1 2 E XECUTIVE S UMMARY The Harris Chain of Lakes Restoration - - PDF document

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Harris Chain of Lakes Restoration Council (Council) was established by the Florida Legislature in 2001 with the powers and duties to (a) review audits and all data specifically related to lake restoration techniques and sport fish population recovery strategies, including data and strategies for shoreline restoration, sediment control and removal, exotic species management, floating tussock management or removal, navigation, water quality, and fish and wildlife habitat improvement, particularly as they may apply to the Harris Chain of Lakes; (b) evaluate whether additional studies are needed; (c) explore all possible sources of funding to conduct the restoration activities; and (d) report to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives each year on the progress of the Harris Chain of Lakes restoration program, and any recommendations for the next fiscal year. The mission of the Council is to maximize successful restoration of the Harris Chain of Lakes, by ensuring sensible efforts to restore clean water quality, sound environmental policy, ecological diversity, and economic stability, now and into the future. The Council met regularly during the reporting period

• f November 2016 through October 2017. The Council received technical presentations throughout this

period on studies and initiatives to restore and manage the Harris Chain of Lakes. This report represents the recommendations of the Council to the Legislature.

To maximize successful restoration of the Harris Chain of Lakes in 2017, the Council specifically supports and recommends the following:

• Lake Apopka Restoration:

1) Dredging in Lake Apopka to create areas for vegetation. 2) Against aeration projects intended for lake-wide restoration 3) Initiation of an Office of Policy Analysis & Government Accountability (OPPGA) Review of restoration activities by SJRWMD, FWC and LCWA for Lake Apopka and other lakes within the Harris Chain

• f Lakes.
• Lake Level Management and Minimum Flows and Levels (MFLs):

1) Maintaining the highest water levels possible during the dry period of the year as fisheries benefit by higher water levels during the spawning season. 2) Closely maintaining the Harris Chain of Lakes regulation schedule during hurricane season. 3) SJRWMD and pertinent Council technical advisory group agencies (FWC, FDEP, LCWA) to provide current scientific data in a presentation to the Council that allows the North Shore Restoration Area (NSRA) to either be connected or not connected to Lake Apopka. If reconnection is an option, the presentation should include required steps, cost and timeline.

• Aquatic Vegetation:

1) Establishing additional aquatic vegetation in Lake Apopka and the Harris Chain of Lakes. 2) Expanding funding for invasive aquatic plant management.

• Fish Attractors:

1) Installing additional artificial fish attracting structures in the Harris Chain of Lakes.

• Fishery Research
• Collecting game fish samples (n = 7 or more) from the NSRA to provide fillets for pesticide analysis by

FDOH, to develop a human health risk assessment for consumption of those fish in the NSRA.

• Water Quality:

1) Expanding studies of septic tank influences on water quality in the Harris Chain of Lakes. 2) Providing legislative funding for unfunded proposed projects that will help to restore the water quality in the Harris Chain of Lakes.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .................................................................................................................... 3 LIST OF TABLES............................................................................................................................... 5 LIST OF FIGURES ............................................................................................................................. 5 LIST OF ACRONYMS ........................................................................................................................ 5 1.0 ENABLING LEGISLATION ..................................................................................................... 6 2.0 REPRESENTATION ................................................................................................................ 7 3.0 2017 MEETINGS AND PRESENTATIONS ................................................................................ 7 4.0 SUMMARY OF PRESENTATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ................................................. 9 4.1 Harris Chain of Lakes Restoration ............................................................................... 9 4.2 Lake Water Level Management .................................................................................. 11 4.3 Aquatic Vegetation ........................................................................................................ 12 4.4 Fish Attractor Program ................................................................................................ 12 4.5 Fishery Research ........................................................................................................... 12 4.6 Water Quality ................................................................................................................ 13 5.0 2017 FUNDED PROJECTS BY PARTNERS ............................................................................ 13 6.0 2017 NON-FUNDED PROJECTS BY PARTNERS ................................................................... 17 7.0 APPENDICES ....................................................................................................................... 19 7.1 Appendix A: Statutory Authority ................................................................................ 19 7.2 Appendix B: Copy of Letter to Senator Baxley .......................................................... 21 7.3 Appendix C. Email correspondence between Dr. Kendra Goff, Florida State Toxicologist, and Chairman Johnson, dated January 3, 2017. .................................................................. 24 7.4 Appendix D. Email correspondence between Dr. Kendra Goff, Florida State Toxicologist, and Chairman Johnson, dated January 11, 2017. ................................................................ 25 8.0 MEETING INFORMATION.................................................................................................... 25 Meeting 1: November 4, 2016, Meeting Information Meeting 2: January 13, 2017, Meeting Information Meeting 2: February 10, 2017, Meeting Information Meeting 3: March 3, 2017, Meeting Information Meeting 4: April 7, 2017, Meeting Information Meeting 6: June 9, 2016, Meeting Information Meeting 8: August 11, 2017, Meeting Information Meeting 9: September 8, 2017, Meeting Information Meeting 10: October 6, 2017, Meeting Information

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LIST OF TABLES

Table 1: Harris Chain of Lakes Restoration Council Members .............................................. 7 Table 2: Technical Presentations from November 2016 to October 2017 ............................... 7 Table 3: 2017 Technical Advisory Group (TAG) Members ..................................................... 8 Table 4. Agency Expenditures on Lake Apopka and the Harris Chain of Lakes Restoration from 1998-2016. .................................................................................................................................... 9 Table 5. 2017/2018 Funded Projects for the Harris Chain of Lakes...................................... 13 Table 6. 2017 Funded Projects for the Harris Chain of Lakes ............................................... 16 Table 7. 2018 Unfunded Projects for the Harris Chain of Lakes ........................................... 17

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1: Map of the Harris Chain of Lakes ............................................................................... 6

LIST OF ACRONYMS

CHL Chlorophyll EPA Environmental Protection Agency FDEP Florida Department of Environmental Protection FDOT Florida Department of Transportation FDOH Florida Department of Health FWC Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission HCOL Harris Chain of Lakes LANS Lake Apopka Norths Shore LCWA Lake County Water Authority MFLs Minimum Flows and Levels NSRA North Shore Restoration Area NuRF Nutrient Reduction Facility P Phosphorus SJRWMD

• St. Johns River Water Management District

TAG Technical Advisory Group TMDL Total Maximum Daily Load TN Total Nitrogen TP Total Phosphorus UF University of Florida USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife Service

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1.0 ENABLING LEGISLATION

The Florida Legislature enacted legislation in 2001 creating the Harris Chain of Lakes Restoration Council (Council) to review audits and all data specifically related to lake restoration techniques and sport fish population recovery strategies, including data and strategies for shoreline restoration, sediment control and removal, exotic species management, floating tussock management or removal, navigation, water quality, and fish and wildlife habitat improvement, particularly as they may apply to the Harris Chain of Lakes (Figure 1), evaluate whether additional studies are needed, explore all possible sources

• f funding to conduct the restoration activities, and report to the President of the Senate and the Speaker
• f the House of Representatives before November 25 of each year on the progress of the Harris Chain
• f Lakes restoration program, and any recommendations for the next fiscal year. Statutory authority, as

amended in July 2016, is included as Appendix A. Figure 1: Map of the Harris Chain of Lakes

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2.0 REPRESENTATION

The council consists of nine voting representatives listed in Table 1. The council includes a representative of waterfront property owners, a representative of the sport fishing industry, a person with experience in environmental science or regulation, a person with training in biology or another scientific discipline, an attorney, a physician, an engineer, and two residents of the county who are not required to meet any additional qualifications for membership, each to be appointed by the Lake County legislative

• delegation. In February 2017 Robert (Bob) Johnson was elected Chairman, Skip Goerner was elected

Vice-Chairman, and Don Nicholson was elected Secretary. The Harris Chain of Lakes Restoration Council is currently seeking to fill the attorney and physician vacancies through advertising on the Council website at http://harrischainoflakescouncil.com. Table 1: 2017 Harris Chain of Lakes Restoration Council Members Member Representative Robert (Bob) Johnson, Chairman Science/Biology Skip Goerner, Vice-Chairman Sport Fishing Don Nicholson, Secretary Waterfront Property Owners Stephanie Bishop, PE Engineer Sid Grow Member at Large Keith Truenow Member at Large John Stump Environmental Science/Regulation Vacant Attorney Vacant Physician

3.0 2017 MEETINGS AND PRESENTATIONS

The Council conducted nine meetings during the 2017 reporting period (November 2016 to October 2017). Meetings were cancelled in December 2016, May 2017, and July 2017. The Council received scientific information and presentations (Table 2) on restorative measures for the Harris Chain of Lakes and data concerning water quality and aquatic ecological conditions during the reporting period. Representatives from St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD), Lake County Water Authority (LCWA), Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), and the University of Florida (UF) provided technical presentations and information to the Council. Table 2: Technical Presentations from November 2016 to October 2017 Meeting Date Presentations January 13, 2017

• Review of SJRWMD Technical Memorandum 56, Water Quality

Changes in Lake Apopka, Florida, and the St. Johns River Water Management District’s Restoration Program, Rolland Fulton, Ph.D., SJRWMD February 10, 2017

• Discussion of SJRWMD Response to Harris Council Letter Dated

August 29, 2016, Regarding Policy Positions and Programs, Erich Marzolf, Ph.D., SJRWMD March 3, 2017

• Discussion of LCWA Response to Harris Council Letter Dated

August 29, 2016, Mike Perry, Executive Director, LCWA

8 Meeting Date Presentations April 7, 2017

• Discussion of FWC Response to Harris Council Letter Dated August

29, 2016, Dennis Renfro, FWC June 3, 2016

• Update on State Efforts to Remediate Impacts from Onsite

Wastewater Systems Located in Impaired Waters, Kevin Coyne, FDEP August 11, 2017

• Update on Aquatic Plant Management, Nathalie Visscher, FWC

September 22, 2017

• Discussion of Hurricane Irma, Harris Council Members

October 6, 2017

• Update on Lake Apopka Dredging, Bob Naleway, P.E., SJRWMD

Members of the Council’s Technical Advisory Group (TAG) (Table 3) also provided periodic updates to the Council on various topics related to lake water quality and restoration issues. Table 3: 2017 Technical Advisory Group (TAG) Members Agency Representative FDEP Kevin Coyne FDOT Vacant FWC Dennis Renfro LCWA Michael Perry SJRWMD Rolland Fulton UF Mark Hoyer U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Vacant All Council meetings were noticed in the Florida Administrative Weekly and open to the public. Members of the public regularly attended Council meetings and provided information and feedback to the Council. Information from the technical presentations, TAG member updates, and the public was reviewed and discussed in detail by the Council. This information was used by the Council as the basis for developing recommendations for future restorative measures and management practices for the Harris Chain of Lakes. Copies of the Council meeting minutes and technical presentations for the reporting period may be downloaded from the Council’s website at harrischainoflakescouncil.com.

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4.0 SUMMARY OF PRESENTATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The Council received technical presentations and updates in a variety of areas of interest during the reporting period of November 2016 through October 2017. These presentations are summarized by area

• f interest as follows:

4.1 Harris Chain of Lakes Restoration

The Council heard presentations from SJRWMD (in February), LCWA (in March), and FWC (in April) representatives in response to the Council request for input from the agencies regarding their policy positions and what programs they expect to recommend to the Legislature within the next ten

• years. The request was made in the form of a letter submitted to agency executives, dated August 29,

2016. In January 2017, Council TAG members reviewed reports on an experimental restoration project on Lake Apopka in which microporous ceramic diffusers were installed to aerate and oxidize flocculent bottom sediments. The general consensus of TAG respondents was that the process did not work to expectations, and suggested sediments were simply moved to other locations in the lake and not actually oxidized. Council recommended that until further review, it did not support the expenditure

• f any more money on aeration projects for such lakewide restoration.
• Dr. Fulton discussed a different aeration project in February 2017, in which UF, under contract to

SJRWMD would be planting and monitoring the growth of Vallisneria planted behind 3 aeration curtains and 3 outside areas. The intent of this aeration project is to evaluate so-called aeration curtains effectively keep flocculent sediments away from areas of planted submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV). In February, April and August 2017, Dr. Fulton updated Council on Lake Apopka sump dredging and vacuum dredging. In October, Bob Naleway, SJRWMD, provided an update of SJRWMD Lake Apopka dredging projects. Mr. Naleway discussed the current approved and funded dredging projects, including sump dredging, vacuuming, and Newton Park Channel dredging. Council discussed the restoration funding history of Lake Apopka and the Harris Chain of Lakes at several Council meetings during the reporting period, and requested a summary of agency expenditures on restoration efforts from 1998-2016. Table 4 lists the agency expenditures for Lake Apopka and the Harris Chain of Lakes using the best available information provided by each

• agency. Data sources for listed expenditures are included as numbered notes below the table.

Separate expenditures by FWC on the Harris Chain of Lakes did not begin until 2012 therefore no data prior to 2012 is listed. Table 4. Agency Expenditures on Lake Apopka and the Harris Chain of Lakes Restoration from 1998-2016. Fiscal Year Agency Funding Amount 1988-1998 SJRWMD 1998-1999 SJRWMD $45,000,000 1999-2000 LCWA1 $3,231,951

10 Fiscal Year Agency Funding Amount SJRWMD $11,000,000 2000-2001 LCWA1 $3,231,951 SJRWMD $2,444,555 2001-2002 LCWA1 $3,231,951 SJRWMD $2,125,719 2002-2003 LCWA1 $3,231,951 SJRWMD $2,728,011 2003-2004 LCWA1 $3,231,951 SJRWMD $2,075,535 2003-2004 LCWA1 $3,231,951 SJRWMD $2,772,040 2005-2006 LCWA1 $3,231,951 SJRWMD $2,533,822 2006-2007 LCWA1 $3,231,951 SJRWMD3 $2,211,715 2007-2008 LCWA1 $3,231,951 SJRWMD3 $4,296,137 2008-2009 LCWA1 $3,231,951 SJRWMD3 $5,615,056 2009-2010 LCWA1 $3,231,951 SJRWMD3 $2,456,995 2010-2011 LCWA1 $3,231,951 SJRWMD3 $1,841,305 2011-2012 LCWA1 $3,231,951 SJRWMD3 $4,300,000 2012-2013 LCWA1 $3,231,951 FWC2 $4,800,000 SJRWMD3 $4,700,000 2013-2014 LCWA1 $3,231,951 FWC2 $2,000,000 SJRWMD3 $3,850,000 2014-2015 LCWA1 $3,231,951 FWC2 $3,000,000 SJRWMD3 $1,933,820

11 Fiscal Year Agency Funding Amount 2015-2016 LCWA1 $3,231,951 SJRWMD3 $5,127,815 Total $300,000,000

1LCWA average expenditures from FY99-00 through FY15-16 for the Harris Chain of Lakes: summary data provided

in a presentation to the HCOLRC by Mike Perry in March 2017.

2FWC appropriations for FY12-13 through FY14-15: data provided in a presentation to the HCOLRC by Dennis

Renfro in April 2017.

3SJRWMD expenditures from Comprehensive Annual Financial Report FY06-07:pg. 58, FY07-08:pg. 56, FY08-09:pg.

58, FY09-10:pg. 58, FY10-11:pg. 60, FY11-12:pg. 53, FY12-13:pg. 53, FY13-14:pg. 53, FY14-15:pg. 53, FY15- 16:pg. 57

Agency estimates of expenditures on Lake Apopka and the Harris Chain of Lakes are: $236 million by SJRWMD since 1988, $54 million by LCWA since 1998, and $10 million by FWC since 2012. This estimate may not include all state and federal expenditures. Council is concerned that the $300 million that has been expended has not resulted in adequate restoration of the targeted areas. In August 2017, Council requested Senator Dennis Baxley, as Chair of the Florida Senate’s Committee on Governmental Oversight and Accountability contact the Florida Legislature’s Office of Program Policy Analysis & Government Accountability (OPPAGA) to initiate a review

• f Florida’s on-going lake restoration programs. Specifically, Council requested a review of

restoration activities by SJRWMD, FWC and LCWA for Lake Apopka and other lakes within the Harris Chain of Lakes (Appendix B). Council has made this request because the actions or inactions of the involved agencies are making it very difficult for the Council to meet its statutory

• bligations and the agencies continually fail to implement Council recommendations. Response

letters by SJRWMD, LCWA, and FWC were submitted to Senator Baxley. Council recommendations 2017:

• Council supports dredging in Lake Apopka to create areas for vegetation.
• Council recommends against aeration projects intended for lake-wide restoration.
• Council requests an OPPAGA review of restoration activities by SJRWMD, FWC and LCWA

for Lake Apopka and other lakes within the Harris Chain of Lakes.

4.2 Lake Water Level Management

As part of frequent updates on water levels, Mr. Mike Perry, LCWA, and Dr. Rolland Fulton, SJRWMD, discussed the regulation schedule, seasonal rainfall, and changes in Lake Apopka lake level and the Harris Chain of Lakes during the reporting period. Council also received periodic briefings from both Dr. Fulton and Mr. Perry on developments with SJRWMD minimum flows and levels (MFLs) development for the lower Ocklawaha River and lakes Apopka, Beauclair, Dora, Eustis, Griffin and Harris. Council recommendations 2017:

• Council supports MFLs maintaining the highest water levels possible during the dry period of

the year as fisheries benefit by higher water levels during the spawning season.

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• Council recommends closely maintaining the Harris Chain of Lakes regulation schedule during

hurricane season.

• Council requests SJRWMD and pertinent Council technical advisory group agencies (FWC,

FDEP, LCWA) to provide current scientific data in a presentation to the Council that allows the North Shore (NSRA) to either be connected or not connected to Lake Apopka. If reconnection is an option, the presentation should include required steps, cost and timeline.

4.3 Aquatic Vegetation

• Ms. Nathalie Visscher, FWC, provided an update on aquatic plant management in the Harris Chain
• f Lakes over the past 2 years in August 2017. Ms. Visscher reported the current funding priorities

in the Harris Chain are floating water hyacinth and water lettuce, and submersed hydrilla management, with $20 million allocated statewide in Fiscal Year (FY) 16/17, and $18,297,000 allocated statewide in FY 17/18.

• Ms. Visscher reviewed maps showing areas treated on Lake Harris, Little Lake Harris, Lake Griffin,

Haines Creek, Lake Eustis, Lake Dora, Lake Beauclair, Lake Apopka, and Lake Yale, and presented detailed information on the types of vegetation treated, acres treated by lake, and the costs of treatment for FY 15/16 and FY 16/17 In November 2016, and January, February, March April, June and August 2017 Mr. Dennis Renfro, FWC, updated the Council on FWC’s progress in reconnecting portions Area 3 of the Emeralda Marsh on the east side of Lake Griffin. Council recommendations 2017:

• Council continues to support efforts to establish additional beneficial aquatic vegetation in Lake

Apopka and the Harris Chain of Lakes.

• Council supports expanded funding for invasive aquatic plant management.

4.4 Fish Attractor Program

• Mr. Renfro discussed elements of the FWC fish attractor program in the Harris Chain of Lakes at

Council meetings in November 2016, and March and August 2017. Mr. Renfro also briefed Council

• n fish attractor installation schedules and FWC involvement with bass fishing tournaments in the
• area. Mr. Renfro noted the tournaments represent about $1.3 – $1.5 million in value each, to the local

economy. Council recommendation 2017:

• Council supports the installation of additional artificial fish attracting structures in the Harris

Chain of Lakes.

4.5 Fishery Research

In January 2017, Florida State Toxicologist Dr. Kendra Goff, DOH, responded via two emails to a request by Chairman Johnson to provide a human health risk assessment on the consumption of game fish from the NSRA (Appendices 7.3 and 7.4). Human consumption advisory assessments have not been done for game fish from the NSRA because of the limited numbers of game fish present in the

• NSRA. FDOH refused to review the SJRWMD organochlorine data provided for the minnow

Gambusia as FDOH only collects data from game fish. Gambusia is not used for human

• consumption. FDOH further noted the sample size was too small, and data was provided from whole

13 minnows, whereas FDOH analyzes filleted samples only, not whole fish. SJRWMD uses these data as the current reason not to reconnect the North Shore to Lake Apopka. Council recommendation 2017:

• Council recommends the collection of game fish samples (n = 7 or more) from the NSRA to

provide fillets for pesticide analysis by FDOH, to develop a human health risk assessment for consumption of those fish in the NSRA.

4.6 Water Quality

In January 2017, Dr. Fulton presented an overview of water quality changes in Lake Apopka based

• n SJRWMD Technical Memorandum 56, produced by Mike Coveney, Ph.D., former SJRWMD
• scientist. SJRWMD’s expectation is a reversal of eutrophication of Lake Apopka. Reduced

phosphorus (P) loading is resulting on lower P concentrations and lower levels of phytoplankton, which should provide greater water transparency, increased SAV, and increased game fish populations. In conclusion, Dr. Fulton reported annual total phosphorus (TP) loading to Lake Apopka has been reduced from ~62 to ~11 MT (2010-14), reduced P loading has led to reduced TP concentrations with reduced Chl-a, increased transparency, and increased SAV. Neither wind resuspension nor sediment P stores have prevented the recovery. Extreme low lake stage results in poor water quality, interrupting or reversing improvements, so sustained improvements will require sustained water levels within normal ranges.

• Mr. Kevin Coyne, FEDP, provided Council and overview of septic tanks and springs, and how inputs

are addressed, during a presentation in June 2017. Mr. Coyne discussion of septic tank remediation plans, which are intended to help achieve total maximum daily load reductions reduction for these sources within 20 years. Mr. Coyne noted efforts are currently underway to secure funding to study septic tanks in lake areas. Council Recommendation 2017

• Expanding studies of septic tank influences on water quality in the Harris Chain of Lakes.
• Providing legislative funding for unfunded proposed projects that will help to restore the water

quality in the Harris Chain of Lakes.

5.0 2017 FUNDED PROJECTS BY PARTNERS

The Harris Chain of Lakes Restoration Council has developed a database to monitor the progress of current funded agency projects in the Harris Chain of Lakes. The database lists projects, waterbodies affected, project descriptions, project partners, project costs, funding sources, and project progress. Table 5 provides a summary of FY 17 funded projects for the Harris Chain of Lakes. Funding for FY 17 totals $13,174,662. Table 6 provides a summary of FY 18 funded projects, totaling $10,817,347. Table 5. FY17 Funded Projects for the Harris Chain of Lakes Project Funding Funding Source Project Partner (s) Lake Apopka NSRA bird monitoring $21,000 SJRWMD SJRWMD UORB Vegetation Mapping $52,000 SJRWMD SJRWMD

14 Project Funding Funding Source Project Partner (s) UORB Hydrilla Surveillance $14,100 SJRWMD SJRWMD UORB SAV Surveillance $19,200 SJRWMD SJRWMD LA/UORB Gizzard Shad Removal $675,000 SJRWMD SJRWMD Aerial Reconnaissance LA/UORB $10,000 SJRWMD SJRWMD Phytoplankton and Zooplankton Analyses $12,320 SJRWMD SJRWMD Fish Attractors $40,000 Legislative/FWC FWC Emeralda Conservation Area 3 Reconnection Project $473,000 AHRES/FWC SJRWMD, FWC Emeralda Conservation Area 3 Reconnection Project $229,000 SJRWMD SJRWMD, FWC Fish Stocking $200,000 Legislative/FWC FWC Longterm Monitoring $70,000 Legislative/FWC FWC Invasive Plant Treatment $860,812 Legislative/FWC FWC Lake Apopka Sump Dredging $3,144,329 Legislative/FWC SJRWMD Lake Apopka Unconsolidated Floc Removal $930,547 Legislative/FWC FWC Lake Apopka Water Quality Treatment Techniques -Garney (pilot project) $516,939 Legislative/FDEP FDEP, SJRWMD Lake Apopka Water Quality Treatment Techniques – 3rd Party Verification of Garney project $55,892 Legislative/FDEP FDEP, SJRWMD Bubble Curtain to Enhance Aquatic Vegetation in Lake Apopka (pilot project) $433,190 Legislative/FDEP FDEP, SJRWMD Controlled Cavitation Enhanced Sediment Treatment System (pilot project) $360,000 Legislative/FDEP FDEP Lake Apopka Newton Park Dredging Project $460,000 Legislative/FDEP SJRWMD Lake Apopka Marsh Flow-way Improvements $115,000 Legislative/FDEP SJRWMD Lake Apopka North Shore Levee Improvements $100,000 Legislative/FDEP SJRWMD Lake Apopka Targeted Lake Wide Restoration-Dredging $500,000 Legislative/FDEP SJRWMD LANS Fish Contaminant Analysis $74,000 Legislative/FDEP SJRWMD Controlled Cavitation Enhanced Sediment Treatment System $68,790 Legislative/FDEP SJRWMD McDonald Canal Improvements & Boat Ramp $12,000 SJRWMD SJRWMD Duda Lake Water Alum Treatment System $118,455 SJRWMD SJRWMD Alum Treatment - Lake Apopka, Emeralda and Sunnyhill $300,000 SJRWMD SJRWMD

15 Project Funding Funding Source Project Partner (s) Fudge Road Levee Improvement $93,575 Legislative/FDEP SJRWMD EMCA Area 3 Boat Ramp Pad and Parking & Wildlife Drive Parking $120,000 AHRES/FWC FWC EMCA Area 3 Telemetry Installation $12,000 SJRWMD SJRWMD Duda Mowing for Habitat Conversion $10,000 SJRWMD SJRWMD Duda East Pond Weir Replacement $71,500 SJRWMD SJRWMD Removal of the ABC Weir $68,250 SJRWMD SJRWMD Moss Bluff Spillway Rehabilitation $1,936,863 SJRWMD SJRWMD Site Preparation for Vegetation Restoration (EMCA, SMCA, OPCA, LANS) $462,400 Amendment One SJRWMD Native Vegetation Planting $331,500 Amendment One SJRWMD

16 Table 6. FY18 Funded Projects for the Harris Chain of Lakes Project Funding Funding Source Project Partner (s) UORB Vegetation Mapping $61,000 Legislative/FDEP SJRWMD UORB Hydrilla Surveillance $14,100 Legislative/FDEP SJRWMD UORB SAV Surveillance $19,200 Legislative/FDEP SJRWMD Lake Apopka Tributary Improvements $125,000 Legislative/FDEP SJRWMD Lake Apopka SAV Restoration $250,000 Legislative/FDEP SJRWMD LA/UORB Gizzard Shad Removal $675,000 SJRWMD SJRWMD Aerial Reconnaissance LA/UORB $10,000 SJRWMD SJRWMD Phytoplankton and Zooplankton Analyses $10,360 SJRWMD SJRWMD Lake Apopka Sump Dredging $2,000,000 Legislative/FWC FWC, SJRWMD Lake Apopka Unconsolidated Floc Removal $500,000 Legislative/FWC FWC, SJRWMD Lake Apopka Newton Park Dredging Project $3,596,000 Legislative/FDEP SJRWMD Lake Apopka Marsh Flow-way Improvements $150,000 Legislative/FDEP SJRWMD Inlake and North Shore Improvements to Recover SAV $590,000 Legislative/FDEP SJRWMD Lake Apopka Targeted Lake Wide Restoration-Dredging $500,000 Legislative/FDEP SJRWMD LANS Fish Contaminant Analysis $70,000 Legislative/FDEP SJRWMD Apopka Flow Way - 10 Pack Rehab $750,000 Legislative/FDEP SJRWMD Lake Apopka Habitat Transition and Development $250,000 Legislative/FDEP SJRWMD Sunnyhill Canal Plugs $50,000 SJRWMD SJRWMD Alum Treatment - Lake Apopka, Emeralda and Sunnyhill $300,000 SJRWMD SJRWMD Apopka AB Canal Culvert Replacement $70,287 SJRWMD SJRWMD Site Preparation for Vegetation Restoration (EMCA, SMCA, OPCA, LANS) $375,400 SJRWMD/Amendment One SJRWMD Native Vegetation Planting $451,00000 Amendment One SJRWMD

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6.0 2017 NON-FUNDED PROJECTS BY PARTNERS

The Harris Chain of Lakes Restoration Council has begun a process to review proposals for restoration projects from federal, state, and local agencies that benefit Harris Lakes, but that have not yet been

• funded. Table 5 lists priority projects that demonstrate economic benefit, improve water quality, enhance

aquatic vegetation, or improve fisheries. Following Table 5 are more detailed descriptions of the projects and include project consistency with Council missions, and Council recommendations on each project. Council supports these innovative projects, and encourages the Legislature to dedicate funding. Table 7. Priority Projects Not Yet Funded for the Harris Chain of Lakes Project Funding Request Project Partner (s) Assessment of Septic Tanks and Package Plants $50,000 SJRWMD, FWC Post Septic Tank Package Plant Assessment Abatement $900,000 SJRWMD Lake Apopka North Shore Solar Panel Evaluation $100,000 SJRWMD City of Apopka North Shore Reclaimed Water Treatment Facility (NSRCWTF) Optimization Evaluation $250,000 SJRWMD Total $1,300,000 PROJECT: Assessment of Septic Tanks and Package Plants Estimated Funding Request: $50,000 Project Description: An assessment of the impact of septic tanks and package plants has never been conducted for Lake Apopka. Over 4,000 septic tanks are estimated to be located within the Lake Apopka Watershed (JEA 2012), which corresponds to a potential annual loading of 40,800 kg of N (Eller and Katz 2014). This loading does not include impacts from package plants. Council Recommendation: This project is consistent with the Council missions “To restore the Harris Chain of Lakes water quality to nothing less than pristine”, and “To evaluate and identify areas of human health concerns, resulting from the deterioration of our lakes”. PROJECT: Post Septic Tank/Package Plant Abatement Estimated Funding Request: $900,000 Project Description: This project would implement abatement activities following the assessment. The assessment is a separate project. Council Recommendation: This project is consistent with the Council missions “To restore the Harris Chain of Lakes water quality to nothing less than pristine”, and “To evaluate and identify areas of human health concerns, resulting from the deterioration of our lakes”.

18 PROJECT: Lake Apopka North Shore Solar Panel Evaluation Estimated Funding Request: $100,000 Project Description: Portions of the Lake Apopka North Shore (LANS) are too high in elevation for wetland restoration and upland restoration has begun. In some areas, the potential for solar power generation may be an appropriate alternative land use that provides some environmental benefits in addition to revenue from electricity production. SJRWMD staff will work with a consultant to evaluate the potential benefits and costs of utilizing a portion of the LANS for a photovoltaic solar panel farm to generate electricity, and may implement a pilot project based on the results of the evaluation. Council Recommendation: This project is consistent with the Council missions “To recommend and develop projects that substantially improve the economic benefit to the local communities. PROJECT: City of Apopka North Shore Reclaimed Water Treatment Facility (NSRCWTF) Optimization Evaluation Estimated Funding Request: $250,000 Project Description: The purpose of this project is to evaluate alternate discharge options from the City

• f Apopka's NSRCWTF. The City of Apopka is currently constructing a +/- 260 million gallon reclaimed

water storage pond, with possible expansion to 300 million gallons at their Golden Gem Water Storage

• Facility. The pond provides storage within the RCW system to optimize the use of RCW in place of

groundwater withdrawals. As the City develops their distribution system, stormwater from the NSRWTF could be conveyed to the Golden Gem facility via the RCW transmission main along Golden Gem Rd from Ponkan Rd to the West Reuse Pump Station. Council Recommendation: This project is consistent with the Council missions “To recommend lasting and viable solutions to the legislature for appropriations of funds and resources”, and “To restore the Harris Chain of Lakes water quality to nothing less than pristine”.

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7.0 APPENDICES

7.1 Appendix A: Statutory Authority

2016 Florida Statutes Title XXVIII NATURAL RESOURCES; CONSERVATION, RECLAMATION, AND USE Chapter 373 WATER RESOURCES SECTION 467 The Harris Chain of Lakes Restoration Council—There is created within the St. Johns River Water Management District, with assistance from the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Lake County Water Authority, the Harris Chain of Lakes Restoration Council. (1)(a) The council shall consist of nine voting members which shall include a representative of waterfront property owners, a representative of the sport fishing industry, a person with experience in environmental science or regulation, a person with training in biology or another scientific discipline, an attorney, a physician, an engineer, and two residents of the county who are not required to meet any additional qualifications for membership, each to be appointed by the Lake County legislative

• delegation. The Lake County legislative delegation may waive the qualifications for membership on a

case-by-case basis if good cause is shown. A person serving on the council may not be appointed to a council, board, or commission of any council advisory group agency. The council members shall serve as advisors to the governing board of the St. Johns River Water Management District. The council is subject to chapters 119 and 120. (b) There shall be an advisory group to the council which shall consist of one representative each from the St. Johns River Water Management District, the Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Transportation, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Lake County Water Authority, the United States Army Corps of Engineers, and the University of Florida, each of whom shall be appointed by his or her respective agency, and each of whom, with the exception of the representatives from the Lake County Water Authority and the University of Florida, shall have had training in biology or another scientific discipline. (2) Immediately after appointment, the council shall meet and organize by electing a chair, a vice chair, and a secretary, whose terms shall be for 2 years each. Council officers shall not serve consecutive

• terms. Each council member shall be a voting member.

(3) The council shall meet at the call of its chair, at the request of six of its members, or at the request

• f the chair of the governing board of the St. Johns River Water Management District. Resignation by a

council member, or failure by a council member to attend three consecutive meetings without an excuse approved by the chair, results in a vacancy on the council. (4) The council shall have the powers and duties to: (a) Review audits and all data specifically related to lake restoration techniques and sport fish population recovery strategies, including data and strategies for shoreline restoration, sediment control and removal, exotic species management, floating tussock management or removal, navigation, water quality, and fish and wildlife habitat improvement, particularly as they may apply to the Harris Chain of Lakes. (b) Evaluate whether additional studies are needed. (c) Explore all possible sources of funding to conduct the restoration activities.

20 (d) Report to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives before November 25 of each year on the progress of the Harris Chain of Lakes restoration program and any recommendations for the next fiscal year. (5) The St. Johns River Water Management District shall provide staff to assist the council in carrying

• ut the provisions of this act.

(6) Members of the council shall receive no compensation for their services, but are entitled to be reimbursed for per diem and travel expenses incurred during execution of their official duties, as provided in s. 112.061. State and federal agencies shall be responsible for the per diem and travel expenses of their respective appointees to the council, and the St. Johns River Water Management District shall be responsible for per diem and travel expenses of other appointees to the council. SECTION 468 The Harris Chain of Lakes restoration program— (1) The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the St. Johns River Water Management District, in conjunction with the Department of Environmental Protection, pertinent local governments, and the Harris Chain of Lakes Restoration Council, shall review existing restoration proposals to determine which ones are the most environmentally sound and economically feasible methods of improving the fish and wildlife habitat and natural systems of the Harris Chain of Lakes. (2) To initiate the Harris Chain of Lakes restoration program recommended by the Harris Chain of Lakes Restoration Council, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, with assistance from the

• St. Johns River Water Management District and in consultation and by agreement with the Department
• f Environmental Protection and pertinent local governments, shall develop tasks to be undertaken by

those entities for the enhancement of fish and wildlife habitat. These agencies shall: (a) Evaluate different methodologies for removing the extensive tussocks and buildup of organic matter along the shoreline and of the aquatic vegetation in the lake. (b) Conduct any additional studies as recommended by the Harris Chain of Lakes Restoration Council. (3) Contingent on the Legislature’s appropriating funds for the Harris Chain of Lakes restoration program and in conjunction with financial participation by federal, other state, and local governments, the appropriate agencies shall, through competitive bid, award contracts to implement the activities of the Harris Chain of Lakes restoration program. (4) The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is authorized to conduct a demonstration restoration project on the Harris Chain of Lakes for the purpose of creating better habitat for fish and wildlife.

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7.2 Appendix B: Copy of Letter to Senator Baxley

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7.3 Appendix C. Email correspondence between Dr. Kendra Goff, Florida State Toxicologist, and Chairman Johnson, dated January 3, 2017.

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7.4 Appendix D. Email correspondence between Dr. Kendra Goff, Florida State Toxicologist, and Chairman Johnson, dated January 11, 2017.

8.0 MEETING INFORMATION

Meeting information including agendas, minutes, and presentation information may be found in digital format and downloaded from the Council’s website at harrischainoflakescouncil.com.