PINELLAS COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT INITIATIVE Kelli Hammer Levy, Division Manager, Pinellas County Environmental Management

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1 PINELLAS COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT INITIATIVE Kelli Hammer Levy, Division Manager, Pinellas County Environmental Management In 2011 Pinellas County began planning for a comprehensive program to manage stormwater, water quality, floodplain management, community engagement, natural resources protection, and other key elements of an overarching surface water management program. In 2013, the Pinellas Board of County Commissioners approved a dedicated funding source through a non-ad valorem assessment for implementation of the program. In two years of implementation the enhanced Level of Service goals for stormwater maintenance have been achieved, the County s Community Rating System improved from a class 7 to a class 5, numerous community ponds have been restored through the Adopt-A-Pond program, Florida s first local biological monitoring program has been developed, implemented, and is in the State audit progress, an Integrated Water Resources Management Plan completed, and a innovative green infrastructure stormwater code developed. Additionally, the County s NPDES program has excelled in reducing illicit connections and discharges through education and compliance; service-sharing expanded for monitoring, TMDL and watershed planning, and NPDES inspection and compliance activities. As an integral source reduction tool, the County s fertilizer management program is arguably the most comprehensive in the state, and the County is actively planning and assessing anticipated impacts from sea level rise and other impacts of a changing climate. While many aspects of the program are still young, the County s surface water management program sets a great example of program excellence. Statistics: Unincorporated Pinellas County Population based on 2010 census: 270,494. More information can be found at Personnel involved in program implementation: 166 FTE. Key Personnel: Kelli Hammer Levy Melanie Weed Sarah Malone Anamarie Rivera Rahim Harji Nancy Lamagna Eric Fehrmann Lori James Cecelia McCorkell FY16 Budget: $24.2M operational; $8.7M CIP. Funding sources Non-ad valorem assessment, transportation trust, general fund, and one cent infrastructure tax (Penny for Pinellas) for CIP. Statement of program goals: Prior to implementation of the program the level of service was quantified at C to C- and rapidly declining. The approved program included an overall increase in level of service to C+ to B- in the areas of program management; NPDES permit compliance, operations and maintenance, and capital improvements. Additional details are provided in the supplemental program information.

2 Integrated Approach: Proposed (Approved) Strategies 1 Proposed Strategy Current Program + Increased LOS Open conveyances Closed conveyances Street sweeping Site plan/floodplain management program Public education Biological monitoring In response to new water quality standards Watershed planning Adopt-A-Pond

3 Proposed (Approved) Level of Service 2 Very good basic public program Focuses on most critical needs first Looking ahead 10 years Replace or repair all deficit corrugated metal pipe Restore ditches/channels and implement proactive PM cycles Complete Watershed Plans for priority watersheds Implement data driven maintenance cycles Maximize water quality and quantity benefits Adopted and restored community ponds Engaged communities

4 Surface Water Management Program 3 FY14 Proposed (Approved) Program Annual Costs $27.5M Program Management* $3.1M NPDES O&M $13.4M NPDES Compliance $2.3M CIP* $8.7M 31.7% 8.2% 11.4% 48.7% Program Management NPDES O&M NPDES Compliance CIP * Includes Penny for Pinellas

5 Proposed (Approved) Level of Service 4 Summary Program Management LOS C+ NPDES Permit Compliance LOS C+ to B- NPDES O&M LOS C+ Potential benefit to CRS CIP LOS C+ to B- Overall LOS C+ to B- Non-Compliance Compliance Beyond Compliance Reactive Integrated Strategy Proactive Purpose/Mission

6 Summary Progressive program Data driven Adaptive Focuses on critical needs first Ensures permit requirements are met Aligned with comprehensive plan and BCC strategic direction Encourages maintenance of private systems and designs that reduce runoff Rate structure promotes equity and is based on a sound foundation Improved Water Quality Reduced Community Flooding Reduced Infrastructure Failures 5