I. “Miami River Basin Water Quality Improvement Plan” Agency Quarterly Implementation Progress Reports

Ms Diane Waters, City of Miami, presented the following quarterly progress reports:

City of Miami:
1. July – September 2012
2. October -December 2012
Mr. Omar Abdelrahman presented the County’s following progress reports:

Miami-Dade County:
1. January – March 2012
2. April – June 2012
3. October -December 2012
The submitted monthly water quality testing results indicated no violations of the water
quality goals on the Miami River.

II. Agency Quarterly Progress Reports on Implementing Action Items Identified in the “Walk the Waterbody Identification (WBID)” for Wagner Creek and Seybold Canal–Agencies provided their 4th quarterly report (shown in italic) on implementing the following action items identified in FDEP’s Walk the WBID Exercise for Wagner Creek (WBID 3288A, pages 84-89):

A: Increase the frequency of stormwater trap cleaning throughout the watershed.
Although recently increased to an extent, FDEP continues to recommend the City and County conduct even greater frequency of stormwater trap cleaning throughout the watershed. Currently City cleans stormwater traps only every 3-5 years and County frequently sends inspectors and clean as needed.

Carry out additional monitoring of storm drain system discharging to Wagner Creek–Seybold Canal. Per SSC’s adopted 1/26/12 public meeting minutes, “City provided new Water Quality Monitoring Plan, and indicated they are negotiating the contract for its implementation to start in the “rainy season”. Ms. Waters stated due to budget issues City now unable to contract to implement the previously presented Wagner Creek Water Quality Monitoring Plan, until next fiscal year (October 2012 – September 2013). Ms Waters reported the City has almost contracted the plan’s implementation.

After a high sampling result at any of the sampling stations, go into the field within 24 hours and if possible sample just upstream and downstream of the location to identify the source. Please see above

From Juan Pablo Duarte Park to the NW 20th Street Bridge, inspect underground stormwater pipes and ensure they are not clogged. Lines cleared 1/31/11 and more improvements under construction ie 340 linear feet of French drains with baffle boxes and fixing 2 manhole covers – MDC PW conducted recent dredging at this location -Completed

Inspect wastewater infrastructure from NW 17th Avenue to 20th Street; multiple SSOs have occurred in this area, and the underground stormwater conveyance is close to the creek and inlets. Liza Herrera contacted Juan Bedoya, and is awaiting his email with information.

A: At the Allapattah Produce Market, increase the frequency of stormwater trap maintenance. Currently MDC conducts maintenance of grates and baskets monthly, and other systems every 3-years. MDC – NW 17 Ave from 18 Terrace to NW 28 ST -serviced 7/31/10 -NW 20 ST from NW 17 Ave to NW 12 Ave – last serviced 11/2/10 – FDEP recommends increased frequency, ba on clear needs – area may need retrofit – NE side of Flagler Bridge has open / missing stormwater grate and is full of garbage.

A: At the Allapattah Produce Market, carry out regular street sweeping. – City was street sweeping monthly, now every 2 weeks. FDOT street sweeps 12 Ave and 7 Ave monthly. MDC street sweeps 1 time per year.

At the Allapattah Produce Market, implement public education campaign for businesses in area on stormwater contamination. City provided bilingual flyer to MRC on 5/21/12. MRC sent to printers to make color copies for distribution along with bilingual informational flyer regarding pet waste when provided by agencies. MRC distributed on 12/18/12. Businesses indicated homeless are breaking into garbage bins, taking out thrown away produce, and bringing it to the public ROW where some is eaten and the rest is littered in the public ROW. Public ROW in the Allapattah Produce Market are full of rotting produce and garbage which is draining into the storm water system.

Increase enforcement of waste disposal codes in Allapattah Produce Market area. – City PW and MRC addressed with former City Code Enforcement Director, and needs to repeat with new Director. Currently 100% responsive and needs to become pro-active.

At the Allapattah Produce Market, increase and enhance homeless services to reduce the number of homeless in the area who are retrieving fruit from unsecured dumpsters, or obtaining fruit to sell from local merchants who are seeking to avoid disposal costs using less environmentally responsible methods. – Discussed at MRC’s 1/7/13 public meeting with City and MDC.

At the Allapattah Produce Market, determine whether the drainage system at 1265 NW 21st Terrace is located within the 30-footwide utility easement or only within the area where the property owner bears maintenance responsibility. – Private property owner

At the Allapattah Produce Market, encourage local businesses to install locks or otherwise secure dumpsters to prevent the removal of fruit. – MRC offered to provide locks if needed while distributing informational flyers in the area on 12/8/12

Sample the sheen observed on the water’s surface downstream of the 20th Street Bridge. N/A

Fix broken storm drain covers at NW 20th Street. – completed

Investigate and resolve the cause of the trash buildup in the storm drain at NW 15th Avenue south of NW 2oth Street. -Completed

In the area near the 20th Street Bridge, carry out a campaign to educate the public about pet waste. Bilingual flyers designed by agencies, printed and distributed by MRC on 12/18/12 – completed

Install pet waste stations in the area along NW 19th Terrace and NW 19th Street. – City Solid Waste, Parks, and PW said maybe

Increase public education concerning “scoop the poop” campaign. – Bilingual flyers designed by agencies, printed and distributed by MRC on 12/18/12 – completed

Identify the owners of the free-ranging chickens or remove free-range chickens from the area. Ask COM Code Enforcement to address the issue of free-roaming pets. Ask County Animal Services to pick up stray chickens. – MRC Manager Bibeau will ask City Code Enforcement and NET – MDC Animal Services attended and indicated their services are per Code, therefore they will not be able to “identify the owners of the free-ranging chickens or remove free ranging chickens from the area”

Investigate whether the apartments located just south of 19th Street have a direct connection to Wagner Creek. – MDC inspected and determined 2 outfalls (15” and 12”) coming out of private apartments and discharging into Creek so conducted dye test and determined no cross connections with Sanitary sewer syetem – City PW still checking if permitted and what is entering these systems

Increase sampling frequency at NW 14th Avenue. – PERA planning process to use MRC’s previously appropriated $1,000 for water quality testing. Director Bibeau stated the funding was approved in FY ’12 (July 1, 2011 – June 30, 2012) and then carried over into FY’13 (July 1, 2012 – June 30, 2013) and should be used by then. City’s Wagner Creek Water Quality Sampling Plan maybe contracted for implementation this Fiscal Year (October 2012 – September 2013)

Clean the partially blocked stormwater drain at 1501 to 1511 NW 13th Court. – Completed

Investigate the storm drain outlets that discharge directly to the creek from apartments at 1310 NW 16th Street. – MDC inspected / surveyed and found an 18” outfall from parking lot draining into creek without baffle box – City will check permits

Investigate PIC #1 on NW 13th Court. – completed

Investigate solids and oils floating on surface water at the stormwater outfall from the VA Hospital building. – completed

Inspect the VA Hospital stormwater outfalls and wastewater pump stations. FDEP scheduling inspection

Sample just past the dumpsters at the University of Miami Medical Center after a rain event. – Completed

Sample at NW 15th Street upstream of the University of Miami Medical Center. -PERA planning process to use MRC’s previously appropriated $1,000 for water quality testing.

Launch a boat downstream from NW 14th Avenue to complete the inspection of the creek. – Completed

Determine whether Jackson Memorial Hospital has a direct connection to the public storm sewer system that connects to Wagner Creek. – FDOT reviewing

Verify the connections between the Metrorail drainage systems to the storm sewer system that leads to Wagner Creek–Seybold Canal, and increase cleaning of Metrorail drainage if connections are verified. – Completed (doesn’t connect to Creek)

Contact the Miami–Dade County General Services Administration to ask them to clean up litter, debris, and trash in the stormwater drain inside the Miami–Dade Transit Culmer Metrorail Station in the Highland Park area. -Completed

Obtain plans from Miami–Dade County Public Works or Miami–Dade County Transit, or perform a field test to verify connections to the creek from the stormwater drain inside the Miami–Dade Transit Culmer Metrorail Station in the Highland Park area. – Completed

Walk the ditch along State Road 836 to look for potential sources such as PICs, etc. – MDC indicated MDX responsible – Ms Nash, FDEP, Mr. Bibeau. MRC, and MDX conducted conference call – MDX reported no issues

Ask the Miami–Dade Expressway Authority whether the drainage swales adjacent to State Road 836 discharge to Wagner Creek. Field testing may be necessary. – MDC dye tested and not connected to Wagner Creek – swale overflows

Ask the City of Miami Building Department whether the Winn-Dixie Supermarket in this area is directly connected to Wagner Creek. Field testing may be necessary. – No connection – completed

Investigate the hydrology of the area around the City of Miami Overtown stormwater pump station. – FDOT evaluating and awaiting City to provide FDOT requested plans

Ensure that the gate valve at the City of Miami Solid Waste Yard is still properly functioning. – City inspected / dye tested, determined functional – completed

Ensure that solid waste from the City of Miami Solid Waste vehicles is not entering the French drain system at the Solid Waste Yard. – City installed and using solid waste truck washer / dryer – Completed

Ensure that the sanitary/storm sewer cross-connection (discovered before the walk the waterbody exercise) at the Miami–Dade County Solid Waste Transfer Station has been corrected. MDC indicated the cross connection has been corrected, trucks are not dripping, and trucks washed in roofed / bermed area, which drains into sanitary sewer system – completed

Implement increased sediment control at the Cemex concrete plant to lessen sedimentation into ditches and waterbodies. – MDC sent inspectors and found in compliance -City inspected in October and found stock piles to tall and going over the retaining wall into the public gutter which connects to the stormwater system which discharges into Wagner Creek

At the VA Hospital, ensure that there is no contamination from biomedical waste bins and roll-off containers entering the curb opening inlet. – VA indicated avoiding spills / completed

Ensure that the pump station near the V! Hospital’s Fisher House is pumped out and the slow leak from the backflow preventer is fixed. VA pumped out and repaired / completed

Investigate whether the PICs at Creek Club Apartments are discharging to the creek. – MDC sent inspector/ not discharging into Creek -completed

Investigate whether the outfalls near the NW 19th Terrace put-in point is discharging to the creek. – Yes, west side goes into Creek – completed

Investigate whether the PICs at Campeones Boatyard are discharging to the creek. – MDC inspected and only a roof drain – completed Investigate whether the submerged outfall at 732 NW 7th Avenue is discharging to the creek. – MDC inspected and no connections to the Creek – completed

Investigate whether the PVC pipe at Florida Precision, 800 NW 7th Avenue, is discharging to the creek. – MDC inspected and no connections to the Creek, only land overflows – completed

Investigate whether the three rusted pipes at Popeye Marine, 810 NW 8th Street, are discharging to the creek. -MDC inspected and no connections to the Creek, only land overflows – completed

Investigate whether the PVC pipe protruding from a private residence at 922 or 938 NW 8th Street is discharging to the creek. MDC inspected and no connections to the Creek, only land overflows – completed

Inspect the history of the capped lateral at the apartment building at 938-942 NW 8th Street to determine if it was a source of fecal coliform to the creek. -MDC inspected and no connections to the Creek, only land overflows -completed

Investigate whether the white PVC pipe at 727 NW 7th Street is discharging to the creek. -MDC inspected and no connections to the Creek, only land overflows – completed

Of the total 54 “Action Items” in the Plan, 34 have been successfully “completed”.

Attendees discussed FDEP’s recently established water quality goal (TMDL) for the Miami River. Similar to the process recently conducted in Wagner Creek to create a plan to implement in order to obtain the improved water quality goal, the agencies will decide whether to create a Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP) or the less expensive Walk the WBID (FDEP requires by 2016).

III. Status of Constructing the Permitted Wagner Creek and Seybold Canal Maintenance Dredging and Environmental Cleanup Project
Mr. Bibeau stated all permits for this City project are currently in hand and fully executed, and City received extensions before MDC’s December 14 expiration. The Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) previously awarded the City of Miami a $1.7 million for the project, matched by the appropriated $1.7 million in City funds. The City is continuing to look into additional funding sources for the remaining $16.6 million balance needed for the shovel ready project (total project estimate $20 million), including an additional $1 million FIND grant application the City will submit in April, matched by an additional $1 million from the City of Miami.

Mr. Bibeau asked if the County had seen the video posted on “Eyeonmiami.blogspot.com” which appears to depict the County conducting maintenance dredging of Wagner Creek from NW 20 ST without operating procedures required by the various permits issued for the City of Miami’s pending Wagner Creek and Seybold Canal Maintenance Dredging and Environmental Cleanup Project. Daryl Hildoer, Miami-Dade County Water and Sewer Department Miami Dade County confirmed they were aware of the presence of dioxin in the sediment prior to unclogging the outfall via dredging, and indicated the results of the “T-Clip” test they performed were clean, although it doesn’t test for dioxin.

Mr. Bibeau stated the County’s recently issued permit (CLI-2012-0344) for a new seawall on Seybold Canal requires rip-rap boulders to be placed underwater, and rest on the bottom of Seybold Canal. Considering the upcoming Seybold Canal Maintenance Dredging and Environmental Cleanup Project, Mr. Bibeau asked if the rip-rap boulders maybe placed In Seybold Canal after the dredging project is complete, or be waived since there is no Johnsonian Sea grass in the area. Chrissy Hopps, Miami Dade County, indicated they would consider the suggestion.

IV. New Business – Mr. Bibeau distributed an email and pictures from the County Water and Sewer Department to the City of Miami, strongly recommending the City regularly maintain and remove debris from the City’s clogged stormwater system along the Miami River. A new riverfront restaurant under construction was experiencing a strong odor of feces coming from City manholes along the public ROW around 417 NW North River Drive, which were clogged. MRC Director Bibeau noted the pictures depict feces, Styrofoam food containers and plastic water bottles which are identical to those used in large illegal and unpermitted outdoor feedings of the homeless a few blocks away on North River Drive beneath the I-95 and NW 1 ST Bridges, and then defecate in public.

The SSC’s next quarterly public meeting will be June 5, 10 AM, 1407 NW 7 ST.
The meeting adjourned.

Miami River Commission’s Stormwater Subcommittee Meeting Signin Sheet
Wednesday, March 6, 2013 • 1:00 PM • 1407 NW 7 Street, Miami, FL

• NAME ORGANIZATION
• Anita Nash, Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP)
• Chrissy Hopps, Miami Dade County, PERA Edgar Espinosa Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)
• Lisa Herrera Miami-Dade County, Water and Sewer Department
  (WASD)
• Daryl Hildoer, Miami-Dade County, Water and Sewer Department (WASD)
• Diane Waters, City of Miami, Public Works
• Roma Shah, Graduate Student
• Brett Bibeau, Miami River Commission

I. “Miami River Basin Water Quality Improvement Plan” Agency Quarterly Implementation Progress Reports

Ms Diane Waters, City of Miami, presented the following quarterly progress reports:

City of Miami:
1. July – September 2012
2. October -December 2012

Mr. Omar Abdelrahman presented the County’s following progress reports:

Miami-Dade County:
1. January – March 2012
2. April – June 2012
3. October -December 2012
The submitted monthly water quality testing results indicated no violations of the water
quality goals on the Miami River.

II. Agency Quarterly Progress Reports on Implementing Action Items Identified in the “Walk the Waterbody Identification (WBID)” for Wagner Creek and Seybold Canal–Agencies provided their 4th quarterly report (shown in italic) on implementing the following action items identified in FDEP’s Walk the WBID Exercise for Wagner Creek (WBID 3288A, pages 84-89):

A: Increase the frequency of stormwater trap cleaning throughout the watershed.
Although recently increased to an extent, FDEP continues to recommend the City and County conduct even greater frequency of stormwater trap cleaning throughout the watershed. Currently City cleans stormwater traps only every 3-5 years and County frequently sends inspectors and clean as needed.

Carry out additional monitoring of storm drain system discharging to Wagner Creek–Seybold Canal. Per SSC’s adopted 1/26/12 public meeting minutes, “City provided new Water Quality Monitoring Plan, and indicated they are negotiating the contract for its implementation to start in the “rainy season”. Ms. Waters stated due to budget issues City now unable to contract to implement the previously presented Wagner Creek Water Quality Monitoring Plan, until next fiscal year (October 2012 – September 2013). Ms Waters reported the City has almost contracted the plan’s implementation.

After a high sampling result at any of the sampling stations, go into the field within 24 hours and if possible sample just upstream and downstream of the location to identify the source. Please see above

From Juan Pablo Duarte Park to the NW 20th Street Bridge, inspect underground stormwater pipes and ensure they are not clogged. Lines cleared 1/31/11 and more improvements under construction ie 340 linear feet of French drains with baffle boxes and fixing 2 manhole covers – MDC PW conducted recent dredging at this location -Completed

Inspect wastewater infrastructure from NW 17th Avenue to 20th Street; multiple SSOs have occurred in this area, and the underground stormwater conveyance is close to the creek and inlets. Liza Herrera contacted Juan Bedoya, and is awaiting his email with information.

A: At the Allapattah Produce Market, increase the frequency of stormwater trap maintenance. Currently MDC conducts maintenance of grates and baskets monthly, and other systems every 3-years. MDC – NW 17 Ave from 18 Terrace to NW 28 ST -serviced 7/31/10 -NW 20 ST from NW 17 Ave to NW 12 Ave – last serviced 11/2/10 – FDEP recommends increased frequency, ba on clear needs – area may need retrofit – NE side of Flagler Bridge has open / missing stormwater grate and is full of garbage.

A: At the Allapattah Produce Market, carry out regular street sweeping. – City was street sweeping monthly, now every 2 weeks. FDOT street sweeps 12 Ave and 7 Ave monthly. MDC street sweeps 1 time per year.

At the Allapattah Produce Market, implement public education campaign for businesses in area on stormwater contamination. City provided bilingual flyer to MRC on 5/21/12. MRC sent to printers to make color copies for distribution along with bilingual informational flyer regarding pet waste when provided by agencies. MRC distributed on 12/18/12. Businesses indicated homeless are breaking into garbage bins, taking out thrown away produce, and bringing it to the public ROW where some is eaten and the rest is littered in the public ROW. Public ROW in the Allapattah Produce Market are full of rotting produce and garbage which is draining into the storm water system.

Increase enforcement of waste disposal codes in Allapattah Produce Market area. – City PW and MRC addressed with former City Code Enforcement Director, and needs to repeat with new Director. Currently 100% responsive and needs to become pro-active.

At the Allapattah Produce Market, increase and enhance homeless services to reduce the number of homeless in the area who are retrieving fruit from unsecured dumpsters, or obtaining fruit to sell from local merchants who are seeking to avoid disposal costs using less environmentally responsible methods. – Discussed at MRC’s 1/7/13 public meeting with City and MDC.

At the Allapattah Produce Market, determine whether the drainage system at 1265 NW 21st Terrace is located within the 30-footwide utility easement or only within the area where the property owner bears maintenance responsibility. – Private property owner

At the Allapattah Produce Market, encourage local businesses to install locks or otherwise secure dumpsters to prevent the removal of fruit. – MRC offered to provide locks if needed while distributing informational flyers in the area on 12/8/12

Sample the sheen observed on the water’s surface downstream of the 20th Street Bridge. N/A

Fix broken storm drain covers at NW 20th Street. – completed

Investigate and resolve the cause of the trash buildup in the storm drain at NW 15th Avenue south of NW 2oth Street. -Completed

In the area near the 20th Street Bridge, carry out a campaign to educate the public about pet waste. Bilingual flyers designed by agencies, printed and distributed by MRC on 12/18/12 – completed

Install pet waste stations in the area along NW 19th Terrace and NW 19th Street. – City Solid Waste, Parks, and PW said maybe

Increase public education concerning “scoop the poop” campaign. – Bilingual flyers designed by agencies, printed and distributed by MRC on 12/18/12 – completed

Identify the owners of the free-ranging chickens or remove free-range chickens from the area. Ask COM Code Enforcement to address the issue of free-roaming pets. Ask County Animal Services to pick up stray chickens. – MRC Manager Bibeau will ask City Code Enforcement and NET – MDC Animal Services attended and indicated their services are per Code, therefore they will not be able to “identify the owners of the free-ranging chickens or remove free ranging chickens from the area”

Investigate whether the apartments located just south of 19th Street have a direct connection to Wagner Creek. – MDC inspected and determined 2 outfalls (15” and 12”) coming out of private apartments and discharging into Creek so conducted dye test and determined no cross connections with Sanitary sewer syetem – City PW still checking if permitted and what is entering these systems

Increase sampling frequency at NW 14th Avenue. – PERA planning process to use MRC’s previously appropriated $1,000 for water quality testing. Director Bibeau stated the funding was approved in FY ’12 (July 1, 2011 – June 30, 2012) and then carried over into FY’13 (July 1, 2012 – June 30, 2013) and should be used by then. City’s Wagner Creek Water Quality Sampling Plan maybe contracted for implementation this Fiscal Year (October 2012 – September 2013)

Clean the partially blocked stormwater drain at 1501 to 1511 NW 13th Court. – Completed

Investigate the storm drain outlets that discharge directly to the creek from apartments at 1310 NW 16th Street. – MDC inspected / surveyed and found an 18” outfall from parking lot draining into creek without baffle box – City will check permits

Investigate PIC #1 on NW 13th Court. – completed

Investigate solids and oils floating on surface water at the stormwater outfall from the VA Hospital building. – completed

Inspect the VA Hospital stormwater outfalls and wastewater pump stations. FDEP scheduling inspection

Sample just past the dumpsters at the University of Miami Medical Center after a rain event. – Completed

Sample at NW 15th Street upstream of the University of Miami Medical Center. -PERA planning process to use MRC’s previously appropriated $1,000 for water quality testing.

Launch a boat downstream from NW 14th Avenue to complete the inspection of the creek. – Completed

Determine whether Jackson Memorial Hospital has a direct connection to the public storm sewer system that connects to Wagner Creek. – FDOT reviewing

Verify the connections between the Metrorail drainage systems to the storm sewer system that leads to Wagner Creek–Seybold Canal, and increase cleaning of Metrorail drainage if connections are verified. – Completed (doesn’t connect to Creek)

Contact the Miami–Dade County General Services Administration to ask them to clean up litter, debris, and trash in the stormwater drain inside the Miami–Dade Transit Culmer Metrorail Station in the Highland Park area. -Completed

Obtain plans from Miami–Dade County Public Works or Miami–Dade County Transit, or perform a field test to verify connections to the creek from the stormwater drain inside the Miami–Dade Transit Culmer Metrorail Station in the Highland Park area. – Completed

Walk the ditch along State Road 836 to look for potential sources such as PICs, etc. – MDC indicated MDX responsible – Ms Nash, FDEP, Mr. Bibeau. MRC, and MDX conducted conference call – MDX reported no issues

Ask the Miami–Dade Expressway Authority whether the drainage swales adjacent to State Road 836 discharge to Wagner Creek. Field testing may be necessary. – MDC dye tested and not connected to Wagner Creek – swale overflows

Ask the City of Miami Building Department whether the Winn-Dixie Supermarket in this area is directly connected to Wagner Creek. Field testing may be necessary. – No connection – completed

Investigate the hydrology of the area around the City of Miami Overtown stormwater pump station. – FDOT evaluating and awaiting City to provide FDOT requested plans

Ensure that the gate valve at the City of Miami Solid Waste Yard is still properly functioning. – City inspected / dye tested, determined functional – completed

Ensure that solid waste from the City of Miami Solid Waste vehicles is not entering the French drain system at the Solid Waste Yard. – City installed and using solid waste truck washer / dryer – Completed

Ensure that the sanitary/storm sewer cross-connection (discovered before the walk the waterbody exercise) at the Miami–Dade County Solid Waste Transfer Station has been corrected. MDC indicated the cross connection has been corrected, trucks are not dripping, and trucks washed in roofed / bermed area, which drains into sanitary sewer system – completed

Implement increased sediment control at the Cemex concrete plant to lessen sedimentation into ditches and waterbodies. – MDC sent inspectors and found in compliance -City inspected in October and found stock piles to tall and going over the retaining wall into the public gutter which connects to the stormwater system which discharges into Wagner Creek

At the VA Hospital, ensure that there is no contamination from biomedical waste bins and roll-off containers entering the curb opening inlet. – VA indicated avoiding spills / completed

Ensure that the pump station near the V! Hospital’s Fisher House is pumped out and the slow leak from the backflow preventer is fixed. VA pumped out and repaired / completed

Investigate whether the PICs at Creek Club Apartments are discharging to the creek. – MDC sent inspector/ not discharging into Creek -completed

Investigate whether the outfalls near the NW 19th Terrace put-in point is discharging to the creek. – Yes, west side goes into Creek – completed

Investigate whether the PICs at Campeones Boatyard are discharging to the creek. – MDC inspected and only a roof drain – completed Investigate whether the submerged outfall at 732 NW 7th Avenue is discharging to the creek. – MDC inspected and no connections to the Creek – completed

Investigate whether the PVC pipe at Florida Precision, 800 NW 7th Avenue, is discharging to the creek. – MDC inspected and no connections to the Creek, only land overflows – completed

Investigate whether the three rusted pipes at Popeye Marine, 810 NW 8th Street, are discharging to the creek. -MDC inspected and no connections to the Creek, only land overflows – completed

Investigate whether the PVC pipe protruding from a private residence at 922 or 938 NW 8th Street is discharging to the creek. MDC inspected and no connections to the Creek, only land overflows – completed

Inspect the history of the capped lateral at the apartment building at 938-942 NW 8th Street to determine if it was a source of fecal coliform to the creek. -MDC inspected and no connections to the Creek, only land overflows -completed

Investigate whether the white PVC pipe at 727 NW 7th Street is discharging to the creek. -MDC inspected and no connections to the Creek, only land overflows – completed

Of the total 54 “Action Items” in the Plan, 34 have been successfully “completed”.

Attendees discussed FDEP’s recently established water quality goal (TMDL) for the Miami River. Similar to the process recently conducted in Wagner Creek to create a plan to implement in order to obtain the improved water quality goal, the agencies will decide whether to create a Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP) or the less expensive Walk the WBID (FDEP requires by 2016).

III. Status of Constructing the Permitted Wagner Creek and Seybold Canal Maintenance Dredging and Environmental Cleanup Project
Mr. Bibeau stated all permits for this City project are currently in hand and fully executed, and City received extensions before MDC’s December 14 expiration. The Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) previously awarded the City of Miami a $1.7 million for the project, matched by the appropriated $1.7 million in City funds. The City is continuing to look into additional funding sources for the remaining $16.6 million balance needed for the shovel ready project (total project estimate $20 million), including an additional $1 million FIND grant application the City will submit in April, matched by an additional $1 million from the City of Miami.

Mr. Bibeau asked if the County had seen the video posted on “Eyeonmiami.blogspot.com” which appears to depict the County conducting maintenance dredging of Wagner Creek from NW 20 ST without operating procedures required by the various permits issued for the City of Miami’s pending Wagner Creek and Seybold Canal Maintenance Dredging and Environmental Cleanup Project. Daryl Hildoer, Miami-Dade County Water and Sewer Department Miami Dade County confirmed they were aware of the presence of dioxin in the sediment prior to unclogging the outfall via dredging, and indicated the results of the “T-Clip” test they performed were clean, although it doesn’t test for dioxin.

Mr. Bibeau stated the County’s recently issued permit (CLI-2012-0344) for a new seawall on Seybold Canal requires rip-rap boulders to be placed underwater, and rest on the bottom of Seybold Canal. Considering the upcoming Seybold Canal Maintenance Dredging and Environmental Cleanup Project, Mr. Bibeau asked if the rip-rap boulders maybe placed In Seybold Canal after the dredging project is complete, or be waived since there is no Johnsonian Sea grass in the area. Chrissy Hopps, Miami Dade County, indicated they would consider the suggestion.

IV. New Business – Mr. Bibeau distributed an email and pictures from the County Water and Sewer Department to the City of Miami, strongly recommending the City regularly maintain and remove debris from the City’s clogged stormwater system along the Miami River. A new riverfront restaurant under construction was experiencing a strong odor of feces coming from City manholes along the public ROW around 417 NW North River Drive, which were clogged. MRC Director Bibeau noted the pictures depict feces, Styrofoam food containers and plastic water bottles which are identical to those used in large illegal and unpermitted outdoor feedings of the homeless a few blocks away on North River Drive beneath the I-95 and NW 1 ST Bridges, and then defecate in public.

The SSC’s next quarterly public meeting will be June 5, 10 AM, 1407 NW 7 ST.
The meeting adjourned.

Miami River Commission’s Stormwater Subcommittee Meeting Signin Sheet
Wednesday, March 6, 2013 • 1:00 PM • 1407 NW 7 Street, Miami, FL

• NAME ORGANIZATION
• Anita Nash, Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP)
• Chrissy Hopps, Miami Dade County, PERA Edgar Espinosa Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)
• Lisa Herrera Miami-Dade County, Water and Sewer Department
  (WASD)
• Daryl Hildoer, Miami-Dade County, Water and Sewer Department (WASD)
• Diane Waters, City of Miami, Public Works
• Roma Shah, Graduate Student
• Brett Bibeau, Miami River Commission

I. “Miami River Basin Water Quality Improvement Plan” Agency Quarterly Implementation Progress Reports

Ms. Diane Waters, City of Miami Public Works, provided the following email in advance of the meeting:

“Subject: RE: Attached MRC SSC Agenda and Minutes

Dear All:

Unfortunately, I will be unable to attend the call-in meeting tomorrow. We received the first analytical results from the consultant today. Attached are a summary of the results, the monitoring station locations, and the City's Wagner Creek drainage sub-basins. Please see the following information below for the meeting:

The City of Miami issued a notice to proceed to TY Lin dated May 2, 2013 to implement the Wagner Creek/Seybold Canal fecal coliform monitoring plan. TY Lin has completed two rounds of sampling. Analytical results have been received for aqueous samples in the first round. Two locations, Stations 8 and 10 exceeded the standard of 800 cfu/100 mL. Station 8 is a surface water sample collected from Wagner Creek near 1265 NW 12 AV. Station 10 is a manhole located at the intersection of NW 12 AV and NW 25 ST, in a residential area upstream of the Allapattah Produce Market. This location was initially selected as a "background" location and was not expected to exhibit such a high level of coliforms. Fecal coliform registered 1120 cfu/100 mL for Station 8 and 1240 cfu/100 mL at Station 10.

Sincerely,

L. Diane Waters, P.E.
Engineer I
City of Miami, Public Works
Phone: 305-416-1753
Fax: 305-416-1278
The City of Miami is a public entity subject to Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes concerning public records. E-mail messages are covered under such laws and thus subject to disclosure. All E-mail sent and received is captured by our servers and kept as a public record.”

Mr. Omar Abdelrahman, Miami-Dade County, PERA, presented the County’s 2nd Quarter 2013 (April – June) “Miami River Basin Water Quality Improvement Plan” Implementation Progress Report. The monthly water quality testing results indicate a continued improving trend at the Miami River’s testing locations, yet fecal coliform level violations (3,600 cfu/100ml) above the water quality goal (800 cfu/100ml) at the end of Wagner Creek (NW 20 ST) in April 2013.

II. Agency Quarterly Progress Reports on Implementing Action Items Identified in the “Walk the Waterbody Identification (WBID)” for Wagner Creek and Seybold Canal–Agencies provided their quarterly report (shown in italic) on implementing the following action items identified in FDEP’s Walk the WBID Exercise for Wagner Creek (WBID 3288A, pages 84-89):

A: Increase the frequency of stormwater trap cleaning throughout the watershed.
In the Allapattah Produce Market Area the City previously emptied their storm water system grates and baskets quarterly or once every 2 months, and now they are being emptied monthly during the rainy reason. In Jan and Feb 2013 the City of Miami report indicates Citywide they removed over 104 tons of debris from their storm water system.

Carry out additional monitoring of storm drain system discharging to Wagner Creek–Seybold Canal. The City of Miami’s January 26, 2012 Water Quality Monitoring Plan was contracted on May 2, 2013 for implementation by TY Lin. The City will share results with the SSC as they become available. Completed.

After a high sampling result at any of the sampling stations, go into the field within 24 hours and if possible sample just upstream and downstream of the location to identify the source. Please see above. Completed.

From Juan Pablo Duarte Park to the NW 20th Street Bridge, inspect underground stormwater pipes and ensure they are not clogged. Lines cleared 1/31/11 and more improvements under construction ie 340 linear feet of French drains with baffle boxes and fixing 2 manhole covers – MDC PW conducted recent dredging at this location -Completed

Inspect wastewater infrastructure from NW 17th Avenue to 20th Street; multiple SSOs have occurred in this area, and the underground stormwater conveyance is close to the creek and inlets. Rod Lovett, WASD, is new contact.

A: At the Allapattah Produce Market, increase the frequency of stormwater trap maintenance. In the Allapattah Produce Market Area the City previously emptied their storm water system grates and baskets quarterly or once every 2 months, and now they are being emptied monthly during the rainy reason. In Jan and Feb 2013 the City of Miami report indicates Citywide they removed over 104 tons of debris from their storm water system. - Completed
2) (NE side of Flagler Bridge garbage was removed – completed)

A: At the Allapattah Produce Market, carry out regular street sweeping. – City was street sweeping monthly, now every 2 weeks. FDOT street sweeps 12 Ave and 7 Ave monthly. MDC street sweeps 1 time per year.

At the Allapattah Produce Market, implement public education campaign for businesses in area on stormwater contamination. City provided bilingual flyer to MRC on 5/21/12. MRC sent to printers to make color copies for distribution along with bilingual informational flyer regarding pet waste when provided by agencies. MRC distributed on 12/18/12 – Completed . Businesses indicated homeless are breaking into garbage bins, taking out thrown away produce, and bringing it to the public ROW where some is eaten and the rest is littered in the public ROW. Public ROW in the Allapattah Produce Market are full of rotting produce and garbage which is draining into the storm water system.

Increase enforcement of waste disposal codes in Allapattah Produce Market area. – MRC Managing Director Brett Bibeau met with SGT Tapanes, City of Miami Police Department’s Environmental Crimes Unit, which indicated they are actively engaged in the Allapattah Produce Market area.

At the Allapattah Produce Market, increase and enhance homeless services to reduce the number of homeless in the area who are retrieving fruit from unsecured dumpsters, or obtaining fruit to sell from local merchants who are seeking to avoid disposal costs using less environmentally responsible methods. –Discussed at MRC’s 1/7/13 public meeting with City and MDC – EPA provided “Environmental Impacts of Homeless Tool Kit” which for example notes only 1 gram of human feces (often found) “can contain 10 million viruses, one million bacteria, 100 parasite cysts and 100 parasite eggs”

At the Allapattah Produce Market, determine whether the drainage system at 1265 NW 21st Terrace is located within the 30-footwide utility easement or only within the area where the property owner bears maintenance responsibility. – Private property owner - completed.

At the Allapattah Produce Market, encourage local businesses to install locks or otherwise secure dumpsters to prevent the removal of fruit. – MRC offered to provide locks if needed while distributing informational flyers in the area on 12/8/12

Sample the sheen observed on the water’s surface downstream of the 20th Street Bridge. N/A

Fix broken storm drain covers at NW 20th Street. – completed

Investigate and resolve the cause of the trash buildup in the storm drain at NW 15th Avenue south of NW 2oth Street. -Completed

In the area near the 20th Street Bridge, carry out a campaign to educate the public about pet waste. Bilingual flyers designed by agencies, printed and distributed by MRC on 12/18/12 – completed

Install pet waste stations in the area along NW 19th Terrace and NW 19th Street. – City Solid Waste, Parks, and PW said maybe

Increase public education concerning “scoop the poop” campaign. – Bilingual flyers designed by agencies, printed and distributed by MRC on 12/18/12 – completed

Identify the owners of the free-ranging chickens or remove free-range chickens from the area. Ask COM Code Enforcement to address the issue of free-roaming pets. Ask County Animal Services to pick up stray chickens. – MRC Manager Bibeau will ask City Code Enforcement and NET – MRC Manager Bibeau asked Bill Barges, City Code Enforcement, whom kindly indicated they may be able to assist with the “Chicken Catcher” team

Investigate whether the apartments located just south of 19th Street have a direct connection to Wagner Creek. – MDC inspected and determined 2 outfalls (15” and 12”) coming out of private apartments and discharging into Creek so conducted dye test and determined no cross connections with Sanitary sewer system – City PW still checking if permitted and what is entering these systems

Increase sampling frequency at NW 14th Avenue. – Although PERA previously indicated they were planning the process to use MRC’s previously appropriated $1,700 for water quality testing, Omar Abdelrahman, Miami-Dade County, indicated the County will not be taking this previously appropriated $1,700. City Contracted TY Lin for additional water quality testing - Completed

Clean the partially blocked stormwater drain at 1501 to 1511 NW 13th Court. – Completed

Investigate the storm drain outlets that discharge directly to the creek from apartments at 1310 NW 16th Street. – MDC inspected / surveyed and found an 18” outfall from parking lot draining into creek without baffle box – City will check permits

Investigate PIC #1 on NW 13th Court. – completed

Investigate solids and oils floating on surface water at the stormwater outfall from the VA Hospital building. – completed

Inspect the VA Hospital stormwater outfalls and wastewater pump stations. Completed.

Sample just past the dumpsters at the University of Miami Medical Center after a rain event. – Completed

Sample at NW 15th Street upstream of the University of Miami Medical Center. - Although PERA previously indicated they were planning the process to use MRC’s previously appropriated $1,700 for water quality testing, Omar Abdelrahman, Miami-Dade County, indicated the County will not be taking this previously appropriated $1,700. Mr Abdelrahman and Mr Bibeau therefore agreed this budgeted MRC funding will be reprogrammed for another feasible use with the goal of improving water quality ie additional service hours for the effective Scavenger Water Decontamination Vessel, picking up litter and feces along the shorelines, etc.

Launch a boat downstream from NW 14th Avenue to complete the inspection of the creek. – Completed

Determine whether Jackson Memorial Hospital has a direct connection to the public storm sewer system that connects to Wagner Creek. –– OJ stated he would provide VA hospital Plans to FDOT. Did smoke testing and fixed a leak.

Verify the connections between the Metrorail drainage systems to the storm sewer system that leads to Wagner Creek–Seybold Canal, and increase cleaning of Metrorail drainage if connections are verified. – Completed (doesn’t connect to Creek)

Contact the Miami–Dade County General Services Administration to ask them to clean up litter, debris, and trash in the stormwater drain inside the Miami–Dade Transit Culmer Metrorail Station in the Highland Park area. -Completed

Obtain plans from Miami–Dade County Public Works or Miami–Dade County Transit, or perform a field test to verify connections to the creek from the stormwater drain inside the Miami–Dade Transit Culmer Metrorail Station in the Highland Park area. – Completed

Walk the ditch along State Road 836 to look for potential sources such as PICs, etc. – MDC indicated MDX responsible – Ms Nash, FDEP, Mr. Bibeau. MRC, and MDX conducted conference call – MDX reported no issues. Completed

Ask the Miami–Dade Expressway Authority whether the drainage swales adjacent to State Road 836 discharge to Wagner Creek. Field testing may be necessary. – MDC dye tested and not connected to Wagner Creek – swale overflows. Completed

Ask the City of Miami Building Department whether the Winn-Dixie Supermarket in this area is directly connected to Wagner Creek. Field testing may be necessary. – No connection – completed

Investigate the hydrology of the area around the City of Miami Overtown stormwater pump station. –– Mr. Espinoza and Mr. Pervez, FDOT, stated FDOT has cleaned up area and planted new landscaping

Ensure that the gate valve at the City of Miami Solid Waste Yard is still properly functioning. – City inspected / dye tested, determined functional – completed

Ensure that solid waste from the City of Miami Solid Waste vehicles is not entering the French drain system at the Solid Waste Yard. – City installed and using solid waste truck washer / dryer – Completed

Ensure that the sanitary/storm sewer cross-connection (discovered before the walk the waterbody exercise) at the Miami–Dade County Solid Waste Transfer Station has been corrected. MDC indicated the cross connection has been corrected, trucks are not dripping, and trucks washed in roofed / bermed area, which drains into sanitary sewer system – completed

Implement increased sediment control at the Cemex concrete plant to lessen sedimentation into ditches and waterbodies. – MDC sent inspectors and found in compliance -City inspected in October and found stock piles to tall and going over the retaining wall into the public gutter which connects to the stormwater system which discharges into Wagner Creek

At the VA Hospital, ensure that there is no contamination from biomedical waste bins and roll-off containers entering the curb opening inlet. – VA indicated avoiding spills / completed

Ensure that the pump station near the V! Hospital’s Fisher House is pumped out and the slow leak from the backflow preventer is fixed. VA pumped out and repaired / completed

Investigate whether the PICs at Creek Club Apartments are discharging to the creek. – MDC sent inspector/ not discharging into Creek -completed

Investigate whether the outfalls near the NW 19th Terrace put-in point is discharging to the creek. – Yes, west side goes into Creek – completed

Investigate whether the PICs at Campeones Boatyard are discharging to the creek. – MDC inspected and only a roof drain – completed

Investigate whether the submerged outfall at 732 NW 7th Avenue is discharging to the creek. – MDC inspected and no connections to the Creek – completed

Investigate whether the PVC pipe at Florida Precision, 800 NW 7th Avenue, is discharging to the creek. – MDC inspected and no connections to the Creek, only land overflows - completed

Investigate whether the three rusted pipes at Popeye Marine, 810 NW 8th Street, are discharging to the creek. -MDC inspected and no connections to the Creek, only land overflows – completed

Investigate whether the PVC pipe protruding from a private residence at 922 or 938 NW 8th Street is discharging to the creek. MDC inspected and no connections to the Creek, only land overflows – completed

Inspect the history of the capped lateral at the apartment building at 938-942 NW 8th Street to determine if it was a source of fecal coliform to the creek. -MDC inspected and no connections to the Creek, only land overflows -completed

Investigate whether the white PVC pipe at 727 NW 7th Street is discharging to the creek. -MDC inspected and no connections to the Creek, only land overflows – completed

Of the total 55 “Action Items” in the Plan, 34 have been successfully “completed”.

III. Status of Constructing the Permitted Wagner Creek and Seybold Canal Maintenance Dredging and Environmental Cleanup Project
Mr.

IV. New Business - MRC Managing Director Bibeau stated since the Governor and FL Legislature required the South Florida Water Management District to drastically cut their budget a couple years ago, they have been forced to phase out their funding for the MRC which was used to remove illegal dumping, Scavenger 2000 Water Decontamination Vessel Services, remove invasive species, plant new landscaping, etc. along the Miami River. Therefore the MRFI is seeking new funding sources, including but not limited to $150,000 from the State of Florida, which created the Miami River Commission yet hasn’t provided any funding since then, $120,000 from the County’s reoccurring Storm Water Utility Fee, $50,000 from a NOAA grant, and a few smaller private sector grants. Director Bibeau stated these services are clearly needed, and noted portions of the Miami River are owned by the Federal, State, SFWMD, County, and City of Miami. Director Bibeau stated the MRC thanks the Environmental Agencies for their support, and the MRC will continue seeking public and private sector funding to continue its successful work improving the Miami River District.

MRC Director Bibeau thanked the multiple agencies which recently conducted a raid on the “Paradise Trailer Park”, along the River’s south shore, west of NW 27 Ave Bridge. Included in the various arrests, code violations, unsafe structures, etc, DERM found numerous toilets flushing directly into the River’s North Shore tributary, therefore DERM issued a cease and desist order and several of the lines have been capped.

MRC Director Bibeau reported an overflowing sanitary sewer manhole, which was being caused by storm water entering the system via an adjacent missing sanitary manhole cover. Mr. Bibeau thanked Miami-Dade County for replacing the missing sanitary sewer manhole cover, which kept the system from overflowing in subsequent rain events.

MRC Director Bibeau stated the MRC has three major volunteer Miami River Greenway Beautification events on October 9, 12, and 19, picking up litter, planting, removing invasive plant species, etc.
The MRC SSC’s next quarterly public meeting will be January, 10 AM, 1407 NW 7 ST.

The meeting adjourned.

I. “Miami River Basin Water Quality Improvement Plan” Agency Quarterly Implementation Progress Reports

Ms. Diane Waters, City of Miami Public Works, presented the City of Miami’s 2nd and 3rd quarter “Miami River Basin Water Quality Improvement Plan” progress reports.  In addition, MS Waters presented the 2nd sample event of “Wagner Creek TMDL Monitoring”.  Mr Bibeau noted the highest coliform violation was found at Monitoring Station 16, WC 03, located near the headwaters underground near Pablo Duarte Park.

Mr. Omar Abdelrahman, Miami-Dade County, PERA, presented the County’s 3rd Quarter 2013 (April – June) “Miami River Basin Water Quality Improvement Plan” Implementation Progress Report.  The monthly water quality testing results indicate a continued improving trend at the Miami River’s testing locations, yet fecal coliform level violations (8,000 cfu/100ml) above the water quality goal (800 cfu/100ml) at the end of Wagner Creek (NW 20 ST) in August 2013.  Mr Bibeau noted this County location is the closest to the location of the City’s highest coliform violation as well, both in the upper NW reaches of Wagner Creek.

II. Agency Quarterly Progress Reports on Implementing Action Items Identified in the “Walk the Waterbody Identification (WBID)” for Wagner Creek and Seybold Canal–Agencies provided their quarterly report (shown in italic) on implementing the following action items identified in FDEP’s Walk the WBID Exercise for Wagner Creek (WBID 3288A, pages 84-89):

A: Increase the frequency of stormwater trap cleaning throughout the watershed.
In the Allapattah Produce Market Area the City previously emptied their storm water system grates and baskets quarterly or once every 2 months, and now they are being emptied monthly during the rainy reason. In Jan and Feb 2013 the City of Miami report indicates Citywide they removed over 104 tons of debris from their storm water system.

Carry out additional monitoring of storm drain system discharging to Wagner Creek–Seybold Canal. The City of Miami’s January 26, 2012 Water Quality Monitoring Plan was contracted on May 2, 2013 for implementation by TY Lin. The City will share results with the SSC as they become available. Completed.

After a high sampling result at any of the sampling stations, go into the field within 24 hours and if possible sample just upstream and downstream of the location to identify the source. Please see above. Completed.

From Juan Pablo Duarte Park to the NW 20th Street Bridge, inspect underground stormwater pipes and ensure they are not clogged. Lines cleared 1/31/11 and more improvements under construction ie 340 linear feet of French drains with baffle boxes and fixing 2 manhole covers – MDC PW conducted recent dredging at this location -Completed

Inspect wastewater infrastructure from NW 17th Avenue to 20th Street; multiple SSOs have occurred in this area, and the underground stormwater conveyance is close to the creek and inlets. Rod Lovett, WASD, is new contact.

A: At the Allapattah Produce Market, increase the frequency of stormwater trap maintenance. In the Allapattah Produce Market Area the City previously emptied their storm water system grates and baskets quarterly or once every 2 months, and now they are being emptied monthly during the rainy reason. In Jan and Feb 2013 the City of Miami report indicates Citywide they removed over 104 tons of debris from their storm water system. - Completed
2) (NE side of Flagler Bridge garbage was removed – completed)

A: At the Allapattah Produce Market, carry out regular street sweeping. – City was street sweeping monthly, now every 2 weeks. - Completed. FDOT street sweeps 12 Ave and 7 Ave monthly. MDC street sweeps 1 time per year.

At the Allapattah Produce Market, implement public education campaign for businesses in area on stormwater contamination. City provided bilingual flyer to MRC on 5/21/12. MRC sent to printers to make color copies for distribution along with bilingual informational flyer regarding pet waste when provided by agencies. MRC distributed on 12/18/12 – Completed . Businesses indicated homeless are breaking into garbage bins, taking out thrown away produce, and bringing it to the public ROW where some is eaten and the rest is littered in the public ROW. Public ROW in the Allapattah Produce Market are full of rotting produce and garbage which is draining into the storm water system.

Increase enforcement of waste disposal codes in Allapattah Produce Market area. – MRC Managing Director Brett Bibeau met with SGT Tapanes, City of Miami Police Department’s Environmental Crimes Unit, which indicated they are actively engaged in the Allapattah Produce Market area.

At the Allapattah Produce Market, increase and enhance homeless services to reduce the number of homeless in the area who are retrieving fruit from unsecured dumpsters, or obtaining fruit to sell from local merchants who are seeking to avoid disposal costs using less environmentally responsible methods. –Discussed at MRC’s 1/7/13 public meeting with City and MDC – EPA provided “Environmental Impacts of Homeless Tool Kit” which for example notes only 1 gram of human feces (often found) “can contain 10 million viruses, one million bacteria, 100 parasite cysts and 100 parasite eggs”

At the Allapattah Produce Market, determine whether the drainage system at 1265 NW 21st Terrace is located within the 30-footwide utility easement or only within the area where the property owner bears maintenance responsibility. – Private property owner - completed.

At the Allapattah Produce Market, encourage local businesses to install locks or otherwise secure dumpsters to prevent the removal of fruit. – MRC offered to provide locks if needed while distributing informational flyers in the area on 12/8/12

Sample the sheen observed on the water’s surface downstream of the 20th Street Bridge. N/A

Fix broken storm drain covers at NW 20th Street. – completed

Investigate and resolve the cause of the trash buildup in the storm drain at NW 15th Avenue south of NW 2oth Street. -Completed

In the area near the 20th Street Bridge, carry out a campaign to educate the public about pet waste. Bilingual flyers designed by agencies, printed and distributed by MRC on 12/18/12 – completed

Install pet waste stations in the area along NW 19th Terrace and NW 19th Street. – City Solid Waste, Parks, and PW said maybe

Increase public education concerning “scoop the poop” campaign. – Bilingual flyers designed by agencies, printed and distributed by MRC on 12/18/12 – completed

Identify the owners of the free-ranging chickens or remove free-range chickens from the area. Ask COM Code Enforcement to address the issue of free-roaming pets. Ask County Animal Services to pick up stray chickens. – MRC Manager Bibeau will ask City Code Enforcement and NET – MRC Manager Bibeau asked Bill Barges, City Code Enforcement, whom kindly indicated they may be able to assist with the “Chicken Catcher” team

Investigate whether the apartments located just south of 19th Street have a direct connection to Wagner Creek. – MDC inspected and determined 2 outfalls (15” and 12”) coming out of private apartments and discharging into Creek so conducted dye test and determined no cross connections with Sanitary sewer system – City PW still checking if permitted and what is entering these systems

Increase sampling frequency at NW 14th Avenue. – Although PERA previously indicated they were planning the process to use MRC’s previously appropriated $1,700 for water quality testing, Omar Abdelrahman, Miami-Dade County, indicated the County will not be taking this previously appropriated $1,700. City Contracted TY Lin for additional water quality testing - Completed

Clean the partially blocked stormwater drain at 1501 to 1511 NW 13th Court. – Completed

Investigate the storm drain outlets that discharge directly to the creek from apartments at 1310 NW 16th Street. – MDC inspected / surveyed and found an 18” outfall from parking lot draining into creek without baffle box – City will check permits

Investigate PIC #1 on NW 13th Court. – completed

Investigate solids and oils floating on surface water at the stormwater outfall from the VA Hospital building. – completed

Inspect the VA Hospital stormwater outfalls and wastewater pump stations. Completed.

Sample just past the dumpsters at the University of Miami Medical Center after a rain event. – Completed

Sample at NW 15th Street upstream of the University of Miami Medical Center. - Although PERA previously indicated they were planning the process to use MRC’s previously appropriated $1,700 for water quality testing, Omar Abdelrahman, Miami-Dade County, indicated the County will not be taking this previously appropriated $1,700. Mr Abdelrahman and Mr Bibeau therefore agreed this budgeted MRC funding will be reprogrammed for another feasible use with the goal of improving water quality ie additional service hours for the effective Scavenger Water Decontamination Vessel, picking up litter and feces along the shorelines, etc.

Launch a boat downstream from NW 14th Avenue to complete the inspection of the creek. – Completed

Determine whether Jackson Memorial Hospital has a direct connection to the public storm sewer system that connects to Wagner Creek. –– OJ stated he would provide VA hospital Plans to FDOT. Did smoke testing and fixed a leak.

Verify the connections between the Metrorail drainage systems to the storm sewer system that leads to Wagner Creek–Seybold Canal, and increase cleaning of Metrorail drainage if connections are verified. – Completed (doesn’t connect to Creek)

Contact the Miami–Dade County General Services Administration to ask them to clean up litter, debris, and trash in the stormwater drain inside the Miami–Dade Transit Culmer Metrorail Station in the Highland Park area. -Completed

Obtain plans from Miami–Dade County Public Works or Miami–Dade County Transit, or perform a field test to verify connections to the creek from the stormwater drain inside the Miami–Dade Transit Culmer Metrorail Station in the Highland Park area. – Completed

Walk the ditch along State Road 836 to look for potential sources such as PICs, etc. – MDC indicated MDX responsible – Ms Nash, FDEP, Mr. Bibeau. MRC, and MDX conducted conference call – MDX reported no issues. Completed

Ask the Miami–Dade Expressway Authority whether the drainage swales adjacent to State Road 836 discharge to Wagner Creek. Field testing may be necessary. – MDC dye tested and not connected to Wagner Creek – swale overflows. Completed

Ask the City of Miami Building Department whether the Winn-Dixie Supermarket in this area is directly connected to Wagner Creek. Field testing may be necessary. – No connection – completed

Investigate the hydrology of the area around the City of Miami Overtown stormwater pump station. –– Mr. Espinoza and Mr. Pervez, FDOT, stated FDOT has cleaned up area and planted new landscaping

Ensure that the gate valve at the City of Miami Solid Waste Yard is still properly functioning. – City inspected / dye tested, determined functional – completed

Ensure that solid waste from the City of Miami Solid Waste vehicles is not entering the French drain system at the Solid Waste Yard. – City installed and using solid waste truck washer / dryer – Completed

Ensure that the sanitary/storm sewer cross-connection (discovered before the walk the waterbody exercise) at the Miami–Dade County Solid Waste Transfer Station has been corrected. MDC indicated the cross connection has been corrected, trucks are not dripping, and trucks washed in roofed / bermed area, which drains into sanitary sewer system – completed

Verify whether the storm sewer system at the Miami–Dade County Solid Waste Transfer Station connects to the public system that discharges to Wagner Creek. – MDC survey crew determined no connections to waterbody – completed (5/22/12) FDOT to verify if connects to FDOT system – no connection to FDOT’s 12 Ave system (9/5/12) – completed

Ensure that solid waste leachate from the storage area and trucks at the Miami–Dade County Solid Waste Transfer Station is not entering the storm drain system. – MDC indicated the cross connection has been corrected, trucks are not dripping, and trucks washed in roofed / bermed area, which drains into sanitary sewer system – completed

Implement increased sediment control at the Cemex concrete plant to lessen sedimentation into ditches and waterbodies. – MDC sent inspectors and found in compliance -City inspected in October and found stock piles to tall and going over the retaining wall into the public gutter which connects to the stormwater system which discharges into Wagner Creek

At the VA Hospital, ensure that there is no contamination from biomedical waste bins and roll-off containers entering the curb opening inlet. – VA indicated avoiding spills / completed

Ensure that the pump station near the V! Hospital’s Fisher House is pumped out and the slow leak from the backflow preventer is fixed. VA pumped out and repaired / completed

Investigate whether the PICs at Creek Club Apartments are discharging to the creek. – MDC sent inspector/ not discharging into Creek -completed

Investigate whether the outfalls near the NW 19th Terrace put-in point is discharging to the creek. – Yes, west side goes into Creek – completed

Investigate whether the PICs at Campeones Boatyard are discharging to the creek. – MDC inspected and only a roof drain – completed

Investigate whether the submerged outfall at 732 NW 7th Avenue is discharging to the creek. – MDC inspected and no connections to the Creek – completed

Investigate whether the PVC pipe at Florida Precision, 800 NW 7th Avenue, is discharging to the creek. – MDC inspected and no connections to the Creek, only land overflows - completed

Investigate whether the three rusted pipes at Popeye Marine, 810 NW 8th Street, are discharging to the creek. -MDC inspected and no connections to the Creek, only land overflows – completed

Investigate whether the PVC pipe protruding from a private residence at 922 or 938 NW 8th Street is discharging to the creek. MDC inspected and no connections to the Creek, only land overflows – completed

Inspect the history of the capped lateral at the apartment building at 938-942 NW 8th Street to determine if it was a source of fecal coliform to the creek. -MDC inspected and no connections to the Creek, only land overflows -completed

Investigate whether the white PVC pipe at 727 NW 7th Street is discharging to the creek. -MDC inspected and no connections to the Creek, only land overflows – completed

Of the total 55 “Action Items” in the Plan, 44 have been successfully “completed”.

III. Status of Constructing the Permitted Wagner Creek and Seybold Canal Maintenance Dredging and Environmental Cleanup Project

MRC Managing Director Bibeau stated all permits for this City project are currently in hand and fully executed, and the City received permit extensions before MDC’s expiration.  The Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) previously awarded the City of Miami $2.7 million for the project, matched by the appropriated $2.7 million in City funds.  The City is continuing to look into additional funding sources for the remaining $14.6 million balance needed for the shovel ready project (total project estimate $20 million).  The City of Miami previously indicated they would apply for the available FDEP Clean Water Revolving Loan Program and then the City could ask the FL Legislature to forgive a portion of the loan.  The City further indicated they would use a small portion of their annual re-occurring Storm Water Utility fee to repay the low interest ST Clean Water Revolving Loan, stretched out over time.

IV. New Business - MRC Managing Director Bibeau stated since the Governor and FL Legislature required the South Florida Water Management District to drastically cut their budget a couple years ago, they have been forced to phase out their funding for the MRC which was used to remove illegal dumping, Scavenger 2000 Water Decontamination Vessel Services, remove invasive species, plant new landscaping, etc. along the Miami River.  Therefore the MRFI is seeking new funding sources, including but not limited to $150,000 from the State of Florida, which created the Miami River Commission yet hasn’t provided any funding since then, $120,000 from the County’s reoccurring Storm Water Utility Fee, $50,000 from a NOAA grant, and a few smaller private sector grants.  Director Bibeau stated these services are clearly needed, and noted portions of the Miami River are owned by the Federal, State, SFWMD, County, and City of Miami.  Director Bibeau stated the MRC thanks the Environmental Agencies for their support, and the MRC will continue seeking public and private sector funding to continue its successful work improving the Miami River District

The MRC SSC’s next quarterly public meeting will be March 5, 10 AM, 1407 NW 7 ST.

The meeting adjourned.