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Resolution 053-1981 RESOLUTION NO. 53 -1981 WHEREAS, the BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, has received an application from ARTHUR ZALDUONDO eH & Z Corporation), and WHEREAS, in compliance with State Statute, it is necessary as part of the permitting procedure to read the following Biological Assessment into the Record, as follows: The Applicant proposes to eliminate a shallow, seasonally-flooded f1o- ccu1ant pond to provide superior quality water and natural recreational facilities at Largo Bayside Development. This will be accomplished by dredging 6,500 cu. yds. of material from said pond to acquire an average 1.5 ft. depth (}~W) and improved pond circulatory flushing action. Pond side slopes will be cut to a 5:1 ratio establishing a 3-6 ft. wide buffer zone along eastward (Largo Bayside Development side) shoreline and a 20-25 ft. wide buffer zone along westward (mangrove breakwater island side) shoreline. Due to the existing depth of extremely fine, soft pond sediments, additional habitat substrate will be provided by the placement of four riprap boulder piles within said pond following excavations consisting of 20~ large rocks each and extending from resultant bottom to MHW mark. Additional development recreational facilities will be provided by the proposed construction of a 5 ft. wide, wooden walkway extending approximately 450 ft. westward from upland development shoreline across pond and island approximate centers to existing Florida Bay shoreline on westward side of said mangrove island. The walkway will be elevated on wooden pilings approximately 5 ft. from proposed pond and island substrates. Dredged spoil material will be placed on applicant's uplands and covered until dry for eventual use as fertilizer for said development. Excavations will be surrounded and isolated by flotation collars and siltation screens at all times during construction preventing any outflow of materials to adjacent water bodies. The project pond area comprises approximately 5 acres of the total 22 acre Largo Bayside tract of land. It is bordered to the east by said Largo Bayside Development (L.B. D.), to the west by said mangrove breakwater island, to the north by southern portions of Baker Cut Point property and to the south by recently completed L.B.D. marina. The eventual L.B.D. will consist of several multiple family dwellings with associated parking and recreational facilities (see attached). The majority of upland areas within L.B.D. tract of land (14 acres) are either developed or under construction and all such lands are presently both scarified and disturbed (filled). Since its initiation in late 1973, this development has resulted in several permitting and enforcement actions by the Department; all of which appear to have been resolved to mutual satisfaction prior to the receipt of this application for permit. For further information concerning the history of this development, the reader should consult D.E.R. file no. 44-39-2323. The project pond is connected at northern extremity to southern Baker Cut Point pond area via a 40 ft. wide excavation cut. Aerial photographs indicate this connection has been in existence for not more than 7 years and not less than 3 years. Baker Cut Point (B.C.P.) property consists of single family residences; many of which are already existing and/or under construction. The southern B.C.P. pond area is partially natural and partially artificial (i.e. dredged) and is presently under litigation by the Department (see D.E.R. File no. 44-14356). Due to aforementioned litigation, this southern pond area has been examined extensively by the Department and found to be of substandard water quality (see attached data sheets). Page 1 of 3 ARTHUR ZALDUONDO (H & Z Corporation) RESOLUTION NO. 53 -1981 The L.B.D., 100-boat marina on project pond's southern boundary has recently been completed according to permit specifications and appears to be in good condition with adequate navigational depths and access to Florida Bay waters. It should be noted that adjacent Florida Bay waters in this area are contiguous with the "outstanding waters" of the Everglades National Park as defined in Section 17-3.041 (F.A.C.). The mangrove barrier island on said pond's western boundary is a 3~ acre tract of wetlands in natural, pristine condition. Dominant floral species observed on the island were black mangroves (Avicennia germinans)and red mangroves (Rhizophora mangle) (primarily along western Florida Bayside island shoreline). Additional floral species observed included sea blite (Suaeda linearis), glass- worts (Salicornia spp), saltworts (Batis spp), sea purslane (Sesuvium spp) and daisies (Borrichia spp), Christmas berry (Lycium spp) and various salt- tolerant grasses. Island fauna observed included several each herons (Ardea spp), gulls (Larus spp) and cormorants (Phalacrocorax spp). Submerged areas on the Florida Bayside of the island appeared to be of excellent quality with good circulation and clarity. Lush growths of shoalweed (Halodule wrightii) and turtlegrass (Thalassia testudinum) were observed along entire shoreline area in addition to several species of green and brown algae (Acetabularia spp, Batophora spp, Penicillus spp, Avrainvillea spp). Marine fauna observed in this area included sea anemones and several species of juvenile fish utilizing red mangrove prop-root system as a thriving nursery area. Although predominant substrate was 1+ ft. thick coarse sand sediment layer, substantial mangrove peat accumulations were observed in several "protected" areas. The flocculant pond to be dredged is approximately 720 ft. long by 300 ft. wide (varies). Its western shoreline (eastern mangrove island) is comprised almost exclusively of black mangroves and associative root systems. Its eastern shoreline (L.B.D.) is presently unstabilized, filled and disturbed; inhabited only by isolated patches of such transitional flora as buttonwwod (Conocarpus erectus), black mangrove (A. germinans), sea daisies (Borrichia spp), glass- worts (Salicornia spp) , seaside heliotrope (Heliotropium curassavicum), railroad vine (Ipomoea pes-capral) and sedges and grasses. The existing pond substrate consists of fine, silty, organic laden flocculant two feet deep and extending to 5+ ft. in certain "Pockets". Due to extremely soft nature of this sediment, there was no submergent vegetation existent in entire pond area with the exception of a few isolated black mangroves (~. germinans). Pond fauna were also noticeably scarce consisting solely of isolated anemones, jellyfish and juvenile fish. Pond depth averaged approximately 1 ft. at time of observa- tion (MHW). The major direct impact of the proposed project will be in the removal and loss of approximately 2,500 sq. ft. of black mangroves which are presently existing within the proposed dredging area (see attached figure). The majority of said mangroves exist in the form of a point extending eastward from the southeastern corner of the mangrove island. Additional, lesser impacts are also expected to occur from both mangrove trimming to provide access for proposed walkway construction and from turbidity raised during pond excavation and walkway construction. Any impact associated with mangrove trimming is expected to be temporary in this instance, since the proposed walkway elevation requires only trimming and not removing mangroves for project completion. Due to the extremely fine and soft nature of the existing pond sediments, it is expected that turbidity increases will be substantial during dredging activities. For the same reason, it is believed that elevated turbidity levels will persist in immediate area for extended periods of time. If improper turbidity controls are used, such increases could have serious deleterious effects on the pro- ductive Florida Bay waters adjacent to the pond access area. Page 2 of 3 ARTHUR ZALDUONDO (H & Z Corporation) RESOLUTION NO. 53 -1981 Conversely, it is believed that the proposed increases in both pond circulatory flushing capability and available habitat intended through this project will prove most effective in establishing improved water quality within said pond system. Over a longer period of time, however, any such beneficial project effects could eventually be undermined by the addition of inferior quality waters into said pond system from adjacent southern Baker Cut Point pond/canal system. In addition, due to the physically limited potential for pond circulation, it is expected that eventual maintenance dredging will be required to insure that the proposed depths are adequately maintained; again resulting in disturbed sediments and increased turbidities. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COM}fISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, that the above Biological Assessment has been read into the record and duly considered pursuant to Florida Statute 253.124 by the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, this 24th day of , 19 8l at a regularly scheduled meeting. February BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Jl (Seal) Attest)~ ~ r (:?:-/~~ Clerk AI._..."" 8yA~ Page 3 of 3 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Wilhelmina Harvey, District 1 Curt Blair, District 2 Mayor Protem Jerry Hernandez, Jr" District 3 MA YOR George E. Dolezal, District 4 Ken Sorensen, District 5 ~! -",,~ _----....:,-i ,:,', ____r .----:r" ,%\ ~ co",' .. ':.' " ...r-~..::::::.. f'~r-...-- .:'.,~ .. ....!!ii_f'Il:.';t. (3051 294,4641 Monroe County Legal Department Key West, Florida 33040 ,.- ~0~ OFFICE OF: Planning & Zoning Dept. Public Service Center Key West, Fl 33040 I, the undersigned, do hereby attest that all data and information is complete in the package of the applicant as follows: 1. Certificate of Complete Enclosures I,~ 2. Permi t V 3. Application for Permit V 4. Site Plan i- S. Location Map t-- 6. County Biologist Report V 7. DER Assessment ,.-- 8. Resolution ...-- BY ..e.~ Administrative Secretary DATE :J-//~/t?1 / / ZONING: PUD & MD /D)~ ~""",;, ~ j j' : i~ :: {; I ?'-~ I ~,: ' (' l ; ~ <1 COUNfY ':-;11 r--:--> ~ .' .' "" " l' . , ! ) I; t I. [" ._~ -~-~","' ~. PU\WII:;:'i, G & lUniNG UUt\i~mEilT ~_ MONRO E Ih.' ~ +~-" f-'Ci)j'll ~ !If);' "~ATI ml FOR ~:<CAVAT IOi.!. THE COUNTY ~'P) ~~P~~~\~~E~~ l~R ~~Tm~~T~~A~~~~iV~b~~~y 1) PropertYo\;ne-r~~- nam"i?:'I'-fr"dl1Tnga-ddre-ss'" ---- "21- oire--.-..--...-- F ~roepartiiient-ose. C. 10/20/80 Hf.Z Ot'pora t 1 on 10651 N. Kendall Drive Suite 2113 ~1idfl\i. Ila. -",... On! 33176 J) flhl)lIP number . I 27_~~ 41_~ 5 drJdr()ss ..l.,...._.__..._____..... ',4) 'C 0 n tr' J ( t. o'r en ;1"g en-i'. 5" 'ria;~ e ," rii'a- li i'n q phone nUr!~t)p.r J, Frederic Blitstein, Inc. 2,,?: Sevilla Coral Gables, Fla. 33134 Tel: _.... \, - _.._-._---.. _. --.--. .----.-., _.~- ._--'_.~-~ ...~---_. .---- - ---...---------...- S; Legal descr'ption or' ~rC,F"'F 446-2597 Se(~_iQij~ 5 P. 6 r. t!',' . La r CJ 0 S u bd i v i si () n, U. S. Go v e ' /''' 1 Lot, IJt<',5~6 Block, Tow'lship, 62 Sou th Ranl)e, 39 East ( i T-:1cr'e -) Ij C ) Stt'cc.'t, road or :nile marker, .. --i:\-'-"-'-'-"--- .---.-..-- ".. -..----,---.---....-.... '---.-....-- .-...-----... .... ..-..------..----.. 'T--'- i 51 Describe the proposed activity, methods of construction & amount of material, in ( ! yards). to be excavated or discharged. Removal of approximately 1811 of sUfface sediment indicate debris fOf the purpose of increasing water circulation, includin9 thp cfeation of two small manQrove islands. volume of mat2r=Jl: c1.r.edqed/ excava.t~d UJ 1 e d / d eOll.~i.t_~. +* 1 ,Q.QQ=--_c.y. c. y. waten-/ard farlc:.'/d((j of M.H.W. 0f ~~.H.~. r;-':;a-m'e' :-.~;~,;-~ re-s:; + 8,000- c.y, C.y. \'13 te':ward rd-r1(i;;:~-r'd 0, r ',1. H . \.J . 0 f M. H , W. ... --.------.--.---- ----., "---,--_. - -_..._ ". ,_ .._~_ .____. _'__._H , zip ccc~ ')~' aOJoin r'CJ rro~ '..j ()\"ni~f; ,-.f)';')::: ", foper t:; :, ~ ": ':. "~I,) _ _" 1. Winsor Reed P. O. Box 3(3-354 ~1 i d I1J i. F 1 a . 3 3 1 3 R 2. Buccaneer Pt. 9055 Hammock Lane Dr. Miami, Fla. 33156 --This completed applTc-atro-nformwllTl>e--accompanTed by the following, or it wif' NOT be processed. _!4.. I I 1-.. i I I a) Two (2) sets of drawing';, on 81i X 11 p:lper, snohi:H( location, plot plan, top Vll'~ anJ I'I'OSS section ot' :H()l~\lsal, ,ir;l\\n to sl'alt'. b) Appl j cation processing fee as follows: $25.00 for dredge, fill, docks OR any structures affronting natural water boJJc,> $10.00 for vertical seawalls on man-made bodies of \\Iater. !25.00 for any combination of the above activities per site. Application is nereby made 7',)(' a perrnit to aut;:c,rL::! the activlti2s '.::e::;cr;bed ner"?~r'. I certify that I am far1i1';ar ,;/ith th~ informat;'-m c::lnta;ned ;n this application, 311'1 to the best of my kno'.'llecGe ~ belief :;uch informathn is (rue. complete 6 accu;'ate. I further cer~ifj that i pJSS2SS the authufi:y to unoertaKe the proposed activities. All provisions of laws an] ordinances governin] this type of ~ork will ~e complied with, whether specified herein or not. The granting of a permit does not presume to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of an~ counfY, state or feaeral law regulating construction or performance of construction of thi$ type of facility. I' I /- . * Fill only rip rap type material i mangrove islands. l--rr------- ----...-- --....-.-.----. If o..!:. }~Fj.!.tm~_fl_U.s e.J2~LL! for .~ ., . '" /, .\ .-. ._._ ___~~__ l . . S i (! n at U ~'e .J rap D i j can t I ~ fl t' n t Ja t f\ -- --_.,~ - -- -'. --.-----.-..,___._.______-.J.~__.,_._ ,,_~~_______._.____. _.__ ( P f> r S ..)'--n- .. c ,- ,:;-'.;:"-t-:;--n (.J-' '~':'I-;-;::-'- ,.':; -' '.- ~ u....... ~,) i I. ",' iJ .o' I ,_ d .... I '"J I $ ??L!. ~___.::.?J C~~.rj Fee & receqJt ~ Approved by..~'\5sTst-a-nfDT;'el. [c,,= t. fJ r)~r"~1':: :; 'irna-t'(;Jc-JS L 'n'tc-;:-;-ns~~.;(:.' ___, m _ ______ _,_~___'r.~__~"__-______- '--",' -,c_:;- ,-, ",._--;--,,~,-.-~--.-r;:---~_:'Y:~'-~' ------ -_ """"--'''\~:-'><;;,,_'''-,,"'-:---~-~-- --7"~" -. -:jf 'Cj;F~.,-:'-r-w_: -. ,",::,-,"'" A PORTIOr,J OF SECTIONS 5 AND 6 TWP 62 S. RGE. 39 E_ MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA '/, . . 'I /: -, I ' /. .', / I _/'1 >'> -~,- - .., I, 'I . /. Cl /' 1/1/1 iX. t" ~.'.' ~ \1. ') r C ) ;:"", )J. c-J~'l ~\j .//"; '/' '. I. ,.' J SEe 5 \,~ / ,"' / '\ JJ- ~ " f-'<-'o 0 (51~~,o~ / f- X:- - 0- 'v->" Y, 'e- ( ! ~ +-1, f' ~ ~~ - J. FREDERIC BLITSTEINJ INC. ." AMPANILE & ASSOCIATES, INC. ~ ENGINEERS PLANNERS SURVEYORS 16201 sw 95th AyENUE MIAMI, FLORIDA 33157 ~E'JULYaO PROJ c;,.Gl(l.-i7 PH. 251-1711 HEET J_ FL.ORIDA BAY , ...--- ~ SEC 31 \ , J..? ~\(\J o fI 0.0 'v c) ~'{\e ",,0 0\ SEC 6 ,.' / , LANDINGS OF LOCATION - od) ~o0~ 0 <o\j~ ~o0~ / ~i ~\ ~\~ \ ,) ~ 'J' ,y ... ' it \ I' t- T 61 S ,~~-- '~''- C...'l .~ } T 62 S ~~s\, Cr\~ \A 1\ 'l'l "- :t '~ ct. c. -', -- .- LARGO /1 MAP .~~ -'7 / /' <:::;:;1;:.(1/+ C( i~;::tlupttuR; Lf'JVIHOhJ Ei JTAL AN "of 3 / ~ ~\.Q <('v t) \ SCATTERE..O BOULDER PILE':! - 20t LARGe I?OCI<S EACH PILE-. ToP 01=- ROC-I( @ M.~,..v. y.-{ 'V '-~ --/J PROf'O:>ED 5'WIDE {"lLED ,,<~ ;/ I / / MANr",p0'/E A~EA ""0 ('of o\.'l:-5EoRVe:o , '''~, i 'I Ii Z. I I. ;g , Ii . ~ ~ n \~ I Cllll.l \ I, : ,,!<:(L -'..\ I I .r -'1 i . -~ ~ . 1'1' II 0l:? : II .~i ILJ) U1CJ:1i) III )( ~ Ir~ %.2:n ,IJJWU - u " g ":1 ~~~J . ~I, O'>:rll< :c; . " "::IO 4 'f; ~. [~.. l ~~g~ '~l +1 'I r- Z:)5 ~- IU' i j~~~ 't ~ . I Q. () - :r. o \j _ :=ll- c) '--" "T r-- 't "7 UPlAN~ A~EA SLoPEC' T(\ .-::m~ [J\(AiI'i B so AS TO PICEV'E N T OfAlN. AGE. INTO TIDAL LAI(E At<eA W iii '2 ~zs .J- uJ ~ CllZl&l ~OIL <l)i=~ 0. ~ c() ~;dt, ,lQo Q..~-t- -~- L'\<:!J)o() 's. \{ T) E C t:.'l.CA v,.r~ SD < r r C' "",,'f'-., '~-' ......'.- ~ ~'r:-~ IND\CbTES Ai<E.A OF PROPoSED ~ MAINTENANCE DREDGING o F EX is -: : N 6> T I DA L L A K E . dJ - 'o:t lC N U) -\9 {: "t , <;j 1" LAN Oi NGS OF LARGO SITE PLAN 7" 1--'- I J \ , I I I <11),50' I 4,:>0 i~' 1'2' C .. ..... .... .h I S R' .:it- 5 (LJ. 5, ~I} _ SOUTHBOUND .....ANE I FREDERIC BLlTSTEIN, ING--;:~~~~i~~~~~SL'~- -j SCALE \11 = \50' AMPANILE 16201 -~/:;;E JULY fl>O PRe. ENGINEERS PLANNERS SURVEYORS sw 95th AVENUE MIAMI, FLORIDA 33157 Cc>'!&--l{ KEV.z.5J\JL~OPH. 251- 1711 REV.14N()Yc:5o & ASSOCIATES, IN_C. i ~ I '''~-rL., //...... /' ~"Ufl'Gr(f~ l<' a v, Zq vAN 51 i SH~~T -....' ~ ... .... 3 1- .' # "---_..---_._-~.._._._.. - PROP. BLDG. SO'DIA. i--MANGROVE" ! I 15LAtiD ! I EX I SlING MANGI?OVE5\ ..--' REPLANTED - "~ ,; MANGROve,=, ELE.V. (+)5. 0 ~..,.' (~. (-" WALKWA Y ~~, / (1), --ff'.----.y'-- -~~r ../ i '~I .-_..-'1 -. ~1 /~.~~~t I EXl5TtNG LAKE BOTToM ELEY. 0.0 I-l~N~C~~ -~,_ . .~_~__:. " I ---- u I I I ' ...... '3+ol.D ..... -, . 5llFFE~ : rs," wt.TE.f' OE:PT'"' Ai' LoW ilO~ ; I T'(PICAL MANGI<OVE. / ISLAND CONSTRUCTED / 6Y PLA.CING \'l"! DIA. ROCK AT EDGE-6 TO P12ov'OE 5TAB1LlZAT ION OF NEW MANGROVES BatTOM EL E.Y. H I. 5 f'(O ~Ct.vAiloN 4T teL~NOS. SE.CTION THRU EXISTING LAKE NO 5CAlE HANDRAIL ELEV. (+) 5.0 ,- woOD PILINGS ,. _I- M HW (-+) 1.0 EX\5T, LAt-<;E: BO,TOM I I \ I I I I I I _.J - __1__"/. _ M L W r-) \.0 - PROPOSEO LAKE BOnOM (-) l. 5 , I I I I I ~ I l.J SECTION THRU NO ELEVATED WALKWAY SCALE J. FREDERIC BLITSTEIN) INC. AMPANILE & ASSOCIATES, INC. ENGIN EE R 5 P L ANNE R S S U RVEYO Rsc-.:ji)~o 16201 SW 95th AvENut MIAMI, FLORIDA 33157 CH..."TE-JULY80 PROJ GCf<e-17 REYz8JuLBOPH. 251-1711 HE.ET~of 3 .t.~"/''''/A. .Jf/~ it_ - TOi'S 'R~RM 3397 LITHO IN U. S. A. DEPARTMENTAL CORRESPONDENCE DATE February 10, 1981 SUBJECT Hand Z Corp.; Pond Dredging To Henry Weinkam, FROM 'RnhPTt- np"n; Q . Director DEP'T Planning. Building & Zoning Environmental~ Rin1ngie:t" "u:!/DEP'T Planning. Building & Zoning LEGAL TWSP 62s, RGE 3ge, SECT 5 and 6, Lots 11 and 12, Key Largo. Zoning is PUD & MD. PURPOSE: This project requires review by the Monroe County Board of Commissioners in accordance with Ordinance 13-1980. DISCUSSION: Applicant propo8es to excavate approximately 18" of sediment from an existing flocculent pond (6500~ cubic yards to be dredged) and placed on applicants' upland property. The pond measures approximately 700 ft. in length and averages approximately 300 ft. in width (DEP. report). A 20-25 ft. undredged buffer zone will be maintained between the pond and the mangrove trees on the west side. The pond shoreline will be stabilized with approximately 700 linear ft. of rip-rap seawall. In addition, four rock piles composed of about 20 boulders will be placed within the floc. pond and a 450 ft. long by 5 ft. wide wooden walkway will be constructed. The walkway will begin at the eastern shore, run across the approximate center of the pond, and through the mangrove area (see attached site plan). A DER report is submitted which lists the typical biota found her e. This project is a part of the major development known as the Landings of Largo. REASON FOR PROJECT: 1. To remove 1.5 ft. of soft, fine sediment from the pond in order to increase water depth and tidal flow, 2. Increase fauna and flora diversity by using rock piles and rip-rap seawall, and e. TOPS .. FORM 3397 LITHO IN U. S. A_ DEPARTMENTAL CORRESPONDENCE DATE February 10, 1981 Su BJECT Hand Z Corn.: Pond Drerlginp To Page tHO DEP'T FROM DEP'T 3 . Provide recreational pleasure by building a wooden Halkway over the pond and through the mangroves. EVALUATION: At the present time the accumulation of soft sediment in the pond has made it difficult for benthic plants to become established. Also, the tidal, shallow water nakes it difficult for any large fauna to live here. The project will provirle all the items listed above with no lasting, long term, negative environmental impacts. One possible exception to this is the expected increased water circulation in ~he pond. Because the northern outlet is to be blocked as per DER request (see DER report for detail), the only water exchange is through the southern access to the marina. If the marina depth is less than the proposed depth of the pond, the pond '~ater may become stagnate and of poor quality. This may be especially true during the summer months. RECO~U1ENDA TION: Approval with the fallowing conditions: 1. Provide a water exchange outlet between the pond and the marina by dredging a -1.5 ft. channel at the pond outlet and slope it down to the existing marina depth, 2. All pond dredging and augering of walkway supports to be done between low and high tide to minimize the movement of the turbidity plume outside the pond, 3. Require use of turbidity curtains at the northern and southern outlets to control turbidity flows in these two directions, and 4. Minimal trimmin~ of mangrove for walkway construction. branches only as required ~ '1-9:J~ DIR, PLNG_, ZONING BLDG. NOTE: DER and Army Corps permits required ZALDUONDO, ARTHUR 1!44-33870-5E Monroe County - Key Largo Page Two A. The applicant proposes to eliminate a shallow, seasonally-flooded flocculant pond to provide superior quality water and natural recreational facilities at Lar&o Bayside Development. This will be accomplished by dredging 6,500 cu. yds. of material from said pond to acquire an average l.5 ft. depth (MLW) and improved pond circulatory flushing action. Pond side slopes will be cut to a 5:1 ratio establishing a 3-6 ft. wide buffeT zone along eastward (Largo Bayside Development side) shoreline and a 20-25 ft. wide buffer zone along westward (mangrove breakwater island side) shoreline. Due to the existing depth of extremely fine, soft pond sediments, additional habitat substrate will be provided by the placement of four riprap boulder piles within said pond following excavations consisting of 20+ large rocks each and ex- tending from resultant bottom toMHW mark. Additional development recreational facilities will be provided by the proposed construc- tion of a 5 ft. wide, wooden walkway extending approximately 450 ft. westward from upland development shoreline across pond and island approximate centers to existing Florida Bay shoreline on westward side of said mangrove island. The walkway will be elevated on wooden pilings approximately 5 ft. from proposed pond and island substrates. Dredged spoil material will be placed on applicant's uplands and covered until dry for eventual use as fertilizer for said develop- ment. Excavations will be accomplished by dragline. The proposed work area will be surrounded and isolated by flotation collars and siltation screens at all times during construction preventing any outflow of materials to adjacent water bodies. B. The project pond area comprises approximately 5 acres of the total 22 acre Largo Bayside tract of land. It is bordered to the east by said Largo Bayside Development (L.B.D.), to the west by said mangrove breakwater island, to the north by southern portion of Baker Cut Point property and to the south by recently completed L..B.D. marina. The eventual L.B.D. will consist of several multiple family dwellings with associated parking and recreational facilities (see attached). The majority of upland areas within L.B.D. tract of land (14 acres) are either developed or under construction and all such lands are presently both scarified and disturbed (filled). Since its initiation in late 1973, this development has resulted in several permitting and enforcement actions by the Department; all of which appear to have been resolved to mutual satisfaction prior to the receipt of this application for permit. For further information concerning the history of this development, the reader should consult D.E.R. file no. 44-39-2323. ZALDUONDO, ARTHUR f/44-33870-5E Monroe County - Key Largo Page Three The project pond is connected at northern extremity to southern Baker Cut Point pond area via a 40 ft. wide excavation cut. Aerial photographs indicate this connection has been in existence for not more than 7 years and not less than 3 years. Baker Cut Point (B.C.P.) property consists of single family residences; many of which are already existing and/or under 'construction. The southern B.C.P. pond area is partially natural and partially artificial (ie. dredged) and is presently under litigation by the Department (see D.E.R. File No. 44-14356). Due to afore- mentioned litigation, this southern pond area has been examined extensively by the Department and found to be of substandard water quality (see attached data sheets). The L.B.D., 100-boat marina on project pond's southern boundary has recently been completed according to permit specifications and appears to be in good condition with adequate navigational depths and access to Florida Bay waters. It should be noted that adjacent Florida Bay waters in this area are contiguous with the "outstandt'ng waters" of the "Everglades National Park as defined'in Section 17-3.04l (F.A.C.). The mangrove barrier island on said pond's western boundary is a 3+ acre tract of wetlands in natural; pristine condition. Dominant floral species observed on the island were black mangroves (Avicennia germinans) and red mangroves (Rhizophora mangle) (prim- arily along western Florida Bayside island shoreline). Additional floral species observed included sea blite (Suaeda linearis). glassworts (Salicornia spp). saltworts (Batis spp). sea purslane (Sesuvium spp) and daisies (Borrichia spp), Christmas berry (Lycium spp) and various salt-tolerant grasses. Island fauna ob- served included several each herons (Ardea spp), gulls (Larus spp) and cormorants (Phalacrocorax spp). Submerged areas on the Florida Bayside of the island appeared to be of excellent quality with good circulation and clarity. Lush growths of shoalweed (Ha1odule wrightii) and turtlegrass (Thalassia testudinum) were observed along entire shoreline area in addition to several species of green and brown algae (Acetabularia spp, Batophora spp, Penicillus spp, Avrainvillea spp). Marine fauna observed in this area included sea anemones and several species of juvenile fish utilizing red mangrove prop-root system as a thriving nursery area. Although predominant substrate was 1+ ft. thick coarse sand sediment layer, substantial mangrove peat accumulations were observed in several "protected" areas. C. The flocculant pond to be dredged is approximately 720 ft. long by 300 ft. wide (varies). Its western shoreline (eastern mangrove island) is comprised almost exclusively of black mangroves and . , '~:~\;~ ,;~i:l 'itA 1t:~ ~.~ ~'.~ ~~ ~,~ '~t ~~ r;l~ ~'<i" ~:C:.'." ~~{~~: Ji.,.. ~.;t I'i~ I ~ ~~~~ ~ ~~ ~; ~;~~ ~,~ \1<.' !i4',' ~'~~~ ";)l til ~}:~ t\',~, r>:,., (.," ~'~~~~ ~~, ~ l"/::~ ZALDUONDO, ARTHUR 1I44-33870-5E Monroe County - Key Largo Page Four associative root systems. Its eastern shoreline (L.B.D.) is presently unstabilized, filled and disturbed; inhabited only by isolated patches of such transitional flora as buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus), black mangrove (~germinans), sea daisies (Borrichia spp) , glassworts (Salicornia spp) , seaside heliotrope (Heliotropiurn curassavicurn), railroad vine (Ipomoea pes-capra1) and sedges and grasses. The existing pond substrate consists of fine, silty, organic laden floccu1ant two feet deep and extend- ing to 5+ ft. in certain "pockets". Due to extremely soft nature of this sediment, there was no submergent vegetation exident in entire pond area with the exception of a few isolated black mangroves (A. germinans). Pond fauna were also noticeably scarce consisting solely of isolated anemones, jellyfish and juvenile fish. Pond depth averaged approximately 1 ft. at time of observa- tion (MHW). -':i): D. The major direct impact of the proposed project will be in the removal and loss of approximately 2,500 sq. ft. of black mangroves which are presently existLng within the proposed dredging area (see attached figure). The majority of said mangroves exist in the form of a point extending eastward from the southeastern corner of the mangrove island. Additional, lesser impacts are also expected to occur from both mangrove trimming to provide access for proposed walkway construction and from turbidity raised during pond exca- vation and walkway construction. Any impact associated with mangrove trimming is expected to be temporary in this instance, since the proposed walkway elevation requires only trimming and not removing mangroves for project completion. Due to the extreme- ly fine and soft nature of the existing pond sediments, it is expected that turbidity increases will be substantial during dredging activities. For the same reason, it is believed that elevated turbidity levels will persist in immediate area for extended periods of time. If improper turbidity controls are used, such increases could have serious deleterious effects on the productive Florida Bay waters adjacent to the pond access area. Conversely, it is believed that the proposed increases in both pond circulatory flushing capability and available habitat intended through this project will prove most effective in establishing improved water quality within said pond system. i~l" .c;.. .' ~~ ;1_ ~i:,,' ~~,'~ h." ~;.) ",~ ~.- Over a longer period of time, however, any such beneficial project effects could eventually be undermined by the addition of inferior quality waters into said pond system from adjacent southern Baker Cut Point pond/canal system. In addition, due to the physically limited potential for pond circulation, it is expected that eventual maintenance dredging will be required to insure that the proposed depths are adequately maintained; again resulting in disturbed sediments and increased turbidities. - 111 r ~_.__~____.._.