District Notes&News Established 1923 Winter 2013

SUPERVISORS Manager of Operations Annual Report (October 2012-September 2013) Michael Danchuk The District’s landowners understand the importance of President structure is generally the District having access in the event of a defined by its person- storm in order to remove any debris that Tom Rice nel and management, could create a blockage in the system. The Vice-President the maintenance and Canal 3 extension project at Riverbend Park improvement of the was a collaboration of local agencies and Stephen Hinkle works of the District governments working together to provide and our interrelations better stormwater runoff management for Thomas H. Powell with outside agencies the residents who are affected in this area. and governments, as With a cooperative effort by Palm Beach Michael Dillon Michael Ryan well as with the County Parks and Recreation, South landowners who live in the District. Water Management District, Town STAFF of Jupiter, Archeological and Historical Maintaining this structural coherence is Conservancy Inc., The Nation, Michael A. Dillon always a work in progress. This was evident Construction Technology Inc., and District this past year with our canal projects: the staff, we were able to install larger culverts Manager of Operations Canal 6 clearing project and the Canal 3 at the east end of C-3 in order to decrease extension project, both in Jupiter Farms; the headloss during heavy rainfall events. Holly Rigsby the canal restoration project in Egret Office Administrator Landing, and the canal maintenance project In Egret Landing, we worked together in Jupiter Park of Commerce. with North Palm Beach Heights Water Control District to restore the banks along Earlier this year, the District removed the Leslie Street Canal that divides The approximately two miles of trees and Heights and Egret Landing. Also, coopera- vegetation along the Canal 6 right-of-way. tion from the landowners was vital to DISTRICT OFFICE These areas were impassable, therefore accomplish the removal of trees and vege- 15600 Jupiter Farms Road limiting our ability to perform mowing and tation along the easement to provide access Jupiter, FL 33478 canal cleaning operations. By working with and make necessary repairs. the landowners, we were allowed access (561) 747-0550 through properties in order to reach and In Jupiter Park of Commerce, shrubs remove the heavily-vegetated areas. These were removed along the Canal J right-of- www.sirwcd.org way to provide crews and [email protected] equipment access to perform mowing operations and Office Hours: maintenance. In the past, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. crews had to mow the canal banks by hand, which created Monday-Friday safety issues and poor time management. What took eight The Board of Supervisors meets hours with three men now takes less than two hours with the third Thursday of each equipment. This utilizes our month at Jupiter High School time and resources more at 7:30 p.m. effectively and minimizes the safety risks to the operators. Contact the District Office for an agenda. For the benefit of new landowners in the District, the following is a brief overview Canal 3 Extension in Jupiter Farms reduces headloss and provides better stormwater runoff management for the area (continued on pg. 2) Manager of Operations Report standards of installation as District drain- In addition to the Safety Council, the (continued from pg. 1) age culverts. Each homeowner is respon- District participates as committee members sible to ensure their driveway culverts are on several agencies including Florida of our function as a special taxing District. clear of sediment and debris to provide Association of Special Districts, Loxahatch- The District provides both water control maximum flow. ee River Management Coordinating and road maintenance services for land- Council, Loxahatchee River Preservation owners and operates under limitations Within the 12,000 acre service area of Initiative, and North County Land Man- imposed by Chapter 298 of the Florida the District, there are 60 miles of canals, agers Council. We also coordinate with Statutes. On-going services include road and 370 miles of roadside swales that are Palm Beach County Road and Bridge, grading, swale and canal maintenance, and maintained on a regular basis. Our mow- Water Management District, aquatic weed control in our canal and ing operation is perhaps the most challeng- Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, and outfall systems. Assessments are levied in ing of all maintenance services we provide, Solid Waste Authority on various issues the amount necessary to provide these especially between the months of June and projects. These agencies have the services and are closely monitored with through October. During these months the potential for major impact on District monthly reports and annual audits to number of calls for mowing increases and landowners and participation remains vital ensure accountability of available funds. we usually respond to these requests within to ensure that our best interests are 2 days. Under normal operations, it takes 6 considered. This year the rainy season came early to 8 weeks to complete the District mow- and often, as we received a record 29.31 ing schedule, although unforeseen circum- Additionally, the District continues to inches of rain at the District work center stances, such as weather and mechanical or work with the Sheriff’s Wild Land Task between May and July! Equipment personnel issues, can alter that schedule at Force in regards to the illegal and reckless Foreman Greg Gell and his crew did an any time. use of ATVs and dirt bikes on roadways excellent job in keeping the roads passable and public right-of-ways such as canals and for the landowners and responding quickly Ten of the District’s twelve employees other restricted areas. Property damage, to any drainage issues that developed. are responsible for operating motor injuries, and even fatalities have occurred Roads were re-contoured to provide max- graders, backhoes, and mowers necessary as a result of this behavior. These machines imum stormwater runoff and minimize to the maintenance program. Our are illegal on public roadways and canal standing water. In some cases, material was employees have a combined 115 years of berms and are subject to Palm Beach brought in to repair roads due to weather experience with the District. Last year, County Sheriff’s office citations and or man-made related issues. Equipment Foreman Greg Gell completed confiscation. 20 years of service, and this year, equip- Backhoe operators were very busy as ment operators David Duckett and Arie Landscape debris that is deposited on well, and we took advantage of the rainy Raz will have completed 15 years of service roadsides must be correctly cut and placed conditions, pinpointing areas where to the District. These employees represent between the edge of the road and drainage improvements could be made. Culvert the values of commitment, faithful service swales before Solid Waste Authority will replacement and recontouring of the road- and work ethics that are encouraged in all remove it. The debris must be in front of side swales provided increased stormwater our employees. They form the essential your property. Solid Waste will not pick up runoff storage in many areas of the District. backbone of the program and provide debris from in front of a vacant lot. Also, In all, we replaced 1240 linear feet of excellent role models that contribute to the they will not remove tree stumps. And drainage culverts at various street intersec- availability of a future high-quality work remember, it is illegal to dump any type of tions and canal outfalls, followed by the force. trash on right-of-ways or easements in the installation of rip-rap headwalls and sod to District. reduce erosion and sediment build up. Safety is always a priority at the This allows the culverts to drain to their District. In fact, South Indian River is a The District continues to apply regulat- full capacity. And though the respon- member of the Safety Council of Palm ed and permitted herbicides in the canal sibility of the homeowners, driveway Beach County. They offer training classes and outfall systems for the control of culverts, which allow ingress/egress onto on equipment maintenance, CPR, and first aquatic weeds. In order to keep our canals private property, need to meet the same aid. This training is then implemented into clean of hazardous materials, please be our day-to-day operations, which maximizes vigilant for any type of dumping or illicit the safety of life and pro- discharge into the District’s drainage perty. Regularly scheduled system. This activity is illegal and should safety meetings are conduct- be reported immediately to the District ed jointly by the District office at 561-747-0550 so corrective safety committee and staff action can be promptly taken. to discuss concerns and resolve any in-house issues. The District’s office is open and Our operators are trained to available to any interested landowners from be aware of their surround- Monday through Friday between the hours ings and they realize that of 8:00 am and 4:30 pm. You are invited the equipment may be a to stop by and make us aware of any source of interest, especially problems or concerns with which we can to children. Therefore, we assist you within the scope of our ask that all landowners keep responsibility and authority. You can also a safe distance from the access detailed information about the machines while they are District on our website at www.sirwcd.org. operating in the area. Canal 2 culverts and riprap installation at Jupiter Farms Road 2 District Engineer’s Annual Report (October 2012-September 2013)

South Indian River projects that could enhance the works of Supervisors by implementing their policies Water Control the District. Capital improvements may and directives, as well as supporting the District (SIRWCD) occur on existing infrastructure such as Manager of Operations in resolving various is positioned in roads, canals, and drainage structures. landowner issues. The relationship between Northern Palm Roadway improvements are usually the Board of Supervisors and District staff Beach County as a initiated where the traffic volumes for a has been extremely effective in both the strategic entity in the specific roadway necessitate the improve- delivery of services to the residents and Amy Eason, P.E. planning and ments or the improvements are undertaken landowners within the District, and pro- management of water resources to the as a result of landowner initiatives. Land- spective management in response to surrounding area. Approximately 12,500 owner-initiated roadway petitions for the requirements that are imposed upon the acres of SIRWCD discharges into the application of Palm Beach County Stand- District by other governmental entities. Loxahatchee River Basin, and therefore, as ard Asphalt or Open Graded Emulsified plans are being developed and implemented, Mix (OGEM) are received and analyzed With regard to the current status of the the geographic location of the District is by staff on a regular basis. District, to the best of my knowledge and an element in any water management plan belief, the District is in compliance with all for the Loxahatchee River Basin. From an operation and maintenance regulatory requirements that affect works standpoint, the District continues to work of the District and their operation, and the Over the past year, water quality with the landowners at improving condi- works of the District continueto be operated continues to be a major focus within the tions affecting water management and and maintained in a manner that achieves state of Florida. With the development of roadways. District staff also continues to the available level of service. We continue the Numeric Nutrient Criteria (NNC) and assist the Board of Supervisors with to respond to the Board of Supervisors by Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL), operation and maintenance involving site implementing their policies and directives, the potential impacts from development specific drainage improvements that as well as working with the Manager of are being monitored by agencies and/or impact landowners, canal and culvert Operations in resolving various landowner individuals that have a focused interest on maintenance, and replacement or renewal issues. maintaining a healthy ecosystem within of facilities that affect the works of the the Loxahatchee River Basin and, specif- District. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS ically, the Northwest Fork of the Loxa- Seventeenth Plan of hatchee River. The District’s operation and mainte- nance is discussed in detail at the Annual Improvements The Board of Supervisors and staff Landowners’ meeting with the goal of actively engage in the many external informing residents about how and why Based on a landowner initiative, refer- dealings that are influencing the District the water management system and road- enda were prepared by SIRWCD and from a water supply, flood control, water ways are operated and maintained. verified by the Palm Beach County Super- quality, and ecosystem management Discussions include, but are not limited visor of Elections to implement the applica- perspective. The Board of Supervisors and to the level of service and performance tion of OGEM and asphalt on the petition- staff are focused on making sure that the standards represented by the existing er’s roadway surfaces as a roadway improve- goals and expectations of these external system and how, to a large extent, the ment project. The applications were activities do not conflict with the District’s system is regulated by local, regional, state, divided into two units of development RI- best interests with regard to the function- and federal agencies. Each year, it is 17A and RI-17B. RI-17A consists of the ing of SIRWCD's system and the ability to appropriately restated and recognized in application of OGEM on approximately deliver an appropriate level of service. the engineering report that the SIRWCD 0.4 miles of roadway within Jupiter Farms Board of Supervisors, through its policies and RI-17B consists of the application of Annually, the District examines the and procedures, is responsible for formula- Palm Beach County Standard asphalt on need to implement capital improvement ting direction regarding District operations approximately 1.5 miles within Palm and intergovernmental issues. Beach Country Estates. These roads This is accomplished through a are listed as follows: respected structure in which the Unit of Development RI-17A (0.4 miles) District is managed through its • 127th Drive N between 187th Place N Board of Supervisors and and Old Indiantown Grade supporting staff. The Board of • 90th Trail N between 165th Place N Supervisors establishes policy and 166th Way N and provides direction to staff concerning budget, priorities, Unit of Development RI-17B (1.5 miles) relationship with other public • 73rd Terrace N between 155th Place N entities, and landowner issues. and 159th Court N Staff is responsible for • 79th Terrace N between 155th Place N implementing Board policy. and 162nd Court N Accordingly, staff responds • 75th Way N between 163rd Court N pursuant to the Board’s and 165th Street N direction. Engineering tasks • 77th Trail N between 165th Street N and Palm Beach County Standard Asphalt on 67th Avenue in continue to be formulated to 167th Court N Palm Beach Country Estates respond to the Board of (continued on pg. 4) 3 (continued from pg. 3) regulations, including a Total Maximum standards. The rule was then presented to Daily Load (TMDL) for Lake Worth the Florida Environmental Regulation The construction documents for Unit Lagoon and tributaries and Numeric Commission (ERC), the Florida Legislature, of Development RI-17A have been Nutrient Criteria (NNC) for South Florida and the Governor, who signed House Bill executed and construction is scheduled for canals and estuaries, public education, (HB) 7051, ratifying the proposed rule. October 2013. Survey is beginning this TMDL updates and NPDES permit impli- There was a challenge on the rule that was month on the Unit of Development RI- cations, the Annual Reports, and Joint filed by Earthjustice, however an admini- 17B in preparation for the design of the Report. A training video session was also strative law judge upheld the state’s project. Construction is planned for conducted to satisfy permit requirements. proposed new water quality rules on June December 2013. See update on page 11. 7, 2012.

On November 30, 2012, EPA Proposed Plan of Improvement announced its approval of FDEP’s NNC. However, EPA also proposed additional The District has received petitions from regulations that would apply EPA’s criteria landowners to apply asphalt on certain to those waters not covered by FDEP’s roadways within the District. Landowners NNC, such as urban stormwater convey- on the following roadways are petitioning ances, open ocean waters, and many to distribute a referendum for asphalt in estuaries where FDEP Total Maximum Palm Beach Country Estates (approx. 0.75 Daily Loads (TMDLs) have already been miles): adopted. Since EPA developed NNC on waters not covered by FDEP’s NNC, EPA • 74th Avenue N between 155th Place N ■ Environmental Protection Agency and FDEP entered into an agreement on and 159th Court N March 15, 2013, known as “Path Forward”, • 88th Trail N between 155th Place N Numeric Nutrient Criteria to develop a plan for FDEP to develop and 159th Court N On January 14, 2010, EPA proposed a rule NNC for the remaining waterbodies before entitled “Water Quality Standards for the EPA’s consent decree deadline of Septem- The District will continue to accept State of Florida’s Lakes and Flowing Waters.” ber 30, 2013. Since the agreement, FDEP petitions for this next plan of improve- With this rule, the EPA has proposed water adopted a NNC Implementation ments through the end of the year. As a quality standards in the State of Florida Document on April 23, 2013; adopted result of the February 2013 workshop, that would set a series of numeric limits on criteria for additional estuaries such as the landowners, who want to start a petition, the amount of phosphorus and nitrogen, Loxahatchee River Estuary on June 20, must notify the District office. The also known as “nutrients,” that would be 2013; and have developed a report titled, District reviews the request before allowed in Florida’s lakes, rivers, streams, “Status of Efforts to Establish Numeric distributing a petition to the landowner. springs and canals. Interpretations of the Narrative Nutrient Once a petition has been requested, the Criterion for Florida Estuaries and Current District installs notification signs within After several public hearings, on April 22, Nutrient Conditions of Unimpaired Waters” the area of the petition to inform the 2011, the Florida Department of Envi- for the Governor as required by the “Path residents that a petition is being circulated. ronmental Protection (FDEP) submitted a Forward” agreement with EPA and See updated information on page 11. petition to EPA requesting EPA to with- Chapter 2013-71, Laws of Florida draw its January 2009 determination that on August 1, 2013. NNC are necessary in Florida, repeal Resource Regulation Federal rulemaking completed in Nov- Neither EPA nor FDEP have NNC ember 2010 to establish such criteria for for South Florida waterbodies, especially ■ National Pollutant Discharge inland lakes and streams, and refrain from the canals. FDEP drafted the “South Elimination System (NPDES) proposing or promulgating any further Florida Canal Aquatic Life Study” and NNC. The petition outlined FDEP's plans presented the study to stakeholders on The current Palm Beach County to undertake its own rulemaking for November 1, 2012. This study proposes to Municipal NPDES Permit was issued by nutrient criteria for state waters. The perform a comprehensive assessment of the Florida Department of Environmental projected rulemaking schedule called for a South Florida canals and the aquatic life Protection (FDEP) on March 2, 2011. Notice of Rule Development in June 2011, associated with those canals. The objectives SIRWCD is a co-permittee along with 34 a rule development and public outreach of the study are: municipalities, the Department of Trans- process through the summer and early fall 1. Assess aquatic life in South Florida portation, Palm Beach County, and four of 2011, and adoption of a final rule was canals; special districts. In order to complete the anticipated in January 2012, to be followed 2. Determine interrelationships between permit-related activities that are performed by a legislative ratification process under aquatic life in canals and other variables collectively by the co-permittees, an Florida law. EPA supported FDEP's com- that affect aquatic life; NPDES Steering Committee was formed. mitment to recommence its rulemaking 3. Evaluate the differences in conditions The Steering Committee meets on a efforts for both inland and estuarine waters. for South Florida canals; and regular basis to evaluate the program, to EPA recognized that states have the pri- 4. Collect information that can be used to provide training and resources to the co- mary role in establishing and implement- guide management decisions. permittees, and to assist with the prepara- ing water quality standards for their waters. tion of the annual reports. Staff continues Eventually, this study will be used to to attend the Committee Meetings as a On September 29, 2011, FDEP determine if NNC are necessary for these Steering Committee Board member. published a draft of the proposed rule in waterbodies. This past year the meetings included a the Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.) discussion of EPA proposed water quality titled Chapter 62-302 regarding nutrient (continued on pg. 5) 4 (continued from pg. 4) of Improvement is added to the District’s effluent limits for Stormwater Treatment facilities. The next modification will Areas (STA) to meet NPDES permitting ■ Statewide Environmental include the Seventeenth Plan of Improve- requirements by EPA. As part of the Resource Permitting (SWERP) ments, and proposed capital improvements program’s Technical Plan, both STA Rules for next year. In accordance with Chapter expansions and Flow Equalization Basins 298.225 Florida Statutes, the Water (FEB) upstream of the STA’s are proposed. On April 14, 2012, Governor Rick Control Plan is amended consistent with The plan includes designation of the L-8 Scott signed legislation granting FDEP the the preparation of any proposed Plan of Reservoir as a 45,000 ac-feet FEB for STA’s authority to create one statewide rule for Improvements during the last year. 1W and 1E. As a “replacement feature”, the environmental resource permit (ERP) the plan proposes to acquire and construct program. One of the top priorities in this replacement storage to capture flows from rulemaking is creating a more certain Intergovernmental Coordination the western C-18 Basin and discharge regulatory process that is applied consis- those flows down via “Flow-way 2” (C-18 tently across Florida to protect the ■ Loxahatchee River Management West Canal through C-18 and Loxahatchee environment and foster a sustainable Coordinating Council Slough) to the Northwest Fork of the economy. Loxahatchee River to meet Minimum SIRWCD continues to participate as Flows and Levels. There are a number of an active member of the Loxahatchee River Currently, between FDEP and options under consideration, including Management Coordinating Council. The Florida’s five water management districts, the potential acquisition of the Mecca Northwest Fork of the Loxahatchee River at least five different versions of the ERP property. is the primary stormwater outfall for that rules are in place statewide. A statewide entire portion of SIRWCD lying west of rule will reduce the confusion over having To date, the SFWMD has not made the SFWMD C-18 Canal. SIRWCD and to determine which of five different sets of available the modeling assumptions or the Coordinating Council also have several criteria or requirements are needed to results in support of the Plan. AECOM mutual issues and interests. In the last fulfill and what type of permit, if any, is will be participating in a Technical year, the Coordinating Council meetings required. The goal is to develop Advisory Committee as the Plan moves have emphasized the following topics of a streamlined, straightforward core rule forward. importance to SIRWCD: that is applicable statewide, but that still accounts for each region’s differing physical ■ Loxahatchee River Watershed and natural characteristics. • Loxahatchee River Dashboard Restoration Program (Part 1) – • Water Quality Monitoring North Palm Beach County A statewide rule will not raise or lower • S-46 Structure Repair Project & Planned Project – Part 1 environmental standards. It will simply Assessment of Lainhart & Masten Dam Comprehensive reconcile conflicts and inconsistencies in Structures Restoration Plan (CERP) the existing requirements, as well as • I-95 Project consolidate and streamline regulatory • Jupiter Waterway Trail Additional modeling work to be performed processes. FDEP has conducted several • Loxahatchee River/Cypress Creek by SFWMD in support of the Loxahatchee workshops on the rule development. It is Management Area River Restoration Program (Part 1) anticipated that the effective date of the • Mecca Farms continues to be on hold, while SFWMD rule is October 1, 2013. develops the Everglades Restoration Strategies outlined above. SFWMD does ■ Public Facilities Report/Water plan to continue the Corps’ planning Control Plan process, however, not in the immediate future. Chapter 189 of the Florida Statutes, the Uniform Special District Accountability However, several components of the Act, requires the preparation and sub- Northern Palm Beach County Compre- mission of a Public Facilities Report to hensive Water Management Plan governmental jurisdictions in which the (NPBCCWMP) continue to move forward. District resides such as Palm Beach Accepted by the SFWMD Governing County, Town of Jupiter, and South Board on May 2002, the NPBCCWMP Florida Water Management District. proposed improvements to store and convey water that would otherwise be lost Special Districts are required to to tide in the wet season and provide submit an update to this report every five supplemental supplies in the dry season, years and, at a minimum, the report must thus meeting environmental needs, and the contain information as to the status of the projected 2020 urban and agricultural District’s public facilities and changes or demands. revisions to those facilities that have Loxahatchee River occurred in the past year. Activities on components located outside of the Loxahatchee River Basin ■ Since 1991, when the District filed its South Florida Water Management that are integral to the NPBCCWMP first Public Facilities Report, data collection District Everglades Restoration include: Strategies has been an ongoing process to provide for 1. SFWMD has proceeded with a Design- better and more accurate mapping of the SFWMD’s “Everglades Restoration Build Contract for construction of a new works of the District. The Public Facilities Strategies” program has been developed in permanent L-8 Reservoir 450 cfs outflow Report is continually modified as each Plan order to address water quality-based (continued on pg. 6) 5 (continued from pg. 5) leg of the C-18 Canal, immediately south of the C-18 Canal’s confluence with the pump station, slope protection, and a new west leg. The purpose of the G-160 2000-3000 cfs inflow structure from the L- structure is to provide for restoration of a 8 Canal. Although high chlorides have more natural hydroperiod for wetland areas been an issue with the water discharged located upstream of the structure, while from the 45,000 acre-foot L-8 reservoir in maintaining flood protection for adjacent the past, especially because the M-Canal developed areas and providing base flow and the City of West Palm Beach’s Grassy augmentation to help restore freshwater Waters Preserve are designated Class I flows in the Northwest Fork of the waters and must meet drinking water Loxahatchee River. During the process of standards, the theory is that once dredging conducting an Impact Analysis Study and is completed, and the pits are “exercised” subsequent discussions between the with fresh water being stored and released interested parties, the structure remained from the pits, the chloride levels will open until execution of an interlocal decrease. The current design-build contract agreement between SIRWCD, the City of includes provisions for delivery of the Palm Beach Gardens, and NPBCID in reservoir with water that meets drinking August 2005. The agreement addresses a water standards for chlorides. future planned course of action regarding the phased operation schedule for the The slope protection or revetment structure and a study of potential mitiga- work has been permitted and construction tion measures to protect existing facilities. is underway. Permitting is ongoing through The original agreement authorized opera- FDEP and the Corps of Engineers for the tion of the G-160 structure in a limited Photo by Don Marchetto, Palm Beach Country Estates pump station and inflow structure. De- range from 15.0 feet to 15.5 feet National watering of the pits is ongoing in prepara- Geodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD). tion for construction. ■ Florida Association of Special In February of 2009, FDEP issued a Districts (FASD) 2. The City of West Palm Beach (City) is letter to SFWMD requiring permit com- SIRWCD’s Board of Supervisors and proceeding with the construction of a new pliance by incremental increases in control staff are active participants in the Florida 300+/- cfs Control No. 2 pump station. elevation of the G-160 structure, with Association of Special Districts (FASD). The existing Control No. 2 pump station monitoring, to begin by June 1, 2009. The purpose of the FASD is to keep the lifts water from the SFWMD’s L-8 Tie- SFWMD initiated the incremental operat- public informed of the benefits of Special back Canal to the City’s M-Canal where it ing schedule on June 1, 2009, with a wet Districts, update members with informa- flows eastward to the City’s water supply season G-160 headwater stage of 16.5 feet tion useful to themselves and their com- lakes. However, the current capacity is NGVD (e.g., open 16.7 feet, close 16.3 munity, review all government activities as limited to 165 cfs. Under the current feet) and a dry season G-160 headwater they affect the interest of Special Districts, Murray Logan contract, the bypass stage of 15.5 feet NGVD. In conjunction and to forward requests and comments to structure has been completed and work with this schedule, SFWMD coordinated the Florida Legislature. FASD provides has begun on the pump station. The con- with NPBCID, City of Palm Beach primary education and training to satisfy struction is scheduled to be completed in Gardens, and SIRWCD staff to establish a the educational requirements of Chapter April 2014. plan to monitor the influence of the 189, Florida Statute. The purpose of the increased G-160 levels on communities education program is to ensure that elected 3. The USGS has replaced stage recorders adjacent to the east side of the Loxahatchee boards and district managers comply with at the Lainhart Dam and is recalibrating Slough. Regular meetings with SFWMD Florida Statutes governing special districts. the flow rating curve. and interested parties have been held since June 2009 to discuss implementation of FASD holds regular meetings through- 4. Martin County is improving the berm the monitoring program. The monitoring out the year where information from other on the Culpepper Property (adjacent to wells were completed in March 2010 and water control districts, improvement Ranch Colony) and has replaced uncon- water level data has been collected since districts, community development districts, trolled twin 84" culverts and two southern July 12, 2010. SFWMD is working on a and special taxing districts can be shared culverts that discharge to the Cypress report of the compiled data. with regard to policies, procedures, opera- Creek/Ranch Colony canal with control tion, and maintenance issues. In addition, structures. SFWMD has expressed interest in the members of the Association are “watch- potential for reconnecting Project Culvert dogs” for codes, ordinances, rules, and/or Operational agreements among PC-10 to allow water to return to the C-18 legislation that can either help or hinder SFWMD, the City of West Palm Beach, canal through the culvert located at the the activities of Special Districts. To this Northern Palm Beach County Improve- west end of SIRWCD Canal E. SFWMD end, a significant effort is put forward ment District, and SIRWCD may need to would like to explore an opportunity to during the annual legislative session. The be developed for operation of the various capture excess water from end of wet FASD continues to benefit from each facilities described above. season or dry season storm events to other’s experiences. contribute flows to the Loxahatchee River. ■ Review of G-160 Impact Analysis An initial meeting was held at SFWMD on This year the FASD has been monitor- Study July 30, 2013 to discuss the possibility and ing the activities of the Florida Legislature. it was determined that based on elevation In January 2004, the SFWMD On January 11, 2012, Governor Rick Scott difference, SFWMD would need to explore completed construction of the G-160 or issued an Executive Order (No. 12-10) to different options. Loxahatchee Slough structure in the east (continued on pg. 7) 6 (continued from pg. 6) County submitted and received their Army Corps of Engineers review Special Districts in the State of Permit for the project. On Florida. This review involves: October 16, 2012, Palm Beach County revised its original plan • The method of creation and the and attended the November 29, legislative intent behind the creation 2012 SIRWCD meeting to of each special district present the revised plan to the • The governance structure Board of Supervisors. The Board • The functions and activities of Supervisors authorized and • The annual budgets directed staff to prepare a letter • The special districts’ levy of ad valorem of conceptual approval to Palm and non-ad valorem taxes Beach County on the revised • Policies plan. Palm Beach County • The required disclosures for properties applied for a permit modification Newly-instaslled playground equipment at the Margaret Berman Memorial Park in Palm Beach Country Estates with district jurisdiction from both SFWMD and the Army Corps of Engineers. • The level of oversight Canal 3 extended east past the control structure to the District boundary at FASD will continue to follow this Palm Beach County applied for a South Indian River Water Control District Riverbend Park. At Riverbend Park, the order and represent the interests of its canal flowed through two culverts and then members and provide information on permit and the District approved the application on August 1, 2013. Palm turned south for approximately 500 feet, pertinent legal requirements, sunshine then turned east and flowed through two laws, economical challenges, and environ- Beach County is currently proposing a trail connection from Riverbend Park and has 42-inch pipes in series before discharging mental, emergency management, and into the NW Fork of the Loxahatchee homeland security issues. been removing the exotic vegetation within the area. River. By adding the extension, the head loss in Canal 3 is reduced and therefore provides better flood protection. ■ Palm Beach County - Hatcher/ ■ Palm Beach Country Estates Park Halpryn Joint Venture Property Margaret Berman Memorial Park After receiving all the necessary approvals In 2008, Palm Beach County pur- on the project, on May 27, 2013, con- In accordance with the direction struction began on the installation of 114 chased the Hatcher/Halpryn property and provided at the December 2010 Board of presented their plan for development to the feet of 58" by 91" elliptical reinforced Supervisors meeting, staff prepared a Minor concrete pipe and approximately 126 feet SIRWCD Board of Supervisors. The and Insubstantial Plan Amendment to the County plans to expand the existing lake of canal with rip rap. Construction was 13th Plan of Improvements for the Board’s completed in September. and rehydrate the existing slough. In consideration to allow for maintenance of addition, the County proposes a park use the park in Palm Beach Country Estates. on the property. The Amendment was approved at the Operations and Maintenance February 2011 Board meeting. A permit application has been sub- ■ mitted and approved by SFWMD and The District’s canal network consists of As part of the 16th Plan of Improve- over 60 miles of canals which are contin- copied to SIRWCD. In accordance with ment construction activities, the contractor, Board direction, staff submitted a letter of uously in need of being maintained, re- Lynch Paving and Construction Company, stored, and enhanced. The canal clearing conceptual approval to Palm Beach County Inc., assisted with the initial maintenance subject to satisfying certain items that and maintenance program’s objective is to activities for the park. These activities keep the canal sections easily accessible were discussed at the Board of Supervisors included a stormwater management sys- meeting. and, to the extent possible, free from trees tem, asphalt exercise path, asphalt parking and other vegetation that may potentially area, fire hydrant relocation, landscaping, enter the canal during a major storm event and irrigation, all of which were completed and thereby create a restriction that on July 27, 2012. would aggravate flooding.

The District continues to operate and The canal clearing and maintenance maintain this facility. This year, the District program provides services that include assisted the community with the installa- clearing, grading, and shaping of the canals tion of playground facilities. as well as restoring, replacing or enhancing structural improvements. The program is ■ Canal 3 Extension an ongoing effort and the District has continued to work to maintain and achieve In order to aid in flood control, the the desired goals. District extended Canal 3 directly to the east into the NW Fork of the Loxahatchee The Board of Supervisors has autho- River in Riverbend Park. The District has rized an on-going swale maintenance pro- an existing canal right-of-way in the gram which allows the District Engineer project area that is consistent with the and Manager of Operations to identify original intent of the Sixth Plan of areas within SIRWCD that could be SFWMD issued a permit for the Reclamation to connect at this location. improved for conveyance and storage. project on July 5, 2011. Palm Beach Prior to construction of the extension, (continued on pg. 8) 7 (continued from pg. 7) In July 2011, SIRWCD entered into Staff will continue to work toward the a contract with a water desired goals of the Board in the swale sampling and testing maintenance program. firm. The samples are tested to analyze the ■ There are approximately 189 surface water and miles of roads within SIRWCD. These groundwater for various roads give access to each subdivided parcel metal, organic and of land. Currently there are 50 miles of inorganic contaminants roads paved to Palm Beach County as well as water quality standards, 34 miles of roads which are criteria. The Lateral surfaced with OGEM material, and 10 Control Structures as miles of OGEM roads which have been part of the 9th Plan of overlaid. Approximately 95 miles of roads Improvements have within SIRWCD are currently unpaved. provided the District with a significant ■ SIRWCD implements an Aquatic Weed amount of water level Control Program in order to maintain the monitoring data that is primary canals throughout the District. very valuable to better This program is an ongoing process aimed manage the system for at reducing and managing the amount of flood protection and LRD Water quality monitoring stations weeds in the canal network to allow environmental benefits. unobstructed drainage following rain utilizing available manpower, equipment events. The Aquatic Weed Control Rainfall Totals and financial resources. The District also Program is necessary to prevent canals authorizes mobilizing manpower and from becoming overgrown and to provide equipment during emergency management a clean channel through the canal system The SIRWCD work center monitors conditions. to the outfall. and records the total rainfall the District receives throughout the year. For the twelve The District maintenance activities The program controls emergent month period from September 2012 involve a great deal of interagency coordi- vegetation growth through the use of through August 2013, the District received nation with other public entities that share herbicides approved in permits obtained 59.49 inches of rainfall. The average assets within the District. There is much from the State of Florida, as well as me- annual rainfall for SIRWCD is 65.13 ongoing coordination with other agencies chanical removal of dead or accumulated inches. and some inter-agency agreements are in vegetation that may present a potential for place to share maintenance responsibilities impeding the flow of storm water through The 2012-2013 year rainfall is lower through financial reimbursement. Public the primary canal system. than the historical rainfall average within entities that share and maintain assets the District. Historical rainfall data within the District include, but are not In the future, greater emphasis may obtained by the Loxahatchee River limited to, Palm Beach County Roadway be needed for this program as a result of Environmental Control District (LRECD), Department, Palm Beach County Parks NPDES water quality programs, the FDEP the Town of Jupiter Water Department and Recreation, Palm Beach County Fire and EPA proposed storm water criteria, the (TOJ), and the South Florida Water Control, Palm Beach County School Ecosystem Management Area Plan, and Management District (SFWMD) can be Board, Town of Jupiter, Florida Depart- other intergovernmental coordinating found in the full Engineer’s Annual Report ment of Transportation, and SFWMD. activities. on the SIRWCD website. The Manager of Operations is in continuous contact with other govern- Water Quality Monitoring General Operation and mental entities to coordinate the inte- Maintenance gration of District operations with the Due to the many ecological and operation and maintenance of facilities regulatory pressures being exerted over the The overall focus of SIRWCD under other jurisdictions. In addition, operations is maintaining the surface water the District periodically participates as a Loxahatchee River Basin area, it was recom- management system and graded roadways committee member, board director, or mended that the District sample and throughout the District. The District staff chair on several agencies including the monitor water quality within and adjacent has an effective system to receive informa- FASD, Loxahatchee Council of to its boundaries. SIRWCD had historic- tion, requests, and complaints with regard Governments, Palm Beach County League ally taken samples through a co-operative to the condition of the works of the of Cities, Safety Council of Palm Beach agreement with the Geolog- District. Also, when SIRWCD becomes County, Loxahatchee River Management ical Survey (USGS), and the Loxahatchee aware of issues with regard to County, Coordinating Council, and other River District (LRD) has been obtaining Regional, or State responsibility, District committees. water quality sampling in recent years. Due staff facilitates the transfer of information The District’s surface water manage- to the new water quality legislation being to the appropriate personnel within these ment system is designed, operated, and proposed, the Board of Supervisors had agencies. Routine activities to operate and maintained for a rural residential com- instructed staff to implement a water maintain the surface water management munity. Accordingly, certain low-lying quality monitoring program that augments system and graded roadways throughout and expands the current LRD program. the District are scheduled by District staff (continued on pg. 9) 8 (continued from pg. 8) management system functions to the extent of its permitted capacity while areas within the District will experience recognizing the regulatory requirements ponding and storage of water during the imposed on the District by other agencies. wet season and following significant storms. Also, swales may have standing All of the District work must be water and many areas will be saturated for implemented within the adopted budget extended periods of time during the wet and utilization of existing manpower, season. Continued development of low- equipment and any other resources lying areas within the District will result in available to accomplish the tasks. consumption of storage within the District’s watershed. Consumption of available storage is not as severe in develop- General Comments ment where ponds are excavated onsite to supply the fill for house pads and related Due to the location of the District improvements, due to the fact that the within Palm Beach County, a major por- pond serves as compensating storage. tion of SIRWCD’s activities, both internal and external to the District, require par- The District’s Board of Supervisors and ticipation from others, particularly activi- staff regularly discuss these factors ties that look at infrastructure needs and at the monthly Board of Supervisors ecosystem management for the region. The meetings, with individual landowners, in District and its landowners share in the forums and meetings within the District, continued responsibility of being good and within the District’s newsletter and stewards in maintaining compatibility with The District is responsible for managing over 12,000 acres other publications distributed throughout these natural systems. Coordination with the District. The Board of Supervisors and other entities who share in that respon- implementing compatible plans for the staff work to assure that the surface water sibility are an asset in bettering the area. District and the Loxahatchee River Basin to serve its landowners and its surrounding The goals and community. objectives of SIRWCD are consistent with SIRWCD will continue to serve its those for the Northern landowners by providing support during Palm Beach County emergency situations, maintaining and Comprehensive Water operating the surface water management Management Plan, the system at optimal levels, and providing Loxahatchee Basin services that coincide with the system Ecosystem Manage- capabilities, board policies, and the ment Area, and the community. Comprehensive Everglades Restoration AECOM has appreciated the oppor- Plan. The District will tunity to continue serving as the South continue to work with Indian River Water Control District South Florida Water Engineer, and we look forward to working Management District with the Board of Supervisors, landowners, and other agencies in and in the coming year. developing and District landowners enjoy riding their horses in natural areas of the District

SIRWCD AND REGULATORY AGENCIES Each year, a summary of regulatory agencies affecting SIRWCD is listed in the Annual Report to help landowners be aware of the number of regulatory agencies and cooperative associations the District deals with and their potential impact on District capital improvements, operations, and maintenance:

• United States Environmental Protection Agency • United States Army Corps of Engineers • Jupiter Inlet District • United States Fish and Wildlife Services • Florida Department of Environmental Protection • U.S. Geological Survey • Florida Department of Transportation • South Florida Water Management District • Palm Beach County • Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission • Loxahatchee River Management Coordinating • Town of Jupiter • Loxahatchee River Ecosystem Management Council • Martin County Area Committee • Loxahatchee River Management Coordinating • City of West Palm Beach • Loxahatchee River Environmental Control District • City of Palm Beach Gardens • Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District • Indian Trail Improvement District Committees • Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County (SWA) • Numerous Citizen Interest Groups & Committees

9 23rd Annual Landowners Merry Christmas Family Day and Happy Holidays Mark your calendars for the 23rd Annual Landowners Family Day to be held on March 15, 2014. Jupiter Farms own Tom Jackson will be back to provide live entertainment and there’ll from the Board be free barbeque, community organization booths, and fun for the kids! of Supervisors and District Staff!

Supervisors Tom Rice, Michael Danchuk, Michael Ryan and Steve Hinkle at the Jupiter Farms Christmas Parade

David Duckett Retires After 15 Years of Service to the District

Equipment operator David Duckett was honored at a retirement luncheon at the South Indian River Water Control District’s offices on Friday, October 4. In attendance were Mr. Duckett’s co-workers, former District employees, the District Engineer and Public Information Officer, and Board of Supervisors Michael Danchuk, Tom Rice and Steve Hinkle. Mike Dillon, Manager of Operations for the District noted that Mr. Duckett was a valued employee and friend who would be difficult to replace. “He always went the extra mile for the District landowners, even leaving his Jupiter Farms home at night if an emergency situation warranted it,” he said. “The day after , he was out working, helping to clear the area of debris.” Manager of Operations Mike Dillon and Supervisors Michael Danchuk and Steve Hinkle congratulate Gregory Gell on his 20 years of service to the District. Mr. Duckett thanked everyone for coming to wish him well in the future and was sad to leave Jupiter Farms and the District. “Most of all, I’ll miss of the District’s manager, board, and landowners was greatly appreciated. “We are working with all of you,” he said. most fortunate to have employees who work closely together and are more like a Mike Danchuk, President of the Board of family than just co-workers.” Mr. Duckett was presented with a plaque Supervisors, added that David’s hard work on behalf acknowledging his 15 years of service. 10 Landowner-Initiated Roadway Project Update and New Petitions Received At the November 21 Board of Supervisors meeting, District pay in full up front without financing. Engineer Amy Eason presented her report on the 17th Plan of At the November 21 meeting, District Treasurer Charles Haas Improvements bids for asphalt paving in Palm Beach Country presented the proposal from Regions Bank for the financing of the Estates. Four bids were received with Lynch Paving submitting the 17th Plan of Improvements, noting a very favorable rate of 3.75% low bid, which came in under design estimates. She asked the board with a term of 12 years, which is within the parameters of the for the authorization to proceed with the project and award the referenda. He recommended accepting the proposal and the District contract to Lynch Paving and the board approved it unanimously. Attorney, William Capko, had prepared a resolution authorizing the Construction is estimated to begin in early January. issuance of a promissory note to provide funds for the District’s 17th She added that the contractor for the open-graded emulsified Plan of Improvements. After discussion, the board unanimously mix (OGEM) project in Jupiter Farms has mobilized their approved the resolution. Mr. Haas estimated the closing would be in equipment to begin construction. (Please note this project has now December. been completed.) Mrs. Eason reported that she had received and verified new The following roadways in Palm Beach Country Estates were petitions for construction of asphalt roadways on the following included in this Plan of Improvements: roadways in Palm Beach Country: • 73rd Terrace N between 155th Place N and 159th Court N • 67th Trail N between 146th Road N and 149th Place N • 75th Way N between 163rd Court N and 165th Street N • 74th Avenue N between 155th Place N and 159th Court N • 77th Trail N between 165th Street N and 167th Court N • 88th Trail N between 155th Place N and 159th Court N • 79th Terrace N between 155th Place N and 162nd Court N The following roadway in Jupiter Farms has petitioned for the The following roadways in Jupiter Farms were included in this application of OGEM: Plan of Improvements: • 164th Court N between Mellen Lane and Alexander Run • 90th Trail N between 165th Place N and 166th Way N She added that several more petitions are being circulated by • 127th Drive N between 187th Place N and Old Indiantown landowners, but had yet to be returned. The Board discussed Grade whether there would be enough road mileage to move forward with The estimated annual payment per parcel for the Palm Beach the referenda in 2014 and noted that landowners circulating County standard asphalt roads is approximately $1100 per parcel, petitions need to get them in by the end of the year should they while the OGEM roadways is approximately $1100 per parcel for a wish to proceed. period of up to 12 years. Landowners also had the opportunity to Board of Supervisors Election Results and Elect ion of Officers

Michael Danchuk and Michael Ryan were sworn in at the Michael Danchuk was elected President, Tom Rice as Vice- monthly board meeting of the South Indian River Water Control President, and Jane Woodward as Secretary. In addition, the District (SIRWCD) Board of Supervisors on November 21. following committee heads remain in their positions: Tom Powell – The board accepted the certified results from the Supervisor of Budgeting; Tom Rice – Communications; Michael Ryan – Parks, Elections office with Mr. Danchuk receiving 1,057 votes and Mr. Recreation and Water; and Stephen Hinkle – Policies and Ryan receiving 1,118 votes. Mr. Danchuk has served on the board Procedures. since 2001 and Mr. Ryan since 2010.

Supervisor Michael Danchuk (center) with Manager of Operations Mike Dillon Supervisor Michael Ryan (right) with Manager of Operations Mike Dillon and District Engineer Amy Eason

11 PRSRT STD U S POSTAGE PAID WEST PALM BCH FL PERMIT # 611

15600 Jupiter Farms Road Jupiter, FL 33478

In this Issue... Manager of Operations and District Engineer Annual Reports Road Improvement Status and New Petitions Election Results David Duckett Retires From the District Budget Approved

Visit www.sirwcd.org for news updates!

Florida Stormwater Education Board of Supervisors Protecting Florida’s Water Approve District Budget

The District experienced near-record levels of rainfall in for 2013-2014 May, June and July of this year and as a result, the swales were often filled with water. The Board of Supervisors of South Indian River Water Control A number of residents called the District office, concerned District approved the 2013/2014 budget at their monthly board about the water in the swales. However, holding water is what meeting on August 15. A public hearing on the budget was swales are designed to do. They are intended to capture water publicized as per Florida Statutes and was held prior to the regular and infiltrate it into the earth to help replenish groundwater, a board meeting. precious commodity. Only in the case of high water levels will District Treasurer Charles Haas reported that the District the swales drain through culverts and out to the canal system. assessments from ongoing programs will decrease slightly from This method of stormwater management also helps filter $5,136,000 in 2012/2013 to $5,102,000 in the 2013/2014 budget pollutants such as nitrates and phosphorous as the rain water year. migrates through the soil. Since these pollutants are of concern New to the budget this year were assessments of $98,534 for and must be managed to meet NPDES requirements, they the landowner-initiated 17th Plan of Improvements for the asphalt help the District achieve these goals. roadways in Palm Beach Country Estates and the open-graded In fact, the use of swales, as well as rain gardens and other emulsified mix (OGEM) roadways in Jupiter Farms, as well as a types of bio-filtration practices, is being encouraged nationwide small assessment on those parcels who signed up for the Town Of by the USEPA as part of a green infrastructure focus on Jupiter's Hookup Financing Program. managing stormwater and its detrimental impacts on lakes, Mr. Haas also stated that the District is fiscally sound and has streams, rivers, and oceans. received a total of $4,995,321 in assessment receipts through June 30, representing 97% of the budgeted assessments. ILLICIT DISCHARGE After his presentation, Mr. Haas recommended the Board If landowners witness anyone dumping materials adopt the budget for the fiscal year 2013/2014. into the District swales or canal system, After a discussion, the board approved a resolution adopting or Palm Beach County catch basins, the budget and the levying of special assessments for 2013 on all please report this to the District Office at 747-0550. lands within the District, pursuant to Section 197.3632, Florida Statutes.