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PBSD Water Management & Clam Bay Minutes 01/07/2025PELICAN BAY SERVICES DIVISION WATER MANAGEMENT & CLAM BAY COMMITTEE MEETING JANUARY 7, 2025 The Water Management &Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division met on Tuesday, January 7 at 1:30 p.m. at the PBSD Office, Truist Building, 801 Laurel Oak Drive, Suite 102, Naples, Florida 34108. In attendance were: Water Management &Clam Bay Cmte. Michael Rodburg, Chair Jack Cullen Pelican Bay Services Division Staff Neil Donill, Administrator Dawn Brewer, Ops. Support Spec. II Chad Coleman, Deputy Director Darren Duprey, Supervisor — Field I (absent) Also Present Jim Carr, LJA Engineering Mohamed Dabees, Humiston & Moore Susan Hamilton Rick Swider Michael Weir Dave Greenfield, Supr. -Field II (absent) Karin Herrmann, Project Manager I Lisa Jacob, Project Manager II Barbara Shea, Admin. Support Spec. II Jeremy Sterk, Earth Tech APPROVED AGENDA (AS PRESENTED) L Pledge of Allegiance 2. Roll call 3. Agenda approval 4. Approval of 9/9/24 Water Management & Clam Bay Committee meeting minutes 5. Audience comments 6. Bay Colony drainage swale status and design alternatives 7. Clam Bay updates a. January bathymetric survey b. PBSD permit obligations c. Clam Bay Management Plan — PBSD monitoring responsibilities 8. Update on the completed Fall County beach survey a. PBSD participation in a 2025 beach renourishment project b. FL statute specifying the type of sand allowable for beach renourishment 9. Update on sand intrusion into the mangrove forest (from 2024 hurricanes) a. Feasibility of mangrove replacement b. Possible replacement of areas of dead mangroves with coastal vegetation c. Dune line restoration 10. 2023 Water Quality Report: Addressing levels of phosphorus and nitrogen Pelican Bay Services Division Water Management & Clam Bay Committee Meeting January 7, 2025 11. Update on pipe maintenance and repair projects 12. Update from Mr. Swider on the Dec. 18 PBF Resiliency Committee meeting 13. Adjournment ROLL CALL All members were present and a quorum was established. Ms. Hamilton motioned, Mr. Cullen seconded to approve the agenda as presented. The motion carried unanimously. APPROVAL OF 9/9/2024 WATER MANAGEMENT AND CLAM BAY COMMITTEE Ms. Hamilton motioned, Mr. Weir seconded to approve the 9/9/2024 Water Management and Clam Bay Committee meeting minutes as presented. The motion carried unanimously. AUDIENCE COMMENTS Ms. Jo Ann Jany asked whether there would be any discussion of the high nutrient content in the County reuse water. Mr. Rodburg commented that this topic would not be discussed at this meeting as the PBSD has no control over the County's reuse water. Ms. Jany commented that sometime in the near future, she will be organizing a tour of both the North and South County Water Reclamation Facilities, and will inform the PBSD as to the dates of these tours in case others would like to join the tours. Mr. Patrick Wack, President of the Seagate Association, commented that Taylor Engineering (hired by the Seagate community) provided two recommendations with regards to Clam Pass which included, (1) consider planning an annual dredge event prior to turtle nesting season, and (2) consider modeling some alternative footprints for dredging projects. Mr. Rodburg suggested that these recommendations should be communicated to Dr. Dabees. Mr. Dorrill commented on a scheduled March 4 BCC workshop on the Clam Bay NRPA which will include a discussion of Clam Pass dredging events and the Clam Bay Management Plan. He suggested that a recent meeting with City of Naples residents was very productive and that they understand, that from a staff perspective, any changes to a dredge template will create alarm by the environmental community, the Mangrove Action Group, neighborhood associations, and other stakeholders. GENERAL COMMENTS BY THE CHAIRMAN Mr. Rodburg provided overall general comments which included the following. • Although prior members of the Clam Bay Committee had many years of experience, we are now seeing more turnover, resulting in less experience within the committee. However, an experienced staff has provided continuity and the knowledge of what is required. • Per the Clam Bay Management Plan, the PBSD is charged with monitoring and maintaining the Clam Bay system. • The Water Management and Clam Bay Committee is an advisory committee to the board; the PBSD Board is an advisory board to the BCC. The PBSD role is limited. Pelican Bay Services Division Water Management & Clam Bay Committee Meeting January 7, 2025 • Although our last annual Water Quality Report shows that Clam Bay is impaired for phosphorus and nitrogen, we have very little control over these nutrient levels. The impairment is a direct result of coastal development and is consistent with water bodies within our neighboring SW Florida communities. BAY COLONY DRAINAGE SWALE STATUS AND DESIGN ALTERNATIVES Mr. Coleman commented that our LJA Engineer, Mr. Jim Carr, has requested a meeting with the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) to discuss their parameters/limitations on remediation options for the Bay Colony drainage Swale, including the possibility of hardening the structure. He noted that the dune swale pipe cleaning has been completed; however, the nearby condominiums have not completed their pipe cleaning. Mr. Dorrill commented that after the recent 2024 hurricane, there was eight feet of sand in the swale. He noted that we have improved the angle of the side slopes and will be adding coconut fiber mesh. Mr. Dorrill commented that we will explore the possibility of enclosing the swale. He noted that there will be mangrove die -off in the dune swale area. Ms. LuAnn Giovannelli, Bay Colony General Manager, commented that residents are interested in knowing what is being done to address possible damage from the next hurricane. Mr. Coleman commented that the Contessa is working on the paperwork to establish the extension of our drainage easement to the south end of the Contessa. Mr. Donill commented that if approved by the County, that he would recommend that we accept the drainage easement for perpetual maintenance. Mr. Dorrill also noted that the last time the PBSD completed a "clean -out" maintenance project in the Bay Colony dune Swale was about ten years ago. Mr. Rodburg commented that the recent storm activity, over the past two years, with heavy storm surge, may be an aberration, and cautioned against high remediation expenditures. Mr. Carr commented that closing the dune swale pipe would not prevent sand intrusion. Dr. Mohamed Dabees, Coastal Engineer with Humiston & Moore, commented that storms have taught us to plan for the future and have authorization permits in place where appropriate. CLAM BAY UPDATES JANUARY BATHYMETRIC SURVEY Dr. Dabees reported that a bathymetric survey is scheduled for next week, which will include Sections A, B, and C, historic transects in Section C, and an area in the southern part of Outer Clam Bay. Per a request by the U.S.A.C.E., the survey will include areas of mangrove damage from recent hurricanes, south of Clain Pass. Dr. Dabees expects the data collection to take 2-3 days, and expects a hard copy report by mid -February. PBSD PERMIT OBLIGATIONS Mr. Rodburg commented that Dr. Dabees has recommended that we proceed to apply for our 2026 permit renewal without any modifications, in order to avoid any delay in obtaining our permit. Dr. Dabees commented that the permit allows for dredging events based on bathymetric surveys, which is consistent with our Clam Bay Management Plan. He noted that although the permit outlines a minimum level of monitoring and maintenance, our self-imposed monitoring and compliance has been at a higher level than what the FDEP or U.S.A.C.E. requires. Dr. Dabees noted that the new 2026 permit will be for a 15-year term. CLAM BAY MANAGEMENT PLAN —PBSD MONITORING RESPONSIBILITIES 3 Pelican Bay Services Division Water Management & Clam Bay Committee Meeting January 7, 2025 Dr. Dabees commented that per the Clam Bay Management Plan, one annual bathymetric survey and monthly hydraulic monitoring is required. In addition, Mr. Jeremy Sterk, Environmental Consultant with Earth Tech (ETE), commented that biological monitoring of the following is required including mangrove health (twice per year), seagrass acreage, channel markers, coastal dune, tortoise population, and archeological sites. He noted that his annual Clam Bay Monitoring Report will be available next week. UPDATE ON THE FALL COUNTY BEACH SURVEY Dr. Dabees reported that Humiston & Moore has completed the County beach survey and that a report will be issued sometime in the spring. He commented that Pelican Bay beaches appear to have sufficient widths; however, dune elevations have been significantly reduced. Dr. Dabees commented that the PBSD has contracted with Earth Tech Enterprises to recover reachable sand to be returned to the beaches from Bay Colony to the Marker 36 Facility. Mr. Coleman commented that a purchase order has been issued for this work and a budget amendment is in process. He noted that mobilization for this work is expected in February. FL STATUTE SPECIFYING THE TYPE OF SAND ALLOWABLE Mr. Rodburg commented that a Florida state statute specifies the type of sand and approved locations of sand mines to be used for beach renourishment projects in Florida. UPDATE ON SAND INTRUSION INTO THE MANGROVE FOREST POSSIBLE REPLACEMENT OF AREAS OF DEAD MANGROVES AND DUNE RESTORATION Dr. Dabees commented that if the dune is restored, vegetation is needed. He noted that newly planted vegetation needs time to establish itself (which may take several years). Dr. Dabees suggested that the dune should be restored to slightly above the historic level of the dune. He noted that the U.S.A.C.E. would likely develop plans to restore the dune and that the PBSD may provide input. Mr. Sterk provided a drone photo of Clam Bay, which identified areas of sand intrusion into the dune and mangrove forest. He noted that the photo shows 150-200 feet of sand intrusion. Mr. Sterk commented on a post -Hurricane Ian test plot on the back side of the dune where dead mangroves were ground up, removed, and replaced with coastal plantings. He noted that unfortunately, all of these plantings were wiped out by Hurricane Milton. Mr. Coleman commented that after Earth Tech Enterprises extracts as much sand as possible, Mr. Sterk will be tasked with making recommendations on mangrove vegetation replacements. Mr. Rodburg commented that the PB mangrove forest has been in retreat over time. Dr. Judy Hushon suggested sea grapes as a great replacement for areas of dead mangroves as they survive storms well, grow quickly, are not overly expensive, and do not require care. She also suggested that we consider the mix of plants, developed by Naples Botanical Garden, for dune coastal plantings. Dr. Hushon suggested that we discuss beach and dune restoration issues with FGCU Professor Michael Savarese. Dr. Dabees commented that about a year ago, sea grapes and sea oats were planted near the Marker 36 Facility. None of these plants survived the 2024 hurricane storm surges. POSSIBLE ADDITION OF HAND -DUG CHANNELS Mr. Sterk commented on the possibility of adding hand -dug channels in the south end of Clam Bay to improve drainage. He noted that this idea will be discussed in the 2024 Clam Bay Monitoring LI Pelican Bay Services Division Water Management & Clam Bay Committee Meeting January 7, 2025 Report. A permit modification would be required to add channels. Mr. Sterk commented that we do annual hand -dug channel maintenance on our existing channels as they continuously fill with debris. ADDRESSING LEVELS OF PHOSPHORUS AND NITROGEN As a follow up to the discussion on the 2023 Water Quality Report, Mr. Rodburg commented that there are no negative trends of the levels of phosphorus and nitrogen in Clam Bay and these levels are similar to other water bodies in Southwest Florida. He noted that recommendations to address the levels of nutrients have remained the same over many years which include (1) educating residents and landscapers to control inputs into the water management system, and (2) eliminating the use of copper - containing chemicals on lawns and in stormwater ponds. He noted that the PBSD has no enforcement capability. Mr. Coleman commented on residents who drain their pool into the water management system (when a leak is identified), with no consequences. Ms. O'Brien suggested that PB residents need to remember, "if you see something say something" to PBF Covenants. UPDATE ON PIPE MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR PROJECTS Ms. Herrmann provided updates on our current ongoing pipe maintenance and repair projects, as provided on a list in the agenda packet. Mr. Coleman commented that staff has asked LJA to explore the possibility of weir improvements along the water management berm, for the purpose of storm surge remediation. LJA has scheduled a meeting with the SFWMD to determine what improvements to the berm, if any, would be possible. FUTURE LAKE BANK PROJECTS Mr. Rodburg commented that the PBF may move forward on a Community Center improvement project which may affect the shoreline of the Community Center lake and/or may reconfigure the lake. Mr. Dorrill commented that if the contour of the lake is changed, a letter of modification to our permits would be required. Ms. O'Brien commented that PBF plans for the Community Center lake are very preliminary at this time. Mr. Coleman commented on lake bank restoration work to be completed by the PBF as part of the permit for their pickleball project. He noted that the PBSD would not be involved in this work. UPDATE ON TI3E DEC. 18 PBF RESILIENCY COMMITTEE MEETING Mr. Swider• and Mr. Coleman attended the Dec. 18 PBF Resiliency Committee meeting. Mr. Swider provided a document distributed at this meeting which included, (1) the committee's charter, (2) the committee's immediate priority, and (3) the long-term goals of studying and recommending resiliency solutions. This document was added to the record. He commented that the committee's objectives were discussed at the meeting. Mr. Coleman commented that the committee is looking to put together an elevation map and identify ownership as a whole. He noted that before the PBSD explores any water management system modifications, the PBSD will meet with state and federal agencies to determine what modifications could be permitted. Mr. Swider commented that it is unknown whether the recent hurricanes in the past two years, which included extreme storm surge, may be an anomaly or may be a trend. He suggested that this committee develop concrete resiliency recommendations. Mr. Rodburg commented that this committee has explored resiliency ideas in the past. He also cited Dr. Dabees who has commented that it is very difficult to maintain a small natural environment, as it is cut off on the north and south sides. Mr. Rodburg suggested that the best we can do is to maintain the natural environment that we have for as long as possible. Pelican Bay Services Division Water Management & Clam Bay Committee Meeting January 7, 2025 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS ON A POTENTIAL CLAM PASS DREDGE EVENT Mr. Coleman commented that a spring dredge event is dependent on the results of the January bathymetric survey. He noted that tidal ratios are still good. Mr. Coleman commented that if a dredge is indicated, then initial steps we will be to obtain funding approval from the TDC and project approval from the BCC. Mr. Dorrill commented that the PBSD does not dictate the means and methods to a dredge contractor and that the project will be completed with a hydraulic dredge or mechanical dredge as a function of the volume of sand to be removed. COMMENT ON THE FORT MYERS BEACH RENOURISHMENT PROJECT Mr. Coleman commented that staff reached out to Fort Myers Beach staff and learned that they are pumping sand from offshore to renourish their beach. Their staff has reported that the transported sand is very firm and when it dries, it almost feels like concrete. This type of sand may also have a negative effect on vegetation growth and the turtle habitat. ADDITIONAL COMMENT BY THE CHAIRMAN Mr. Rodburg commented that he will recommend to the PBSD Board Chairman that this committee is separated into two separate committees (Clam Bay Committee and Water Management Committee) at tomorrow's board meeting, as it had been prior to 2024. No committee members had any objection to this. The meeting was adjourned at 2:19 Michael Rodburg, Ch Minutes approved I l/] as presented OR j as amended ON r oZ laslv date C'i