WQ Subcommittee Minutes 09/03/2019 September 3, 2019
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MINUTES OF THE COLLIER COUNTY COASTAL ADVISORY
COMMITTEE WATER QUALITY SUBCOMMITTEE MEETING
Naples, Florida, September 3, 2019
LET IT BE REMEMBERED, the Collier County Coastal Advisory Committee Water
Quality Subcommittee, in and for the County of Collier, having conducted business herein,
met on this date at 1:00 P.M., in REGULAR SESSION at Administrative Building “F”, 3rd
Floor, Collier County Government Complex Naples, Florida with the following members
present:
CHAIRMAN: Dave Trecker
VICE CHAIRMAN: Sam Young
Terry Hutchinson
ALSO PRESENT: Gary McAlpin, Manager, Coastal Zone Management
Gail Hambright, Accountant
Danette Kinaszczuk, Pollution Control
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Packet Pg. 283 Attachment: 9-3-19 Sub-committee approved minutes (10380 : CAC Water Quality Sub-Committee - October 1, 2019)
September 3, 2019
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Any persons in need of the verbatim record of the meeting may request a copy of the video recording
from the Collier County Communications and Customer Relations Department or view online.
I. Call to Order
Chairman Trecker called the meeting to order at 1:00 P.M.
II. Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
III. Roll Call
Roll call was taken and a quorum was established.
IV. Changes and Approval of Agenda
Mr. Hutchinson moved to approve the Agenda. Second by Mr. Young. Carried unanimously 3 – 0.
V. Public Comments
None
VI. Approval of CAC Minutes
None
VII. Staff Reports
None
VIII. New Business
1. Reminder of CAC role and limitations (Advise BCC only, Coastal Focus, treatment
/prevention, on funded programs)
Chairman Trecker reported:
That the Coastal Advisory Committee’s is now charged with providing recommendations to
the BCC on coastal water quality issues.
The area of responsibility includes coastal waters, inlets and estuaries; however canals are
excluded from the scope.
Commissioner Solis indicated that the Committee should focus on obtainable measures at the
local level and present the BCC comprehensive packages of proposals (as opposed to
piecemeal items) which they may direct Staff to pursue.
The City of Marco Island and Naples will be included in any applicable items, including
input sought from various Staff Members or Departments.
2. Reference to backgrounder sent out in advance of meeting
The Subcommittee reviewed the document “Collier County Officials Could Take Additional Steps to
Deal with Toxic Algae and Red Tide Problems” which outlined areas to potentially be addressed by
the County.
Uniform Sampling and Testing Procedures
Discussion occurred with the following noted:
That it would be beneficial to ensure various local governmental entities (City of Naples,
Marco Island and Unincorporated Collier County) have consistent programs when
conducting water sampling and testing including the analytes under consideration.
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Packet Pg. 284 Attachment: 9-3-19 Sub-committee approved minutes (10380 : CAC Water Quality Sub-Committee - October 1, 2019)
September 3, 2019
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This would include the locations of testing, how the data is input into the Florida Department
of Protection’s Storet database (now WIN) and public availability of the data with the goal of
ensuring the best water quality tools are utilized in determining impairments.
A report was prepared by Dr. David Tomasko’s for the County (“Collier County Water
Quality Data in October of 2018”) which provided recommendations on sampling and data
collection for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection database.
It would be beneficial to schedule a presentation by Mr. Tomasko to help the Subcommittee
further comprehend the issues involved with the State system.
The Subcommittee requested Staff to schedule a presentation by Dr. Tomasko and notify the City
of Marco Island and Naples of the meeting so representatives may attend and provide any input as
necessary.
Health Warnings
The Subcommittee discussed the feasibility of developing a countywide program for the posting of
signage notifying the public of unsafe water conditions in the County.
Staff reported that the responsibility to issue health warnings lies with the Health Department,
however the County can provide data to the Agency.
The Subcommittee noted it would be beneficial to obtain information on the Agency’s policies,
including the protocols for testing for toxins in County waterways.
Staff reported they would review the issue including any opportunities available to coordinate with
the Health Department and provide an update at the next meeting.
3. Discussion of possible advice that might favorably impact WQ issues (fertilizer enforcement,
nutrient removal from irrigation water, support stormwater utility upgrade, reinstitute street
sweeping)
The document provided in the meeting package “Collier County Officials Could Take Additional
Steps to Deal with Toxic Algae and Red Tide Problems” identified preventative measures to reduce
nutrient runoff into waterways. These items include enforcement of the County’s Fertilizer
Ordinance, investigating measures to reduce nutrient content in irrigation water, etc. The following
was noted during discussions:
Concern the fertilizer ordinance addresses application of nutrients and Best Management
Practices but the requirements are difficult to enforce without additional Staff dedicated to
the arena.
Data should be reviewed on the nutrient levels in irrigation waters to determine the impacts
on waterways.
If necessary, technology is available to remove the harmful components from the water
before it is dispersed, however the process is costly.
The major concern is grass clippings and fertilizer components entering the street areas and
stormwater disposal systems and ultimately area waterways.
Staff reported they would assemble data on the composition of the irrigation water and provide
their findings to the Subcommittee.
4. Next steps, e.g., interviews, gathering more information
Mr. McAlpin reported that the next meeting will consist of:
1. A discussion on water quality sampling and testing.
2. An update on Health Department policies for public notifications of water quality issues.
8.B.5
Packet Pg. 285 Attachment: 9-3-19 Sub-committee approved minutes (10380 : CAC Water Quality Sub-Committee - October 1, 2019)
8.B.5
Packet Pg. 286 Attachment: 9-3-19 Sub-committee approved minutes (10380 : CAC Water Quality Sub-Committee - October 1, 2019)