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Clam Bay Water Quality, Mixing & Runoff Subcommittee Minutes 03/09/2009 March 9, 2009 MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COLLIER COUNTY CLAM BAY WATER QUALITY, MIXING AND RUNOFF SUBCOMMITTEE Naples, Florida, March 9, 2009 LET IT BE REMEMBERD that the Collier County Clam Bay Water Quality, Mixing and Runoff Subcommittee, in and for the County of Collier, having conducted business herein, met on this date at I :00 PM in REGULAR SESSION in the Conference Room of Coastal Zone Management, 3300 Santa Barbara Boulevard, Naples, Florida, with the following members present: CHAIRMAN: Kathy Worley Ronald Glah David Roellig ALSO PRESENT: Gary McAlpin, Director, Coastal Zone Management Pam Keyes, Environmental Specialist Sandy Martello, Staff Liaison Michael J. Bauer, Ph.D., Natural Resources Manager, City of Naples 1 MEETING AGENDA CLAM BAY WATER QUALITY, MIXING AND RUNOFF SUBCOMMITTEE MEETING MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2009-1:00 P.M. COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT (3300 Santa Barbara Blvd., Naples) I. Call to Order II. Pledge of Allegiance III. Roll Call IV. Chairman Appointment and Chairman's Comments V. Staff Reports VI. New Business 1. Water Quality and Sampling Discussion and Approach 2. Tidal Flushing and Mixing Discussion and Approach 3. Nutrient Loading and Runoff Control Discussion and Approach VII. Old Business VIII. Announcements IX. Committee Member Discussion X. Next Meeting Date/Location TBD XI. Adjournment All interested partied are invited to attend, and to register to speak and to submit their objections, if any, in writing, to the board prior to the meeting ifapp]icab]e. For more information, please contact Gai] D. Hambright at (239) 252-2966. If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact the Collier County Faci]ities Management Department located at 330] East Tamiami Trai], Nap]es, FL 34] ]2, (239) 252-8380. Public comments will be limited to 3 minutes unless the Chairman grants permission for additional time. Collier County Ordinance No. 99-22 requires that all lobbyists shall, before engaging in any lobbying activities (including, but not limited to, addressing the Board of County Commissioners) before the Board of County Commissioners and its advisory boards, register with the Clerk to the Board at the Board Minutes and Records Department. March 9, 2009 I. Call to Order Gary McAlpin, Director of Coastal Zone Management, called the meeting to order at 1:10 PM. II. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. III. Roll Call A quorum was established. IV. Appointment of Subcommittee Chairman and Chairman Comments David Roellig nominated Kathy Worley to serve as Chairman. Second by Ronald Glah. Carried unanimously, 3-0. Chairman Worley stated the Subcommittee's overall objective is to maintain and improve the health of the Clam Bay Estuary. The Subcommittee will discuss specific issues that will be presented to the entire Committee. V. Staff Reports (None) VI. New Business 1. Water Quality and Sampling Discussion and Approach Gary McAlpin outlined the Subcommittee's tasks: . To review prior water quality technical reports, quality assurance/control procedures, laboratory certificates, reporting requirements ofthe State of Florida, . To investigate water quality trends and impacts on estuarine wildlife and vegetation, . To make recommendations on required water sampling and testing to assure the long term viability of the Estuary, and . To make recommendations on sampling protocol to be consistent with other water quality programs. David A. Tomasko, Ph.D., Senior Scientist, PBS&J, outlined the findings ofthe Water Quality Sampling Program component for the Clam Bay Sea Grass Study: . If State resources are used for a water quality monitoring program, data is required to be input into "Storette" (an EP A recognized system for storage and retrieval of data). . Clam Bay data was not entered in Storette and the required "305-B Report" stated the data was "insufficient" to determine whether or not Clam Bay met the State's Water Quality Standards. . Some of the data sets collected included inorganic nutrients but did not include all the nutrients present in Clam Bay. Nitrate levels collected from Pelican Sound did not "make sense." 2 March 9,2009 . The Gordon River Extension and Lake Trafford have been declared "impaired" by the DEP. . If the data collected is not interpreted by the local government, it will be interpreted by Tallahassee and may not accurately reflect local conditions. . Quality assurance and quality control ("QA/QC") are critical components of data analysis. . Data must include nutrients, phosphorus (all forms), nitrogen (all forms), and chlorophyll, and must be collected on a seasonal basis. . Appropriate analysis of collected data is crucial to prevent inaccurate classification by the DEP. . If only water quality is analyzed, Clam Bay could be incorrectly declared "impaired. " Mr. McAlpin stated PBS&J will: . Standardize the locations ofthe selected sampling sites . Record locations with the City of Naples . Evaluate the existing data developed by the Conservancy from a QA/QC standpoint . Input "suspect" data into a separate database . Analyze the number of tests performed and evaluate the levels of nutrients and minerals in the samples . Develop a standardized procedure for the tests to be run . Review previous water quality data, lab procedures, chain of custody, protocol for the State's reporting requirements . Recommend optimum the water quality standards and analyze the actual levels found He further stated PBS&J will report its findings to the Subcommittee. Dr. Tomasko, PBS&J, stated: . Sea Grass levels will be very important as an argument against an incorrect declaration of impairment. Good field data is essential. . Should open a cooperative dialogue with the DEP - ask representatives how much data should be collected and to supply site specific criteria . Goal: collect the data the DEP wants to see Dr. Michael Bauer, Ph.D., Manager, City of Naples Natural Resources, stated: . The City of Naples has been sampling the water quality of Naples Bay for the past three years and has begun water sampling in Moorings Bay . Naples Bay was removed from the "impaired list" regarding nutrients as a result of entering the water sampling results into Storette . The integration of the water quality data with the Sea Grass data is important, as well as identifying the species being examined . Collection of data must be done during all weather conditions, i.e., drought and rainy seasons 3 March 9, 2009 Gary McAlpin stated Staffs recommendation is to: . Go forward with the Water Sampling Program in Clam Bay utilizing the existing data and analyzing the data to determine if it is technically sound, . Obtain DEP's input for the Water Sampling Program, . Identify sampling sites within Clam Bay . Coordinate with the City of Naples to ensure Clam Bay's system is compatible Chairman Worley asked Timothy Hall of Turrell, Hall & Associates, Inc. to comment on Pelican Bay's Program. Mr. Hall, Senior Biologist, stated the sampling did not meet the criteria for entry into Storette because the dissolved oxygen levels were below the State's standards. Turrell, Hall & Associates recommended Pelican Bay establish a standard operating procedures manual for data collection. Mr. McAlpin noted the Pelican Bay data was collected under a different set of parameters to satisfy permit requirements. Dr. Tomasko stated data that is not Storette-eligible can be used for planning purposes, but not for verification. Public Comments: Marcia Cravens referenced comments from the University of Florida' s Master Naturalist Program concerning tidal mud flats. She stated heavy metals and pesticides residue should be monitored. Mr. McAlpin stated PBS&J will consider such monitoring when developing its program. Linda Roth stated assigning only one company to such a complex issue did not seem responsible since different companies will present different data from their studies which can be used to make an intelligent decision concerning recommendations made to the Subcommittee. Mr. McAlpin stated PBS&J will be the lead Consultant for the Water Quality Study and Turrell, Hall & Associates will be the sub-consultant. The results presented will reflect their joint efforts. Chairman Worley asked if the Subcommittee was being fiscally responsible because Rhonda Watkins developed the County's QA/QC procedures for water quality testing and collection. Mr. McAlpin stated the County's lab, protocol, and chain of custody would be utilized. The program to be developed by PBS&J would incorporate the County's standards. Dave Finley asked if sediment testing in outer Clam Bay would be made part of Staff s recommendations. Mr. McAlpin stated sediment testing would be part of the analysis to be performed by PBS&J. Chairman Worley asked to locate a testing site in the Seagate Canals. 4 March 9, 2009 Gary McAlpin stated the monitoring sites will be reviewed with the City of Naples and located to compliment the City's sites to avoid duplication of efforts. Chairman Worley asked ifPBS&J will review the results of a previous water quality study that examined the lower part of the Bay from the perspective of what was important to monitor and where to locate monitoring sites. She requested establishing a DO ("Dissolved Oxygen") Profile. Mr. McAlpin stated PBS&J will include recommendations concerning a DO Profile in their proposal. Marcia Cravens stated Pelican Bay community does significant water quality testing and has a permit from the South Florida Water Management District. Mr. McAlpin stated Pelican Bay will continue to perform its site-specific permit requirements. It is a separate activity. Some of the data may be integrated but it is independent ofPBS&J's efforts. Ronald Glah moved to accept Staff's recommendation to hire PBS&J to develop a water quality monitoring and testing program, to analyze existing historical data, and to work with the DEP. Second by Chairman Worley. Carried unanimously, 3-0. 2. Tidal Flushing and Mixing Discussion and Approach Gary McAlpin outlined the Subcommittee's tasks: . To review available technical data and make recommendations on studies that can be undertaken to improve the overall health of the Estuary by the identification and optimization of tidal flushing and mixing. . To identify estuarine wildlife most suited for this habitat and to make restoration recommendations, if appropriate . Goal: Overall optimization to enhance estuarine wildlife Dr. Tomasko stated: . The culvert system underneath Seagate has not been not well documented (one way value versus a two-way system) regarding expectations . Water quality to the south and north of Seagate can be similar for nutrients but different for chlorophyll and dissolved oxygen due to residence times . Single systems can become impaired during droughts . Ifwater quality fails because a system is not flushed but the nutrient levels remain good, then a different approach must be taken versus the approach taken when water quality fails due to poor nutrient levels . Flushing and aeration systems can be utilized for dead-end canals with odor problems due to high algae levels . An important question is "How does residence vary from place to place?" . The best approach is to study water circulation and integrate the results with a water quality study . Water quality data will be collected simultaneously in Naples Bay and Clam Bay to assess (1) how much water moves from south to north at tidal exchange and (2) the quality ofthe water circulating 5 March 9, 2009 Gary McAlpin stated the Estuary has been managed on a three-year flushing cycle. The question is whether or not the time frame allows optimum flow for the health of the Estuary and its marine life. The Mixing Study will examine the expectations for tidal flushing to determine if the criteria is being met for sea grasses, marine life and mangrove habitat. The water flow sources are Clam Pass, Seagate Drive, and run off from Pelican Bay. Jeff Tabor, PBS&J, recapped the topics covered during the morning meeting of the Clam Bay Maintenance Dredging and Sand Bypassing Subcommittee and added the Study will examine: . Physical aspects of the Bay . Volume of water being flushed . Relationship between Moorings Bay and Clam Bay . The tide gates will have data loggers and provide continual monitoring . A working model will be developed to verify results Dr. Michael Bauer stated: . Moorings Bay area is built up and contributes poor quality water into the Clam Bay system . 74 culverts "dump" untreated storm water into Moorings Bay . Preliminary data indicates the water quality in Mooring Bay is fairly good because Mooring Bay flushes twice a day in and out of Doctor's Pass . Hard data is needed to determine how the water interacts and determine the water quality Chairman Worley stated the Pelican Bay Foundation and the County spent $70,000 to develop a flushing model. Mr. McAlpin stated the model developed by Humiston & Moore was limited in scope due to available technical resources and confirmed only the tidal range present then in relationship to mangrove maintenance. The model did not address the Estuary as a whole and its issues. He confirmed if the data can be used, it will be integrated into the Mixing Study. 3. Nutrient Loading and Runoff Control Discussion and Approach Gary McAlpin outlined the Subcommittee's tasks: . To review previous reports on the sources and impact of runoff on the Estuary's water quality, mangrove, estuarine wildlife and habitat . To review nutrient loadings . To identify major sources of runoff and recommend actions to reduce runoff having a negative impact on the Estuary . To review what part runoffplays on degrading the Estuary's water quality Dr. Tomasko stated: . Pelican Bay's storm water conveyance system is impressive - the water is treated as it travels from pond to pond 6 March 9,2009 . The role of flushing is important for water quality . It is important to determine the amount of time that nutrients remain in a system . The best approach is to consider the systems as a whole, not separately Chairman Worley stated ifSeagate is determined to be "the problem" because it is a shallow based system, alternatives besides flushing or dredging must be examined to prevent changes to the ecology of the system. Gary McAlpin stated Staffs recommendation is to request a specific proposal from PSB&J to analyze the existing data, to collect technical data, to integrate with the City of Naples, and develop specifics regarding the necessary steps to develop a Mixing and Flow Study. David Roellig asked how the Study will be funded. Mr. McAlpin stated after the proposal has been reviewed and approved, a funding request will be presented to the County Manager who will bring the issue before the Board of County Commissioners. He further stated proposals will be presented to the Subcommittee at its next meeting. Dr. Bauer stated the City of Naples has funds to contribute to the Study. Public Comments: Marcia Cravens stated contaminants move out to the Gulf of Mexico because the storm water remains untreated. A 1981 Study did not recommend opening up Clam Bay to Moorings Bay and Venetian Bay. It was recommended to improve the flushing ofthe Bay by reducing its depth. Comprehensive studies were done. She asked why spend more money on more studies when answers are available? Mr. McAlpin stated there are no plans to dredge Clam Bay or to open up Clam Pass or Seagate Drive now. The purpose of the Study is to examine the existing system and determine how to optimize Clam Bay through an integrated approach in cooperation with the City of Naples. Chairman Worley stated a pro-active approach is to determine methods to measure and reduce the pollutant load entering the system. To determine how to solve water quality problems, the source must be identified. Mr. McAlpin stated Staffs recommendation is to move forward with the Tidal Flushing Study which incorporates Nutrient Loading/Runoff Control and request PBS&J develop a proposal, in conjunction with Turrell, Hall (k Associates, with specifics discussed, for presentation at the next Subcommitteb meeting. David Roellig moved to accept Staffs recommendation (As noted by Mr. McAlpin.). Second by Ronald Glah. Carried unanimously, 3-0. VII. Old Business (None) 7 March 9, 2009 (IV.) Approval of Agenda Chairman Worley moved to approve the Agenda. Second by David Roellig. Carried unanimously, 3-0. (Item was heard out of order) VIII. Announcements (None) IX. Committee Member Discussion (See above) X. Next Meeting Date/Location: March 26,2009 at 9:00 AM at 3300 Santa Barbara Boulevard, Naples, Florida There being no further business for the good ofthe County, the meeting was adjourned by order of the Chair at 2:55 PM. Clam Bay Water Quality, Mixing and Runoff Subcommittee Kathy Worley, Chairman The Minutes were approved by the Board/Committee Chair on as presented or as amended 8