TO: Board of County Commissioners
THROUGH: John A. Titkanich, Jr., County Administrator
Kylie Yanchula, Natural Resources Director
FROM: Melissa Meisenburg, Sr. Lagoon Environmental Specialist
DATE: May 15, 2025
SUBJECT: Clean Vessel Act Grant Application Request
__________________________________________________________________
BACKGROUND
In 2005 the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) was determined by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) to be impaired for nutrients. Indian River County (IRC) falls within the Central Indian River Lagoon Basin Management Plan (CIRL BMAP), which establishes total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) for total nitrogen (TN) and Phosphorus (TP) for the IRL. To better address the issues impacting the IRL, the Board of County Commissioners (Board) adopted the Indian River County Lagoon Management Plan (LPM). The Marinas, Boats and Boat Ramps key factor noted action was needed to increase the number and distribution of pumpout facilities in IRC. A survey of the pumpout operations determined there was limited access to facilities for boaters and several locations are non-operational. Increasing pumpout capacity of IRC is necessary as vessel sewage is highly concentrated with up to 40 times as many nutrients as raw municipal sewage. A mobile pumpout service would meet the needs of the boating community and decrease nutrient loading to the IRL.
The Clean Vessel Act was passed in 1992 and provides funding for the development, operation and maintenance of pumpout facilities. Since 1994, FDEP has awarded nearly $246 million dollars to assist boaters in proper sewage disposal. The Clean Vessel Act Grant Program provides a 75% reimbursement grant for the purchase, operation and maintenance of a pumpout vessel. Staff received two quotes from boat builders as well as letters of financial support from Indian River Land Trust and the Clean Water Coalition to assist in the coverage of the 25% cost-share required by IRC. Staff is requesting approval to apply for the Clean Vessel Act Grant to proceed with the purchase of a pumpout vessel.
ANALYSIS
The IRC Indian River Lagoon Management Plan (LMP) identifies the need to encourage the increase in the number and distribution of pump out facilities within our section of the lagoon as one of our short term actions to improve water quality, reduce the potential for harmful algal blooms, and minimize the environmental impacts of boats and marinas. The Lagoon Division pumpout boat program is a way to address this action item as part of the implementation of the LMP without relying upon the installation of additional infrastructure. Long term this is one of the first steps in working towards the northern aquatic preserve becoming a no discharge zone. We also intend to utilize this program to provide information to boaters on best management practices for boat care and maintenance which is another action item identified within the LMP.
BUDGETARY IMPACT
Staff received two quotes for pumpout vessels. The total cost to purchase a pumpout vessel with trailer and delivery is $121,250.00 with an estimated reimbursement to IRC in the amount of $90,937.50. Indian River Land Trust has provided a letter of financial assistance to IRC in the amount of up to $50,000.00 toward the cost-share required by the Clean Vessel Act Grant which would cover 100% of the required cost share to purchase the equipment. Operating expenses for the pump out boat program are estimated at $40,000 annually plus $25,716 for a part time employee which are included in the proposed FY25/26 budget. The Clean Water Coalition has provided a letter of financial assistance to IRC in the amount of $10,000 to support the operations and maintenance of this program. Operating expenses are also eligible for up to 75% reimbursement under the Clean Vessel Act Grant. If approved, funds will be made available in the account General Fund/Lagoon/Other Machinery &Equipment, number 00128337-066490 for FY25/26. Grant reimbursement to the revenue account will offset the cost-share amount.
|
Account Description |
Account Number |
Amount |
|
General Fund/Lagoon/Other Machinery & Equipment |
00128337-066490 |
$121,250.00 |
POTENTIAL FUTURE BOARD ACTIONS
Approval to apply for the Clean Vessel Act Grant for operation and maintenance costs, including staff salary.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
Environment
OTHER PLAN ALIGNMENT
Lagoon Management Plan
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
Staff recommends the Board of County Commissioners authorize staff to apply for the Clean Vessel Act Grant for the purchase of a pumpout boat to meet an action listed in the Lagoon Management Plan. If awarded, staff recommends the Board of County Commissioners to authorize the County Administrator to execute the grant upon concurrence by the County Attorney.