SUBJECT
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Approve Standard Grant Agreement #L0124 between State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) to fund the Headwaters of the Everglades - Land Acquisition for Septic Prevention Project. (one-time revenue $1,800,000)
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DESCRIPTION
Past studies of the Kissimmee Watershed conducted by the South Florida Water Management District have identified Polk County as a significant contributor of nutrient pollutants to the Kissimmee River. The Lake Okeechobee Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP) provides guidance that through the National Pollutant Discharge and Elimination System (NPDES) permit, local governments should make progress to reduce nutrient contribution to the watershed. Through a feasibility study, areas were identified in the Kissimmee Watershed that are considered nutrient hotspots using the Watershed Assessment Model. The hotspots were areas identified with high number septic tanks located next to ridge lakes, like Lake Pierce, and involved several existing developed areas. Concentrations of septic tanks on the shore of ridge lakes can have a significant negative impact to the water quality of the lake.
To prevent additional nutrient loading, Polk County submitted and was awarded a State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Grant Agreement (Agreement # L0124), through the Polk Regional Water Cooperative Heartland Funding Initiative. The project’s goal is to address nutrient pollutant loads in the Headwaters of the Everglades that may be contributing to the decline in water quality within Lake Okeechobee. Prevention of new septic tanks in the contributing basins of impaired or outstanding water bodies was the priority for this project.
Approval of this grant agreement for $1,800,000.00, no match required, will enable the County to complete a full fee acquisition within the Kissimmee Watershed / Headwaters of the Everglades of parcels where entitlements include installation of septic tanks. Polk County shall acquire fee simple interest on 56 +/- acres in areas designated for septic tank installation, where this acquisition would prevent increased nutrient loading within the Kissimmee Watershed. The targeted project to implement this acquisition is the EL-121-24 Masterpiece UPCO/ALCOMA acquisition.
The project has been approved by STAC.
RECOMMENDATION
Approve Standard Grant Agreement between State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and Polk County to fund the Stormwater MSTU Kissimmee Watershed Project.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds are budgeted in the Special Revenue Grants Fund within Parks and Natural Resources Five-Year CIP.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Tabitha Biehl, Land and Water Natural Areas Manager
Parks and Natural Resources Division
(863) 534-7377
tabithabiehl@polk-county.net <mailto:tabithabiehl@polk-county.net>