EAC Minutes 09/21/1988 •t
MINUTES OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COUNCIL
DATE : September 21 , 1988
TIME: 8 : 45 A.M.
PLACE: 3rd Floor Boardroom, Building "F" , Collier County
Government Center, Naples, Florida
EAC STAFF PRESENT
BELOW EXC . BURCH X
BENEDICT X EDWARDS X
KURGIS X STEVENS X
SNYDER X KOOPMAN X
CARDILLO EXC. WEEKS X
MINUTES BY: Dalila Mendez, Deputy Clerk
CALLED TO ORDER AT: 8 : 50 A.M. ADJOURNED: 10 : 55 A.M
PRESIDING : Dr. Mark Benedict , Vice-Chairman
ADDENDA TO THE AGENDA: 1 . Two Items added by Mr . Burch re the
Comprehensive Plan and the drafting
of new Ordinances .
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ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COUNCIL
AGENDA
September 21, 1988
8 :45 A.M.
I. ROLL CALL
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
III. ADDENDA
IV. STAFF REPORT ,,
A. PETITIONS ADMINISTRATIVELY APPROVED BY NRMD
V. OLD BUSINESS
VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS `
A. R-88-18C/SMP-88-5C: William C. McAnly, P.E. of
Willaim C. McAnly & Associates, P. A. ,
representing Elba Development Corporation;
requesting azoning change from MHSD to RSF-4 and
Subdivision Master Plan Aproval.
B. R-88-17C: William C. McAnly, P.E. of Willaim C.
McAnly & Associates, P. A. representing Chatham
Lake Development Corporation; requesting a zoning
change from A-2 to RMF-6 Residential Multi-famili
units .
C. R-88-14C: Daniel E. Conley of Conley & Baker,
representing Wildwood R. V. Resort, Inc, ;
requesting a zoning change from A-2 to PUD
•
"Imperial Wildwood RV Resort" .
D. PU-87-26C: Robert Hines, of Budd, Hines and
Thompson, representing Troyer Brothers, Inc. ;
requesting a provisional use "b" of A-2 MH for
earth mining.
VII. NEW BUSINESS
•
VIII. DISCUSSION OF ADDENDA
IX. ADJOURNMENT
X. WORKSHOP
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NOTES:
A. Notify the Natural Resources Management Departm9nt
(774-8454 ) later than 5 P.M. on Monday, September 19,
1988 , if you cannot attend this meeting or if ..you have
conflict and thus will abstain from voting on a
particular petition.
B. Please refer to notice on first floor, Building F, for
the location of the E.A.C. meeting.
C. Items added after agenda was sent out.
D. No action since last Council meeting.
E. On January 7, 1987 the E.A.C. adopted a policy that any
person addressing the E.A.C. on behalf of any
organization must present a letter from said organization
acknowledging them as a representative empowered to make
policy related comments on that subject.
*************************************************************
PERSON WHO DECIDES TO APPEAL A DECISION OF THIS BOARD WILL
NEED A RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS PERTAINING THERETO, AND
THEREFORE MAY NEED TO ENSURE THAT A VERBATIM RECORD OF THE
PROCEEDINGS IS MADE, WHICH RECORD INCLUDES THE TESTIMONY AND
EVIDENCE UPON WHICH THE APPEAL IS TO BE BASED.
********** *********** **********
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41,
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ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 21 , 1988
ITEM: Minutes of August 17, 1988
COMMENTS: Inasmuch as modifications have been made to the
minutes of August 17, 1988 and the EAC members
have not had an opportunity to review those, Dr.
Benedict indicated that these minutes will be
brought back for approval at the next EAC
meeting.
*****
PETITION NO: R-88-18C/SMP-88-5C
FILED BY/FOR: William C. McAnly & Associates, P.A. , repre-
senting Elba Development Corporation.
REQUESTING: A zoning change from MHSD to RSF-4 and
Subdivision Master Plan Approval .
REPRESENTED BY: Mr. George H. Mellen, P.E.
COMMENTS: Mr . George Mellen, representing the petitioner,
stated that the property is the last tract of a
n 15 acre tract of land of the Riviera Colony Golf
Estates Subdivision. He noted that the property
is bounded on the west by the Florida Power &
Light transmission easement; on the north by
West Crown Pointe PUD, .. to the south and east
by the Riviera Golf Estates. He indicated that
the property is presently zoned for Mobile Home
Subdivision, and with an allowable density for
65 - 70 lots, however, the petitioner is pro-
posing a lesser density project of single-family
homes, RSF-4 designation. He advised that
Andrea Stevens and he had recently walked the
site and typical pine flatwoods and cypress were
observed on site. He also indicated that the
drainage is accommodated by the Riviera system
which goes to a swale that will abut the golf
course on the inside and the project will pro-
vide a overflow to the north to the Lely Canal .
Ms. Stevens stated that the subject property
consists of pine flatwoods, palmetto understory,
additional species in the shrub and groundcover
layers which include dog fennel , fox grape, coco
plum, wax myrtle, and various grasses. She also
stated that a small area south of the northwest
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ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 21 , 1988
corner the site supports a 60 : 40 ratio of pine
and cypress. She noted that the cypress are 4 -
6 inches in diameter, and appear stressed due to
excessive draining of the site. She indicated
that exotic Brazilian pepper is scattered
throughout the site. She advised that Staff
recommends approval of the petition subject to
the four standard EAC stipulations.
In response to Ms. Kurgis, Mr. Mellen advised
that the aerial does not indicate that the area
has been cleared by the owner of the property.
He noted that the petitioner is a contractual
buyer, and part of the agreement is that the
owner restore the site to its former condition
of a year and half ago.
Responding to Ms. Kurgis, Ms. Stevens advised
that the cypress is an understory with browning
leaves, and a preserve area will not be
feasible.
Mr . Mellen indicated that the down-zoning of the
property to single-family homes will preserve
the natural vegetation of the site.
MOTION: Made by Ms. Kurgis to recommend approval of
Petition No. R-88-18C subject to EAC standard
stipulations, as follows. Seconded by Dr.
Snyder. Carried 3/0.
STIPULATIONS:
1 . Petitioner shall be subject to Ordinance 75-21
(or the tree/vegetation removal ordinance in
existence at the time of permitting) , requiring
the acquisition of a tree removal permit prior
to any land clearing. A site clearing plan
shall be submitted to the Natural Resources
Management Department for their review and sub-
ject to approval prior to any work on the site.
This plan may be submitted in phases to coincide
with the development schedule . The site
clearing plan shall clearly depict how the final
site layout incorporates retained native vegeta-
tion to the maximum extent possible and how
roads, buildings, lakes, parking lots, and other
facilities have been oriented to accommodate
this goal .
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ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 21 , 1988
2 . Native species shall be utilized, where
available, to the maximum extent possible in the
site landscaping design. A landscaping plan
will be submitted to the Natural Resources
Management Department and the Community
Development Division for their review and sub-
ject to their approval . This plan will depict
the incorporation of native species and their
mix with other species, if any. The goal of
site landscaping shall be the re-creation of
native vegetation and habitat characteristics
lost on the site during construction or due to
past activities.
3 . All exotic plants, as defined in the County Code,
shall be removed during each phase of construc-
tion from development areas, open space areas,
and preserve areas. Following site development ,
a maintenance program shall be implemented to
prevent reinvasion of the site by such exotic
species. This plan, which will describe control
techniques and inspection intervals, shall be
filed with and subject to approval by the
Natural Resources Management Department and the
Community Development Division.
4 . If , during the course of site clearing, excavation,
or other constructional activities, an
archaeological or historical site, artifact , or
other indicator is discovered, all development
at that location shall be immediately stopped
and the Natural Resources Management Department
notified. Development will be suspended for a
sufficient length of time to enable the Natural
Resources Management Department or a designated
consultant to assess the find and determine the
proper course of action in regard to its salva-
geability. The Natural Resources Management
Department will respond to any such notification
in a timely and efficient manner so as to pro-
vide only a minimal interruption to any
constructional activities.
*****
PETITION NO: R-88-17C
FILED BY/FOR: William C . McAnly & Associates, P. A. , repre-
,-., senting Chatham Lake Development Corporation
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ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 21 , 1988
REQUESTING: A zoning change from A-2 to RMF-6 Residential
Multi-family units.
REPRESENTED BY: Mr . George H. Mellen, P.E.
COMMENTS: Mr . Mellen, representing the petitioner, stated
that Chatham Lake Development is a multi-family,
RMF-6 which will be consistent with the
surrounding developments. He noted that the
development will consist of ten buildings, three
stories high, 24 units each, which will be
surrounded by a central six acre lake that will
provide the majority of the necessary drainage
retention. He indicated that the water con-
ditions will be controlled by a swale that runs
parallel to County Barn Road along the west side
of the project . He stated that the property is
primarily invaded with pine forests, and there
are two severely stressed cypress areas. He
further stated that the developer intends to
minimize the clearing of the site, limiting solely
to the paving, buildings and utility installa-
tions .
Mr . Edwards reported that 85 - 90% of the site
is transitional habitat basically pine flat-
woods. He noted that the canopy is dominated by
slash pine with some bald cypress; Tillandsoid
epiphtes grow on both species, which includes
quill-leaf and spanish moss. He stated that the
understory consists of young slash pine, wax
myrtle, Brazilian pepper, melaleuca, and scat-
tered dahoon hollies.
Mr . Edwards further indicated that the ground-
cover consists mostly of graminoid dominated
areas with pennyroyal , poison ivy, and love
vine ; the eastern boundary is dominated by
wetland groundcover species, such as blechnum
fern, saw grass, etc . He noted that the
remaining 10 - 15% consists of dense palmetto,
and the area is undergoing transition to a drier
habitat . He concluded that NRMD recommends
approval of the petition with the standard EAC
stipulations plus Stipulations 5 , 6, and 7 .
Mr. Mellen confirmed for Ms. Kurgis that 23 . 7
acres of open space will remain wooded, and left
n as much as possible in its natural state.
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ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 21 , 1988
Mr . Mellen advised that the petitioner does not
have any objections to the Stipulations, and
Stipulations 5 and 6 are being pursued.
Dr. Benedict clarified Stipulation #7 by adding
"at their current location" after the word
"epiphytes" , and the words "or by transplanting
them" after the words "development areas" .
Staff did not object to these additions.
Dr . Benedict added an 8th stipulation as
follows: "Site clearing shall be restricted to
the areas needed to construct the footprints of
the buildings, the road, the lake and other
water management facilities, and for exotic
removal" . Mr. Mellen did not object to this
stipulation.
MOTION: Made by Ms. Kurgis to recommend approval of
Petition No. R-88-17C with stipulations as
recommended by Staff, amending Stipulation #7,
and adding Stipulation #8. Seconded by Dr.
Snyder. Carried 3/0.
STIPULATIONS:
1 . Petitioner shall be subject to Ordinance 75-21
(or the tree/vegetation removal ordinance in
existence at the time of permitting) , requiring
the acquisition of a tree removal permit prior
to any land clearing. A site clearing plan
shall be submitted to the Natural Resources
Management Department for their review and sub-
ject to approval prior to any work on the site.
This plan may be submitted in phases to coincide
with the development schedule. The site
clearing plan shall clearly depict how the final
site layout incorporates retained native vegeta-
tion to the maximum extent possible and how
roads, buildings, lakes, parking lots, and other
facilities have been oriented to accommodate
this goal .
2 . Native species shall be utilized, where
available, to the maximum extent possible in the
site landscaping design. A landscaping plan
will be submitted to the Natural Resources
Management Department and the Community
Development Division for their review and sub-
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ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 21 , 1988
ject to their approval . This plan will depict
the incorporation of native species and their
mix with other species, if any. The goal of
site landscaping shall be the re-creation of
native vegetation and habitat characteristics
lost on the site during construction or due to
past activities.
3 . All exotic plants, as defined in the County
Code, shall be removed during each phase of
construction from development areas, open space
areas, and preserve areas. Following site deve-
lopment, a maintenance program shall be imple-
mented to prevent reinvasion of the site by such
exotic species. This plan, which will describe
control techniques and inspection intervals,
shall be filed with and subject to approval by
the Natural Resources Management Department and
the Community Development Division.
4 . If , during the course of site clearing, excava-
tion, or other constructional activities, an
archaeological or historical site, artifact , or
other indicator is discovered, all development
at that location shall be immediately stopped
and the Natural Resources Management Department
notified. Development will be suspended for a
sufficient length of time to enable the Natural
Resources Management Department or a designated
consultant to assess the find and determine the
proper course of action in regard to its salva-
geability. The Natural Resources Management
Department will respond to any such notification
in a timely and efficient manner so as to pro-
vide only a minimal interruption to any
constructional activities.
5 . Petitioner shall seek a wetland jurisdictional
determination by the U.S . Army Corps of
Engineers, and if necessary, obtain the required
permits prior to approval of the site develop-
ment plan.
6. Petitioner shall save as many is practical and
possible of the dahoon holly (Ilex cassine)
trees on site . These trees that exist within
the development areas, where feasible, shall be
transplanted to other areas on site.
n
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/""NENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 21 , 1988
7 . Petitioner, where feasible, shall save the
quill-leaf (Tillandsia fasciculata) epiphytes at
their current location within the development
areas or by transplanting them to on-site, non-
development areas prior to issuance of a tree
removal permit . A thorough survey of the area
by petitioner, or petitioner ' s agent, and a
member of NRMD shall be conducted to determine
the density of the epiphyte and suitable reloca-
tion areas.
8 . Site clearing shall be restricted to areas
needed to construct the footprints of the
buildings, the roads, the lakes, and other
required water management facilities, and for
exotic removal .
*****
PETITION NO: R-88-14C
FILED BY/FOR: Daniel E. Conley & Baker, representing Wildwood
R. V. Resort , Inc .
REQUESTING: A zoning change from A-2 to RMF-6 Residential
Multi-family units.
REPRESENTED BY: Mr . Daniel E. Conley
COMMENTS : Mr . Dan Conley representing the petitioner
advised that Mr . Edwards and he had recently
reinspected the site, and he concurs with
Staff ' s recommendations. He noted that DER, the
Corps of Engineers, and the South Florida Water
Management District have been notified. He also
noted that the flagging process will commence
shortly to identify the areas to be preserved,
and the jurisdictional agencies will then
reinspect the site.
Mr . Edwards indicated that the majority of the
site is a transitional area dominated by slash
pine with bald cypress at a ratio of 70 : 30. He
indicated that the understo=- consists of scat-
tered pine, cypress, cabbage palm, wax myrtle,
and Brazilian pepper and most of the ground
cover varies from pine needles to small
depressional areas with blechnum fern, yellow-
eyed grass, etc .
Page 8
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ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 21 , 1988
Mr. Edwards advised that he visited the site in
early August and standing water was noted
throughout most of the site, however, no
standing water was noted at the second site
visit at the end of the month, except in an area
adjacent to a centrally-located cypress wetland.
He noted that there are several wetland com-
munities located on the border of the property
which have been impacted in the past . He indi-
cated that there is a second cypress wetland in
the southwest corner of the property which con-
tains a canopy ratio of cypress-pine of 50: 50.
He stated that there are two high-quality
wetlands located on site, the first is located
in the central , cypress wetland, and the second
is in the northeast corner of the site. He
noted that the canopy is dominated by bald
cypress, with a cypress-pine ratio of 80: 20
which consists of cypress and wax myrtle
understory. He indicated that an adjacent area
on the western side of the wetland contains a
cypress-pine ratio of 60 : 40, and the second
wetland is predominantly a sedge meadow.
In conclusion, Mr. Edwards stated that Staff
recommends approval of the petition subject to
standard EAC stipulations and the addition of
Stipulations #5, #6, #7, #8 and #9.
Referring to the eastern most extension of the
tract Mr . Edwards clarified for Dr. Snyder that
there was a water line break a year and a half
ago which flooded the area, however, it has
since been corrected. The area is open and
consists of cattails and is basically dead but-
tonbush trees, he stated.
Ms. Kurgis expressed concerns about the map pro-
vided and stated that if the petitioner is
planning to preserve some of the wetlands
some of the areas will have to be given up.
Mr. Conley stated that the plan had been sub-
mitted for zoning purposes, however, extensive
review and redrawing of the plan will be con-
ducted shortly. He concurred that the peti-
tioner will probably have to give up some of the
lots, but indicated that perhaps some of the
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ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 21 , 1988
areas can be incorporated in the water manage-
ment portion.
In regard to the large amount of lakes, Mr .
Conley clarified for Ms. Kurgis that in order to
obtain approval , the large amount of lakes are
needed, however, when the cypress wetland areas
are incorporated they will slightly decrease.
Dr . Benedict referred to Stipulation #5 , and
stated that further clarification regarding the
"adjacent western area (60: 40 cypress-pine) "
needs to be indicated.
Mr. Mellen clarified for Dr. Benedict that the
water management system is an interconnected
lake system with a single weir control at the
northwest border . He advised that the project
will dedicate a 65 foot wide drainage easement
to the County, and the ditch will be enlarged to
help restore flow for the Belle Meade Basin
across U.S . 41 and towards the southwest .
Mr . Conley confirmed for Dr . Benedict that
Consultant Ray Link did the EIS four months
prior to Mr. Edwards visit to the site, and two
months prior to the site plan. He stated that
the site plan complies with the zoning process.
Project Manager Weeks advised that the changes
involved will require a revised Master Plan,
which will be forwarded to NRMD, and Water
Management Department . This will verify that
EAC stipulations are complied with, and also
that the changes will accommodate Water
Management requirements. Mr. Conley did not
have any objections to this recommendation.
Dr . Benedict asked Mr . Conley if the trees have
been incorporated? Mr . Conley advised that the
trees are incorporated to their maximum, except
for the strip for the concrete path.
Referring to Stipulation #8 , Ms. Kurgis indi-
cated that since the petitioner is selling the
lots to individual owners, control will be lost
as to whether or not the cypress wetland will be
incorporated into the overall landscape plan.
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ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 21 , 1988
Mr . Conley, however, advised that the homeowners
association provides that adjustments will not
be made to the landscape design.
Mr . Edwards indicated that for the site develop-
ment process the petitioner must provide a
landscape plan which indicates the location of
trees and the amount of trees on site.
Ms. Kurgis suggested that the following sentence
be added to Stipulation #5, "The area indicated
on the diagram will be specified as a preserve
area" .
Dr . Benedict, however, added the following ver-
biage to Stipulations #5 and #6 : " (as depicted
on attached NRMD diagram) " , after the words
"central cypress wetland" , and after the words
"sedge meadow wetland" , respectively. He also added
words "final rezone" after the words "prior to" ,
and deleted "of the subdivision master plan" in
Stipulation #7 . He changed the last sentence of
Stipulation #8 to read "This incorporation shall
be shown on the site landscape plan" , etc .
MOTION: Made by Dr. Benedict to recommend approval of
Petition No. R-88-14C with the Standard EAC
Stipulations #1-4, and Stipulations #5, #6, #7,
and #8 as modified, and Stipulation #9, as is.
Seconded by Ms. Kurgis. Carried 3/0.
STIPULATIONS:
1 . Petitioner shall be subject to Ordinance 75-21
(or the tree/vegetation removal ordinance in
existence at the time of permitting) , requiring
the acquisition of a tree removal permit prior
to any land clearing. A site clearing plan
shall be submitted to the Natural Resources
Management Department for their review and sub-
ject to approval prior to any work on the site.
This plan may be submitted in phases to coincide
with the development schedule. The site
clearing plan shall clearly depict how the final
site layout incorporates retained native vegeta-
tion to the maximum extent possible and how
roads, buildings, lakes, parking lots, and other
facilities have been oriented to accommodate
this goal .
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ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 21 , 1988
2 . Native species shall be utilized, where
available, to the maximum extent possible in the
site landscaping design. A landscaping plan
will be submitted to the Natural Resources
Management Department and the Community
Development Division for their review and sub-
ject to their approval . This plan will depict
the incorporation of native species and their
mix with other species, if any. The goal of
site landscaping shall be the re-creation of
native vegetation and habitat characteristics
lost on the site during construction or due to
past activities.
3 . All exotic plants, as defined in the County
Code, shall be removed during each phase of
construction from development areas, open space
areas, and preserve areas. Following site deve-
lopment , a maintenance program shall be imple-
mented to prevent reinvasion of the site by such
exotic species. This plan, which will describe
control techniques and inspection intervals,
shall be filed with and subject to approval by
the Natural Resources Management Department and
the Community Development Division.
4. If , during the course of site clearing, excava-
tion, or other constructional activities, an
archaeological or historical site, artifact, or
other indicator is discovered, all development
at that location shall be immediately stopped
and the Natural Resources Management Department
notified. Development will be suspended for a
sufficient length of time to enable the Natural
Resources Management Department or a designated
consultant to assess the find and determine the
proper course of action in regard to its salva-
geability. The Natural Resources Management
Department will respond to any such notification
in a timely and efficient manner so as to pro-
vide only a minimal interruption to any
constructional activities.
5 . The central cypress wetland (as depicted on
attached NRMD diagram) shall be a preserve and
incorporated into the water management system.
The adjacent western area (60: 40 cypress to
pine) shall be included in this wetland pre-
p
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ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 21 , 1988
serve. In addition, at least a ten foot buffer
shall be maintained around the preserve.
Petitioner shall flag the area, with review and
approval by NRMD, prior to clearing.
6. The sedge meadow wetland (as depicted on
attached NRMD diagram) in the northeast corner
shall be preserved and incorporated into the
water management system. A ten foot buffer
shall be maintained around this wetland.
Petitioner shall flag the preserve prior to
clearing, with review and approval by NRMD.
7 . Petitioner shall submit revised site plans,
incorporating the wetland preserves, to NRMD for
review and approval , prior to final rezone
approval .
8 . Where feasible, petitioner shall incorporate the
cypress and pine trees in the transitional area
and southwestern cypress wetland into the
overall landscape plan. This incorporation
shall be shown on the site landscape plan and is
subject to the review and approval by NRMD.
9 . Where feasible and practical , petitioner shall
save the dahoon holly trees or transplant them
to suitable areas on site.
******
PETITION NO: PU-87-26C
FILED BY/FOR: Robert Hines, of Budd, Hines and Thompson, repre-
senting Troyer Brothers, Inc .
REQUESTING: Provisional Use "b" of A-2 MH for earth
mining.
REPRESENTED BY: Mr . Bob Hines
COMMENTS: Attorney Bob Hines, representing the petitioner,
advised that the property is an uncultivated
farmfield, and the petitioner proposes to exca-
vate a 110 acre parcel for fill material . He
noted that the land west of the project is part
of the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. He indicated
that the project has been before the Water
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ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 21 , 1988
Management Advisory Board on three occasions, and
following the second hearing a limited EIS was
agreed upon. He noted that the National Audubon
Society has been consulted and advised of the
proposed plans.
Mr . Hines stated that the development plan has
been modified to reflect concerns by the
Sanctuary and adjoining landowners, and have
been incorporated in the revised site plan. He
indicated that they have agreed to 14 specific
conditions, and upon completion of the project
the owner of the property has committed to deed
the property to the Sanctuary. He stated that
the petitioner agrees with the Staff report ,
with the exception of Stipulation #7 , which
relates to the maximum excavation rate. He
advised that an agreement with WMAB was made
whereas the rate will not exceed 20 loads per
day, and according to the Staff report 15 loads
are indicated. After speaking to Mr. Bob Duane,
of Hole, Montes & Associates, the number of
loads has been adjusted to 20 loads per day, he
noted.
Referring to Stipulation #9, regarding the noise
barrier requirement, Mr . Hines stated that this
Stipulation has been deleted.
Ecologist Kevin Irwin advised that the goal of
the project is to work jointly with National
Audubon to ascertain that the construction of
the pit, and the reclamation of the facility
will not have a negative impact on the
Sanctuary. He noted that the two major concerns
involved are the ground and surface water
levels, and the wildlife. He noted that there
will not be any pollutant impact , however, the
water quality will be monitored for pesticides.
He indicated that the Sanctuary has requested
that a well monitoring program be tied into
their monitoring well network.
In regard to the wildlife concerns, Mr . Irwin
advised that the Sanctuary has requested that
the petitioner design a reclamation around
woodstorks and wading birds. He noted that a
wading bird area will be constructed prior to
construction.
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n ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 21, 1988
Mr . Edwards reported that the parcel was used
for potato farming for one season, and has been
cleared of woody vegetation. He stated that
only grasses and weed species remain on site.
He noted that Staff is concerned about remnant
pesticides remaining on site, and the petitioner
should do monitoring in this regard. He stated
that NRMD' s major concern is regarding the loca-
tion of the project adjacent to Corkscrew Swamp
Sanctuary. He stated that the petitioner should
be aware of the effects traffic, changes in
groundwater quality and flow in the area, lake
turbidity, air quality effects, etc. on the
myriad species inhabiting the Sanctuary. He
stated that adequate measures should be taken to
insure that the proposed site alterations will
not disturb nearby ecological systems.
Mr. Edwards stated that NRMD recommends approval
of the petition with standard Stipulations #1 ,
and #2 , and Stipulations #3 - #11 , and indicated
that Staff has no objections to the deletion of
Stipulation #9.
n
Mr . Haywood, adjacent landowner to the east of
the project, stated that he is opposed to the
project and so are 40 - 50 landowners as
indicated on petition disbributed to the EAC.
He stated that tests for pesticides should be
made prior to the commencement of the project .
He stated that of the 15 borings required only 8
have been made, therefore, the job has not been
completed. Referring to the aquifer and ground
water levels, Mr . Haywood indicated that the
amount of water will diminish when the project
begins. He noted that noise and traffic will
adversely affect the thoroughbred horses of
adjacent properties. He then delineated the
Excavation ordinance .
Ms. Kurgis asked what the effects of noise on
woodstorks would be during the nesting period?
Mr . Ed Carlson, Manager of the Corkscrew
Sanctuary, indicated that presently the effects
of noise on the Sanctuary and woodstorks was not
definite. However, the woodstork colony is a
mile away from State Road 86, which has unli-
mited truck traffic, and noticeable effects
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ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 21 , 1988
on the storks have not been determined. Since
the project will be 1/4 mile away from the
Sanctuary, Mr. Carlson stated that significant
impacts are not anticipated.
Dr. Snyder stated that limerock dust could
affect the water quality impacts from the dust
forms of calcium carbonates floating around, but
in most cases the water is fairly saturated with
calcium carbonates, therefore, additional carbon
does not degrade the water quality.
Mr . Carlson agreed with Dr. Snyder ' s comment that
the landowners' concerns are not based on
environmental concerns .
Project Manager Weeks asked Mr. Carlson if the
National Audubon Society would accept the pro-
perty after completion of the proposed project?
Mr . Carlson responded affirmatively.
Dr . Benedict asked if the petitioner would
object to adding a Stipulation regarding the
pesticides concerns? Mr. Hines advised that he
did not object to this stipulation, and to
testing being performed prior to commencing the
project .
Mr . Edwards confirmed for Dr . Benedict that
Staff is satisfied with the EIS report . Mr .
Burch, however, indicated that he has not had a
chance to review the EIS report .
Dr. Benedict indicated that the construction of
the ponds should be done simultaneous to the
construction of the berms .
Mr . Irwin explained that the wetland is usually
constructed after the water shed, and will pro-
bably be constructed at the same time as the
pit . He stated that after the parameter berm is
constructed, the secondary berm will follow.
In response to Dr . Benedict , Mr. Hines reaf-
firmed that the petitioner plans to construct
the berms first . Mr . Irwin further advised that
the Army Corps of Engineers, and the Freshwater
Fish & Game Commission have not observed bald
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ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 21 , 1988
eagles on site. He reiterated that the purpose
of the reclamation is to protect the wading
birds, and woodstorks in the area.
Responding to Dr . Benedict , Mr . Hines stated
that the EAC will be provided with the site
plan.
Referring to Stipulation #5 , Dr. Snyder stated
that the words "bi-annual" should be changed to
read "twice a year" .
MOTION: Made Dr. Benedict to recommend approval of
Petition PU-87-26C subject to Staff's recommen-
dations, and modifing Stipulations #5, #6, #7,
#8 deleting #9, and adding another stipulation.
Seconded by Dr. Snyder. Carried 2/1 . (Ms.
Kurgis opposed) .
COMMENTS: Ms. Kurgis recommended that further wording be
added to Stipulation #6 regarding reclamation
and native vegetation, and Dr. Benedict incor-
porated the following wording to the second sen-
tence " reconstruction as well as for other
aspects of site restoration, following excava-
tion shall be submitted to NRMD and NAS for
review and approval" .
In regard to the above recommendation for appro-
val, Ms. Kurgis stated that she had a problem on
making a decision due to the long-term impact the
project might have in the area, and suggested
that Stipulation #8 be modified as follows:
"Petitioner shall pave and continue to maintain
the access road, etc . Dr . Benedict did not
object to the additional wording.
Responding to Dr . Benedict , Mr. Koopman of the
Water Management Staff confirmed that the final
completion of the proposed excavation is bonded.
STIPULATIONS:
1 . Petitioner shall be subject to Ordinance 75-21
(or the tree/vegetation removal ordinance in
existence at the time of permitting) , requiring
the acquisition of a tree removal permit prior
to any land clearing. A site clearing plan
shall be submitted to the Natural Resources
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ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 21 , 1988
Management Department for their review and sub-
ject to approval prior to any work on the site.
This plan may be submitted in phases to coincide
with the development schedule. The site
clearing plan shall clearly depict how the final
site layout incorporates retained native vegeta-
tion to the maximum extent possible and how
roads, buildings, lakes, parking lots, and other
facilities have been oriented to accommodate
this goal .
2 . Native species shall be utilized, where
available, to the maximum extent possible in the
site landscaping design. A landscaping plan
will be submitted to the Natural Resources
Management Department and the Community
Development Division for their review and sub-
ject to their approval . This plan will depict
the incorporation of native species and their
mix with other species, if any. The goal of
site landscaping shall be the re-creation of
native vegetation and habitat characteristics
lost on the site during construction or due to
n past activities.
3 . Petitioner shall establish a series of (at least
six) wells on site to monitor changes in the
water levels caused by mining activities. The
wells shall be established prior to the commen-
cement of any mining operations. Petitioner
shall coordinate the sampling regime with the
existing National Audubon Society' s (NAS)
groundwater monitoring program. Water level
results shall be submitted on a weekly basis to
NAS to NRMD for review. Should water levels
change significantly, as confirmed by NAS, NRMD
reserves the right to halt excavation activities
until the problem is corrected.
4. Petitioner shall monitor water quality changes
caused by mining activities. Water quality
parameters to be measured should include, but
not be limited to, pH, conductivity, hardness,
and chlorides. A complete list of parameters to
be monitored shall be submitted to NRMD and NAS
for review prior to initiation of the program.
Monitoring data shall be submitted on a monthly
basis to both NAS and NRMD for review. If water
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ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 21 , 1988
quality significantly deteriorates, NRMD retains
the right to halt excavation activities until
the problem is corrected.
5 . Petitioner shall monitor for the presence of
residual pesticides in the ground water, prior
to the commencement of operations and collected
data shall be submitted twice a year thereafter
to both NAS and NRMD for review. If significant
levels are found, excavation activities shall
cease, and the petitioner shall work with NRMD
and NAS to develop a clean-up program. If no
pesticides or only low levels of pesticides are
found after several samplings, the petitioner
may discontinue monitoring for pesticides upon
approval from both NRMD and NAS .
6 . Petitioner shall construct ponds for woodstorks
and other wading birds in the setback areas of
the excavation simultaneous with the construc-
tion of the parameter swales. Prior to mining
activity, the plans for such wetland reconstruc-
tion as well as for other aspects of site
restoration, following excavation, shall be sub-
mitted to NRMD and NAS for review and approval .
r `
7 . The maximum excavation rate shall not exceed 20
l� truckloads per day. If petitioner later wishes
to increase the excavation rate, petitioner
shall initiate a more detailed monitoring
program, which will be submitted to NRMD and NAS
for review and approval prior to an increase in
excavation activities. The expanded monitoring
program will determine the effects of greate
excavation on water levels and water quality in
the area.
8 . Petitioner shall pave and continue to maintain
the access road leading from the site to
Immokalee Road. The petitioner shall limit the
amount of air-borne dust generated by truck
traffic on the dirt section of this road by
watering the road during dry periods, adding
rock material to the road, or by other means
acceptable to NAS, NRMD and other relevant
county departments ( i .e. , Engineering and Public
Works) .
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ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 21, 1988
9 . Deleted.
10. Petitioner shall maintain the trucks in optimal
working condition to reduce the amount of truck
noise.
11 . As agreed with NAS, upon completion of mining
activities, the land shall be deeded to
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. NRMD agrees with and
supports this condition.
12 . These Stipulations shall be specifically stated
and included with the site development plan for
the project .
*****
ITEM: ADDENDA
COMMENTS: Due to the rewrite of the Comprehensive Plan,
the development of Ordinances that have to be
brought into compliance with State requirements,
and Staff ' s additional responsibility, Mr . Burch
officially requested the support of the EAC .
Dr . Benedict advised that he had recently been
appointed to a 6-member committee, which will be
assisting Staff in the drafting of the required
elements. He suggested that Mr. Burch provide
the EAC with a copy of the Ordinances for their
review and comments.
*****
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned
by Order of the Chair.
ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY BOARD
Mark Benedict , Vice-Chairman
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