Chairman Betts requested the Coalition consider adoption of the agenda for the meeting of May 30, 2008.

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1 Minutes of the County Coalition for Responsible Management of Lake Okeechobee St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee Estuaries Lake Worth Lagoon Friday, May 30, 2008 Meeting Time 10:00 AM Okeechobee Civic Center, Hwy 98, Okeechobee, FL 10:07:24 AM The County Coalition for Responsible Management of Lake Okeechobee, St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee Estuaries, and Lake Worth Lagoon met at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 30, 2008 at the Okeechobee Civic Center, 1750 Highway 98 North, Okeechobee, Florida. Chairman Betts called the meeting to order. PRESENT: ABSENT: STAFF: Chairman Betts, Commissioner Joe Smith, Commissioner Heard, Commissioner Judah, Commissioner McCarthy, Commissioner Echols, Mr. Clell Ford representing Commissioner Stokes, and Commissioner English. Commissioner Ken Smith, Commissioner Marcus. Clerk Staff Betsy Sheffield and Deputy Clerk Paula Poskon. 1. Introductions (Organizations/Individuals) No Introductions 2. Review/Adoption of Agenda Chairman Betts requested the Coalition consider adoption of the agenda for the meeting of May 30, Commissioner McCarthy moved, seconded by Commissioner Judah, to adopt the agenda as presented. The motion carried on the following vote: AYES: Chairman Betts, Commissioner Joe Smith, Commissioner Heard, Commissioner Judah, Commissioner McCarthy, Commissioner Echols, Mr. Clell Ford representing Commissioner Stokes, and Commissioner English. NOES: None. ABSENT: Commissioner Ken Smith, Commissioner Marcus. ABSTAIN: None. 3. Adoption of minutes from November 30, 2007 and February 28, 2008 Commissioner Heard moved, seconded by Commissioner Judah, to adopt the minutes from the November 30, 2007 and February 28, 2008 meetings. May 30,

2 10:08:41 AM The motion carried on the following vote: AYES: Chairman Betts, Commissioner Joe Smith, Commissioner Heard, Commissioner Judah, Commissioner McCarthy, Commissioner Echols, Mr. Clell Ford representing Commissioner Stokes, and Commissioner English. NOES: None. ABSENT: Commissioner Ken Smith, Commissioner Marcus. ABSTAIN: None. 4. Update on County Commission Activities and Actions: Okeechobee County Commissioner Betts provided a status report on the following Okeechobee County Projects: Boat Ramp at Nubbin Slough in process Canal Project funded by Water Management is complete St Lucie County Commissioner Joe Smith provided a status report on the following St Lucie County Projects: In Taylor Creek working on a dredging project, completed Phase I, and researching a spoil site for the dredged material North portion of St. Lucie River partnering with the Health Department and the Institute of Food and Agricultural Science(IFAS) on improving and monitoring water quality In Platts Creek broke ground on Chemical Injection System for a storm water project Martin County Commissioner Heard provided a status report on the following Martin County Projects: Water quality in Martin County Waterways is the best it has been in many years Martin County is aggressively and successfully pursuing land acquisitions, due to the ½ cents sales tax the voters approved two years ago. Much of this land is being used for water quality improvements Lee County Commissioner Judah provided a status report on the following Lee County Projects: Adopted fertilizer ordinance where no nitrogen and phosphorus can be applied between June and September Partnered with South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) to purchase land in Glades County to help the treatment of water and improve water quality Algae study in progress Water quality better today due to low levels, but still have algae problems Hendry County Commissioner McCarthy provided a status report on the following Hendry County Projects: Partnership with Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to identify wetlands, panther habitats, and all rural land to concentrate on conservation Current fires in Lake Bed Working with SFWMD on land for water retention areas May 30,

3 City of Clewiston removing septic tanks and converting to sewer system Glades County Commissioner Echols provided a status report on the following Glades County Projects: Thanked those involved with a Resolution that this Board passed in November Met with Florida Representatives about the Hoover Dike Project. Current project is planned for a 22 year project and Commissioner Echols encouraged a 5 year project Highlands County Mr. Clell Ford representing Commissioner Stokes provided a status report on the following Highlands County Projects: Lake Istapoga is higher than last year and is in good shape Army Core is working on canals of Lake Istapoga Osceola County Commissioner Ken Smith was absent and no representative was present. Polk County Commissioner Smith provided a status report on the following Polk County Projects: Working with SFWMD on a contract to purchase land that is part of the Kissimmee Basin used for environmental preservation and therefore enhance water quality Recently completed aerial photography for the entire county using LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging )mapping to be used for best management practices for water sheds Completed water conservation plan Looking for alternate water supplies 5. Treasurer s Report The Treasurer s Report was given by Commissioner Heard. She stated that currently there is $15, in the treasury. Commissioner Judah moved, seconded by Commissioner McCarthy, to accept the Treasurer s Report. 10:21:09 AM The motion carried on the following vote: AYES: Chairman Betts, Commissioner Joe Smith, Commissioner Heard, Commissioner Judah, Commissioner McCarthy, Commissioner Echols, Mr. Clell Ford representing Commissioner Stokes, and Commissioner English. NOES: None. ABSENT: Commissioner Ken Smith, Commissioner Marcus. ABSTAIN: None. 6. Presentations/discussion/comments from public on agenda items May 30,

4 a. Legislative Update- Ernie Barnett (SFWMD) Mr. Barnett with SFWMD was recognized and gave a presentation on the 2008 Legislative Session. Major Legislation Passed o Senate Bill (SB) 1552 Everglades Restoration Bonds Extends the Everglades restoration bonding authority to the year 2020 This provides for up to additional $1 billion in bonding capacity for everglades restoration CERP (Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan) Northern Everglades and Estuaries $200 million bonding capacity for Keys Wastewater o SB 542 Florida Forever Successor Program Increases the bonding authorization for the Florida Forever program from $3 billion to $5.3 billion Extends the debt retirement dates to 2040 to conform to this change The bill requires that certain financial analysis be performed after 2010 before the issuance of any new Florida Forever Bonds Funding to the water management districts was decreased from 35% to 30% of the annual totals Starting next year our share will be $31.5 million o SB 1302 Waste Water Disposal/Ocean Outfalls All remaining ocean outfalls must go to advanced waste water treatment by 2018 All discharges are eliminated (except for wet weather) by 2025 District Regional Water Supply Plans must include projects that assist in the elimination of the ocean outfalls District consumption use permits will require a beneficial use of reclaimed water made available by the elimination of the wastewater ocean outfalls o House Bill (HB) 787 Daiagi Claims o Northern Everglades Legislature ratified the Phase II Technical for Lake Okeechobee o Bills of Interest that Passed HB 7135 Energy10:33:41 AM HB Fish and Wildlife Conservation HB Protection of Aquatic Life HB Environmental Protection o Bills that did NOT Pass10:34:43 AM HB Expedited Permitting HB Water Supply Desalination HB Water management District Sunset HB 7129/SB 474- Growth Management o Budget (pending governor s approval) May 30,

5 10:38:14 AM FY Final Budget Conference Report $129, District Total Appropriation Everglades Restoration Florida Forever Water Management District Lands Miami River Dredging/ C-111 Spreader Alternative Water Supply Everglades Alligator Alley Tolls Water Projects Broward County Initiative Estero Bay Watershed Initiative Florida Keys Water Resource Indian River Lagoon Issues Team Loxahatchee River Preservation Initiative St. Lucie River Issues Team Total State Appropriations Senate Confirmations Seven Governing Board Members Executive Director b. Water Conditions Cal Neidrauer (SFWMD) Mr. Neidrauer was recognized and gave a presentation on Water Conditions. May Rainfall o May Average 4.19 o All basins less than average o First below average month since January o February, March, and April each had above average rainfall Dry Season Rainfall Nov 2, 2007 May 26, 2008 o District Wide (80% or 3.64 ) o Average (Nov-May) Dry Season = 18.8 o 4 5 deficit remains for Lake Okeechobee and North o 5-6 deficit for NE and SW Coasts o No basin with above average US Drought Monitor o Area ranges from Abnormally Dry to Severe Drought Status Lake Okeechobee Level o Steadily declining o Better than we were a year ago o Three (3) feet below average 10:48:29 AM Seasonal Pre Outlook o June equal chances of below normal, normal, or above normal rainfall. o June-August show increased chances of above normal rainfall May 30,

6 2008 Atlantic Hurricane Outlook o 90% chance of near normal or above normal season o Named storms o Hurricanes 6-9 o Major Hurricanes 2-5 c. Lake Conditions Susan Gray (SFWMD) and Don Fox with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Dr. Susan Gray was recognized and gave a presentation on Lake Conditions. Water Quality Total Phosphorus o Phosphorus Levels are better than previous years Water Quality Total Suspended Solids o Levels are better Algae Bloom Update o Pahokee Marina - found one bloom present but within 10 days was removed o No other reports of blooms in the Lake Submerged Aquatic Vegetation o Very slow recovery of submerged Aquatic Vegetation but seeing some new growth Apple Snail Eggs o 128 transects o Sample monthly thru July o Found 17 egg clusters in April o Additional egg clusters found in May SFWMD Projects in progress on the Lake: o Scraping o Tilling o Torpedo Grass Tilling and Disking Projects o Collecting sediment cores for Phosphorus Flux Experiment o Collecting sediment cores for chemical analyses Fire Status o Fire near Moorehaven burning since April o Approximately 26,000 acres burned to date o Three fires 100% contained o Two fires 50% contained Mr. Don Fox was recognized and gave a presentation on Lake Conditions. Aquatic Habitat Restoration and Enhancement Projects on Lake Okeechobee o King s Bar North Lake Shoal Project o Tin House Cove Project o Fisheating Bay Project o Cody s Cove Project (work completed in 2007) May 30,

7 o Cody s Cove Project 2008 o Worm Cove and Horse Island Project Purpose Remove 207 acres of vegetation and associated organics from the Lake Bid opening June 6, 2008 d. Recreation and Recreation Impacts of a Low Lake Ernie Barnett (SFWMD), Kim Taplin with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACOE), and David Roach with the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) Mr. Ernie Barnett with SFWMD was recognized and gave a presentation on recreation impacts of Lake Okeechobee. o Gave an update on funding for access in low lake areas o Clarified that the $5.2 million mentioned is actually $250,000 of the state appropriation to do the initial work on the Pearce Canal and the Moore Haven Canal. o Actual funding of construction will come from SFWMD Mr. Kim Taplin with USACOE was recognized and reported the following: o Explained areas the USACOE has authority to dredge o Reaches of the Okeechobee Waterway have experienced shoaling o St Lucie Reach authorizes 100 feet wide and 8 foot depth area o Temporary lock closures for installation of Manatee Protection Systems Port Mayaca begins July 7, 2008 St Lucie begins July 14, 2008 Completion no later than August 29, 2008 o Took advantage of low water level to remove vegetation and shoaling on St. Lucie Canal o Currently two (2) locks per day, if the Lake goes below 9 feet, then one (1) lock per day Mr. David Roach with (FIND) was recognized and gave a presentation on the Long Range Dredged Material Management Plan. Local sponsor of the Atlantic Intracoastal and Okeechobee Waterways in Florida o Over 100 miles of navigation channels of Okeechobee waterways Economics of the Okeechobee Waterway o 17,000 lockages per lock per year o 850,000 tons of commercial cargo in 1999 o 6.6 million visits per year o National Economic Development value of $55 million per year o Navigation Cost Savings $556,000 per year o If not maintained 50% of these benefits would be lost o Area for new boat facilities May 30,

8 o Palm Beach and Martin County Boating Industries total $2.4 billion in economic output, 24,165 jobs, $874 million in wages and an increase of $5.9 billion in property values Dredged Material Management (DMM) Plan Purpose and Process o Estimate 50 year dredging volumes o Determine material characteristics and locations o Review existing DMM Inventory o Divide waterway into dredging reaches o Determine dredged material management concept o Identify DMM s to meet concept and volume Dredging Requirements o St Lucie Canal 7,470 cyds o Route 1 197, 248 cyds o Route 2 82,994 cyds Current plan implementation o DMM due diligence investigations underway o Land acquisition coordination underway o Modify MOA with the Corps o FY 2009 Dredging Funding request to Congress submitted for $2.5 million Prototypical Eco-Island study e. Northern Everglades Update Temperince Morgan (SFWMD) Ms. Morgan with SFWMD was recognized and gave a presentation on the Northern Everglades. Northern Everglades and Estuaries 2007 Legislation o Recognizes that Lake Okeechobee, Caloosahatchee, and St. Lucie Watersheds are critical water resources of the state o Builds upon existing restoration plans o Technical plan to identify water quality treatment projects and water storage requirements Lake Okeechobee Phase II Technical Plan o Delivered to Legislature on February 1, 2008 o No action was taken during session, therefore plan is deemed approved and may by implemented Lake Okeechobee Phase II Technical Plan Moving Forward o Identified in Northern Everglades legislation o Roadmap for plan refinement o Process to move through detailed planning and design to project implementation o Includes Model Refinement Technology Refinement Sub-Watershed Conceptual Planning Lake Okeechobee Process Development and Engineering May 30,

9 o Hydrologic Model Refinement Migration from northern everglades water budget modeling to a more detailed/refined modeling approach o Water Quality Model Development Updating Watershed Assessment Model (WAM) o Technology Refinement Hybrid Wetland Treatment Technology Chemical Treatment Feasibility Study Lake Okeechobee Process Development and Engineering o Sub-Watershed Feasibility Studies o Project Design and Construction River Watershed Protection Elements o Watershed Construction Project o Watershed Pollutant Control Program o Watershed Research and Water Quality Monitoring Program River Watershed Protection Plans Schedule, Objectives, Constraints, Alternative Formulation, Water Quality and Quantity Performance, Progress to Date, Water Quality Monitoring Plans 12:01:18 PM f. Year Round Irrigation Rule - Terrie Bates SFWMD Ms. Bates with SFWMD was recognized and gave a presentation on the Year Round Irrigation Rule. Water Conservation o Water shortage has raised awareness and need for conservation o Current landscape irrigation practices have the potential to be extremely wasteful o As much as 50% of urban water use is for landscape irrigation Applies only to Charlotte, Collier, and Lee Counties No irrigation between 10:00am and 4:00pm Irrigation permitted three (3) days per week Reclaimed water exempt IFAS info indicates that lawn irrigation needs are met 2-day per week watering Proposed changes to year round landscape irrigation rule o Expands rule to cover entire district o Applies to landscape irrigation only Proposed Changes: New Landscaping Proposed Changes: Existing Landscaping/Traditional Water Source Proposed Changes: Reclaimed Water Proposed Changes: Supplemented Reclaimed 12:26:27 PM Proposed Changes: Alternative Water Source Summary of Proposed Irrigation Rule Implementation May 30,

10 General Summary Timeline for Implementation 12:30:57 PM o June 12 Update for SFWMD Governing Board o June/July Additional public workshops based on Governing Board direction in June o Late 2008 Rule Adoption g. Herbert Hoover Dike Rehab Kim Taplin - USACOE Ms. Taplin with USACOE was recognized and gave a presentation on the Herbert Hoover Dike Rehabilitation. Herbert Hoover Dike (HHD) Rehabilitation Reach 1 (Port Mayaca Belle Glade) o National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Activities o Environmental Impact Statement o Real Estate Acquisition o Landside Design o Current Construction o Cut-off Wall HHD Reaches 2 & 3 o Major Rehabilitation Report o Interim Risk Reduction Measures Reach 1 Culverts 12:50:15 PM 7. Comments from the public (speaker card 3 minute limit) Mr. Chad Kennedy with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) was recognized. Mr. Kennedy announced a Waste Water Residual Rule Workshop/ Chapter , F.A.C that DEP is sponsoring June 13, 2008 in Kissimmee at the Osceola County Extension Office. For more information, please contact Mr. Morris Baker at Adjournment There being no further business or discussion, the meeting was adjourned. Clif Betts, Jr., Chairman Date May 30,