12.G.1.
Research Review Phase of the IRC Lagoon Management Plan: Update 3
Lagoon Plan Environmental Specialist Molly Klinepeter referred to a PowerPoint
presentation and staff's memorandum dated March 22, 2021, to provide Update
3 of the Research Review Phase of the Indian River County Lagoon Management
Plan. Update 3 covered Hydrology and Hydrodynamics, Water Quality, Organic
Material and Sediments, Marinas and Boat Ramps (Part 1), and Sustainability
and Resiliency (Part 1).
Following the Hydrology and Hydrodynamics portion of the presentation, the
Commissioners commented on the changes to the Lagoon that had occurred over
the past 120 years, noting that the Lagoon had been primarily freshwater. It was
suggested that partnerships with the water control and drainage districts would be
beneficial, as well as a recently disclosed visioning project by the Metropolitan
Planning Organization (MPO).
The Water Quality portion of the presentation brought Board discussion on muck
and the effects of rainfall in the Lagoon. Vice Chairman O'Bryan added that he
would like to see 100 rain gauges scattered throughout the County to get a better
feel for the amount and location of rainfall. Commissioner Earman shared
feedback he had received from local fishermen, with Commissioner Adams and
Commissioner Moss in agreement that controlling the muck was necessary.
Included in the topic on Materials and Sediments, Ms. Klinepeter offered muck
control ideas such as muck dredging and muck capping. Chairman Flescher
made mention of a past project which had brought concern over the smell
associated with muck removal, yet the muck dried quickly and without an odor.
Vice Chairman O'Bryan offered the following suggestions: 1) begin a pilot muck
study, starting in the north area of the County near the Sebastian Inlet, 2) invite
Dr. John Trefry, Professor of Ocean Engineering at the Florida Institute of
Technology, to address the Board with a muck-related update, and 3) inquire
with Brevard County regarding the results of their muck project. Commissioner
Adams offered to assist staff, if needed, in putting together a grant application to
help with funding for a muck map. Commissioner Moss noted that the County's
newly-appointed Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) representative may be
able to provide funding guidance/assistance.
While highlighting Marinas and Boat Ramps (Part 1), Ms. Klinepeter included a
summary of the Clean Vessel Act, the Clean Boater Program, and the Clean
Marina Program. Vice Chairman O'Bryan announced his eagerness for the next
update to address the derelict or abandoned vessels and the pumping and
dumping issue. He encouraged coordination with the Clean Water Coalition to