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Agenda Item: 13(a) |
Prepared By: Timothy E. Pinter, P.E., Director |
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Business: City Council Item |
Department: Public Works Engineering |
Subject:
Title
Marco Island Nutrient Source Evaluation Project - Final Report
Body
BACKGROUND:
The City of Marco Island has been monitoring water quality within the canals and waterways of the island since 2001. Nutrient levels have been rising over the past several years and there has been growing concern of the health of the City’s waterways. In addition, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection added Marco Island and areas southeast of the island to the 2019 Verified List of impaired waterbodies. The Verified List indicates that Marco Island is impaired for nitrogen and the areas southeast of the island are listed as impaired for nitrogen, phosphorus, and fecal coliform. Public Works staff recommended that a qualified consultant be retained to investigate and assess the source of nutrients within the City’s waterways. Per the direction of City Manager Dave Harden, the Public Works Department prepared RFP (Request for Proposal) documents for “Consulting Services for Nutrient Source Evaluation and Assessment” (RFP #19-033) during the summer of 2019.
The RFP was advertised on September 8, 2019, and the City received proposals from six (6) firms who were then reviewed and ranked. On December 2, 2019, City Council unanimously voted to accept the selection committee ranking of the RFP 19-033 and authorized the City Manager to negotiate a contract with highest ranked firm, Environmental Research & Design, Inc. (ERD). The Contract was awarded on January 7, 2020, and ERD began their study in April/May of 2020 and included the following tasks:
1. Evaluation of the water quality situation within and around the island.
2. Monitor stormwater runoff, baseflow, groundwater inflow to canals, rainfall, etc.
3. Evaluation of canal bottom sediment.
4. Identify impacts from reclaimed wastewater used for irrigation purposes.
5. Identify nutrient sources.
6. Provide water quality management and improvement options.
7. Prepare a final report and present the study results.
Dr. Harvey Harper, Ph.D., P.E., with Environmental Research & Design, Inc. is here to present his findings, provide recommendations, and to answer any questions.
FUNDING SOURCE / FISCAL IMPACT:
Unknown at this time.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff has reviewed the subject report and recommends that the Council accept the report subject to final review and comments.
POTENTIAL MOTION:
“I move to accept the Marco Island Nutrient Source Evaluation Project Final Report, subject to final review by staff and advisory committees.”