South Indian RiverWater Control District(SIRWCD) is a specialtaxing District thatencompasses 12,000acres includingJupiter Farms, PalmBeach CountryEstates, Egret Land-ing, and Jupiter Parkof Commerce.

The District’s stormwater dischargesystem essentially functions as a dual basinsystem. Palm Beach Country Estates, EgretLanding and Jupiter Park of Commerce areeast of South Florida Water ManagementDistrict’s (SFWMD) Canal 18, where 15miles of canals drain west to east throughfour set weirs prior to entering the FloridaTurnpike’s East Borrow Canal system.Waters are then routed towards the South-west Fork of the Loxahatchee River. JupiterFarms is west of the SFWMD’s Canal 18,where 45 miles of canals drain west to eastthrough five water control structures to theDistrict’s Canal 14, then north to theNorthwest Fork of the Loxahatchee River.

During heavy rainfall events, we receiveassistance from SFWMD to drain excesswater through Canal 18 by way of theSFWMD’s G-92 structure.

Day to day operations include roadmaintenance, mowing, and water control.Operational staff includes nine heavy-equipment operators, one mechanic, andtwo office personnel. Equipment includestwo motor graders, two combination back-hoes, three boom mowers, three tractors,four batwing mowers, one trackhoe, onemini excavator, two dump trucks and fourfleet vehicles. Other areas of maintenancethat are subcontracted include aquatic weedcontrol, repair and restoration for pavedroads, major canal construction, treeservice, and park maintenance.

The District grades on average over 100miles of dirt roads every week. Throughoutthe year, roads are monitored, and whenneeded, material is brought in to restoreroad surfaces. This year, we made improve-ments to main feeder roads in Jupiter

continued on pg. 2

Established 1923 Winter 2016-2017

DistrictNotes&News

SUPERVISORS

Stephen HinklePresident

Michael RyanVice-President

Michael Howard

John Meyer

Thomas H. Powell

STAFF

Michael A. DillonManager of Operations

Holly RigsbyOffice Administrator

DISTRICT OFFICE15600 Jupiter Farms Road

Jupiter, FL 33478(561) 747-0550

www.sirwcd.orgsirwcd@sirwcd.org

Office Hours:8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Monday-Friday

The Board of Supervisorsmeets the third Thursday of

each month at Jupiter High School

at 7:00 p.m.Contact the District Office

for an agenda.

Manager of Operations Annual Report (October 2015-September 2016)

Michael Dillon

District Staff (left to right) - Front row - Holly Rigsby, JP Rivera, Andy Billy, David Duckett, Jim Powell, Carol WiseBack row: CJ Wilbur, Matt Wood, Mike Dillon, George McGarry, Jeff Borus, Board President Steve Hinkle

2

Manager of Operations Annual Reportcontinued from pg. 1

Farms and Country Estates. These roadswere re-contoured, crowned, and cappedwith DOT-approved shell rock.“Crowning” the road is a method we useto provide proper stormwater runoff andminimize standing water, which can createponding and deterioration.

There are approximately 50 miles ofDistrict roads that are paved with Asphaltor Open-Graded Emulsion Mix (OGEM),which is a cold-mix asphalt base. Pavedroads are inspected each year, and whenneeded, resurfaced with asphalt, micro-overlay or fog seal. This year, four miles of existing OGEM roads were resurfacedwith micro, and another four miles withfog-seal application. The District does not pave roads – all paving projects areinitiated by the landowners.

Our mowing operation includes 60miles of canals and 378 miles of roadsideswales and outfalls. It takes an average ofsix to eight weeks to complete the mowingschedule, with June through October beingthe busiest months. For those landownerswho choose to mow their own swaleeasements, the District created a “Do NotMow” list. This list is checked by theoperators each day to ensure that theseproperties are bypassed by our machines.However, if a property on the list is notmaintained, the operator will mow theeasement and attempt to contact thelandowner. If you are interested in gettingplaced on this list, please call our office.

There have been significant changes inour drainage program this year. But first, I want to take you back to 1996 when Istarted with the District. A lot has changedin my 20 years here, most notably, thelandscape. In 1996, there were numerousvacant lots that acted as retention areas fordrainage. The elevations of some of theselots were low enough to collect water from

neighboring properties that had beendeveloped. As the District population grewand more of these vacant properties weredeveloped, the topography of the landchanged. This was evident this winter,when we recorded 31.48" of rain. Throughthat period, we received numerous callsregarding poor drainage and were able totrace the problem to the fact that theseformer vacant lots were no longer actingas retention areas for stormwater drainage.Now, stormwater may be directed ontoproperties that in the past never had adrainage issue. Something else becameevident during this time, and that is theimportance of having fully functionaldrainage swales and driveway culverts.

As part of the District’s secondarydrainage system, swales were designed tocollect stormwater from roads andproperties. The swales have three mainfunctions: drainage, retention, andpercolation. We estimate about 10,000driveway culverts have been installed inthe swales, most dating to the 80s and 90s.Most of these culverts are corrugatedmetal with a lifespan of about 25 years.

As a result, we could seepotential problems with the District’s secondarydrainage system. Theseissues were discussed by theBoard of Supervisors, and in March of this year, theBoard passed a policy toimplement a DrivewayCulvert ReplacementProgram. This programallows the District to installculverts on District roadsfor the landowners at a costof $300.00. This fee includesthe culvert, rip-rap head-walls, and sod along the

culvert ends. A few months later, withapproval from Palm Beach County, theBoard approved a policy to installdriveway culverts on County roads at acost of $750.00. This fee includes aCounty-approved 24" mitered end culvertwith poured concrete end-walls. Thesenew policies accomplish many goals. First,the cost is very affordable. Many residentscomplained that it was too expensive toreplace their inoperable culverts. Second,installation of the culvert and headwall aredone according to District specifications.Third, the culvert is set at the properelevation for drainage. Fourth, we learnedthat a majority of landowners did notknow the culvert was their responsibilityto maintain. The culvert installations allowus to distribute a brochure detailing whatneeds to be done to properly maintain theculvert. And finally, it’s an opportunity forus to inspect the drainage area as a whole,and make improvements, if needed. As ofAugust, 91 culverts were installed with 26more scheduled through November 7. Wefeel over time, this will have a positiveimpact on the District’s drainage system.If you would like more information aboutthis program, you can visit our website.

In addition to the District’s day to dayoperations, we interact with agencies andmunicipalities who also serve the com-munity. They include Palm Beach CountyRoad and Bridge, Palm Beach CountySheriff’s Wildland Taskforce, Palm BeachCounty Fire and Rescue, South FloridaWater Management District, Solid WasteAuthority, Town of Jupiter, and TheLoxahatchee River District. The Districtalso participates as committee memberswith the Florida Association of SpecialDistricts, The Loxahatchee River Coor-dinating Council, The Loxahatchee RiverPreservation Initiative, and The Safety

continued on pg. 3Driveway culvert installation on District roadway

The District’s new John Deere 6110M Boom Arm Mower is designed to mow canal banks and roadside ditches - it replaces the John Deere 6420 Boom Mower previously used by the District

3

continued from pg. 2

Council of Palm Beach County. Theseinteractions ensure good relationshipswith governmental department heads toprovide service and information within the District.

One agency that has provided muchneeded support has been the WildlandTaskforce. According to Florida Statutes,unauthorized motor vehicles are prohi-bited on District canal right-of-ways.Trespassing by vehicles creates a liabilityfor the District because there is potentialfor property damage, injuries or evenfatalities. Unauthorized vehicles alsodegrade the quality and integrity of thecanal banks and the adjacent natural lands.These vehicles are subject to citations andconfiscation if apprehended. If you noticeany type of vehicles on the canals, pleasecall the Sheriff’s Office.

This year, District employees partici-pated in educational and safety programs sponsored by Florida Department ofEnvironmental Protection and SafetyCouncil of Palm Beach County. They alsoattend regularly scheduled safety meetingsheld at the District work center. This year,Superintendent Greg Gell and OperatorArie Raz completed the StormwaterErosion and Sediment Control InspectorTraining Program. This course is logged asa part of our annual report for theNational Pollutant Discharge EliminationSystem (NPDES). The NPDES report alsoincludes inspections of illicit discharge inthe District’s drainage system, structuralinspections of canal culverts, flood controlstructures and weir structures, and fieldreports for construction projects. Also,several employees received certificates for

completion of a First Aid and CPR courseand attended the seminars Back Talk andHeat: Effect on Workers. We are also veryproud to have received two awards fromthe Safety Council for outstanding achieve-ments in driver and employee safety.

The District receives numerous callsrequesting services that we do not provide.The most frequent request is landscapedebris removal. Solid Waste Authority isresponsible for debris pick up. The debrismust be properly cut and placed in front ofyour property. They will not pick up debrisin front of vacant lots, and they do nottransport tree stumps.

The District office is open Monday toFriday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Please callor stop by if you have questions or concernsregarding road or drainage issues. We willbe happy to assist you.

SIRWCD AND REGULATORY AGENCIES Each year, a summary of regulatory agencies affectingSIRWCD is listed in the Annual Report to help landowners beaware of the number of regulatory agencies and cooperativeassociations the District deals with and their potential impact onDistrict 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 Council• Town of Jupiter• Loxahatchee River Ecosystem Management Area Committee• Martin County• Florida Department of Economic Opportunity• City of West Palm Beach• Loxahatchee River Environmental Control District• Loxahatchee River Preserve Initiative• Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District• Indian Trail Improvement District• United States Geological Survey• City of Palm Beach Gardens• Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County (SWA)• Numerous Citizen Interest Groups & Committees

ILLICIT DISCHARGEIt is illegal to dump trash or other

materials into the District swales orcanal system, or Palm Beach County

catch basins. Landowners shouldreport any infractions regarding illicit

discharges to the District Office at 747-0550.

Culvert installation across Canal 8 just east of Canal 10 allows for additional access to the canal system - it included the installation of approximately 60 feet of 48-inch diameter pipe, fill material, rip rap, and sod

4

Formed pursuantto Chapter 298,Florida Statutes in1923, South IndianRiver Water ControlDistrict’s (SIRWCDor the District) initialfocus was flood

control and drainage canals, mostlyfocused on the local agriculture industry.Due to the land use changes over the yearsfrom more of an agricultural use to moreof a residential use, today, the District notonly provides drainage and flood control,but also maintains and improves roads,bridges, and even a park to serve its land-owners. SIRWCD will strive to continueserving its landowners with ongoingoperation and maintenance plans, as wellas implementing capital improvementprojects and landowner initiated improve-ments when required.

SIRWCD is positioned in NorthernPalm Beach County as a strategic entity in the planning and management of waterresources to the surrounding area.Approximately 12,500 acres of SIRWCDdischarges in the Loxahatchee River Basin,and therefore, as plans are being developedand implemented, the geographic locationof the District is an element in any watermanagement plan for the LoxahatcheeRiver Basin.

The potential impacts from develop-ment, such as water quantity and quality,are being monitored by agencies and/orindividuals that have a focused interest onmaintaining a healthy ecosystem withinthe Loxahatchee River Basin and, speci-fically, the Northwest Fork of the Loxa-hatchee River. The Board of Supervisorsand staff actively engage in the manyexternal dealings that are influencing the

District from a water supply, flood control,water quality, and ecosystem managementperspective. The Board of Supervisors andstaff are focused on making sure that thegoals and expectations of these externalactivities do not conflict with the District’sbest interests with regard to the function-ing of SIRWCD’s system and the ability todeliver an appropriate level of service.

With regards to operations and main-tenance, the District continues activitiesinvolving site specific drainage improve-ments that impact landowners, canal andculvert maintenance, and replacement orrenewal of facilities that affect the works ofthe District. The District also continues tooperate and maintain roadways and a park,as well as plan new capital and landowner-initiated improvements.

Throughout the year, landowner-initiatedroadway improvement petitions for theapplication of Palm Beach County Stan-dard Asphalt or Open-Graded EmulsifiedMix (OGEM) are received and reviewedby District staff. Additionally, staff inves-tigates whether improvements should bemade to other existing infrastructure, suchas canals, bridges, or drainage structures.

Each year, it is appropriately restatedand recognized in the engineering reportthat the SIRWCD Board of Supervisors,

through its policies andprocedures, is respon-sible for formulatingdirection regardingDistrict operations andintergovernmental issues.This is accomplishedthrough a respectedstructure in which theDistrict is managedthrough its Board ofSupervisors and support-ing staff. The Board ofSupervisors establishespolicy and providesdirection to staff con-cerning budget, priorities,relationship with other

public entities, and landowner issues.Staff is responsible for implementing Boardpolicy. Accordingly, staff responds pur-suant to the Board’s direction. Engineeringtasks continue to be formulated to respondto the Board of Supervisors by implement-ing their policies and directives, as well assupporting the Manager of Operations inresolving various landowner issues. Therelationship between the Board of Super-visors and District staff has been extremely

effective in both the delivery of services toresidents and landowners in the District,and prospective management in responseto requirements that are imposed upon theDistrict by other governmental entities.

With regard to the current status of theDistrict, to the best of my knowledge andbelief, the District is in compliance with allregulatory requirements that affect worksof the District and their operation, and theworks of the District continue to be oper-ated and maintained in a manner thatachieves the available level of service.

Based on a landowner initiative, areferendum was prepared by SIRWCDand verified by the Palm Beach CountySupervisor of Elections to implement theapplication of Palm Beach County Stan-dard asphalt on the petitioners’ roadwaysurfaces as a roadway improvement project.On May 14, 2015, the Board of Supervisorsauthorized staff to develop the Eighteenth(18th) Plan of Improvements. A publichearing was held August 20, 2015 wherethe plan was approved and the Boardauthorized the Engineer’s Report for the18th Plan of Improvements. The publichearing for the Engineer’s Report washeld October 15, 2015 and the plan wasapproved. This plan includes the Unit ofDevelopment RI-18, which consists of theapplication of Palm Beach County Stan-dard asphalt on approximately 3.8 milesof roadway in Palm Beach Country Estates:

• 64th Way N between 146th Road N and 149th Place N• 67th Trail N between 146th Road N and 149th Place N• 68th Drive N between 146th Road N and 149th Place N• 74th Avenue N between 155th Place N and 159th Court N• 75th Way N between 150th Court N and 154th Court N• 77th Trail N between 150th Court N and 154th Court N• 78th Drive N between 155th Place N and 159th Court N• 81st Terrace N between 150th Court and 154th Court N• 149th Place between 69th Drive N and 64th Way N• 163rd Court N between 75th Avenue N and 79th Terrace N• 163rd Ct N between 75th Avenue N to East End

continued on pg. 5

District Engineer’s Annual Report (October 2015-September 2016)

Amy Eason, P.E.

South Indian River Water Control District encompasses over 12,500 acresand is responsible for maintenance of canals, swales and roadways

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS18th Plan of Improvements

5

continued from pg. 4

On May 20, 2016, an advertisement forbid on the project was published in thePalm Beach Post and the bids were due onJune 27, 2016. After negotiations with thelow bidder, contract documents werefinalized and construction is anticipated inSeptember 2016. Construction was delayeddue to weather and other considerations,please see update on page 11.

The District has received petitions fromlandowners to apply asphalt on certainroadways within the District. Landownerson the following roadways are petitioningto distribute a referendum for applyingasphalt in both Palm Beach CountryEstates and Jupiter Farms (approximately3.6 miles):

• 70th Trail N between 155th Place N and 159th Court N• 76th Trail N. between 160th Lane N and 162nd Court N• 76th Trail N between 163rd Court N and 165th Street N• 78th Drive N between 165th Street N and 167th Court N• 93rd Lane N between 155th Road N and Sandy Run N• 154th Court N between 75th Avenue N and 81st Terrace N• 159th Court N between 78th Drive N and 84th Avenue N• 160th Street N between 72nd Drive N and 75th Avenue N and 72nd Drive N from 160th Street N to 160th Lane N• 175th Road N between Jupiter Farms Road and West End• 179th Court N between Mellen Lane N and Alexander Run

At the May 19, 2016 meeting, theBoard authorized the engineer to moveforward with identifying the benefittedarea and preparing the engineer’s estimateof probable cost for the development of thereferendum. The referendum for theproposed 19th Plan of Improvements isexpected to be mailed in October2016. See updated information on thisproject on page 10.

■ National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)

The current Palm Beach CountyMunicipal NPDES Permit was issued bythe Florida Department of EnvironmentalProtection (FDEP) on March 2, 2011.

SIRWCD is a co-permittee along with 34municipalities, the Department of Trans-portation, Palm Beach County, and fourspecial districts. In order to complete thepermit-related activities that are performedcollectively by the co-permittees, anNPDES Steering Committee was formed.The Steering Committee meets on aregular basis to evaluate the program, toprovide training and resources to the co-permittees, and to assist with the prepar-ation of the annual reports. Staff continuesto attend the Committee Meetings as aSteering Committee Board member.This past year, which is the 6th year of theCycle 3 Permit, the meetings included adiscussion of Waters of the United Statesrule, Total Maximum Daily Load’s(TMDLs) for the next permit cycle, publiceducation, the Annual Reports and JointReport, and required refresher trainingvideos on illicit discharges and sedimentand erosion control. Staff also attended thetwo-day Stormwater, Erosion & Sedimen-tation Control Inspector Training programon behalf of SIRWCD. The fifth yearAnnual Reports were submitted to FDEPin January. In addition, FDEP presentedtheir comments on the previous year’sAnnual Report.

■ Waters of the United States Rule On April 21, 2014, the EPA and theArmy Corps of Engineers proposed draftrules revising the definitions of Water ofthe United States or “WOTUS”. The statedintent of the changes is to clarify what isand what is not a WOTUS. After manyagency comments on the proposed rule, itwas revised and the EPA and the ArmyCorps of Engineers published final rulesrevising the definitions of WOTUS thatbecame effective on August 28, 2015.However if implemented as adopted, thenew regulations will result in significantimpacts on the NPDES program andmunicipal separate storm sewer system(MS4) permit holders because mostditches, stormwater conveyances, andcertain flood control devices will beconsidered to be “WOTUS” and subject topermit conditions and numeric nutrientcriteria.

On August 27, 2015, a federal judge inNorth Dakota granted a petition filed by13 western states to enjoin implementationof the rules – making implementation andapplication of the rules throughout the restof the country even less certain. Addition-ally, other states including Florida havefiled lawsuits challenging the rule. OnOctober 9, 2015, the Sixth Judicial CircuitCourt of Appeals issued a nationwideinjunction stopping the WOTUS rule frombeing implemented. Over the past year,there have been several discussions by the

courts as to which court has the authorityto decide the matter. The rule has not beenimplemented due to the court process.Staff will continue to monitor the proposedrule and provide updates to the District.

■ Public Facilities Report/Water Control Plan

Chapter 189 of the Florida Statutes,the Uniform Special District AccountabilityAct, requires the preparation and submis-sion of a Public Facilities Report to govern-mental jurisdictions in which the Districtresides, such as Palm Beach County, theTown of Jupiter, and South Florida WaterManagement District. Special Districts arerequired to submit an update to this reportevery five years and, at a minimum, thereport must contain information as to thestatus of the District’s public facilities andchanges or revisions to those facilities thathave occurred in the past year.

Since 1991, when the District filed itsfirst Public Facilities Report, data collectionhas been an ongoing process to provide forbetter and more accurate mapping of theworks of the District. The Public FacilitiesReport is continually modified as eachPlan of Improvement is added to theDistrict’s facilities. The current modifica-tion includes the 18th Plan of Improve-ments. In accordance with Chapter 298.225Florida Statutes, the Water Control Planhas been amended consistent with thepreparation of the proposed Plan ofImprovements during the last year.

■ Loxahatchee River Management Coordinating Council SIRWCD continues to participate asan active member of the Loxahatchee RiverManagement Coordinating Council(LRMCC). This Council was established byChapter 83-358, F.S. and is comprised offederal, state, and regional agencies andlocal representatives. It advises the FDEPand SFWMD on matters that affectadministration of the Loxahatchee River,to identify and resolve inter-governmentalcoordination problems and to enhancecommunications. SIRWCD participates asa member of the Coordinating Councildue to the fact that the Northwest Fork ofthe Loxahatchee River is the primarystormwater outfall for the entire portion ofSIRWCD lying west of the SFWMD C-18Canal, and the area east of the SFWMD C-18 discharges into the middle of the Loxa-hatchee River. SIRWCD and the LRMCCalso have several mutual issues andinterests.

continued on pg. 6

Proposed Plan of Improvement

Resource Regulation

Intergovernmental Coordination

6

continued from pg. 5

Over the past year, the LRMCC hasbeen actively monitoring projects thatcould affect the Loxahatchee River. Theseprojects include an update on the Lainhartand Masten Dam, the development ofAvenir within Palm Beach Gardens, the C-51 Reservoir Concept, the LoxahatcheeRiver Watershed Restoration Plan, and thedevelopment of TMDLs for the Loxa-hatchee River.

On March 28, 2016, the FDEP ap-proached the LRMCC on the proposeddevelopment of a TMDL within somewaterbody identification (WBID) unitswithin the Loxahatchee River that haveshown impairments. FDEP suggested thatinstead of development of a TMDLthrough the state process, LRMCC couldtake the lead on developing a ReasonableAssurance Plan (RAP), which wouldreplace the TMDL and subsequent BasinAction Management Plan. The RAP is astakeholder driven plan that examines theimpairments and prepares solutions to aidin restoring the Loxahatchee River fromimpairment. FDEP would still develop aTMDL but it would be included in theRAP instead of a state process. Staff willcontinue to follow this process throughoutthe next year.

■ Loxahatchee River Preservation Initiative The Loxahatchee River PreservationInitiative (LRPI) is the outgrowth of awatershed management effort that theFDEP spearheaded in 1996. This multi-agency and stakeholder based advisorygroup was organized primarily for thepurpose of soliciting, ranking and submit-ting to the Florida Legislature a list ofprojects focused on the preservation andrestoration of the water quality andhabitats of the Loxahatchee River and itswatershed. Agencies and stakeholders aregiven an avenue to apply for funding onseveral key projects that are critical topreserving the long-term health of theLoxahatchee and have not been implement-ed due to lack of resources and otherregional priorities taking precedence.

SIRWCD participates as a member ofthe LRPI due to its location within theLoxahatchee River watershed. This year,SIRWCD applied for grant funding for adrainage improvement project on 127thDrive North located north of IndiantownRoad and clearing several outfalls. Apresentation for the approval of theseprojects is anticipated in October 2016with funds being distributed for the fiscalyear 2018. SIRWCD will continue toapply for grants in the future.

■ South Florida Water Manage- ment District (SWFMD) Everglades Restoration Strategies

SFWMD’s Everglades RestorationStrategies Regional Water Quality Plan hasbeen developed in order to address waterquality-based effluent limits for Storm-water Treatment Areas to meet NPDESpermitting requirements by EPA. Underthese strategies, SFWMD is implementinga technical plan to complete several pro-jects that will create more than 6,500 acresof new stormwater treatment areas (STAs)and 116,000 acre-feet of additional waterstorage through construction of FlowEqualization Basins (FEBs). FEBs provide a more steady flow of water to the STAs,helping to maintain desired water levelsneeded to achieve optimal water qualitytreatment performance.

Design and construction of the treat-ment and storage projects in the Restora-tion Strategies Regional Water QualityPlan will take place in three phases withcompletion of all projects set for 2025. Aspart of the program’s Technical Plan, bothSTA expansions and Flow EqualizationBasins (FEB) upstream of STA’s areproposed. The plan includes designation ofthe L-8 Reservoir as a 45,000 ac-ft FEB thatwill have a multi-purpose function tocapture, store and deliver water to STA-1East, STA-1 West, and the LoxahatcheeRiver and for other restoration purposes.When the STA-1 West expansion iscompleted and in-basin storage for theLoxahatchee River comes online, the L-8FEB will transition to primarily deliveringconsistent flows needed to optimizeperformance of STA-1 East and STA-1West as part of the plan. The L-8 FlowEqualization Basin is expected to complete

construction in December 2016. The STA-1 West Phase 1 Expansion is expected tobe completed by 2018.

■ Loxahatchee River Watershed Restoration Program In December 2014, SFWMD and theArmy Corp of Engineers (ACOE) kickedoff the Loxahatchee River WatershedRestoration Project (formerly known asNorth Palm Beach County – Part 1), whichis part of the Comprehensive EvergladesRestoration Plan (CERP). The renewedpurpose of the project is to restore andsustain the overall quantity, quality, tim-ing, and distribution of freshwaters to thefederally designated “National Wild andScenic” Northwest Fork of the Loxahatch-ee River. This project also seeks to restore,sustain, and reconnect the area’s wetlandsand watersheds that form the historicheadwaters for the river and its tributaries. Planning efforts for the project were puton hold in 2011 and have now beenrestarted. Currently, the project is beingre-scoped under ACOE’s New PlanningParadigm and existing plan formulationdata and analysis will be used in the devel-opment of a final plan, known as a ProjectImplementation Report and EnvironmentalImpact Statement, to prepare for congres-sional authorization. Over the past year,SFWMD and the ACOE have been con-ducting the alternative formulation andanalysis process of the plan formation.This consisted of meeting to discussalternative plan selections to determinemodeling scenarios for determining thebest project scenarios. SIRWCD has beenattending these meetings and participatingin the modeling subteam to ensure thatSIRWCD’s operations are being represent-ed correctly within the modeling effort.

continued on pg. 7

The CERP project is intended to restore and sustain the overall quantity, quality, timing and distribution offreshwaters to the federally-designated “National Wild and Scenic” Northwest Fork of the Loxahatchee River

7

continued from pg. 6

■ Florida Association of Special Districts (FASD) SIRWCD’s Board of Supervisors andstaff are active participants in the FloridaAssociation of Special Districts (FASD).FASD is the recognized, collective voice ofspecial purpose government across theState of Florida. This diverse network ofboth Independent and Dependent SpecialDistricts have come together to provideresources uniquely developed to meet theneeds of Florida’s Special Districts. Thepurpose of the FASD is to keep the publicinformed of the benefits of Special Districts,update members with information usefulto themselves and their community, reviewall government activities as they affect theinterest of Special Districts, and to forwardrequests and comments to the FloridaLegislature. FASD provides primary educa-tion and training to satisfy the educationalrequirements of Ch. 189, Florida Statutes.The purpose of the education program isto ensure that elected boards and districtmanagers comply with Florida Statutesgoverning special districts. The Departmentof Economic Opportunity, Division ofCommunity Development, assists witheducational programs for board membersand the annual conference by partneringwith the Association.

The FASD holds regular meetingsthroughout the year where informationfrom other water control districts, improve-ment districts, community developmentdistricts, and special taxing districts can beshared with regard to policies, procedures,operation, and maintenance issues. Inaddition, members of the Association are“watchdogs” for codes, ordinances, rules,and/or legislation that can either help orhinder the activities of Special Districts. Tothis end, a significant effort is put forwardduring the annual legislative session. FASDmembers continue to benefit from eachother’s experiences and FASD will con-tinue to follow this order and represent theinterests of its members and provideinformation on pertinent legal require-ments, sunshine laws, economic challenges,environmental, emergency management,and homeland security issues.

■ 128th Trail N Drainage Improvement Project

In 2014, the District submitted a grantfunding application to the LoxahatcheeRiver Preservation Initiative (LRPI) com-mittee for constructing roadside swales onboth sides of 128th Trail North beginning

at the intersection of IndiantownRoad to approximately 0.5 milenorth along with clearing exist-ing outfall ditches that extendfrom 127th Drive to Canal 11 and replacing existing cross drains across 128th Trail North.This project was included in theapproved list to receive fundingfrom the Florida Legislation, butno funds became available forfiscal year 2016. The Districtmoved forward with the projectthis year, which improved thewater quantity and water qualityof the area. To date, the outfallditches and the cross drains havebeen completed.

■ Driveway Culvert Replacement Program

Culverts under driveways have beenaging over the years. These culverts havebeen the landowner’s responsibility tomaintain and replace them when their lifespan has ended. These culverts, when notmaintained, are collapsing and blockingthe secondary drainage system of theDistrict. The District has instituted aculvert replacement program which allowsthe landowners to pay the District for thereplacement of their culverts. In additionto driveway culverts, the District inspectsthe outfall culverts to the canals, crossdrain culverts under roadways, and otherculverts that the District operates andmaintains. The District assesses thecondition of these culverts and replacesthem as needed.

■ Culvert Installations in Canal 6 and Canal 8

The District has been investigatingoptions for the potential of reducing itsoperation and maintenance costs. One waythose costs could be reduced would be toadd additional access points to the canalsystem. The first location is across Canal 6and Canal 13, just west of 129th Place N,and the second location is across Canal 8just east of Canal 10. The project includesthe installation of approximately 60 feet of72-inch diameter pipe across Canal 6,approximately 60 feet of 48-inch diameterpipe across Canal 8, fill material, rip rap,and sod. The construction cost is esti-mated at $78,000.

■ Canal Clearing & Maintenance The District’s canal network consistsof over 60 miles of canals that are con-tinuously in need of being maintained,restored, and enhanced. The canal clearingand maintenance program’s objective is to keep the canal sections easily accessible

and, to the best extent possible, free fromtrees and other vegetation that maypotentially enter the canal during a majorstorm and thereby create a restriction thatwould aggravate flooding.

The canal clearing and maintenanceprogram provides services that includeclearing, grading and shaping of the canalsas well as restoring, replacing or enhancingstructural improvements. The program isan ongoing effort and the District hascontinued to work to maintain and achievethe desired goals.

The Board has authorized an on-going swale maintenance program whichallows the District Engineer and Managerof Operations to identify areas within theDistrict that could be improved forconveyance and storage. District staff willcontinue to work toward the desired goalsof the District in the swale maintenanceprogram.

■ Reese Bridge

South Florida Water ManagementDistrict (SFWMD) approached SIRWCDabout taking over operation and main-tenance of the bridge (Reese Bridge) thatcrosses the C-18 Canal. This bridgeprovides access for SIRWCD to transportmaintenance equipment to operate andmaintain SIRWCD facilities within PalmBeach Country Estates.The SFWMD hastransferred the Right of Way OccupancyPermit to SIRWCD.

Improvements and restoration toextend the life span and safety of thebridge included signage, expansion jointrepair, curb repair, rip rap slope protection,cleaning and sealing the substructure,pedestrian railing, and right-of-way gates.The construction was completed in August2016 and the total costs were $59,386.

continued on pg. 8

Reese Bridge improvement and restoration

Operations and Maintenance

8

continued from pg. 7

■ Policies & Procedures Manual

In accordance with the provisions ofthe Florida Statutes, the District maintainsa Policies and Procedures Manual that isavailable to the public. The Manualpresents and discusses items including:District organization, agenda formulationand execution, processing of permits thataffect works of the District, the budgetprocess, etc. Periodic revisions includingdeletions, additions, and amendments aremade to maintain consistency with FloridaStatutes and other codes and rules. Thisyear, the entire manual is being updated toa digital format to include new policiesand revisions. The update will continuethrough next year.

■ Roadways

There are approximately 189 miles ofroads within SIRWCD. These roads giveaccess to each subdivided parcel of land.Currently there are 89.9 miles of improvedroads (paved and OGEM) and 98.1 milesof unpaved roads in SIRWCD. Theimproved roads include roads that areoperated and maintained by Palm BeachCounty, the Town of Jupiter, and private,which consist of approximately 42 miles of roadway.

■ Aquatic Weed Control Program

SIRWCD implements an AquaticWeed Control Program in order tomaintain the primary canals throughoutthe District. This program is an ongoingprocess aimed at reducing and managingthe amount of weeds in the canal networkto allow unobstructed drainage following

rain events. The Aquatic Weed ControlProgram is necessary to prevent canalsfrom becoming overgrown and to providea clean channel through the canal systemto the outfall.

The program controls emergentvegetation growth through the use ofherbicides approved in permits obtainedfrom the State of Florida, as well as mechan-ical removal of dead or accumulatedvegetation that may present a potential forimpeding the flow of storm water throughthe primary canal system.

In the future, greater emphasis may beneeded for this program as a result ofNPDES water quality programs, the FDEPand EPA proposed storm water criteria,the Ecosystem Management Area Plan,and other intergovernmental coordinatingactivities.

Due to the many ecological andregulatory pressures being exerted over theLoxahatchee River Basin area, it was recom-mended that the District sample andmonitor water quality within and adjacentto its boundaries. SIRWCD had histori-cally taken samples through a co-operativeagreement with the United States Geologi-cal Survey (USGS), but due to reducedfunding by the federal government, theprogram was abandoned. The LoxahatcheeRiver Environmental Control District(LRD) has been obtaining water qualitysamples in recent years. The existinglocations sampled by LRD are shown. Dueto the new water quality legislation, theBoard of Supervisors instructed staff toimplement a water quality monitoringprogram that augments and expands thecurrent LRD program.

In July 2011, SIRWCD entered into acontract with a water sampling and testingfirm. The samples are tested to analyze thesurface water and groundwater for variousmetal, organic and inorganic contaminantsas well as water quality criteria. The LateralControl Structures constructed as part ofthe 9th Plan of Improvements have pro-vided the District with a significantamount of water level monitoring data thatis very valuable to the District to bettermanage the system for flood protectionand environmental benefits.

The SIRWCD work center monitorsand records the total rainfall the Districtreceives throughout the year. For the

continued on pg. 9

Water Quality Monitoring

Rainfall Totals

LRD Water quality monitoring stations

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continued from pg. 8

twelve month period from September 2015through August 2016, the District received68.38 inches of rainfall. The averageannual rainfall for SIRWCD is 65.22inches. The 2015-2016 year rainfall washigher than the historical rainfall averagewithin the District.

The 2015-2016 monthly rainfall datafrom SIRWCD, the Loxahatchee RiverDistrict, and Town of Jupiter WaterDepartment have been averaged todetermine the rainfall for an area referredto as North County. The average total yearrainfall in North County from September2015 to August 2016 was 69.92 inches.Detailed tables are available in the fullEngineer’s Annual Report on the District’swebsite.

The District’s Manager of OperationsAnnual Report is included in this news-letter. It offers a summary of significantevents and issues that have been identifiedby the Manager of Operations, who alongwith District staff, are the agents for day today activities. They are primarily focusedon maintaining the primary and secondaryelements of the surface water management system and the graded roadways through-out the District. Further, the Manager ofOperations facilitates interagency coordina-tion with other public entities that operateand maintain assets within the Districtsuch as Palm Beach County Road andBridge Division, Palm Beach County Parksand Recreation, Palm Beach County FireControl, Palm Beach County SchoolBoard, Florida Department of Transpor-tation, South Florida Water Management

District, Town of Jupiter, the LoxahatcheeRiver District, and others.

Each year, a portion of this report isutilized to state that the District’s surfacewater management system is designed,operated, and maintained for a mostlyrural residential community with somecommercial, industrial, and urbanresidential areas. Accordingly, certain low-lying areas within the District willexperience ponding and storage of waterduring the wet season and followingsignificant storms. Swales will have stand-ing water, and many areas will be saturatedfor extended periods of time during thewet season. The continued development oflow-lying areas in the District will result ina commensurate consumption of storagewithin the District’s watershed. Whereponds are excavated on individual lots tosupply the fill for house pads and relatedimprovements, the consumption ofavailable storage is not as severe becausethe pond serves as a compensating factor.These factors are regularly discussed by theBoard of Supervisors and District staff atthe monthly meetings, with individuallandowners, in forums and meetings with-in the District, and within the District’snewsletter and other publicationsdistributed by the District.

The District’s Board of Supervisorsand staff work to assure that the surfacewater management system functions to theextent of its permitted capacity whilerecognizing the regulatory requirementsimposed on the District by other agencies.

All of the District work must beimplemented within the adopted budgetand utilization of existing manpower,equipment and any other resourcesavailable to accomplish the tasks.

The goals and objectives of SIRWCDare consistent with those for the Loxahatch-ee River Water Restoration Project, theLoxahatchee Basin Ecosystem ManagementArea, and the Comprehensive EvergladesRestoration Plan. The District will con-tinue to work with South Florida WaterManagement District and other agencies indeveloping and implementing compatibleplans for the District and the LoxahatcheeRiver Basin to serve its landowners and itssurrounding community. SIRWCD has anobligation to its landowners and to thesurrounding area due to its strategiclocation within naturally sensitive con-servation areas. Clearly, SIRWCD is not anentity that can just look within its bound-aries with regard to its authorized activities.To the contrary, a major portion ofSIRWCD’s activities require participationin activities that look at infrastructureneeds and ecosystem management for theoverall area and region. The District andits landowners will share in the continuedresponsibility of being good stewards inmaintaining compatibility with thesenatural systems.

SIRWCD will continue to serve itslandowners by providing support duringemergency situations, maintaining andoperating the surface water managementsystem at optimal levels, and providingservices that coincide with the systemcapabilities, board policies, and thecommunity.

AECOM is honored to work with theBoard of Supervisors and staff, and we will continue to respond to the Board ofSupervisors by implementing their policiesand directives, as well as working with theManager of Operations in resolvingvarious landowner issues.

General Comments

General Operation and Maintenance

Former Supervisor Michael DanchukHonored for 15 Years Service

Michael Danchuk was acknowledged with a crystal engraved awardhonoring him for 15 years of distinguished service to the District asSupervisor and past President on December 15 in a celebration at theDistrict offices. Board President Steve Hinkle noted “Mr. Danchuk hasprovided the landowners of this District with exemplary service and hasworked tirelessly on their behalf.” He added that he had nominated himfor Board President in 2013 as he felt he would be well suited to the job.

Mr. Danchuk thanked the Board for the award and said “Palm BeachCountry Estates was a great place to raise my family and despite some-times having differing opinions, I will miss working with the members ofthe Board, as well as staff and office personnel.” He thanked Manager ofOperations Michael Dillon for his hard work and felt that MichaelHoward, who was elected this year, will be a great addition to the Board.

Board President Steve Hinkle (right) congratulates former Supervisor Michael Danchuk who was honored for his 15 years of service to the District

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The District has received petitions meeting the minimum50+% requirement from landowners to distribute a referendumfor applying asphalt in both Palm Beach Country Estates andJupiter Farms (approximately 3.6 miles):

• 70th Trail N between 155th Place N and 159th Court N• 76th Trail N. between 160th Lane N and 162nd Court N• 76th Trail N between 163rd Court N and 165th Street N• 78th Drive N between 165th Street N and 167th Court N• 93rd Lane N between 155th Road N and Sandy Run N• 154th Court N between 75th Avenue N and 81st Terrace N• 159th Court N between 78th Drive N and 84th Avenue N• 160th Street N between 72nd Drive N and 75th Avenue N and 72nd Drive N from 160th Street N to 160th Lane N• 175th Road N between Jupiter Farms Road and West End• 179th Court N between Mellen Lane N and Alexander Run

Pursuant to Board direction, District staff prepared areferenda for this landowner-proposed project, which wasmailed on October 17, 2016, with ballots due back to theDistrict office on or before December 9, 2016.

If the landowners of a majority of the parcels within the areato be benefited vote in favor of the project, all landownerswithin the benefited area will be assessed the cost of the project.The total estimated annual payment per parcel for parcels thathave not been previously assessed for a landowner-initiatedroadway improvement is approximately $1,575.

Pursuant to current District policy, parcels adjacent to twoor more roadways are assessed the full amount for the firstroadway to be improved and 50% of the amount if the secondroadway is improved. The total estimated annual payment perparcel for a lot already assessed on a previous landowner-initiated roadway improvement is approximately $787.50.These estimates are based upon current interest rates over aterm of up to 10 years.

The results of the referenda will be presented to the Boardfor their consideration at their monthly meeting on January 19,2017. For updates on this proposed Plan of Improvement asthey become available, please visit our website.

Landowner-InitiatedRoadway Improvement Project

Andy Billy was awarded a certificate for 15 years of service tothe South Indian River Water Control District on November 7, 2016.Andy serves as the District's head boom mower operator. "He does an excellent job in instructing our other equipmentoperators in proper mowing procedures," said Mike Dillon, Managerof Operations for the District. "Before coming to South Indian RiverWater Control District, Andy ran his own mechanic shop for 30years, so his knowledge of equipment has been a great benefit to theDistrict." Board of Supervisors President Steve Hinkle added “The Districtis fortunate to have employees like Andy Billy, who are dedicatedand knowledgeable and we thank him for his continued service.”

Andy Billy Celebrates 15-YearAnniversary with SIRWCD

Manager of Operations Mike Dillon and Board of Supervisors President Steve Hinklecongratulate Andy Billy on 15 years of exceptional service to the District

Board of Supervisors ElectionResults and Elect ion of Officers The Annual Landowners Meeting of the South Indian RiverWater Control District was held on September 15, 2016 at 7:00 p.m.in the auditorium of the Jupiter High School, at which time votingwas closed for the two seats up for election this year. Certifiedresults received from the Supervisor of Elections on October 18,2016 are as follows:

■ Kevin L. Baker - East Side Resident - 847■ Tony Capute - East Side Resident - 663■ Michael "Mike" Howard - West Side Resident - 1,998■ Michael "Mike" Ryan - East Side Resident - 1,915

All candidates this year signed the Oath of Candidate, whichstates they will resign from office within 30 days if their residencychanges and causes the District's Board of Supervisors to no longerbe in compliance with Chapter 2001-313, Laws of Florida.

The certified results were accepted by the board and Mr.Howard and Mr. Ryan were sworn in by Terry Lewis, DistrictAttorney, at the November 17, 2016 Board of Supervisors meeting.Election of officers for 2016-2017 are as follows: Stephen Hinkle,President; Michael Ryan, Vice President and Jane Woodward,Recording Secretary.

Michael Ryan was appointed Chair of Parks and Recreation; Tom Powell Chair of Budgeting; John Meyer Chair of Communica-tions and John Meyer and Michael Howard Co-Chairs of Policiesand Procedures.

Michael Ryan (left) was re-elected and Michael Howard was elected for the first timeto the South Indian River Water Control Board of Supervisors

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26th Annual Landowners Family DayMarch 1 8, 2017

Mark your calendars and plan to join us for South Indian River Water Control District’s 26th Annual Landowners Family Day to be held on Saturday, March 18, 2017. There will be live entertainment, as well as free barbecue, drinks and a petting zoo,

pony rides and face painting for the kids! Community organizations and state and local agencies will be on hand with free give-a-ways and information. Watch for the next newsletter with event information – we hope to see you there!

District Work Center from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm

18th Plan of Improvements UpdateConstruction is underway on the application of Palm Beach County Standardasphalt on approximately 3.8 miles of roadway in Palm Beach Country Estates: • 64th Way N between 146th Road N and 149th Place N• 67th Trail N between 146th Road N and 149th Place N• 68th Drive N between 146th Road N and 149th Place N• 74th Avenue N between 155th Place N and 159th Court N• 75th Way N between 150th Court N and 154th Court N• 77th Trail N between 150th Court N and 154th Court N• 78th Drive N between 155th Place N and 159th Court N• 81st Terrace N between 150th Court and 154th Court N• 149th Place between 69th Drive N and 64th Way N• 163rd Court N between 75th Avenue N and 79th Terrace N• 163rd Ct N between 75th Avenue N to East End

Please check the website for updated information on this project.

PRSRT STDU S POSTAGE

PAIDWEST PALM BCH FL

PERMIT # 611

Visit www.sirwcd.org for news updates!

In this Issue...Manager of Operationsand District Engineer

Annual ReportsLandowner-Initiated

Roadway ImprovementProjects

Election ResultsPublic Hearing onProposed Roadway

Paving Policy Change

15600 Jupiter Farms RoadJupiter, FL 33478

The South Indian River Water Control Board of Supervisors isconsidering a proposed new road paving policy.

Currently, the District utilizes a petition process whereby 50+%of the landowners on a roadway must sign an approved petitionform to request a referendum to apply either asphalt or open-gradedemulsified mix to the roadway. If approved by the Board, it goes toreferendum whereby if a majority (50+%) of affected landownersvote in favor, it passes. The Board then may direct the Engineer toproceed with the project, and the District holds two public hearings,arranges for the financing and assessment of the benefittedlandowners, solicits bids by qualified contractors and awards theproject to the low bidder for construction.

The Board discussed proposed changes to this policy at theirNovember 17, 2016 monthly meeting. The Board had previouslydirected Manager of Operations Michael Dillon to investigate theroad paving policies of other Special Districts. He found most donot provide road construction and those that did, such as IndianTrails Improvement District, do not finance construction costs.

Some of the proposed policy changes discussed include: ■ A simple majority (50+%) or more of the property owners must agree to have the roadway paved via petition ■ No roadway will be considered for paving unless the drainage swales and road base are considered suitable for paving by the District’s Manager of Operations and Engineer

■ Petitions are for one road ■ Should a roadway need additional work, landowners may either pay the additional costs of improvements or wait until the roadway has been completed as part of the District’s operations and maintenance program ■ The District must receive 100% of the cost of the of paving, including grading, road base materials, asphalt, and labor in advance of the work being undertaken ■ Funds would be held in escrow in a non interest-bearing account until all monies are collected – if all funds are not collected within a year of approval, funds would be returned, minus administrative/staff fees ■ The District will no longer provide financing ■ Those landowners who do not want the improvement are not required, nor can be forced to provide funding ■ Paving a road does not abandon or reduce the District’s annual maintenance assessment on a landowner’s Non-Ad Valorem assessment

After extensive discussion, the Board decided to schedule apublic hearing for January 19, 2017 at 7:00 pm in the Jupiter HighSchool Media Center, prior to the regular monthly meeting, toprovide landowner input on the issue. In addition, the Board votedto place a moratorium on new petitions until the policy can bereviewed. For more information and updates, please visit ourwebsite: www.sirwcd.org/petitions.html.

Proposed Roadway Paving Policy Change Public Hearing to be held on January 19, 2017

Note the Public Hearing for the Proposed Roadway PavingPolicy Change date has been changed to January 26, 2017.