduction standards
through the use of regulation, education and incentives. Monroe County should encourage greener,
more efficient, and more durable constriction practices locally by establishing an ongoing process to
address local zoning and building code requirements that recommend the following:
I . Adopt a municipal green building ordinance similar in scope to the Florida State Green Building
Model Ordinance which addresses incentives for green building and adaptation for climate
change (LI-ii-i .southembuildings.ora/resources/pdfs/Model Green Building Ord.pdf).
2. Encourage builders to constrict all new and renovated buildings to meet green building
standards to be developed in the green building ordinance;
3. Encourage each municipal building department to have at least one "green" accredited official on
staff within a two-year time frame;
4. Encourage licensed personnel in each building department to have continuing education units
(CEUs) of emerging energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies with the next two-year
cycle;
5. Incorporate RFP specifications that will require accredited individuals on design teams and
incorporation of green building practices.
Priority: Medium
Planning Horizon:
Action B-3.4: Reduce impervious surfaces to reduce storm water runoff.
Impervious surfaces have proven to reduce storm water runoff in the built environment and need to
be expanded to reduce pollution to the near shore environment. Ongoing consideration is needed
for incorporation of impervious asphalt and concrete in appropriate situations.
Priority: Medium
Planning Horizon:
Goal B-4: Transportation - Encourage the use of public transportation, ride sharing, and a
shift to fossil fuel efficient and electric commuter vehicles through the provision of the
appropriate infrastructure. This goal has an adaptation element — `to build resilience into our
transportation infrastructure,' and a mitigation element `to reduce the current level of vehicle
miles travelled thus the amount of carbon emissions.
14
A resilient vehicle transportation infrastructure is a must in Monroe County to maintain our quality
of life while adapting to sea level rise. Early identification of areas that require improvements and
integrating them into the current planning process will help to sustain our neighborhoods and
economy. Early identification of needed improvements also minimizes needed expenditures and
enables the County to take advantage of state and federal funds.
The overall vision is to have a functional mass transportation system and ride sharing program
throughout Monroe County for island to island travel and low -carbon transportation alternatives for
travel within each of the island communities. As the shift to alternative fuel vehicles occurs, most
cars will include electric engines, either wholly or as a plug-in hybrid. Commuter parking areas with
electric charging stations at each island community center will help facilitate a transition to electric
vehicles for both "drive down" tourists and residential commuters.
Ground level commuter parking areas should be raised several feet equal to or higher than the height
of the adjacent US 1 highway to protect against SLR, and where possible storm surge. As the shift to
electric vehicles occurs these small limited distance vehicles will be less likely to be used for storm
evacuation.
As an alternative to removing multiple vehicles per household from a storm's path (burdening
evacuation times) we should encouraging the use of one conventional fueled vehicle for the entire
family while leaving the commuter vehicle in these relatively safe commuter parking areas.
The more the County is able to encourage mass transit use, the less people will be dependent on cars,
which will result in a reduction in COz emissions. Economic and energy savings for travelers will
occur because dependency on oil for personal transportation will be reduced.
Action B-4.1: Encourage a functional county wide public transportation system and coordinate
transportation -related adaptation policies across jurisdictional boundaries.
1. Pursue funding opportunities for public mass transit, at the local, state and federal level.
2. Coordinate with the municipalities and the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority to
improve the mass transit system functions on a regional level to allow Keys residents effective
mass transit within the entire county and to the mainland.
3. Encourage vehicle ride sharinu where mass transportation is not practical.
4. Provide the infrastructure and support facilities to encourage and enhance the use of mass
transportation and ride sharing.
a. Establishing commuter -parking facilities in each island community.
b. Provide electric charging stations (preferably solar powered) at each of these parking
facilities.
c. Raise parking facilities above high water levels.
Priority• High
Planning Horizon:
Action B-4.2: Enhance bicycle and pedestrian safety, and promote their use to reduce miles
driven.
15
1. Develop a countywide bicycle/pedestrian plan integrated with the FDEP Overseas Heritage Trail
and the commuter parking areas.
2. Provide more bicycle routes and bike racks throughout the County.
3. Provide bicycle and pedestrian ways for connecting residential areas to recreational areas,
commuter parking, schools, shopping areas and employment areas.
4. Promote a bike share program.
Priority: Medium
Planning Horizon:
Action B-4.3: Promote the infrastructure and encourage use of alternative fuels and
alternative fuel vehicles.
Alternative fuels such as biodiesel, propane, and eventually hydrogen can reduce dependence on
fossil fuels but such alternatives need government support or encouragement. Grant funding should
be sought to fund evaluation pilot projects. One method of encouraging the needed transition is for
the local governmental entities to acquire and use such fuels whenever possible. Other possible
approaches include:
1. Encouraging the establishment of alternative fueling/charging stations.
2. Working with the MC School Board and FKCC to create / expand training programs.
3. Introducing alternative fueled vehicles when replacing county vehicles. Encourage
municipalities to do so as well.
Priority: Medium
Planning Horizon:
Action B-4.4: Encourage creation of a Florida Keys Electric Highway.
The installation of fast -charging stations throughout the Florida Keys along US 1 would facilitate the
increase use of electric vehicles by both residents and tourists. The creation of a Florida Keys
Electric Highway would greatly complement the current designations of the Florida Keys Scenic
Highway and the Overseas Heritage Trail. Promote electric vehicles or shuttle services for within
island transportation and provide leadership by adopting electric vehicles in the Monroe County
fleet. Encourage accessible "plug in" locations for electric vehicles in new development projects or
major renovations. Install electric fast -charging stations at all the major county facilities
Priority: Medium
Planning Horizon:
Action B-4.5: Develop elevated/raised commuter parking at multimodal transportation hubs to
provide support for increased mass transit usage and to protect parked vehicles from SLR and
storm surge.
The Livable CommuniKeys Plans envision Community Centers throughout the Keys where
commercial activity will be centralized. The centers lend themselves to bicycling and walk able
communities, and provide a focal point for commuter parking. These commuter parking areas should
be elevated (with fill) above the projected sea level rise. Where possible, they should also be
elevated higher to protect against storm surge. Such elevated areas will provide safe parking for
16
short range commuter vehicles that will not be used for evacuation, thus encouraging the transition
to alternative fuel vehicles.
Elevated commuter parking areas are defined as areas where the parking level is raised to heights
equal to or above that of the adjacent US 1 roadway and are sufficient in size to provide reasonable
access for the nearby community. Multimodal infrastructure (e.g., raised commuter parking) and
support facilities (e.g., electric charging stations) are needed to encourage the use of electric vehicles
for on -island transportation and the use of mass transportation for inter -island transportation. Sites
throughout the County along the US 1 corridor are needed to provide commuter parking at ground
levels equivalent to the adjacent highway to provide protection from anticipated sea levels and the
concomitant increases in extreme tides and storm surges.
Priority: High
Planning Horizon:
Action B-4.6: Establish video conferencing facilities to allow residents and employees to
participate in advisory and commission meetings without having to drive long distances.
The three primary county meeting facilities (Murray Nelson, Marathon, and Harvey Government
Centers), will be equipped and staffed to provide Keys -wide video teleconferencing by the public
and county employees during BOCC (and other) meetings. This action would significantly reduce
miles traveled within the county and travel costs for both residents and employees. The time saved
would also increase government and business productivity.
Priority: Medium
Planning Horizon:
6: WATER RESOURCES & WASTEWATER
Goal W-1: Drinking Water -Support conservation strategies for protection of water
resources
Action W-1.1: Advocate for sustained implementation of the Comprehensive Everglades
Restoration Plan projects that increase the flow of freshwater into lower east coast aquifers
and Florida Bay.
This action will increase the resiliency of our drinking water supply by helping to curtail saltwater
intrusion into the Biscayne Aquifer, the primary source of drinking water for the Florida Keys and
will improve the resiliency and quality of the Florida Bay ecosystem.
Monroe County should review, in coordination with appropriate agencies, the impacts of climate
change and sea level rise on the Everglades and support adaptive management efforts to mitigate
impacts.
Priority: High
Planning Horizon:
17
Action W-1.2: Support climate change and conservation strategies of FKAA and SFWMD to
protect the existing freshwater supply for Monroe County.
Monroe County should support the inclusion of adaptation measures that address impacts from
climate change in future updates of the FKAA Water Plan (http://www.fl,�aa.com/alt_supply plan.htm), the
South Florida Water Management District's Lower East Coast Regional Water Supply Plan
(http://Ni-Niw.sfii-md.Gov/poitaUpa�4e/poitaUxweb%20%20release%203%20water%2Osuppl\-/water%2Osupply%2Oplannnl�4) and
other regional water management activities to ensure that Monroe County's source of potable water
supply is conserved and protected.
Priority: High
Planning Horizon:
Action W-1.3: Provide support to implement water conservation measures.
Monroe County should provide resources to assist local governments, SFWMD and FKAA in
implementing regional water conservation strategies as a water supply demand management tool.
(do you want to include the recommendation that county staff enforce water restrictions?)
Increase the scope and fully promote government and public water -use audits to establish a baseline
and identify efficiency and conservation opportunities utilizing state-of-the-art leak detection
technology among other strategies.
Work with the Monroe County Health Department to encourage and facilitate gray water use.
Require that new and replacement toilets, showerheads, and other water fixtures purchased by the
County must be low -flow consistent with EPA's Water&,nse (www.epa.gov/WaterSense) or Energv
Star (www. energy star. gov) programs.
Promote partnerships and consistent conservation policies and reduced per -capita -use goals with all
users within the County including homeowner's and condominium associations.
Priority: High
Planning Horizon:
Action W-1.4: Endorse partnerships with FKAA and all county wastewater utilities to
implement energy efficiency measures.
It takes a lot of energy to treat and distribute water. It is important for our wastewater and water
systems to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Priority: High
Planning Horizon:
Action W-1.5: Require installation of a rain detection device on all automatic or timer -
controlled irrigation systems to cease irrigation during periods of rainfall.
Irrigation of landscape should be curtailed during rainy periods. Rain -detection systems should be
installed in any automatic (timer controlled) irrigation system.
Priority: Medium
Planning Horizon:
Goal W-2: Water Quality Protection Implement measures to protect nearshore
water quality.
Action W-2.1: Protect Wastewater Treatment Plants and collection systems from infiltration
and inflow.
Monroe County should work in coordination with all utilities and municipalities to maintain
infrastructure protection and adaptation through infiltration and inflow program development to
prevent loss of groundwater and reduce the need for additional treatment requirements.
Priority: Medium
Planning Horizon:
Action W-2.2: Complete conversion of wastewater systems in the Keys to Advanced
Wastewater Treatment (AWT).
Advanced wastewater treatment is necessary to protect nearshore water quality from septic tank and
cesspit pollution.
Priority: Medium
Planning Horizon:
Goal W-3: Alternative Water Supply -Encourage the Development/Expansion of
Alternative Water Supply Systems (A WS) for the Florida Keys.
Action W-3.1: Evaluate the reclamation and reuse of treated wastewater relative to potential
benefits in addressing climate change impacts.
Monroe County should work in coordination with all utilities and municipalities to evaluate current
plans for utilization of treated wastewater for reclamation and reuse. Reuse reduces total water
withdrawals from the aquifer well fields. Wastewater infrastructure should utilize the most energy
efficient technology available and feasible. The County should also evaluate technologies to better
utilize wastewater byproducts to produce renewable energy.
Priority: Medium
Planning Horizon:
Actions W-3.2: Encourage the conversion of abandoned septic tanks to non -potable rainwater
collection cisterns in accordance with Florida Department of Health procedures.
A very substantial number of stormwater-sequestering containers exist throughout the Florida
Keys in the form of soon -to -be -abandoned septic tanks are a valuable resource for reducing
overall water consumption at minimal cost. Rainwater harvesting should be fully encouraged to
diminish stormwater effects and to increase the supply of secure, widely distributed fresh water.
19
Priority: Medium
Planning Horizon:
Action W-3.3 Support legislation and ordinances that encourage rain water harvesting.
Recognition of the potential and encouragement of the practice of rainwater harvesting to
supplement non -potable and potable water supply should be encouraged by all levels of government.
While decreasing demand through water efficiency and conservation are the primary means to
protect the aquifer and reduce the associated energy consumption, harvesting rainwater can and
should be fully exploited to increase the supply of water.
Priority: Medium
Planning Horizon:
Action W-3.4: Work with FKAA to plan for the eventual expansion of the reverse osmosis
plant in Florida City to increase the capacity to treat brackish water from the Floridan
Aquifer.
As salt water intrusion into the Biscayne Aquifer continues with SLR the need for RO treated water
from the Floridan Aquifer will increase and expansion of the existing facility may be the most cost-
effective means of maintaining the water supply for Monroe County in the mid -range time frame.
Priority: Medium
Planning Horizon:
Action W-3.5: Work with FKAA to evaluate the long-range feasibility of developing new or
upgrading/expanding existing desalination plants in the Keys.
In the long-term time horizon, advances in SLR may require that more of the Monroe County's
water supply be provided by desalination. Technological improvements probably will make
desalination more cost effective.
Priority: Medium
Planning Horizon:
7: RENEWABLE ENERGY
Goal R-1: Support the expansion of renewable energy sources and remove the
barriers to projects that support sustainability.
Action R-1.1: Support legislation to establish a minimum 20% renewable portfolio standard.
Monroe County should support state legislation which is consistent with the 2008 Florida Energy
and Climate Change Action Plan to establish a 20% renewable portfolio standard for 2020.
Additionally support a "carve out" of a certain percentage of the Renewable Portfolio Standard for
distributive and solar energy as "Renewable Distributive."
20
Priority: High
Planning Horizon:
Action R- 1.2: Implement a Property Assessed Clean Energy Program for Monroe County
residents and businesses.
In 2010, the State of Florida established the framework for dependent special districts, municipalities
and county governments to implement low -interest PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy)
financing programs to advance implementation of renewable energy, energy efficiencies, and
hurricane mitigation measures on homes and businesses through HB 7179, amending Chapter 163,
F.S. APACE program in Monroe County would significantly create local jobs, increase property
values and reduce greenhouse gas emissions within the county.
Priority: Medium
Planning Horizon:
Action R-1.3: Require solar water heating systems and incentivize the installation of electrical
generating renewable energy systems on all new construction.
This effort could involve collaborations with utilities or other agencies.
Priority: Medium
Planning Horizon:
Action R-1.4: Encourage the electrical utilities, Florida Keys Electric Cooperative and Keys
Energy Services to adopt practices to increase use of renewable energy.
The current fuel source percentages for Keys Energy electrical output consists of about 50-65%
natural gas, 10-25% coal, and 11-13% nuclear with the remainder coming from pooled resources
(taken from Florida Municipal Power Agency, 3 Phase Times newsletter, March 2010). The current
fuel source percentages for the Florida Keys Electric Cooperative electrical output consists of about
72% natural gas, 21% nuclear, 6% coal, 1% oil, 0.1% solar (T.J. Patterson, personal
communication).
The utilities should be encouraged to implement incentive programs to increase the use of renewable
energy within the county and minimize the use of fossil fuels, especially coal, as a fuel source. Of
all the available fossil fuels used for electrical generations, coal emits the most greenhouse gases.
Recognize and support local utilities which build their own renewable energy facilities such as
Florida Keys Electric Cooperative's Simply Solar program (http://ii-ii-i.fl,�ec.com/Greeii/SimpleSolar.cfm�.
Priority: Medium
Planning Horizon:
Action R-1.5: Encourage local alternative energy studies to evaluate their feasibility in
achieving the County's greenhouse gas emissions goals.
Solar energy is well documented as a viable source of renewable energy but national wind studies
indicate the wind potential for Monroe County is limited and wave or hydro turbine technologies are
still at the research and development stages. A more detailed evaluation of wind potential in Monroe
21
County is needed because many residents believe our proximity to the prevailing ocean breezes may
make both onshore and offshore wind energy feasible. Work cooperatively with municipalities and
other agencies to develop consistent permitting requirements for renewable energy projects.
Priority: Medium
Planning Horizon:
8: SOLID WASTE AND RECYCLING
An overview of the waste to energy process.
Waste to energy is based on the use of waste as a renewable fuel source even though a large part of
the waste could be directly recycled. Burning municipal solid waste does emit carbon dioxide and
other pollutants but the biomass portion is derived from plant material and considered part of the
natural carbon cycle. A description of waste to energy process can be found at the EPA site below:
http://««w.el)a.gov/cleanener v/ener v-and-you/affect/municil)al-sw.html. In 2005 the EPA enacted riles
to control hazardous waste pollutants from waste combustion and waste to energy plants are
regulated under that rile, see: (http://«ww.ei)a.(ov/osw/hazard/tsd/td/combustion.htm).
The following excerpt on waste to energy is from Wikipedia: httl)://en.wikil)edia.or(/wiki/Waste-to-
ener(,v
In thermal Waste to Energy technologies, nearly all of the carbon content in the waste is
emitted as carbon dioxide (('02) to the atmosphere (when including final combustion of the
products from pyrolysis and gasification; except ir'hen producing bio-char for fertilizer).
Municipal solid waste (IISW contain approximately the same mass fraction of carbon as
CO2 itself (27%), so treatment of I metric ton (1.1 short tons) ofMSW produce
approximately I metric ton (1.1 short tons) of CO2.
In the event that the waste was land Bled I metric ton (1.1 short tons) ofM,SW would
produce approximately 62 cubic metres (2,200 cii ft) inethane via the anaerobic
decomposition of the biodegradable part of the waste. This amount of methane has more than
ti 'ice the global i ,arinin,T potential than the I metric ton (1.1 short tons) of CO2, ir'hich
would have been produced by combustion. In some countries, large amounts of landfill has'
are collected, but .still the global ir'arming potential of the landfill gas emitted to atmosphere
in e.g. the US in 1999 ir'as approximately 32 % higher" than the amoriilt of ('02 that ir'ould
have been emitted by combustion.
LL
In addition, nearly all biodegradable ir'aste is bioina'K. That is, it has biological origin. This
material has been formed by plants using atmospheric ('02 typically 11'1thlYr the last grorr'iilg
season. If these plants are regrown the CO2 emitted from their combustion will be taken out
from the atmosphere once more.
,Such considerations are the main reason why several countries administrate WtE of the
biomass part of waste as renewable ener",Q-i,. 1 L The rest mainly plastics and other oil and
gas derived products is generally treated as non-r"eneii,ables'.
Goal S-1: Create a Solid Waste/Recycling Action Plan to achieve zero waste by
2025.
22
Strategies to reduce solid waste disposal are an essential piece of reducing the emissions that cause
global warming. Recycling, composting, and reducing overall consumption serve to decrease
upstream, energy intensive production processes. Monroe County should adopt a goal to achieve
Zero Waste by 2025. Zero Waste means that all discarded material is recycled, composted, or reused
as waste -to -energy. The County has already increased recycling from 6% to 21% of total solid
waste through 2010. With waste to energy credits the County has already reached a cumulative 70-
75% level of recycling.
While substantial progress has been made further reductions in solid waste generation clearly need
more effort and may need to include amendments to the County Comprehensive Plan and the
renegotiation of the solid waste pick-up and haul -out contracts.
The Solid Waste/Recycling Action Plan should consider adoption of existing programs and criteria,
including concepts such as EPA's Waste Hierarchy and their WasteWise Partnership Program:
EPA's WasteWise partnership program -- http://««w.el)a.",ov/epawaste/partnerships/wastewise/index.htm
EPA Waste Hierarchy -- http://«-i«v.el)a.(.,oN-/wastes/nonhaz/municipal/«te/nonhaz.htm
The Action items listed below under this goal are suggested for inclusion in a Solid Waste/Recycling
Action Plan.
Action 5-1.1: Revise County solid waste disposal structure to enhance waste diversion.
Revise the County solid waste disposal rate stricture in order to maintain and enhance incentives,
outreach programs, and other activities designed to increase recycling and composting. Renegotiate
franchise arrangements and haulout contracts, where necessary, to maximize the efforts to reduce
solid waste shipments to the mainland. Link to rate structures
Priority: High Planning Horizon: Immediate
Action 5-1.2 Adopt progressive, phased in, zero waste programs designed to be end user
friendly for residents and businesses.
Provide support for partnerships with municipal solid waste operation to maximize efficiency.
Utilize existing data from successful programs in Florida to guide BOCC/ staff development of a
Solid Waste and Recycling Action Plan. Consideration of a variety of source reduction programs
need to be assessed not only for both financial and environmental costs and benefits.
Link to sample programs;
Zero Waste 10-year Bridge Plan as developed by Eco-cycle in Colorado (N-,-N-,w.ecocycle.org)
Priority: High Planning Horizon: Immediate
Action 5-1.3: Develop and track the Solid Waste Action Plan through key performance
indicators.
Track solid waste GHG emissions including waste to energy and waste transport emissions.
Evaluate performance and progress of measures in the County Solid Waste/Recycling Action Plan.
Evaluate reduction achievements in the Comprehensive plan.
Action 5-1.4: Implement ordinances that encourage economic opportunities for recycling/reuse
business ventures and reevaluate existing ordinances to remove restrictions that may
discourage recycling.
23
Support regional bottle bills and inexpensive disposal options.
Incorporate business opportunity measures in the County Solid Waste/Recycling Plan.
Incorporate reduction goals into the Comprehensive plan.
Action S-1.5: Monroe County should create an action plan to handle storm related solid waste.
The action plan should include means for composting as much debris as possible as well as its use in
the waste -to -energy plant.
Goal S-2: Implement specific recycling plans for the residential, business,
institutional and construction sectors.
We are 5 years now from base line of 2005 and are at a 21% recycling rate countywide. (For annual
recycling rates in Monroe County and throughout the state visit the FDEP Solid Waste Management in
Floridawebsite: littp://ii-ii-ii-.del).siate.fl.us/ii-aste/categories/recN-cling/SWrei)oildata/10 data.htm.. To further
improve recycling rates, Monroe County should consider the following Action Items, including
those which ensure consistency with Monroe County's Comprehensive Plan Solid Waste element
NN-NNw.monroecount�--fl.gov/DocumentVleN-,-.aspx?DID=32).
More on the latest statewide recycling information can be found in the following 2010 75%
Recycling Goal Report to the Legislature:
http://««w.del).state.fl.us/waste/quick topics/publications/shwhrecvcling/751)ercent/75 recycling report.pdf
Action S-2.1: Develop goals, objectives and policies to expand local capacity to process recycled
materials and promote development of reuse, recovery, and light manufacturing activities.
Expanding local capacity to process and use recycled materials has the potential to reduce the GHG
emissions associated with transporting materials elsewhere as well as create local jobs in the waste
management sector. The County should adopt goals which expand the types of materials that are
collected for local reuse and recycling, in order to increase waste diversion. Link to examples
Incentive programs need to be designed to decrease the export of waste out of the County, increasing
climate change mitigation efforts. Expanding local capacity to process recycled materials has the
potential to reduce the GHG emissions associated with transporting materials elsewhere as well as
create local jobs in the waste management sector. The County's goal should be to expand the types
of materials that are collected for local reuse, in order to increase waste diversion.
Priority: Medium
Planning Horizon:
Action S-2.2 Consider a Pay -As -You -Throw residential solid waste program.
A pay -as -you -throw program will encourage residents to recycle and to conduct at-home yard waste
and composting to avoid user fees for excessive solid waste or organics. An accompanying
educational effort can greatly assist residents adapt to the program. The County can use the
composted material in conjunction with constriction debris for fill in sea level rise adaptation
efforts. Link to PAYT programs
Priority: High
Planning Horizon:
24
Action 5-2.3 Evaluate the use of existing transfer stations for a community compost program.
Food and yard waste are around 40-45% of our County's waste stream. Monroe County should
determine best composting and/or fuel production methods for managing organic waste and evaluate
programs for adoption in Monroe County.
Conduct a feasibility study that results in recommendations regarding the design of a rebuilt Transfer
Station and material recovery facility as well as recommendations regarding what types of waste
processing equipment and material recovery systems to incorporate.
Explore Waste Prevention, Recycling and Composting Option from 30 US Cities:
http://www.epa.,ov/epawaste/conserve/downloads/recy-com/toc.pdf
Compost Use in Florida (IFAS Contributor)
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/waste/quick topic s/publications/documents/compost. pdf
Priority: High Planning Horizon: Immediate
Action 5-2.4 Develop a program for mandatory recycling for commercial (i.e. non-residential)
businesses, government, agencies, and organizations.
In 2009 only 14% of commercial units/properties in Monroe County participated in scheduled
recycling.
http://appprod.del).state.fl.us/www rcrahreports/WR/Recycling/2009AnnualReport/AppendixG/Monroe.pdf
In 2010 only 19% of commercial units/properties participate in scheduled recycling;
http://appprod.del).state.fl.us/www rcrahreports/WR/Recycling/2010AnnualReport/AppendixB/13B.pdf
Information on waste management for public buildings can be found at:
http://www.dep. state.fl.us/waste/cate,ories/hazardous/pa,es/state.htm.
The following measures should be implemented.
1. Provide a range of container sizes and types for all commercial recycling accounts, priced
accordingly to minimize the amount of solid waste generated. Pricing must provide comparisons
for equivalent size/type/ collection frequency of recycling containers versus trash collection.
2. Commercial recycling and trash collection rates will be incorporated into all franchise
agreements.
Provide education about tax credits to businesses for recycling of all end -of -life products like
furniture, appliances, fixtures, electronics to appropriate end of product life handlers and
recyclers.
4. Expand low cost hazardous and electronic waste program for commercial users with convenient
drop off locations and hours.
5. Provide comprehensive commercial recycling education opportunities.
Priority: HIGH
25
Planning Horizon:
Action S-2.5: Develop goals, objectives and policies to increase recycling of recoverable waste
from all construction sites throughout Monroe County. The DEP has best management
practices, reports and legislation related to C & D recycling;
http: //« ww.del). state.fl.us/waste/categories/recycling/cd/canddmain.htm
1. Encourage pre-processing of C&D in franchise/license agreements, building permits or ordinances
with possible incentives (fee rebates).
2. Incentivize C&D recycling (on -site or off -site), and the use of recycled building materials.
3. Develop a partnership with in -county recycling companies to keep most constriction debris in
county for use in adaptation efforts to combat sea level rise.
Priority: Medium
Planning Horizon:
Goal S-3: Expand efforts to eliminate waste at its source.
Action 3.1: Institute a ban or fee for single -use plastic bags and establish a fee on paper
shopping bags at retail locations. Link to Silver Spring MD or other example policies
Action 3.2 Adopt County Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) policies to addresses
this issue for government operations. Link to Example or provide MC one
Educate local businesses and NGO's about EPP.
Evaluate options and opportunities for extending producer responsibility for product waste at the
local level. These opportunities include expansion of retail businesses engaging in take -back
programs and education programs.
Support policies at the state level that provide incentives for efficient product design, reduced
product and packaging waste, and elimination of toxics in the discard stream through mandatory
compliance programs.
In collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce and other business associations, enhance outreach
and education to local businesses about the waste embodied in products and packaging and support
local manufacturers' efforts to reduce packaging.
26
Poo SOUTH DADE SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT
1450 N.Krome Ave.,Suite 104-Florida City,FL 33034
Telephone: (305) 2d2-1'_2S8—Fax:1305) 242-1292
E-Mail:southdadeswcd@southdadeswcd.org
Website:southdadeswcd.org
MONROE COUNTY CLIMATE CHANGE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
May 17, 2012
Presentation By The South Dade Soil And Water Conservation District;
Environmental and Economic Advantages Of In-Vessel Composting
In The Florida
Evaluating the present solid waste disposal system
in the Florida Keys
The Solid Waste Element of the Monroe County Comprehensive Plan Update, May 2011 includes the following
important statement:
"Solid Waste management is a critical issue in the Florida Keys. ...the unique setting of the Keys
makes waste management even more difficult. While landfilling has been the predominant means of
waste disposal nationwide, our nation is becoming increasingly conscious of what is being thrown away
and where it is going. An increasing awareness of the hazards of landfilling some types of waste of the
potential for reuse of other materials, and the imminent closure of landfills around the country have
brought about this change in attitudes towards solid waste management. Now, methods of processing
and disposal are evolving that are changing the business of solid waste management."
The high cost of disposal plus the environmental sensitivity of the Florida Keys is a current problem that needs
a good solution.
The South Dade Soil And Water Conservation District (SDSWCD) has had 28 successful years of composting
experience. See the attached "Know Your District" paper. The SDSWCD can provide consulting services to
the Monroe County Solid Waste Department at a very fair and reasonable cost to plan and operate a 6-month In-
Vessel Composting Pilot Project at the Key Largo Transfer Station,utilizing the organic waste from commercial
operations, restaurants, hotels, fisheries whose waste is presently going to this transfer station. No residential
waste would e i�n—in in t is pilot project
SO DADE SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT
1450 N.Krome Ave.,Suite 104-Florida City,FL 33034
'Telephone:0, ALUM-Fax: (�L�LSL242-1292
E-Maii.southiludeswed(*,southdadeswed.org
Website:southdademed.org
March 12,2012
PROPOSAL FOR MONROE COUNTY ORGANIC WASTE RE'CYCLING
The South Dade Soil and Water Conservation District (SDSWCD), a governmental subdivision
of the to of Florida has been active in working with Monroe County Florida Keys schools,
hotels, restaurants, municipalities and homeowners irate pursuit of its mission "To provide
leadership in implementing- conservation programs and technology that cilhate enhancement,
sustainment and ste wardship of our natural resources and environment
The SDSWCD being the closest Soil and Water Conservation District to Monroe County, where
no Soil and Water Consenation District exists, is available to assist Monroe County in
conservation measures that will be directed towards the protection of the sensitive environment
that exists in the Florida Keys., With 28 years of successful composting experience that includes:
1. Installation of a complete in-vessel composting facility at Broken Sound Club in Boca Raton,
Florida to compost all of the food waste from four restaurants and the green waste from two
golf courses, and the re-use of the compost on the golf courses eliminating the high cost of
cornmercial fertilizers.
2. A five-year contract with the City of Homestead, Florida to in-vessel compost their waste
water residuals, eliminating the high cost of lanAfilling their biosolids as well as the
environmental hazards.
3. Developing the protocol for composting Miami-Dade waste water residuals into a Class AA
certified Florida Organix fertilizer that received national EPA Awards.
4. Successfully completing an EPA grant to prove "'In-Vessel (,'omposting, of Organic Waste
Products and Re-use On Site", composting the food waste and green waste from the City of
Miami Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Homestead Air Reserve Base, The Breakers Resort, in Palm
Beach, Florida and the animal to and green to from Zoo Miarni,
5. A successful three-week pilot test of in-vessel composting food waste and yard waste at Key
Largo K-8 School.
Many other successful SDSWCD in-vessel composting projects with dairies, poultry growers,
and a cotton gin operator in South Carolina offer Monroe County the benefit of working with the
SDSWCD to create a solid waste disposal system that is both environmentally and economically
advantageous. There is no need to re-invent the wheel with additional costly tests, pilot projects
and consultant fees. Composting is being done around the world today with excellent results; in-
vessel systems offer economically and environmentally viable options for the Florida Keys.
To ensure the protection of the extremely sensitive local environment, reduce costs and carbon
footprint, a safe system of in-vessel composting organic waste products produced in the Florida
Keys can be implemented. This will substantially reduce the total volume of solid waste to be
transported out of the County.
In response to the need for improved organics disposal options, the SDSWCD proposes a
comprehensive Monroe County in-vessel composting program for organic waste:
a) Monroe County would utilize the expertise of the SDSWCD through an inter-
governmental agreement between the two government agencies. The SDSWCD will
provide, on an hourly and mileage basis of $75.00 per hour and $0.51 per mile, not to
exceed a total of$50,000.00, a comprehensive proposal, including the evaluation of the
volumes of organic waste produced at each individual in-vessel composting site and at
each transfer station, using weights produced by the Monroe County Solid Waste
Department.
A preliminary estimate of equipment requirements and costs are presented following this
section of the proposal; this is presented based on prior experience. Meetings with
County Solid Waste staff and a tour of County transfer stations will provide additional
guidance for development of the comprehensive in-vessel composting proposal.
b) The proposed agreement would authorize the SDSWCD to initiate the design of in-vessel
composting installations at each of the Monroe County transfer stations. The installations
will be designed for the maximum volume per day during the highest peak days of the
Florida Keys tourist season.
c) The SDSWCD will provide the Monroe County Solid Waste Department with the option
of a turn-key operation contract with the SDSWCD for management of the in-vessel
composting equipment at any or all of the transfer stations.
d) Alternatively, the SDSWCD will train the personnel of WMI, Monroe County or other
designated entity to operate the in-vessel composting equipment and manage operations
of the three composting facilities.
e) Items "b" and "c" will assure that the in-vessel composting facilities are operated by
trained, certified personnel.
f) Residents and businesses will be required to separate their organic waste products into
approved compostable plastic bags or compost collection bins, provided by the Monroe
County Solid Waste Department for a bi-weekly organic waste collection service that will
be delivered to the nearest transfer station for in-vessel composting.
g) Businesses may purchase and operate an in-vessel composting system for their own
organic waste products on site and will be exempt from any solid waste disposal fee for
this recycled organic waste; residents may also choose to compost at home, thereby
avoiding collection fees.
h) Monroe County BOCC may opt to enact enforcement measures to ensure that residents
and businesses opting out of the County program are not disposing of compostable
organic materials in the trash.
i) Monroe BOCC may also enact an ordinance that will require organic waste products
produced in the Florida Keys to be in-vessel composted at the three transfer stations,
private businesses or residences. This ordinance will allow the Monroe County Solid
Waste Department to create an RFP for the collection and transfer of organic waste
products from residential and small businesses to the nearest transfer station. A normal
tipping fee will be charged by the Monroe County Solid Waste Department for all
organic waste products delivered to the transfer stations.
j) This project is capable of producing in excess of 25,000 tons of Class AA compost every
year— a highly desirable, readily usable and marketable product. Disbursement of the
finished product will be determined by chosen management options.
The percentage of food and yard waste in the 2009 solid waste stream (most recent FL DEP
certified figure) is 33%. Monroe County statistics indicate that the percentage is between 25-
40%, dependent upon weather events and development trends. At this time, SDSWCD is using
33% for preliminary estimates of the number and cost of in-vessel composters. Once an inter-
government agreement is signed, the SDSWCD will prepare complete cost projections for
composting installations, equipment, and operating expenses at each transfer station.
Any turn-key operation contracts will be mutually agreed upon between the individual in-vessel
composting installation owners and the SDSWCD or between Monroe County Solid Waste
Department and the SDSWCD or other chosen entity for any or all of the transfer stations.
A provision shall be included in this agreement to cover any unforeseen situations such as
weather events, loss of power, equipment failures, etc. during which time all organic waste
products will be collected and transferred to the nearest disposal site outside of the affected area.
This could be another Florida Keys transfer station or an agreement with Miami-Dade County
Solid Waste Department for transfer to the South Dade Landfill or the M-D Resource Recovery
Facility (incinerator) under a temporary, emergency agreement.
This proposal will protect the income of the Monroe County Solid Waste Department with the
collection of transfer station tipping fees and the recycling of all organic food and yard waste
products as Class AA compost. It also provides for huge cost savings in the hauling of heavy
organic waste products, as much as 60% water. Eliminating long-distance hauling of organic
waste (nearly 400 miles round-trip) also reduces the associated carbon footprint and the costly
maintenance to roads and bridges.
With an accompanying single stream recycling program that will recycle clean paper, cardboard,
metal, glass and plastic, Monroe County can soon become a ZERO WASTE COUNTY.
The SDSWCD offers these preliminary estimates for consideration based on the Florida
DEP 2009 Monroe County MSW and Recycling Data Summary:
2009 total tons of solid waste/year = 130,881 tons
County's annual waste disposal fee = $80.37/ton
Total waste disposal cost — $10,518,906/year
2009 Food and yard waste total = 43,191 tons/year
2009 Food and yard waste percentage = 33%
Potential avoided waste disposal fees = $3,471,261
Estimated in-vessel composting equipment costs:
Two 96 c.y. capacity in-vessel Composters — $595,000
(vessels, conveyors,hoppers, hammer mills, mixers,
Delivery and installation = 58,000
Ground preparation and electrical = 110,000
Estimated cost for each transfer station = 763,000
Estimated total cost for in-vessel
Composters at 3 transfer stations $2,289,000
Notes:
1. Without information on the number of individual in-vessel composting sites that might be
encouraged to operate and the volume of material that they would produce for composting,
we have not subtracted any volume from the total of 130,881 tons/year.
2. With the potential savings of $3,471,261 in disposal fees, the estimated Return On
Investment (R.O.I.) for equipment ($2,289,000) would be less than one year; this does not
include operating expenses or any additional collection expenses.
3. In addition, Monroe County Solid Waste Department could receive significant funds from
sales of the compost. Finished product is estimated at approximately 60% of organic waste
total (due to shrinkage during composting). Compost is valued at approximately $48/ ton in
bulk loads; total value of compost could exceed $500,000 (25,915 tons of compost X
$20/ton), especially if sold in bags.
4. This proposal can be environmentally and economically advantageous for all participants-
the County,businesses and residents.
Prepared by: Morgan Levy, SDSWCD Administrator and Bill Townshend, SDSWCD Project
Manager
_The South Dade Soil&Water Conservation District is a Florida non-profit organization,a subsidiary of the USDA.-
The U.S.Department of Agriculture(USDA)prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race,color,national origin,
age,disability,and where applicable,sex,marital status,familial status,religion,sexual orientation,genetic information,political beliefs,reprisal,
or because all or part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information(Braille,large print audiotape,etc.)should
contact USDA's TARGET Center at i_f �ii i-'F I I,)(voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination,write USDA,Director,Office of
Civil Rights,1400 Independence Avenue,SW,Washington,DC 20250-94 10 or call( or �) � , ,(TDD).
-USDA and the South Dade Soil&Water Conservation District are equal opportunity providers and employers.-
coo
Proposal For Consulting Services And Pilot Project
By
The South Dade Soil And Water Conservation District (SDSWCD)
The SDSWCD will provide consulting services for Monroe County Solid Waste Department on an as-needed
basis, but specifically for the immediate need to prove an alternate method of organic waste disposal that will be
both economically and environmentally sound. The SDSWCD will utilize its 28 years of composting
experience in providing this consulting service at the rate of$75.00/hour,plus $0.5 I/mile plus 20% overhead.
This pilot project must resolve the high cost of present waste disposal that was originally $59.00/ton but
increased in 2011 to $80.37/ton, a 27% increase in less than five years. Logic tells us that this cost will
continue to increase with the high cost of oil continuing to rise.
This pilot project must also address the extreme environmental sensitivity that must be protected in the Florida
Keys. With no landfill space available and incineration not available within close proximity, composting to
produce a valuable soil amendment that can be re-used throughout the Florida Keys appears to be a viable
solution. The absence of enough land area to do the aerated compost pile system,plus the environmental hazard
of leachate from these piles contaminating the surface and sub-surface waters and the vermin attraction of birds,
rats, and other local animals rules out that system.
The SDSWCD, after a tour of the three transfer stations, recommends that the pilot project be located at the Key
Largo Transfer Station. This would include:
1. A survey of the commercial establishments that are presently serviced by this transfer station to
determine the volume of organic waste (food waste, yard waste, soiled cardboard waste, seaweed waste)
that would be available. Each commercial establishment will be given the option of installing their own
in-vessel composting system for re-use on their own pro The SDSWCD will train each
participating commercial c�s_ta lishment in how to carefully source separate their organic waste and place
it in special containers or compostable plastic bags.
2. The results of this survey will be used to prepare a full cost proposal to the Monroe Solid Waste
Department for all of the equipment that will be required to in-vessel compost the required volume of
organic waste.
3. With the approval of the full cost proposal by the Monroe County Solid Waste Department, the
SDSWCD will then order the approved in-vessel composting equipment with funds provided by Monroe
County Solid Waste Department in a Lease-To-Own Agreement.
04- Local waste haulers will bid on the bi-weekly collection of only organic waste from the participating
�comme�rcia Csii�blis—hm�en-is—fo�r--d-ell—v�6i�-i(:��(h���y Largo Transfer-Station In-vessel-pompo%in&facility.
5. The SDSWCD will operate the Key Largo in-vessel composting pilot project under the same consulting
agreement terms, providing the Monroe County Solid Waste Department with accurate information on
all operating costs and information that will include the volume of organic waste that has been
composted, the temperatures reached for each batch of compost, the lab analyses of each compost batch
that has been analyzed and the market that has been established for the finished compost.
6. All yard waste not needed as a carbon bulking source in this in-vessel composting process will be
shredded into mulch for re-u, in the Florida Keys to build up the organic content of the sandy, water-
leaching poor quality soils. The Sbm�W_CID_J5_��es_earch shows that palm waste, when properly shredded,
makes the longest lasting mulch.
7. The Monroe County Solid Waste Department will decide, with the help of the SUN W LAJ, now to marycet
the finished compost.
8. The advantages of in-vessel composting in the Florida Keys are:
a) All organic waste is treated and re-used in the Florida Keys, saving the huge costs of transporting it
out of the Florida Keys.
b) All waste is contained in the vessel with no odors, vermin attraction or leachate.
c) The organic waste will be composted in temperatures in excess of 131 degrees F for four consecutive
days, destroying all harmful pathogens and weed seeds.
d) The finished compost will be an excellent replacement for commercial fertilizer that has tripled in
cost in the last two years. Chemical fertilizers leach out with irrigation and rain, no longer providing
nutrients to the plants and polluting the surrounding waters. This is especially prevalent in the Keys
with the sandy coral rock surfaces.
e) The compost holds water and releases its nutrients slowly, requiring less irrigation and fewer
nutrient applications.
f) The compost has been shown to clean up contaminated soils by reducing runoffs, as well as
preventing erosion when used near pathways and highways. Monroe County can help to minimize
its footprint on the ecological landscape to preserve it for future generations.
g) This in-vessel composting process, if properly managed, can add four or more permanent jobs to the
area.
The SDSWCD suggests that this pilot project at the Key Largo Transfer Station be initiated during the slow
summer months when the volume of waste is at its lowest. This will allow for the startup period not to
overwhelm the separation, collection, composting and mulching operations. As the volumes gradually increase,
so will the efficiency of the pilot project.
The SDSWCD is ready to begin this project as soon as it is approved.
he South Dade Soil&Water Conservation District is a Florida non-profit organization,a subsidiary of the USDA. The U.S.Department of Agriculture(USDA)prohibits discrimination in
11 its programs and activities on the basis of race,color,national origin,age,disability,and where applicable,sex,marital status,familial status,religion,sexual orientation_genetic
ifon-nation,political beliefs,reprisal,or because all or part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)
lersons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information(Braille,large print sudiotape,etc.)should contact USDA's TARGET Center at i i�
XJ(voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination,write USDA,Director,Office of Civil Rights• 1400 Independence Avenue,SW,Washington,DC 20250-9410 or c;51 j
(TDD). USDA and the South Dade Soil&Water Conservation District are equal opportunity providers and employers.