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at Kally K's on US 19 in Spring Hill FL
Dinner & social hour at 6:00 PM
Meeting at 7:00 PM
Next Meeting - June 7, 2007
REEF, The Reef Environmental Education Association, also has a page devoted to exotic species. http://www.reef.org/exotic/
Their main page is http://www.reef.org
GENERAL:
The overall dredging project consists of dredging the main channel (that was last dredged in 1984), extending the channel out to the Bill Watts tower, & straightening the beginning of the channel. The dredged channel depth will be 6’@ MLLW. The width of the channel will be 60’ at the bottom. All navigational aids (channel markers) will be replaced in conjunction with the dredging. The dredging will remove all sand & rocks down to the specified depth. The dredged material (termed the dredge spoil) will be pumped ashore to a temporary spoil disposal site. The sandy spoil will be allowed to drain (i.e. to dewater) & will then be hauled away. :
The cost estimate for the project is $9,000,000. :
The County has previously engaged the services of HPA & Dial-Cordy, consultants experienced in dredging projects, to assist with permitting, plans & specifications, & overall project coordination.:
PERMITS::
The project requires permits from both the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) & the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE). Permit status with each agency is summarized below.:
FDEP: :
A comprehensive permit application was submitted to FDEP in March 2006. In February 2007, FDEP granted a permit exemption for the main channel that was previously dredged. FDEP must still issue a permit for the extension of the channel, the straightening of the channel, & for the temporary spoil disposal area. We will submit a separate permit for the temporary spoil area within a week or two & FDEP will expedite the review & approval. FDEP permit approval for the channel extension & the straightening is expected in May or June 2007. :
ACOE: :
Despite obtaining a maintenance dredge exemption from FDEP, we must obtain a separate permit or exemption from the ACOE. We are pursuing an exemption with ACOE. :
A comprehensive permit application was submitted to the ACOE in March 2006. In December 2006, the ACOE responded & requested additional information. That additional information was submitted to the ACOE in January 2007. :
We are requesting a maintenance dredge exemption, similar to what FDEP granted, from the ACOE. However, the channel was last dredged in 1984 & an exemption is generally only good for 10 years. So while Hernando County was working with the ACOE on the (failed) Federal channel project, the 10-year period & the exemption elapsed. Our elected officials are assisting in obtaining the needed exemption.:
The ACOE must also permit the channel extension & straightening & our consultants are working with them to provide any & all information the ACOE needs in order to permit the project.:
SPOIL DISPOSAL SITE::
Hernando County has leased a site on Eagles Nest Drive for a temporary spoil disposal site. The dredge spoil will be pumped ashore & dewatered. After dewatering, the material will be hauled away. :
Upon completion of the project, the site will be leveled & returned to the owners.:
FINANCING::
Project funding for the estimated $9,000,000 cost is coming from Hernando County & State funds.:
The Florida legislature (due largely to the efforts of State Senator Fasano & former State Representative Russell) set aside funds in a Small County Dredging Project Program specifically for dredging projects such as ours. Initially, $3,750,000 has been reserved for the Hernando County project & we have the opportunity to obtain up to $3,000,000 of additional program funds. The balance will be made up by Hernando County.
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