Okaloosa County BOCC — May 20, 2014 — OCWS Future Water Supply Update — reading text

Okaloosa County Future Water Supply Planning Update Water The Need Background and History Next Steps Subtitle placed here November 2013 The Need  Water customers in Okaloosa County are served by OCWS and several other utilities  Drinking water supply relies on wells in the Floridan Aquifer  Water levels in the Floridan Aquifer have been declining since the 1950’s and further declines are not sustainable The Need  Okaloosa County will need additional water sources to: – Sustain County’s economic and population growth – Protect Floridan Aquifer and prevent saltwater intrusion – Provide for conjunctive use Planning Background and History  Early 1990’s – Northwest Florida Water Management District and OCWS began to foresee the need for future water supply planning  Mid 1990’s thru Mid 2000’s – Initial studies were performed by various groups (USACE and NWFWMD primarily) on potential sources throughout Okaloosa County.  1999 – Creation of the Regional Utility Authority (RUA) Planning Background and History  2004 – Construction of a 21-mile 30-inch pipeline with two 1-MG tanks thru Eglin AFB.  2006 – Northwest Florida Water Management District contracted with PBS&J to study potential water supply alternatives.  2006 – Purchased 353 acres along the Shoal River for future utilization.  2008 – OCWS formed a Future Water Supply Committee consisting of local concerned citizens. Planning Background and History  2008 – OCWS contracted CH2M HILL to assist OCWS and the Future Water Supply Committee with studying future water supply.  2009-10 - Two Riverbank Filtration Studies Performed to Evaluate Suitability of Shoal River.  2010 – In February, Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners Approved a 4-Year Implementation Plan.  2010-13 – In partnership with the USACE and OCWS, CH2M HILL has performed three tasks under the USACE’s Planning Assistance to States Program which provides for a 50/50 cost-share for work performed. In total, the partnership has performed almost $700,000 in studies with OCWS contribution $350,000. Planning Background and History  2013 – OCWS met with NWFWMD to discuss status of land acquisition. NWFWMD has not budgeted for land acquisition in their FY14 budget and has no firm timeline when or if land acquisition will be funded. NWFWMD preference is for OCWS to lead this effort. Planning Background and History  2013 - Shoal River Land Acquisition was submitted to the FDEP for consideration for Pot #2 of the RESTORE Act and NFWF funding. Next Steps  Safe Yield Analysis on Shoal River (aka Water Use Permit) - Perform preliminary analysis to determine the feasibility of withdrawing up to 10-million gallons per day from the Shoal River.  Utilize existing REPI and DIG Grants obtained in partnership with Eglin AFB to purchase land parcels north of Eglin AFB, south of I-10 and near the Shoal River for both source water protection, military buffer, and potential water treatment plant site.  Next Steps  All three REPI Grants require a match – The match for REPI 1 is the OCWS’s existing 353 acres along the Shoal River. – The match for REPI 2 and 3 is the DIG Grant 2 and 3.  DIG 1 is also available and is intended to partner with NWFWMD to purchase the reservoir property.  Grant Utilization Plan – Utilize REPI 2 and 3 matched with DIG 2 and 3, respectively, to purchase land in the targeted area and place all land within a restrictive use easement with Eglin AFB. The land acquisition may also include additional phases of REPI & DIG. – Seek an extension for DIG 1 from current expiration date of 12/23/13 to allow for more time to coordinate with the NWFWMD and determine whether they are going to assist with the land acquisition. Land purchased with DIG 1 will not be required to be placed within a restrictive use easement, thus it has more flexibility. Next Steps Shoal River Buffer Land Acquisition – Moving Forward with REPI & DIG - Retain real estate attorney to manage closing and ensure all local, state, and federal requirements are met. – Obtain asking price and questionnaire from property owner. – Conduct 2 land appraisals in conformance with State Statutes & Air Force standards. – Negotiate with property owner and sign contract (will bring back to BCC for approval and execution). (continued) – During contract period (6-12 months): • Survey • Environmental Baseline Survey • Title work & insurance • Restrictive Use Easement reviewed & signed by Air Force – Obtain money from Eglin AFB for the land purchase and allowable transaction costs. – Closing • Okaloosa County would now own the property • Restrictive Use Easement to the Air Force would be executed * Note: All land acquisition costs & closing costs are reimbursable through REPI & DIG grants. However, in moving forward with this process, OCWS assumes the financial risk on any expenses should we not close on the property. These expenses are minimal compared to the benefit.