CBA Phillip
Beach Comber
Management Plan Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 25th at the Coastal Branch Library (1pm-4pm). Please visit www.dunelakes.org for more information.
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Eastern Lake Management Plan Meeting and Discussion
- Thread starter CBA Phillip
- Start date
Caroling
Beach Fanatic
I'm participating in the meeting remotely, as suggested. "Enforcement of Existing Regulations" and "Management of Outfall Issues" are top concerns.
About enforcement, I don't know the regulations or who is to enforce them. I think the regulations are in two plans that are being or were reconciled. Is there now one plan? As far as I know, the commissioners don't always follow the plans. Do they think it is important? Should they be held accountable? Come to think of it, I don't even know who is supposed to follow the regulations. That is how many county agencies, developers, residents, or visitors are involved? In the previous management plan meeting I attended, education was a big item, that applied to many topics. Perhaps "Information management" is a big key that precedes enforcing regulations. Could we have a big info map showing where the regulations reside, who they apply to, and who is to enforce them, all in block diagram?
At the moment, management of outfall issues seems an outgrowth of the previous. Unless we are talking about new regulations. Maybe all the old regulations need to be reconciled and updated in light of issues that have come up. How can you separate the outfall from the lake? It is like saying "neck issues" without mentioning the body and the head. But it is the crux. Can the science of lake monitoring help guide outfall issues? If so, will some people oppose it because it adds yet another bureaucratic burden to decisions made by the various agencies?
About enforcement, I don't know the regulations or who is to enforce them. I think the regulations are in two plans that are being or were reconciled. Is there now one plan? As far as I know, the commissioners don't always follow the plans. Do they think it is important? Should they be held accountable? Come to think of it, I don't even know who is supposed to follow the regulations. That is how many county agencies, developers, residents, or visitors are involved? In the previous management plan meeting I attended, education was a big item, that applied to many topics. Perhaps "Information management" is a big key that precedes enforcing regulations. Could we have a big info map showing where the regulations reside, who they apply to, and who is to enforce them, all in block diagram?
At the moment, management of outfall issues seems an outgrowth of the previous. Unless we are talking about new regulations. Maybe all the old regulations need to be reconciled and updated in light of issues that have come up. How can you separate the outfall from the lake? It is like saying "neck issues" without mentioning the body and the head. But it is the crux. Can the science of lake monitoring help guide outfall issues? If so, will some people oppose it because it adds yet another bureaucratic burden to decisions made by the various agencies?
CBA Phillip
Beach Comber
Excellent points, Caroling....I will make sure to mention these at the meeting. We will post the meeting notes this afternoon, and I will provide you with the group's answer then.....Thanks for participating.
CBA Phillip
Beach Comber
Eastern Lake Management Meeting
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Meeting Synopsis
I. Areas of Concern
Management of Outlet *********
? Outlet has been altered from recent hurricanes and man-made impacts
? Sediment has been deposited to decrease the depth of the lake and impacts the outlet
? The higher lake level has impacted the vegetation and potentially affects private property
? County should use sand from outfall to replace dunes or put additional sand in the outfall area
? Frustration with lengthy permitting process and inconsistency with DEP
? The lake stays closed too long; this is impacting wildlife and water quality
? County needs to assume a bigger responsibility in addressing to community concerns to the DEP
? Closing of outlet decreases the salinity and oxygen levels of the lake, and may impact fisheries
? Restore the outlet to its original condition to let it function naturally
? Scrutinize old regulations in light of the new issues affecting the lake
? Lack of scientific understanding of the function of the outlets
? Worried the temperature of water maybe increasing
? Concerned about private ownership of the outlet
Codes/Regulations
? Enforcement of current codes/regulations
? Creating an easily accessible resource tool that identifies current codes/regulations
? County involvement at the initial planning phase of a development that potentially impacts the lake
? County needs to increase its role/responsibility in protecting the dune lakes
? County should create regulations that go above/beyond State rules because the state does not understand the importance of these ecosystems
? Consistency in decision made affecting the lake
? Proper management of development within the watershed
? Improper development is impacting dunes and the lake
Protection of wetlands
? Preserving the wetlands to improve water quality and potential flooding
? Protecting the headwaters of the lakes
Education/Outreach
? More education to homeowners, developers and decision makers regarding the importance of this ecosystem
? Recognizing Eastern Lake as a special destination for tourists and a cherished commodity for homeowners
Storm-water Management
? Impact of storm-water from new and existing developments
? Impact of storm-water from 30-A and Lakeview Drive
II. Potential Solutions
? Acquiring ?Outlet management? permit currently submitted to the DEP
? Ensure the current proposed project (Preble-Rish) to repair the outlet meets community concerns
? Create and support a project to repair the outlet
? Remove the sedimentation deposited near the outfall of the lake
? Encourage County to make parcels affecting the outlet conservation easements; discuss with property owners other possible alternatives to owning the outlet
? County should increase role/responsibility in management of development within Eastern Lake watershed
? Coordinating with ELNA to disseminate homeowner?s education kit on the importance of the lakes
? County Public Works/Preble-Rish Manager should meet with ELNA Lake Committee to discuss the Preble-Rish project before final comments are made for the Management Plan
? Create a more open dialogue between the Public Works, Planning/Development and the community on issues concerning the lake
? Repair the outlet to its original condition and leave it to function naturally
? Request DEP to make a public presentation about Statute 161 (Coastal Construction) to educate the public and county staff
? Define and repair storm-water runoff from the unpaved portion of Lakeview Drive
? Repair storm-water runoff from 30-A; especially near the recently repaired culvert
? Treat invasive species (reeds) near roadside
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Meeting Synopsis
I. Areas of Concern
Management of Outlet *********
? Outlet has been altered from recent hurricanes and man-made impacts
? Sediment has been deposited to decrease the depth of the lake and impacts the outlet
? The higher lake level has impacted the vegetation and potentially affects private property
? County should use sand from outfall to replace dunes or put additional sand in the outfall area
? Frustration with lengthy permitting process and inconsistency with DEP
? The lake stays closed too long; this is impacting wildlife and water quality
? County needs to assume a bigger responsibility in addressing to community concerns to the DEP
? Closing of outlet decreases the salinity and oxygen levels of the lake, and may impact fisheries
? Restore the outlet to its original condition to let it function naturally
? Scrutinize old regulations in light of the new issues affecting the lake
? Lack of scientific understanding of the function of the outlets
? Worried the temperature of water maybe increasing
? Concerned about private ownership of the outlet
Codes/Regulations
? Enforcement of current codes/regulations
? Creating an easily accessible resource tool that identifies current codes/regulations
? County involvement at the initial planning phase of a development that potentially impacts the lake
? County needs to increase its role/responsibility in protecting the dune lakes
? County should create regulations that go above/beyond State rules because the state does not understand the importance of these ecosystems
? Consistency in decision made affecting the lake
? Proper management of development within the watershed
? Improper development is impacting dunes and the lake
Protection of wetlands
? Preserving the wetlands to improve water quality and potential flooding
? Protecting the headwaters of the lakes
Education/Outreach
? More education to homeowners, developers and decision makers regarding the importance of this ecosystem
? Recognizing Eastern Lake as a special destination for tourists and a cherished commodity for homeowners
Storm-water Management
? Impact of storm-water from new and existing developments
? Impact of storm-water from 30-A and Lakeview Drive
II. Potential Solutions
? Acquiring ?Outlet management? permit currently submitted to the DEP
? Ensure the current proposed project (Preble-Rish) to repair the outlet meets community concerns
? Create and support a project to repair the outlet
? Remove the sedimentation deposited near the outfall of the lake
? Encourage County to make parcels affecting the outlet conservation easements; discuss with property owners other possible alternatives to owning the outlet
? County should increase role/responsibility in management of development within Eastern Lake watershed
? Coordinating with ELNA to disseminate homeowner?s education kit on the importance of the lakes
? County Public Works/Preble-Rish Manager should meet with ELNA Lake Committee to discuss the Preble-Rish project before final comments are made for the Management Plan
? Create a more open dialogue between the Public Works, Planning/Development and the community on issues concerning the lake
? Repair the outlet to its original condition and leave it to function naturally
? Request DEP to make a public presentation about Statute 161 (Coastal Construction) to educate the public and county staff
? Define and repair storm-water runoff from the unpaved portion of Lakeview Drive
? Repair storm-water runoff from 30-A; especially near the recently repaired culvert
? Treat invasive species (reeds) near roadside
CBA Phillip
Beach Comber
I had a few messages that wanted me to express their concerns about the stormwater runoff from the replaced culvert near 30-A and the unpaved portion of LakeView Drive. These issues were discussed at the meeting, and should be included in the list of prioritized projects to enhance the lakes. However, most people at this meeting felt that restoring the outlet to a "more original" condition was the highest priority. Any thoughts?.
CBA Phillip
Beach Comber
Eastern Lake Outlet Permit
Please see the attachment for the latest draft in Walton County's permitting request to streamline the outlet opening process.
Please see the attachment for the latest draft in Walton County's permitting request to streamline the outlet opening process.
Caroling
Beach Fanatic
Re: Eastern Lake Outlet Permit
I took notes on PDFs about Western, Alligator and Eastern Lake. So I'm lumping them all in here. They were quite similar.
"Boats don't impact Manatees." What does this have to do with dune lakes?
The rules specify that the county has to fill the trench up when the lake has gone down two feet. However, they only require monitoring once a week, so how will they know? It goes down much more quickly than that. Seems like the permitting agency does not know the characteristics of a rare coastal dune lake.
I question their ability to properly manage one. Agreed, that is not a deeply informed opinion.
They aren't monitoring for salinity, or other things Lakewatch and CBA does. What does coliform etc. have to do with it?
Why is Eastern limited to 3.5 feet where Western is 4 feet? And Alligator can be 7.5 feet high?
Why does the permit for Eastern Lake say three designated Lakewatch locations, when there are 6? Is it only the south part of the lake?
CBA Phillip said:
I took notes on PDFs about Western, Alligator and Eastern Lake. So I'm lumping them all in here. They were quite similar.
"Boats don't impact Manatees." What does this have to do with dune lakes?
The rules specify that the county has to fill the trench up when the lake has gone down two feet. However, they only require monitoring once a week, so how will they know? It goes down much more quickly than that. Seems like the permitting agency does not know the characteristics of a rare coastal dune lake.
I question their ability to properly manage one. Agreed, that is not a deeply informed opinion.
They aren't monitoring for salinity, or other things Lakewatch and CBA does. What does coliform etc. have to do with it?
Why is Eastern limited to 3.5 feet where Western is 4 feet? And Alligator can be 7.5 feet high?
Why does the permit for Eastern Lake say three designated Lakewatch locations, when there are 6? Is it only the south part of the lake?
CBA Phillip
Beach Comber
Excellent points, Caroling....
These permit applications are a work in progress. I share your concerns, and will forward them to the appropriate DEP contact. Here are a couple of answers to your questions:
Manatees-The federal/state government have to ensure certain language protecting listed species be included in all of their legal documents.
The monitoring is an excellent point; I will make sure that is submitted to the DEP.
I think the community is split on the government's ability/need to manage these lakes.
Flooding of septic systems is one of the reasons cited in applying for this outlet management permit; therefore monitoring of the bacteria is a requirement.
I will make sure they know there are more than 3 stations in the lake. Obviously, opening the outlet will have an impact on the entire lake.
They based the "popoff" levels on the height (above sea level) of the first structure (road, house, etc) that would be impacted by high water levels. These structure heights changed for the various lakes, so they set different "popoff levels"
Excellent questions....Please let me know if you have any more feedback that I can submit to the governing agencies.
These permit applications are a work in progress. I share your concerns, and will forward them to the appropriate DEP contact. Here are a couple of answers to your questions:
Manatees-The federal/state government have to ensure certain language protecting listed species be included in all of their legal documents.
The monitoring is an excellent point; I will make sure that is submitted to the DEP.
I think the community is split on the government's ability/need to manage these lakes.
Flooding of septic systems is one of the reasons cited in applying for this outlet management permit; therefore monitoring of the bacteria is a requirement.
I will make sure they know there are more than 3 stations in the lake. Obviously, opening the outlet will have an impact on the entire lake.
They based the "popoff" levels on the height (above sea level) of the first structure (road, house, etc) that would be impacted by high water levels. These structure heights changed for the various lakes, so they set different "popoff levels"
Excellent questions....Please let me know if you have any more feedback that I can submit to the governing agencies.
Stevester987
Beach Crab
My name is Stephen and my Grandparents live in one of the first houses built on Eastern Lake. It's a shame to see newcomers buy property and literaly start to take advantage of the surroundings. I'm talking about the person that had sand brought in and dumped on the beach next to his property.(white house, blue roof, end of the road closest to the inlet.) His attempt to rebuild the dunes was not only illegal but unsuccesful, as only nature can control this. I dubbed him worthless millions.
Ever since he has messed with this natural flow of sand and water, with the help of a few hurricanes, the lake has not opened naturally. Back in the day when the inlet was closed for a while we would dig it out manually and speed up the process. Letting nature take it's course the lake would open up and the cycle would start all over again. I'm sure nowadays you guys have established fines and laws against doing this. But I still think this would be the best solution for the lake. It would not only kill back the weeds growing on the bottom, but it would also help it maintain it's natural state.
(New resident's keep coming down and changing the beach to suit their needs rather than just enjoying it. If any of you remember how Eastern Lake used to be in the 70's and 80's you would agree with me.)
-Stephen
Ever since he has messed with this natural flow of sand and water, with the help of a few hurricanes, the lake has not opened naturally. Back in the day when the inlet was closed for a while we would dig it out manually and speed up the process. Letting nature take it's course the lake would open up and the cycle would start all over again. I'm sure nowadays you guys have established fines and laws against doing this. But I still think this would be the best solution for the lake. It would not only kill back the weeds growing on the bottom, but it would also help it maintain it's natural state.
(New resident's keep coming down and changing the beach to suit their needs rather than just enjoying it. If any of you remember how Eastern Lake used to be in the 70's and 80's you would agree with me.)
-Stephen
Smiling JOe
SoWal Expert
Regardless of Worth's actions bringing in the sand, I encourage all you folks who are complaining about Eastern Lake not opening naturally, to go look at and study the other area Coastal Dune Lakes. I see the same thing happening on all but two of the Lakes, yet Worth has not dumped sand in front of them. Why do you suppose that the other Lakes have had similar occurances of not opening, and ditch weed growing over the last two years?
As for you digging trenches in the past, what is natural about that process of exchange for the Lake. You are interferring, just as you accuse Worth of doing, only in the opposite way.