The Dredging Working Group September 13, 2000 minutes were approved. On October 3, 2000 the Board of County Commissioners unanimously passed agenda item 4 (R) a, "Resolution authorizing approval of the Miami River Dredging Project Temporary Storage Site located South of NW 36 Street and West of NW 36 Avenue". The approval was contingent on the County Manager and Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) providing details concerning the following subjects/questions:

• Will the dredged sediments smell, and if so, how will the odor be controlled?

• Will the berms built around the perimeter of the site to contain the sediment withstand severe storms?

• Provide details concerning the transportation plan for the increased truck activity.

• What is the post dredging mitigation plan for the neighborhood?

• Is there an opportunity/requirement for employment of community residents?

• Where is the final location for disposition of dredged material?

Capt. Miller stated the County Commissioner's require answers to the above issues before they approve the Project Cooperation Agreement (PCA). The Army Corps of Engineers dredging project officer, Jerry Scarborough, believes that the Commissioners concerns can be answered logically. For example the berms surrounding the drying site are designed to withstand a 100-year storm.

The Army Corps of Engineers requires the following critical information from the local project sponsor, Miami-Dade County:

1. What is Miami-Dade County going to do about the 2.8 acres of the temporary drying site, which is currently leased to Miami Jai-Alai?

2. What does the County intend to do with the Taxi Meter repair business located on the temporary drying site?

3. When will the County provide the Corps right of entry to the property?

4. The ACOE needs the county to provide all utility maps for the property that include electrical, water mains, gas mains, sewer & stormwater systems, etc.

Roger Hernstadt was unable to attend the meeting due to flooding problems and Art Tillberg was representing the County. Mr. Tillberg stated the county was working on the above issues and they were "progressing forward", but had no further details. Ed Carter, ACOE consultant, will be drafting a letter for the ACOE to send to the County concerning the above issues.

Ed Carter stated that a minimum of ten acres is necessary for the temporary drying site and the ACOE normally prefers 17 to 20 acres. The construction of the berms reduces the dredge spoil holding capacity. A site less than ten acres would most likely be too small. The ACOE reported that time is of the essence and the local sponsor must provide the details above before construction planning can proceed.

Art Tillberg stated the acquisition of a berthing site on the riverfront was progressing well and he expects this lease to be finalized soon. Capt. Miller explained that the ACOE could not proceed with construction design until the County provides all required land information. This is critical because future funding becomes more difficult to secure if we are unable to demonstrate significant progress on the dredging project.

The Corps hydrographic survey of the river showing sediment location and quantities is completed and should be available within 60 days. The ACOE has contracted a company to conduct various sediment surveys throughout the river area to determine the levels of sand, rock, and fine silt in the sediment. The results of this survey will help determine how long the dredged sediments will take to dry and provide information concerning potential odor problems.

Changing the location of future Dredging Working Group meetings was discussed due to the difficulties with strict security measures at the Coast Guard station gate. The next meeting of the Dredging Working Group was scheduled for November 15, 2000 and members will be properly notified of any meeting location changes.