MINUTES WATER ADVISORY BOARD AND TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE JOINT MEETING. May 11, 2018

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1 MINUTES WATER ADVISORY BOARD AND TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE JOINT MEETING May 11, 2018 WAB MEMBERS PRESENT WAB MEMBERS ABSENT TAC MEMBERS PRESENT Commissioner Steve Geller, Chair, Broward County Board of County Commission Commissioner Kevin Biederman, City of Hollywood Mayor Tim Lonergan, City of Oakland Park Councilmember Susan Starkey, Town of Davie Vice Mayor Tom Good, Pembroke Pines Vice Mayor Sandy Welch, City of Coconut Creek Commissioner Tim Ryan, Broward County Board of County Commissioners Francois Dumond for Steve Joseph, City of Hollywood, TAC Chair Commissioner Doug Bell, CBWCD Board of Commissioners Michele R. Clawson Jack McCluskey, Alternate, SBDD Board of Commissioners Mayor Wayne Messiam, City of Miramar Commissioner Ken Thurston, City of Lauderhill Clarke Harlowe, South Florida Water Management District Mayor Greg Ross, Vice Chair, South Florida Regional Planning Council Mark Peterson, Greater Florida Lauderdale Alliance Commissioner Richard Blattner, Alternate, City of Hollywood Commissioner Neil Kerch, Alternate, City of Sunrise Mayor Frank Ortis, Alternate, City of Pembroke Pines Commissioner Dan Daley, Alternate, City of Coral Springs Mayor Dean Trantalis, Alternate, City of Fort Lauderdale Vice Mayor Michelle Gomez, Alternate, City of Tamarac Commissioner Barry Moss, Alternate, City of Pompano Beach Pete Kwiatkowski, Alternate, South Florida Water Management District Francois Dumond for Steve Joseph, Chair Patrick Davis, Co-Chair Talal Abi-Karam Harold Aiken Mike Bailey Renuka Bajnath Doug Bel Randy Brown Albert Carbon Sara Forelle Kevin Hart Barry Heimlich Steve Holmes 1

2 Jennifer Jurado Cindy Griffin for Lisa Milenkovic Pat O Quinn Tim Welch Kenneth Wenning TAC MEMBERS ABSENT ALSO PRESENT Mike Crowley Chuck Flynn Alan Garcia Pete Kwiatkowski Jose Lopez Dave Markward Stephanie Pearson Samantha Danchuk, Assistant Director, Broward County EPCRD Carlos Adorisio, Engineering Unit Supervisor, Broward County EEPD Dr. Kevin J. Cunningham, USGS Dr. Viviana D. Diaz, USGS Shana Coombs, City of Pompano Beach John Crouse, Broward County WWS Kevin Carter, Broward County WWS Maria Delzico, DOT Utilities Orlando Garcia, Broward County IAPS Marty Cassini, Broward County IAPS Neil Johnson, Stantec Cindy Griffin, Broward County Ps Bingjie Zhao, GAI Consultants Dorothy Sufuentes, USGS Lorraine Mayers, SFWMD Ernie Cox, Palm Beach Aggregates Rudy Rudolph, Natural Resources Section Manager, Broward County EPCRD Nancy Cavender, The Laws Group A joint meeting of the Broward County Water Advisory Board and Technical Advisory Committee was held at Broward County Governmental Center, 115 South Andrews Avenue, Room 430, Florida on Friday, May 11, 2018 at 10:00 am. (Copies of the presentations, as well as the Sign-In Sheet, are filed with the supplemental papers of the meeting.) Roll Call Water Advisory Board (WAB Roll call was taken by the Real Time Reporter. A quorum was established. Roll Call Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) Roll call was taken by the Real Time Reporter. 2

3 Membership Update The Chair congratulated Vice Mayor Tom Good for recently being nominated by the League of Cities as a Water Advisory Board representative from the City of Pembroke Pines. Doug Bell introduced Jack McCluskey as the newly appointed alternate of the Water Advisory Board representing the South Broward Drainage District Board of Commissioners. Chair Geller expressed his appreciation for being elected Chair of the Water Advisory Board. Public Comments None WAB Approval of Meeting Minutes from March 9, 2018 On Motion of Vice Mayor Welch, seconded by Councilmember Starkey and unanimously carried, the Board approved the Joint WAB and TAC Meeting Minutes from March 9, PRESENTATIONS In consideration of the time, the Chair changed the order of the presentations. Coastal Flood Risk Study Project for Broward Carlos Adorisio, Engineering Unit Supervisor, Broward County Environmental Engineering & Permitting Samantha Danchuk, Assistant Director, Broward County Environmental Planning & Community Resilience Carlos Adorisio began by explaining the FEMA FIRM maps: The current 100-year flood map was developed to determine finished floor elevations, not for insurance purposes. The FEMA maps reflect existing conditions and determine insurance premiums. FEMA maps are updated every decade, the last being in 2014 which incorporated a new inland flood analysis. The flood analysis did not incorporate a new analysis for coastal areas. He provided some background information on the Coastal Restudy: FEMA started a project about 10 years ago to update all the coastal flooding analyses in the southeast United States. The Broward County portion of that study started around 2014 and affects the entire coastline; about 25 miles including 20 communities. The next anticipated map will be released in 2019 to reflect the Coastal Restudy. Carlos explained that because the last FEMA map update did not incorporate a new analysis for coastal areas, there is a need to update those areas: The current study (completed in early 1980 s) was based on really outdated hurricane modeling and outdated topographic data as there has been significant development. FEMA needs to gain a more accurate picture of coastal flood risks in order to help communities plan, communicate, and reduce flood risk. 3

4 Mr. Adorisio outlined the basic elements of a coastal flood risk study. In coastal areas base flood elevations have four components: Storm surge, Wave setup, Wave height, Wave runup. Some additional modeling highlights: The current study was completed in early 1980 s The first model determined the first 2 components using grid and USGS quadrangles The new modeling is helping FEMA to represent the coastal features better using LIDAR and bathymetric data Carlos summarized the storm climatology analysis, as part of current FEMA effort: FEMA has reviewed all the historical storms Selected 5 storms to validate the hurricane/surge model Generated hundreds of hypothetical storms FEMA completed analysis of storm surge and wave setup Result computed to 1% annual chance event, one component of BFE FEMA next to determine final BFE accounting for waves defining for different regions/zones Requirements for remapping along with Florida building codes will result in more resilient structures Carlos finally summarized the completed phases, future phases, and timelines of the current FEMA effort: Phase 1 -data collection, set up/run, validation and execution of hurricane model completed Phase 2 - statistics were run and calculation of 1% annual chance flood elevations completed Phase 3 - wave model run initiated using local scale land-use data to be completed end of year Result will be calculation of final BFE to determine the special flood hazard area, Zone AE and VE Phase 4 - map production depicting AE and VE zones and Line of Moderate Wave Action (LIMWA) estimated to be completed by April 2019 Flood risk products (draft work maps, flood risk report, and flood risk database) to be prepared by April 2019 Phase 5 issuing preliminary FIRMS estimated to be completed by July 2019 Phase 6 execution of due process; 2-year process for stakeholders to review maps, provide comments, waiting period, then maps become effective Samantha Danchuk then provided an update on the additional value that the flood insurance study provides with its flood insurance products, along with how it applies to the ongoing resilience study: Climate Action #63 (Climate Action Plan) incorporates surges into maps of hazard areas Surge heights are at different areas along the coast and can be utilized for erosion analysis, beach renourishment design, and developing the 100-year community flood map US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Seawall Height Resilience Study is ongoing to determine regional standard for seawall height based on King Tides, sea level rise, and more frequent storm surge occurrences. Uses same model grid with some improvements as flood insurance study Local flood depth data can be used for more advanced analysis to develop further adaptation measures Additional economic impact analysis can be performed Recent installation of NOAA tidal gauge station at Port Everglades can be utilized to track trends over time Recent storms; i.e. Matthew and Irma, were not included in flood insurance study, but the next iteration will include those surge levels data in order to obtain credit for investments being made to ensure additional protection for the community 4

5 The Chair acknowledged the incredible importance of this issue and emphasized its major impact on insurance rates that will affect the citizens of Broward County. Councilmember Starkey inquired if the issue of saltwater intrusion present in certain wells is being addressed in this study or will it be a part of a separate study. Mr. Adorisio responded this study is only about coastal flooding. She then inquired if USGS and NOVA Oceanographic studies are being incorporated in this project. Mr. Adorisio responded that the USGS data was requested by FEMA around 2014, the data gathering process was in 2015, and now they re in the modeling phase of the project. So if the data is only a year to 6-months old, it may not be incorporated. Vice Mayor Good commented that a lot of emphasis should be placed on the economic analysis to be conducted in order to gain support of the community. Vice Mayor Welch referred to the overland wave analysis slide inquiring if coastal areas that do not have vegetative regions are included in the analysis. Mr. Adorisio responded that all coastal features whether they include dunes or not will be incorporated in the analysis. The Chair thanked Mr. Adorisio and Dr. Danchuk for their updates. Potable Reuse Committee Overview Randolph Brown, Utilities Director, City of Pompano Beach Mr. Brown, informing that he is Chair of the Florida Section of Water Reuse, began by providing some background information: In 2012, the National Research Council concluded that reuse is beneficial for irrigation industry and drinking water augmentation The #1 Priority is educating the public and water professionals on the safety of potable reuse, different treatment technologies, reliability of treatment processes, and research on pathogens in the water. Also important is monitoring the performance of collection & wastewater systems operations and response times. Mr. Brown discussed how other states are addressing their reuse issues in different ways: In 2016 Colorado started a WateReuse DPR Work Group and DPR Outreach Group to identify specific needs Texas is permitted for indirect potable reuse that relates to injecting highly treated reuse into the aquifer Arizona formed a committee that produced a guidance framework for direct potable reuse in their state. We are using their same consultant. California created an expert panel on DPR Feasibility that recommended a very rigid expensive treatment process. We are observing their research and testing their data for use in our facilities Mr. Brown informed that the main driver for the Potable Reuse Commission (PRC) is the anticipated increase in population by almost 40% in the next 35 years. He explained that 2/3 of the state (almost 16 counties) is already in a water protection area, so it is imperative to have other water solutions. He described the makeup of the commission. There are 2 members each from Florida Water Environment Association Utility Council, American Water Works Association Florida Section, and WateReuse Florida. 5

6 He provided the Mission Statement of the PRC: Develop a framework for potable reuse implementation in Florida to augment future water supply and support water quality initiatives Advise elected officials and regulatory agencies on statutory and regulatory challenges and present consensus-based solutions He outlined the guiding principles and objectives: Identify and address technical, regulatory, and implementation barriers to potable reuse in Florida For the 2019 legislative session, the PRC will provide the underlying statutory framework for the implementation of potable reuse The PRC will provide the leadership in developing the regulatory framework for implementation of potable reuse as an alternative water supply option Increase efficient use of potable reuse to supplement withdrawals from the natural system Recommend regulatory revisions to facilities and incentive investments in potable reuse Address statutory and regulatory needs for implantation of potable reuse Identify benefits to environmental restoration and economic development resulting from potable reuse In summary, Mr. Brown acknowledged the various VIP s on the Commission along with the stakeholders and provided the schedule of upcoming meetings for 2018 and He reiterated that the deliverables are to have the proposed legislation, a framework for regulations, and a path forward. He offered the executive committee members contact information for any further questions. The Chair thanked Mr. Brown for his presentation. He inquired as to what the Legislature passed this year and what the arguments were that resulted in the Governor vetoing this legislation. Mr. Brown responded that the legislation related to HB 1149 that would allow reclaimed water which is treated to federal drinking water standards to be injected into the aquifer. The Governor vetoed the bill raising concerns over creating a message about the state s water quality and the protection of the aquifers. The Chair requested clarification on the use of treated water, to recharge the aquifer or suggesting a more direct use for drinking water. Mr. Brown responded he is proposing a more direct use for drinking water, adding that Pompano Beach is the only city that has a variance from DEP to allow reuse water to be sprayed directly on vegetable crops. The Chair then inquired what his plan was for gaining the public s acceptance. Mr. Brown responded that he is following California s successful studies, emphasizing the benefits of public education. The Chair thank Mr. Brown for his clarifications. Commissioner Biederman inquired about septic tanks, recharging the aquifer, deep well injection, and indirect potable reuse. In response to Commissioner Biederman s request for clarification on aquifer recharge, Mr. Brown explained that reuse is just short of drinking water quality while septic tanks rarely operate efficiently, pollute, and contaminate the water table and can also impact surface waters. He also clarified that with indirect potable reuse, injection is only between 100 to 200 ft. while deep injection goes to over 3,000 ft. Commissioner Biederman inquired about anticipated costs of treating effluent to which Mr. Brown answered reuse is much less expensive than desalinization. Referring to the 40% increase in population over the next 35 years, Commissioner Ryan inquired if there is adequate storage capacity. Mr. Brown responded that the storage capacity factor would have to be added to the cost but best management 6

7 practices factor it in. Councilmember Starkey mentioned that Davie installed reuse in their new plant and it has proven successful. She inquired about computing a cost/benefit analysis of pipe-to-pipe vs. purple pipe technologies. Chair Geller thanked Mr. Brown for his presentation. He suggested that the County should consider California s rigorous standard of overtreating reuse water beyond just acceptable drinking water standards to gain the public s confidence. Refining the Conceptualization of the Floridan Aquifer System in Broward County with Seismic- Reflection Data Dr. Kevin J. Cunningham, USGS, Caribbean-Florida Water Science Center, Davie Kevin Cunningham introduced Dr. Viviana Diaz, University of Miami, who began the presentation by providing some background information: This is a 3.5 year cooperative study between USGS and Broward County EPCRD Start date July 2012 to December 2015 Includes 425 square mile area in eastern Broward County with 80 miles of high resolution 2D seismic reflection data acquired within the canals Horizontal mapping and integration with 44 wells with geophysical log, core, and cuttings data Dr. Diaz provided the USGS website address to access the publication of this project. She described the term seismic is composed of 3 parts; acquisition, processing, and interpretation. She explained that the process works similar to sonar with a signal bouncing and reflecting back on variations of rocks, is received, processed, and later on interpreted. This project s data was collected within canals. In response to Chair Geller s request, Dr. Diaz indicated on the map the permeable and impermeable zones. Referring to diagrams in her maps, she stressed that more information on the water subsurface system is needed to provide water managers with necessary information to inform the use of the Floridan Aquifer system for water utility projects. Today s presentation focuses on the upper Floridan Aquifer. She emphasized that vertical karst collapse features have been identified that could provide pathways for migration of fluids from boulder zone wastewater injection sites into the Floridan Aquifer. She continued to illustrate the surfaces that have been mapped out, revealing much more accurate and complete information that is capable to do many different simulations using 3D geo models. She stressed the importance of recognizing where to locate wells relative to such features so as to reduce the potential for such migration and interaction with drinking water sources. In summary, Dr. Diaz reiterated how the data from Broward County, Miami-Dade, is being utilized to create a framework for regional groundwater flow models to understand the hydrogeology from Southeastern Florida. She acknowledged Broward County EPCRD for providing funding, logistic support, and guidance; along with Broward County WWS, City of Sunrise, and Florida Geological Survey. Chair Geller thanked Dr. Diaz for her presentation. In response to his request for clarification, she continued to stress the importance of understanding the presence of these features relative to the siting of Floridan wells and wastewater injection wells, knowing the placement of wells prior to injection by 7

8 wastewater treatment plants. Discussion continued that it is not known exactly when or the cause of collapse structures, if there will be future collapses, etc. Commissioner Ryan inquired if the eastern wells that have saltwater intrusion can be replenished and perhaps used for water consumption. Dr. Diaz responded that saltwater can be pushed back by increased recharge. Commissioner Ryan then asked what the difference was between the upper and lower Floridan as far as water quality. The response was that the injected water is going beneath the boulder zone, which is separated from the aquifer. (Staff note: within the Floridan Aquifer, saltier water in found at depth. The upconing of this water can produce an accelerated increase in chloride concentrations within Floridan the Floridan Aquifer and individual wells). Vice Mayor Welch inquired if there is a projection of the amount of wastewater additionally that will be injected down into the boulder zones. Dr. Jurado suggested that the consultants who work more directly with the wastewater utilities may have that figure. Caution was raised that the migration issue is sometimes overstated, and that it is important to pay attention to how water is treated. Chair Geller thanked Dr. Diaz for her presentation. Chair Geller invited Dr. Jurado to provide a brief presentation on community resilience activities. Community Resilience Update Dr. Jennifer Jurado, Director and Chief Resilience Officer, Environmental Planning & Community Resilience Division, Broward County Dr. Jurado provided a brief update of the various resiliency projects and activities that the County is participating in, including: Future conditions flood map USACE Resiliency Study Update Regional economic resilience Broward Leaders Climate Resilience Roundtable Program planning/next steps She began by indicating that the consultant services agreement for the Future Conditions 100-Year Flood Elevation Map had been approved on May 8. The estimated 12-month study is expected to be completed by summer Anticipated cost share partners include Pompano Beach, Hillsboro Beach, Wilton Manors, Oakland Park, Fort Lauderdale, Hallandale Beach, Dania Beach, Hollywood, Coconut Creek, and the South Broward Drainage District. She then discussed the Coastal Flood Protection PAS Resiliency Study which provides for resilient sea wall top elevations, a calibrated hydrodynamic model, and an economic study. The study includes scenario-based assessments to inform adaptation planning. The final report is expected in August. She shared that significant results and findings include implications of storm direction on surge and flooding; variable benefits of resilience measures as a function of storm orientation; improved resolution, tidal calibration, and analysis of overland flow addressing flood extent, depth and probability; and an analysis of adaptation measures under various surge scenarios. Dr. Jurado discussed the collaboration on economic resilience and indicated that there was broad participation from the community. She discussed the priority objectives for regional economic 8

9 resilience. She also mentioned the unprecedented regional media collaboration between the editorial boards of the Miami Herald, Palm Beach Post, and Sun Sentinel, with reporting by WLRN Public Media to engage/inform the public over the next year to address the threat South Florida faces from sea-level rise. The collaboration shares The Invading Sea website which is updated frequently. She mentioned the upcoming Broward Leaders Roundtable on Climate Resilience scheduled for May 24, 2018 and co-hosted by Mayor Furr and Commissioner Rich in which they are seeking county-wide engagement. The roundtable is designed to be a facilitated discussion which will convene annually and produce a work product. The program agenda will include the state of the County s resilience challenges, efforts, and implications; municipal impacts, needs, and wants priorities; the business perspective on investments, partnerships, and economics; risk analysis, mitigation, and finance; and the roundtable discussion. With respect to program planning, she indicated projects include expansion of USGS storm and inundation model for the entire County; reclaimed water projects; upgrading the saltwater intrusion monitoring network; the combined future conditions analysis to include the flood map and infrastructure; a collaboration with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory; a design library on shoreline resilience; and a design handbook and guidelines for urban adaptation strategies. Chair Geller thanked Dr. Jurado for her presentation. The formal presentations completed, Chair Geller invited Ernie Cox of Palm Beach Aggregates to provide an update on the status of the C-51 Reservoir. Ernie Cox of Palm Beach Aggregates provided a brief update on the status of the C-51 Reservoir and next steps. There being no new business the meeting adjourned. 9