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MIAMI RIVER COMMISSION 
c/o Robert King High
1407 NW 7 St.,  Suite D
Miami, FL  33125

  Phone 305-644-0544
Fax 305-642-1136

Email:
  mrc@rsmas.miami.edu

I.  Status of the Draft Wagner Creek Corrective Action Plan and Dredging Permit Applications-

Mr. Jose Lago, City of Miami Capital Improvements Department, stated the City of Miami was currently evaluating alternate sites for open air drying, dewatering and temporary storage for the Wagner Creek dredging project. Mr. Lago noted the City was anticipating selecting a new location within 90 days. Ms. Jude asked Mr. Lago if the City of Miami had considered asking the community for suggestions regarding new temporary stage sites, and Mr. Lago responded that the City would reach out to the community once they had identified potential locations.  Mr. Lago added that only non-residential-zoned areas would be considered potential sites.  Mr. Lago mentioned the City of Miami was also re-evaluating different technologies to dredge the canal.  Mr. Lago stated that the City of Miami had obtained a Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) permit and partial Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) and Miami-Dade County Department of Environmental Resource Management (DERM) permits for the project.

Mr. Lago stated that Power U had submitted questions to the City of Miami , regarding Wagner Creek, and Mr. Lago provided Mr. Dieter Bauer, Power U, and SSC meeting attendees, with the written answers to their submitted questions.

II. Update on the Development of TMDL’s for Wagner Creek-

Mr. Kevin O’Donnell, FDEP Southeast Basin Coordinator, provided a presentation regarding the different phases of the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) process. Mr. O’Donnell stated the process is currently at the end of Phase II, in which FDEP develops a draft list of  “impaired” waters. The calculations, added O’Donnell, are based on 7 ½ years of records for identifying  verified impaired waters and 10 years of record for identifying potentially impaired waters.  Mr. Fred Calder, FDEP, stated that TMDL’s are based on water column measurements as required under the Clean Water Act.  Mr. Steve Blair, DERM, stated that Mr. O’Donnell and Mr. Calder have been very helpful and pro-active in their efforts.

FDEP and SSC meeting attendees reviewed the Group 4 Southeast Coast-Biscayne Bay Draft Impaired Waters List (including 3c Planning List waters and 3D Potentially Impaired waters). FDEP and SSC also reviewed the draft impaired waters for Wagner Creek (WBID 3288A) and the C-6. Miami River (WBIDs 3288, 3288B, 3290). . According to the report, 2005 is the TMD.

development year for Wagner Creek for fecal and total coliforms and dissolved oxygen, 2010 is the projected year for TMDL development for the Miami River .  Fecal coliform, total coliform, copper, and dissolved oxygen are current parameters of concern along Wagner Creek and the C-6/Miami River.

Mr. Calder suggested  the City and County  evaluate the usefulness of developing a draft “Reasonable Assurance Report” for Wagner Creek.  “Reasonable Assurance” means pollution control measures are in place or proposed that will attain water quality standards at a clearly defined point in future. This document would list projects and best management practices, and provide other information.  If developing the report is determined appropriate, the approximate submission of a draft to FDEP would be by the end of April. City and County representatives at the SSC meeting agreed.

Mr. O’Donnell and Mr. Calder volunteered to participate in future SSC meetings.  Mr. Brett Bibeau, MRC Managing Director, thanked them for their time, participation and efforts.

III  Status of WASD Smoke Testing of the Western SubBasin-

Mr. Rod Lovett, Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department (WASD), stated the WASD had finalized its agreement with DERM, and was currently waiting for a billing number to begin work. Mr. Lovett noted the billing number would be obtained next week. In the meantime, the area has been cleaned and is ready for testing, noted Mr. Fernando Gonzalez, City of Miami .

IV  New Business-

Mr. Dieter Bauer, Power U, stated that he has not seen any new “No Fishing Signs” posted along Wagner Creek. Mr. Lago responded that the City of Miami had placed numerous “No Fishing” and “No Swimming” signs throughout the area in 2003.  Mr. Blair stated that the Department of Health is the only agency with direct jurisdiction to post health-warning signage.

The SSC confirmed their next regularly scheduled 1^st Wednesday of the month meeting for April 6, 2005 , 10 am, Miami River Inn, 118 South River Drive .

The meeting adjourned.

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