EAC Minutes 06/06/2007 R June 6, 2007
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COLLIER COUNTY
ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COUNCIL
Naples, Florida, June 6, 2007
LET IT BE REMEMBERED, that the Collier County Environmental
Advisory Council in and for the County of Collier, having conducted
business herein, met on this date at 9:00 AM, in REGULAR SESSION in
Building "F"of the Government Complex, Naples, Florida, with the
following members present:
CHAIRMAN: William Hughes
William Hill (excused)
Lee Horn
Dr. Judith Hushon
Roger Jacobsen
Richard Miller
Nick Penniman (excused)
Michael V. Sorrell
Dr. Llewellyn Williams
David Bishof(alternate)
ALSO PRESENT:
Summer Araque, Senior Environmental Specialist
Stan Chrzanowski, P.E., Engineering Review Manager
Susan Mason, Principal Environmental Specialist
Laura Roys Gibson, Environmental Specialist
Margaret Bishop, Sr. Project Manager
Gene Calvert, Stormwater Management Director
Jeff Wright, Assistant County Attorney
ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COUNCIL
AGENDA
June 6, 2007
9:00 A.M.
Commission Boardroom
W. Harmon Turner Building (Building "F") - Third Floor
I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call
III. Approval of Agenda
IV. Approval of May 7, 2007 meeting minutes
V. Upcoming Environmental Advisory Council Absences
VI. Land Use Petitions
A. Conditional Use CU-AR-8748 and Environmental Impact Statement,
No. EIS-2007-AR-11502 "Ashraf Fawzy Aquaculture"
Section 22, Township 49S, Range 27E
VII. New Business
A. Update members on topics of interest (future presentations sched uled)
B. Recycled Roof Tiles
C. Gordon River Greenway
D. 5 year review of the RLSA - July 24, and July 25, 2008 BCC Chambers
VIII. Old Business
A. Update members on projects
IX Subcommittee Reports
X. Council Member Comments
XI. Public Comments
XII. Adjournment
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Council Members: Please notifv Summer Araaue. Environmental Services Senior Environmental
Specialist no later than 5:00 p.m. on June 1. 2007 if vou cannot attend this meetina or if vou have a
conflict and will abstain from votina on a petition 1530-62901.
General Public: Any 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 proceedings is
made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.
June 6, 2007
I. Call to Order
Chairman William Hughes called the meeting to order at 9:00 A.M.
II. Roll Call
Summer Araque called the roll and a quorum was present.
III. Approval of Agenda
Dr. Judith Hushon explained that New Business is on the agenda ahead of Old Business in
order to accommodate the Presenters under New Business.
Roger Jacobsen moved to approve the agenda. Second by Lee Horn. Carried
unanimously, 8-0.
David Bishof, alternate, had arrived at 9:04 A.M and was introduced to the members at this
time. He spoke briefly on his background.
IV. Approval of May 7, 2007 Minutes
Corrections noted by Council Members:
Page 1. correct spelling of Dr. Williams name is - Dr. Llewellyn Williams
Page 3. under Disclosure- Mr. Jacobsen's 2nd comment is to read... stated concerns that
Rookery Bay would not have sufficient manpower to monitor this, as well as the
southern tip of Keewaydin.
Page 6. under Discussion - 5th bullet is to read... RCW habitat survev is being requested.
Page 7. under C. 16'h bullet is to read... RCW survey has been done and no active
RCW cavity trees were found on the mine site.
Page 8. XL Public Comment was heard before item VII., thus shown out of order in
minutes.
Page 8. under VII. Old Business A. is to read... The Sunshine Laws -Strike Roberts
Rules of Order and
Also -the last word in the paragraph - correct spelling is Janet Curran
Page 9. under VIII. correction under Disclosure -Mr. Jacobsen affirmed that he does IlOt
know the petitioners personally. Mr. Sorrell stated it was he, not Mr. Jacobson who knew
the petitioners.
Roger Jacobsen moved to approve the minutes, as amended. Second by
Dr. Llewellyn Williams. Carried unanimously, 8-0.
Michael Sorrell brought to everyone's attention, that copies of the video tapes of the
meetings are readily available for viewing.
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June 6, 2007
V. Upcoming Environmental Advisory Council Absences
Summer Araque announced that there will be meetings held July 11 and August 1. She
requested to be informed of any upcoming EAC absences.
Nick Penniman will be absent for thc July meeting.
Dr. Llewellyn Williams stated he will be absent for the August meeting.
VI. Land Use Petitions
A. Conditional Use CU-AR-8748 and Environmental Impact Statement, No. EIS-2007-
AR-llS02 "Ashraf Fawzy Aquaculture" Section 22, Township 49S, Range 27E
Presenters were sworn in.
Disclosure:
Roger Jacobsen stated he contacted the agent and found out that Alan Roseman is retired
and no longer with the firm. He was referred to Wayne Arnold. He called Mr. Arnold for an
appointment to visit the site; but did not receive a return call.
Rich Y ovanovich of Goodlette, Coleman and Johnson, representing Mr. Ashraf Fawzy,
introduced Jeremy Sterk, Hoover Planning and Development, Inc. and Dean Smith, an
engineer with Grady Minor and Associates, P.A. who were present to answer environmental
and engineering questions, respectively.
Mr. Y ovanovich explained that the petitioner, Ashraf Fawzy, is seeking a Conditional Use to
permit excavation and removal of dirt, in excess of 4,000 cubic yards, for a lake, as part of an
aquaculture facility for native fish.
· He pointed out the area on a presentation map. The lands concerned, a 15 acre parcel,
permitted under the Right to Farm Act are designated as Sending and listed as
agricultural use under the Collier County's Comprehensive Plan.
· At issue and the reason for the conditional use permit was that digging the hole was
allowed but removing the dirt from the property required a conditional use permit.
· Agreement in place for removal of dirt and for stabilization ofroads as the process
progresses.
· Best Management Practices (BMP) are being followed in the construction and
management of the facility itself, including any fish waste related procedures.
· All water from the site will be routed into the aquaculture lake.
· The Environmental Impact Study (EIS) requirements have been met. EAC's review
of the EIS would follow through with continuation of the process of obtaining the
Conditional Use permit.
· He asked for the approval of the ElS by the EAC.
Dean Smith answered several questions posed by the Council Members regarding berms, de-
watering, sheet flow, wells and effects on adjacent land owners.
Stan Chrzanowski pointed out the site area on a map and spoke ofthe pit bids coming in for
other properties around the project. He noted that the property lies at the divide between
Golden Gate Basin and Henderson Creek Basin so no surface drainage shadow is involved.
Roger Jacobsen noted that with each applicant for projects (mining, farms), the whole
section is visibly changing and sheet-flow will be changing. He also questioned how much
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June 6, 2007
soil would be removed and time frame. (approximately 300,000 cu.yds. in approximately 5
months)
Dr. Judith Hushon noted that nutrient rich waste from pond and fish would be produced and
asked what options in the BMP would be used for dealing with it.
Jeremy Sterk explained the natural processes with stocking and feeding rate limits will
provide natural bacteria to maintain proper balance. Plant accumulations would have to be
de-mucked and moved to landfill at some distant point in time.
Ashraf Fawzy explained about the cages to be used for the fish (like floating docks) and the
types of fish. He stated that waste was organically broken down. Plant bacteria and soil will
filter. Adding less fish to large amount of water balances the breakdown of waste.
Dr. Llewellyn Williams questioned contingencies in catastrophic situations, such as crash of
system, hurricanes and unforeseen situations. (Will be a haul off site)
David Bischof asked about aeration plans.
Ashraf Fawzy explained that the small amount of fish would make aeration unnecessary.
Organic, natural means were preferred. They have a system; but plan not use it too often to
save energy. Their main objective was to use BMP and to not lose the fish.
William Hughes spoke about the cumulative knowledge and depth of experience of the
Council Members, along with their object of being protective of local control when it comes
to the hard task of weighing costs and benefits of the development, as evidenced by their
concerned questions.
Public Comment: - None
Staff Comments:
Laura Roys Gibson, Environmental Services clarified some points in Rich
Y ovanovich's presentation:
· Issue was not just to remove dirt, but also one of raising fish. Thus, the need to
approve EIS for aquaculture operation. Only because aquaculture is an agricultural
use is the Conditional Use allowed in Sending Land.
· Staff has not completed Agricultural Notification for clearing vegetation. It can be
done after EIS is approved.
· They will need excavation permit to start digging.
· Other zoning requirements/site improvement plan may be needed.
Staff recommended approval with following conditions, which had been agreed to by the
petitioners:
Stormwater Management- there were no further conditions
Environmental -
1. Results of the Big Cypress Fox Squirrel survey and listed plant species
relocation will be provided within 60 days of the Agricultural Clearing
Notification approval.
2. Copies of required agency permits shall be submitted before approval of
the Conditional Use.
Chairman Hughes question what will be done in the event operation ceases at
the end of a 20 year or longer term period.
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June 6, 2007
Rich Yovanovich noted that there were 3 parcels making up the site that
may allow 3 homes could by built, under Sending Lands density, unless rules
change on the ability to do TDRs.
Chairman Hughes then passed out large aerial maps, provided by Stan Chrzananowski, for
members to mark each project as it comes along for review, in order to view the big picture
as these areas are opened up; keeping in mind the impact to the area. He cited the need for an
updated lidar for use of natural flow resource information.
Dr. Judith Hushon cited watershed management plans having a need for
maps and unified planning documents to show overall water flow as various
water management planning entities plan future projects and for better
demonstrations at public meetings.
The two issues to be voted on were the EIS, with its two conditions
recommended by staff and the Conditional Use and its required permits
commg m.
Roger Jacobsen moved that the Council approve the EIS recommendation
alld the Conditional Use recommendation based on staffs two environmelltal
concerns- Fox squirrel and plant species relocation provided with ill 60 days
and the permits for the Conditional Use submitted before approval.
William Hughes requested a caveat be added to the motion stating that water
wells are not there to cycle water in the pond but ollly there for human
potable use. Roger Jacobsen agreed to add the caveat to his motion.
Motion seconded by Dr. Judith Hushon.
Rich Yovanovich requested that there be two separate motions. He did not
want the EIS, with the two conditions that could be voted on immediately, to
be tied to the Conditional Use recommendation for approval which had
additional requirements, in order to be able to begin clearing the land.
Discussion and clarification by Jeff Wright, Assistant County Attorney, followed.
The original motion and second were withdrawn.
Roger Jacobsen moved that the Council approve the EIS, conditioned upon
the inclusion of the two staff concerns regarding the results of the Fox
Squirrel survey and plant species relocation being provided within 60 days of the
Agricultural Hearing Notification approval. In addition, approval is conditioned upon the
water wells being used for human potable uses and not to replenish or cycle water in or
into the aquiculture lake. Second by Dr. Judith Hushon. Carried unallimously, 8-0.
Roger Jacobsen moved that the Council recommelld approval of the Conditional Use based
on all staff requirements and based on item two of their environmental issues, namely,
copies of the required agency permits shall be submitted before approval. Second by
Richard Miller. Carried unanimously, 8-0.
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June 6, 2007
Discussion followed regarding the raising oftilapia being allowed in Collier County and the
fact that exotic fish were prevalent in the waters of the County and pushing native fish out.
Studies need to be done. Ordinance changes were mentioned.
Ashraf Fawzy stated tilapia is in his native Egypt, is not predatory and flourishes with native
fish.
VII. New Business
A. Update members on topics of interest (future presentations scheduled)
Summer Araque reported on reduction in Staff from 7 to 4. Council concerns were for
reduction in service, loss funding and loss of staff with expertise. Budget numbers and staffing
policies are available to Council Members upon request.
Susan Mason gave several details on various reviews being done by staff; some larger projects
and training that had kept staff busy. The workload has been steady, but slower in conjunction
with the building industry slowdown.
Council Members requested policy, staffing situation and budget information from CDES.
Summer Araque updated the Council Members on future presentation scheduling.
o Team Ocean -July
o Florida Fish and Wildlife Cre: collaboration) - August
o Pollution control- Herbicide review- November
Roger Jacobsen mentioned attending a Big Cypress meeting where a
presentation was given by many management entities involved in that whole
area. It was given with a with vision 10 to 20 years out in Belle MeadeIN. Belle
Meade area. He requested that presentation be scheduled for EAC.
B. Recycled Roof Tile
Jack Goddard and his son, Curtis, of Goddard's Construction presented an informative
demonstration of a product that he is in the process of developing
and manufacturing at a distribution center building being established in Immokalee.
Michael Sorrell had seen the product and knew it would be of interest to the Environmental
Advisory Council for its innovative environmental properties. Experimenting with plastics,
research and design, Mr. Goddard and his company have and are modifying and improving
the product for area needs.
They include the following:
· product design, research and development over 8 years by RPM manufacturing
· 30,000 hours in UV test chamber; IS,OOO hrs other tests; wind tested to 110 mph
. Since then found new ways to fasten and strengthen to withstand higher mph- lighter
than shingles, cheaper, environmental and eco-friendly and is recyclable.
. No flying debris hazards as made of rubber and plastics;
· No hazardous waste generated from factory process- remolded rubber & plastic
· Comparable to clay tiles in shape and style -superior in strength
. Cost comparisons are difficult because of different materials used to fasten as well as
ability to utilize lighter underlying material.
· Can retrofit over existing asphalt; do not have to remove roof.
· Fire retardant, strength and structural integrity may be insurance incentive
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June 6, 2007
· Targeted market- older homes, shingled roofs
Chairman Hughes suggested insurance and mastic issues be researched.
Council Members thanked Mr.Goddard, asked to see photos of the operation and offered help
with codes, permits or any other County issues. They also
complemented the fact that environment-friendly and economically feasible, new ideas in
home-building were being implemented.
BREAK: 10:35 AM
Chairman Hughes announced he would he leaving during the break due to a previous commitment and
Vice-Chairman, Dr. Judith Hushon, would take over the Chair.
RESUMED: 10:45 AM
Vice-Chairman Dr. Judith Hushon took the Chair at this time.
C. Gordon River Greenway
Margaret Bishop, Stormwater Management- Senior Project Manager
introduced Gene Calvert, Stormwater Management Director. She also made note that
Amanda Townsend, Operation Analyst in Public Services Division, Parks and Recreation,
who was instrumental in obtaining the FCT Grant for the project and Roy Anderson, Director
of Public Utilities Engineering, who will be involved with the ASR Component of the
project, are the other key persons involved.
She provided an overview of the Gordon River Greenway Park Project, pointing out on the
projected screen, the location and acreage of the site.
· Location is south of Golden Gate Parkway and east of Goodlette Frank Road,
adjacent to the Conservancy and behind the Naples Zoo.
. Approximately 65 acres
· Mangrove Swamp, upland areas, Gopher tortoises, 90 burrows identified (and still
surveying and doing assessments)
Three Objectives of the Project were stated:
1. Environmental protection
2. Passive Park setting
3. Water quality component (take water from Gordon River and treat it
before it goes into Naples Bay)
Several public meetings are planned for input.
Conceptual plan was shown, noting that it will look different when it comes to the EAC for
approval with the EIS.
Components described were:
. Docking facilities
. Canoe & Kayak launch
· Pedestrian bridges and walkways, pavilions - preserve area
. Trail system - educational stations
· Shared parking with the Conservancy and Naples Zoo.
The Request for Proposal for the design consultant was received May 2nd Negotiating design
contract with Kimley-Hom & Associates, Inc.; contract expected to be awarded in Sept.
2007.
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June 6, 2007
. Plan is to restore habitat, have exotics removed.
· Small study on how to take water from Golden Gate main canal and the Gordon River
and connecting the trail way system.
. ASR component to look for reclaimed water
. Project is 2nd in a series of 3 Grants received.
I. Initial grant Gordon River Water Quality Park - (north-50 Acres)
2. Gordon River Water Quality Park
3. Conservation Collier property, just purchased
Overall plan is for creating a series of three projects to connect the green way and for
environmental education sources.
Gene Calvert then spoke to the question of where the water comes from and what is being
treated, stating the project would look to both water sources
from Gordon River and Golden Gate Main Canal, working also with Public Utilities.
Using the projected screen presentation, he pointed out:
· The process of treating water from south of Golden Gate Parkway, north of the weir,
before it hits Golden Gate Main. Also of what water is now treated and where it is
treated. Plan is to run this and some water from other older areas and industrial areas,
which are not
· presently being treated, through the new Water Quality Park, treating it before it goes
out to the Naples Bay.
· Two ways to address water quality issues - public education as to the effects of
fertilizers and treatment of the outfalls.
· Golden Gate Main canal, which connects with the Gordon River behind the airport, is
diluting water going into Naples Bay.
· Both an educational project for the public and monitoring project for the County
· Wetlands and Bio-retention methods for drawing out nutrients are both part of the
proj ect
· Recover through ASR component - captures fresh water lost to tide
· Stormwater component - take water through a series of ponds naturally using wetland
to treat as it goes out goes out to Bay
Roger Jacobsen commended the fresh water dilution method for Golden Gate Canal. He
stated that the Canal, which initially was planned to take 60 million gallons of fresh water a
day into Naples Bay, now has over 200 million gallons a day going into the Bay. The
northern part no longer is a salt water estuary. He stated that the Council supports efforts of
the project to correct the problem.
Vice-Chairman Dr. Judith asked about the piece taking this pathway down to Henderson
Creek and ifplans are in place for a before and after study.
Margaret Bishop stated Henderson Creek portion connection is in future plans.
Concentration is for this portion at present. Also, a before and after study is planned with
DE? input.
Gene Calvert answered questions from the Council Members regarding a
Passive Park and long term monitoring.
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June 6, 2007
He stated there will be restrooms, but no ball parks, tennis courts or commercial concessions
under the restrictions of the FCT Grant.
A 5-year monitoring program with the objective of creating a maintenance free. non-
mechanical, natural system that will continue to work in years to come is the focus for the
project.
D. 5- year review ofthe RLSA - July 24 and July 25, 2008
Summer Araque asked the Council Members to note on their calendars:
July 24 & 25, 2008 - Comprehensive Plan Dept. will be presenting the
5-year review of the Rural Lands Stewardship Area. This will be a special meeting, not at
the regular EAC meeting.
Question regarding specific projects were referred to Comprehensive Planning Department.
Vice-Chairman Dr. Judith Hushon requested copies of RLSA regulations for Council
Member to read through.
It was announced that the information is available on the Collier County web site under
Growth Management Plan.
Summer Araque will provide Dr. Hushon with the links.
Jeff Wright, Assistant County Attorney announced that Planning Staff had approached
their office to begin the process of creating a Review Board for the RSLA 5-year review is in
works. The process being-they would request the BCC to direct staff to put together the
documents. Then bring back again to have the BCC approve, by resolution, the creation of a
5yr Review Board.
VIII. Old Business
A. Update Members on Projects
Summer Araque reported on the following:
· Mirasol PUD had come before the BCe. Will be doing PUD
amendment. Members can set up appointment with Tim Hall to go
on site before wet season, on an individual basis.
· Watershed Management presentation with Big Cypress was in the works
. Wolf Creek project was approved
Regarding the Council Members request for LDC Amendments, the procedure was given that
a letter, stating what change is being requested in the Amendment, would be sent to the BCe.
They will then direct the CDES Administrator to direct staff to write such Amendment.
Susan Mason explained that this procedure is followed to assure that the BCC is comfortable
with and supportive of the concept and the funding, before staff time is committed to
research and writing up of the Amendment change.
IX. Subcommittee Reports - None
X. Council Member Comments - None
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June 6, 2007
XI. Public Comments - None
XII. There being no further business for the good of the County, Roger Jacobsen moved to
adjourn. Second by Richard Miller. Carried unanimously, 7-0.
The meeting adjourned at 11 :17 AM
COLLIER COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL
Chairman, William Hughes
These minutes approved by Board/Committee on
as presented , or as amended
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