HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001 08 01 Regular Item B
,
MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
Distribution
cruulesc.~~on,A1CP
communi~pment Director
.
June 26, 2001
DATE:
RE:
Conservation Element (Draft) of the Comprehensive Plan
Attached is the draft copy of the Conservation Element. Please contact me with questions
or comments.
Distribution:
Staff
Ronald McLemore, City Manager
Anthony Garganese, City Attorney
Kip Lockcuff, Public WorkslUtility Director
Kim Hall, Storm water Utility Manager
Zynka Perez, Construction Inspector
Earnest McDonald, Comprehensive Planning Coordinator
John Baker, Current Planning Coordinator
Mike Mingea, Environmental Inspector
Jimette Cook, Code Enforcement Manager
Chuck Pula, ParkslRecreation Director
City Commission
Mayor Partyka
Deputy Mayor McLeod
Commissioner Gennell
Commissioner Martinez
Commissioner Blake
Commissioner Miller
Planning: Board
Rosanne Karr, Chairman
William Fernandez, Vice Chairman
Carl Stephens
Brent Gregory
Tom Brown
CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
CONSERVATION ELEMENT
September 2001
Prepared For:
City of Winter Springs
Community Development Department
1126 East S. R. 434
Winter Springs, Florida 32708
prepared By:
Land Design Innovations, Inc.
151 Lookout Place, Suite 200
Maitland, Florida 32751
DRAFT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. INTROD U CTI ON .................... .......... ............ ............. ............... ........... ................ ............ 1
1. Purpose.......................................................................................................................... 1
2. Environmental Setting ................. ................ ............... .....................................:............. 1
B. INVENT 0 RY AND ANALYSIS ............. ......................................................;................. ... 1
1. Surface Water....................................................................................... ........... ..... .......... 1
2. W edands........................ ........................... ........... .............. ....... .............. ................ ........ 2
3. Flood Plains.......... .......................................................... .... ........................................... 2
4. Air Quality...................................................................................................................... 3
a. Carbon Monoxide ............... .................................. ..................... ................................. .................. 3
b. Lead................................................................................................................................................. 4
c. Nitrogen Dioxide .......................................................................................................................... 4
d. Ozone..............................................................................................................................................4
e. Sulfur Dioxide......................................... ....... ........................ ......................................... ............... 4
f. Total Suspended Particulate Matter....;........... ........... ............ ....................... ............. ............ ..... 4
g. Overall Ambient Air Quality ....................................................................................................... 5
5. Hazardous Was te...................... .................................... ............ ..................................... 5
6. Commercially Valuable Minerals ............................................:..................................... 5
7. Soil Erosion.................................... .................... ........... ........ .... ......... ................. ............ 5
8. Soils and Vegetative Communities ................................................................................ 6
9. Dominant Animal Species Within the Winter Springs Area ......................................... 7
10. Listed Plant and Animal Species Within the Winter Springs Area ............................... 7
11. Commercial, Recreation And Conservation Uses Of Natural Resources..................... 7
a. Commercial.................................................................... ......................................... ..... .................. 7
b. Recrea tion..................................................................................................................................... .. 8
c. Conservation .................... ........................................... ............. .................... .................................. 8
d. Protection of Ground Water .......................................................................................................9
12. Potential For Conservation, Use Or Protection Of Natural Resources ........................9
a. Conservation.................................................. .................................................................... ............ 9
b. Use. ..................... ..... ..................... .'... ..... .... .............. ............... ....... ................... ............................. 10
c. Protection...................... .................................................................................. ... ..... ..... .......... ...... 10
13. Water Needs................................................................................................... ........... .... 10
a. Potable Water Sources.................................................................................. ...... ........................ 10
b. Potable Water Demand .............................................................................................................. 11
c. Agricultural Water Demand.......... ...... ...................................................... ......... ..... ................... 11
d. Industrial Water Demand.................................................. ........ ................................................. 11
C. GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND POLICIES .......................................................................23
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LIST OF TABLES
Table IV - 1: Inventory of Permitted Point and Area Sources of Air Pollution in Winter Springs .....12
Table IV - 2: Listed Plant and Animal Species Within the Winter Springs Area................................... 13
LIST OF MAPS
Map IV - 1: Major Basin Boundaries ............................................................................................................14
Map IV - 2: Dominant Water Bodies ...........................................................................................................15
Map IV - 3: Existing Wetlands .:....................................................................................................................16
Map IV - 4: Wetland Vegetative Cover .................................................................................:......................17
Map IV - 5: Flood Zones.................. .......... ............ ............................ ..... ....... .............. .................................. 18
Map IV - 6: Monitored Air Pollutant Sources .............................................................................................19
Map IV - 7: Soils Map....... ................. ................... ........................ .................. ............... ......... ........................ 20
Map IV - 8: Strategic Habitat Conservation Areas .....................................................................................21
Map IV - 9: Lis ted Species................ ........... ....................................... ............. ............. ...................... ............ 22
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V -.)
CHAPTER V
CONSERVATION ELEMENT
A. INTRODUCTION
1. Purpose
As stated in Rule 9J-5.013, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.), the purpose of the
Conservation Element is to promote the conservation, use, and protection of natural
resources. This Element of the Winter Springs Comprehensive Plan shall identify and
analyze sources of surface and groundwater, wetlands, flood plains, air quality, valuable
minerals, soil erosion, dominant vegetative and wildlife communities, listed vegetative and
wildlife species, and the potential for conservation, use, and protection of theses vital
resources.
2. Environmental Setting
Winter Springs is located in Seminole County, in east-central Florida. The City is bordered
to the north by Lake Jesup and is situated entirely within the Middle St. Johns River
Drainage basin. Winter Springs is the largest land area in Seminole County and possesses an
abundance of natural resources including clean air; wetland and upland forests, which
provide habitat for wildlife; uncontaminated groundwater, recreational opportunities, open
space, and storage of floodwaters, all of which contribute to the well being of the City and
its inhabitants.
B. INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS
1. Surface Water
Winter Springs is divided in to five surface water basins, which include Lake Jesup Outlet,
Soldier Creek Reach, Gee Creek, Howell Creek, and Bear Creek. These surface water basins
are represented in Map IV- 1. Surface water resources in Winter Springs consist of portions
of the southern shore of Lake Jesup and its major tributaries: Soldiers Creek, Gee Creek, and
Howell Creek, as well as Bear Creek and portions of Little Lake Howell. These dominant
water features are depicted in Map IV - 2.
The Department of Environmental Protection's Bureau of Water Quality, 2000 Florida
Water Quality Assessment 305 (b) Technical Appendix, was utilized to assess water quality
of the City's lakes and provided information on several common pollution problems. The
following are water quality characteristics identified within the 2000 Reportrul:
1. Dissolved Oxygen 4. Nitrogen
2. pH 5. Phosphorus
3. Bacteria 6. Turbidity
Lake Jesup is located in the heart of Seminole County, along the middle basin of the St.
Johns River. It encompasses an area of approximately 16,000 acres including open water
and flood plain. The lake's natural resources attract and provide a considerable portion of
rccrcation and lcisurc activitics for Scminolc County rcsidents.
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According to the 2000 Florida Water Quality Assessment 305 (b) Technical Appendix the
overall water quality of Lake Jesup was reported as fair to poor. The lake is very eutrophic
with almost constant algal blooms and yearly fish kills. Although wastewater no longer
empties into the system, recovery will likely be slow due to very low flushing rates.
2. Wetlands
Wetlands are defmed as being transitional areas between the open waters of streams, lakes
and the adjacent uplands. They are characterized by vegetation and animal life that is
uniquely adapted to the natural fluctuations of wet and dry conditions. These wetlands
provide many important functions such as providing vital fish and wildlife habitats, and
acting as storage areas for excess surface water. They also improve water quality by
performing the same function as a settling pond. Impurities enter the wetland and are
filtered through the vegetation. As the water travels through the wetland toxins and
nutrients are removed, allowing the filtered clean water to exit the wetland. This protects the
rivers from overloading with nutrients, which would have a negative effect on fisheries. In
addition, the soil is stabilized which, in turn, prevents erosion. However, much of this
natural, ordered system of surface water purification is quickly disappearing due to urban
encroachment.
A fair amount. of wetland habitat still exists in the Winter Springs area and is scattered
throughout the City. Though most of this wetland habitat is found along the shores of Lake
Jesup, a significant portion extends into the center of the City. The majority of Winter
Springs'. wetlands are of the Palustrine nature. A Palustrine system includes any non-tidal
wetlands dominated by trees, shrubs, persistent emergents, emergent mosses, and all such
wetlands that occur in tidal areas where salinity due to ocean derived salts is below.05%. In
addition, diminutive areas of Lacustrine wetland can be found along Lake Jesup's southern
shore. A Lacustrine wetland is, by definition, lake-associated and may include freshwater
marshes, aquatic beds, and lakeshores. Therefore, the Palustrine wetlands within in Winter
Springs consist of: hydric hammocks and hardwood swamps, with small areas of cypress,
bayhead, and wet prairie, while the minute section of Lacustrine wetland consists of water
and shallow marsh. Map IV - 3 depicts wetlands within the Winter Springs area, while
wetland vegetative cover is represented in Map IV - 4.
3. Flood Plains
The City of Winter Springs is enrolled in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The 100-year flood plains of Winter spririgs are predominately limited to the shorelines
adjacent to Lake Jesup, Little Lake Howell, Lake TaImo, and the riverine flood plains of
Soldier's Creek, Gee Creek; Bear Creek; al1d Howell Creek and have been designated for
conservation overlay in the City's Future Land Use map. This shall ensure long-range
protection for remaining flood plain areas.
Encroachment on flood-prone areas can occur as a result of artificial fill associated with
development activity. Encroachment takes away the floodwater holding capacity of an area,
resulting in an increase in flood hazards beyond existing flood-prone areas. In order to
ensure public health and safety and triinimize flood hazard to public and private property, it
is recommended that net encroachment within the flood plain be prohibited.
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According to the City of Winter Springs' Code of Ordinances, a development permit shall be
obtained before construction or development begins within any area of special flood hazard
established in section 8-5 of the Code. When new construction and substantial
improvements do occur in areas of special flood hazards, they shall be constructed with
materials and utility equipment resistant to flood damage and shall be constructed using
methods and practices that minimize flood damage. Additional requirements ensure lowest
floor elevation, as well as electrical, heating, ventilation, plumbing, air conditioning
equipment, and other service facilities are above the base flood elevation.
Hazardous materials can be dangerous when located in flood prone areas, as floodwaters can
diffuse spills to surface waters and aquatic populations. Therefore it is recommended that
no hazardous materials or wastes be stored within the 100-year flood plain. In addition, new
and replacement sanitary sewer systems shall be designed to minimize or eliminate
infiltration of floodwaters into the water supply systems and discharge from the systems into
floodwaters. On-site waste disposal systems shall be located to avoid impairment to them or
contamination from them during flooding. No septic tanks can be located within the 100-
year flood plain, as this can contribute to surface water quality problems.
Specific areas within the 100-year flood plain are defined within the Flood Insurance Rate
Map (FIRM) and are displayed graphically on Map IV- 5.
4. Air Quality
The City of Winter Springs has a very limited amount of air pollution. This can be attributed
to the minimal existence of air pollution sources found within the City. FDEP's Air
Pollution Inventory System monitors point sources of air pollution, which are stationary and
usually industrial; and area sources, which are combined emissions of many small stationary
sources in an area. According to the FDEP, Winter Springs has one active point source,
Premix Marbletite, which manufactures cement products; and two active area sources, which
are both dry cleaning operations. The locations of these point and area sources are
identified in Map IV - 6. An inventory?f each active point and area air pollution source is
provided in Table IV- 1.
The quality of ambient air, which is the outside air we breathe, is monitored by the FDEP.
But currently there are no ambient air monitoring stations in Winter Springs. The only two
known area-monitoring stations in Seminole County are located outside City limits. These
stations are FDEP maintained and include one ozone and particulate monitoring station and
one total suspended particles monitorirlg station. Both are located near Seminole
Community College. At the present, monitoring is not being done in Seminole County for
Carbon Monoxide, Lead, Nitrogen Dioxide, or Sulfur. However, aside from Lead, these
pollutants are more than likely present in Winter Springs, according to the FDEP. An
assessment of these pollutants is provided below.
a. Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is emitted by motor vehicle exhaust. Exhaust emissions from
automobiles pose a threat of increased carbon monoxide emissions. However,
existing traffic patterns within the City are such that large concentrations of traffic
seldom accumulate for long periods of time. This helps to negate the possibility of
large concentrations of carbon monoxide from forming.
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V -.)
b. Lead
While lead is found readily in most aspects of human life, it is the man made lead
which is most prevalent. Legislation from the Environmental Protection Agency has
reduced the amount of lead allowed in gasoline to the point that the maximum
allowable level of lead in gasoline stands at 0.1 grams per gallon. According to the
FDEP, lead as an air pollutant is practically non-existent in the State of Florida
except in areas that have lead smelters or process batteries. Therefore, Winter
Springs should face no substantial problems with lead.
c. Nitrogen Dioxide
The threat of nitrogen dioxide forming in heavy concentrations in Winter Springs is
relatively low due to the traffic patterns of the city, and also to environmental
legislation. The prime contributor of nitrogen dioxide to the atmosphere is the high
temperature fuel combustion engine. Under legislation from the Federal Clean Air
Act, new model cars are required to be equipped with catalytic converters. These
converters act as a filter of car exhaust, thereby helping to prevent the further
proliferation of nitrogen dioxide.
d. Ozone
Ozone is considered to be a problem for highly urbanized areas. The City of Winter
Springs, while not highly urbanized, could still be affected by ozone in the future
through the growth of the Orlando area. Ozone is borne in the air and formed
through reactions between nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds. The
worst ozone conditions are hot, calm winded days. During this type of weather, the
atmosphere becomes extremely heated causing increased reactions and levels of
ozone to grow. Without. wind the ozone remains in a concentrated area causing
further pollution problems.
e. Sulfur Dioxide
Human made sources of sulfur dioxide represent about one third (1/3) of all
measurable amounts. Most is emitted through coal fired or oil fired electric
generation plants. The City of Winter Springs' power plant, Florida Power
Corporation, is a fossil-fueled plant that uses oiL coal, or gas in the generation of
electricity. Sulfur dioxide is also generated in small quantities by combustible
engines. However, as. stated earlier, negligible levels produced by automobiles are
present in Winter Springs.
f. Total Suspended Particulate Matter
There are two human man made classifications of suspended particulate matter.
They are traditional and non-traditional sources. Traditional sources include
combustible engines, and sources produced from some industrial activities. Non-
traditional sources include dirt from unpaved streets, dry topsoil from agricultural
fields, and dust from construction or mining. Human made emissions, which
contribute to the overall levels of suspended particulate matter, are very minimal in
relation to the naturally occurring matter. Human made sources of this pollutant are
now being controlled by new technologies such as inertial separators and wet
collection devices.
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g. Overall Ambient Air Quality
The overall air quality within Winter Springs is expected to remal11 good in the
future. Fortunately, more stringent standards imposed by the EP A and new
technologies are such that the generation of severe pollution problems has been
curbed considerably. The foremost concern for Winter Springs will be the
encroachment of the Orlando Urban Area, and those pollution problems associated
with highly urbanized areas.
5. Hazardous Waste
The City of Winter Springs is fortunate to have no hazardous waste sites within corporate
limits, but there are nine documented sources of hazardous waste in Seminole County, many
of which are hazardous waste cleanup sites. The FDEP keeps a listing of all hazardous
materials, their amounts, storage methods and disposal methods for small industrial
operations within the County.
6. Commercially Valuable Minerals
The City's most prevalent mineral resource is sand, which is most often used for
construction purposes or as fill material in Florida. There are several sandpits in Seminole
County that are currently operating or have been operating in the recent past, however, none
of which are within the City of Winter Springs. Included are Excavated Products, Cecil A.
Stone, Sullivan Materials, White Construction, the Florida Department of Transportation,
CDS Trucking, and Marquette Shores, InqI..2J. Although some phosphatic sediments are
known to be present in Winter Springs, their ground depth as well as their unproven quality
and quantity makes them uneconomical at the present.
7. Soil Erosion
According to the USDA Soil Conservation Service, there are no major soil erosion problems
in the. Winter Springs area. However, it should be noted that erosion problems have been
found to occurin portions of Howell Creek. This may be due to the land alteration, which
has resulted in unstable stream side-slopes and loss of flood plain vegetation, which may
result in sedimentation and water quality problems. Erosion and sedimentation problems
are predo1mnately due to wind and stormwater runoff over sandy, uncovered soils during
construction activity or other clearing activities.
In order to minimize erosion and sedimentation associated with development activities, the
USDA Soil Conservation Service recommends that all developers be required to utilize best
management techniques for erosion control. Landscaping plans are recommended to be
required for all industrial, commercial, and multi-family residential development. It is also
recommended that all new development, other than infill of existing single-family residential
lots that are served by regional systems, should include methods of stormwater retention
which ensure post-development water run-off rates do not exceed pre"development runoff
rates.
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8. Soils and Vegetative Communities
Soils provide several resource functions including drainage, stormwater filtration, water
storage, aquifer recharge, and ground stabilization. Map IV- 7 shows soil types within the
City of Winter Springs.
According to the data provided by United States Department of Agriculture, Soil
Conservation Center, the dominant soils in the City of Winter Springs consist of Urban
Land-Tavares- Millhopper and Urban Land-Astatula-Apopka soils which are characterized
by being well-drained soils that are sandy throughout and contain a loamy sub-soil at a depth
of 40 inches or more and are found in the upland areas. Only a few areas of native
vegetation exist in these soil types since they are well suited for the development of houses,
large buildings, shopping centers, golf courses, and other urban uses. The dominant native
vegetative communities found in these soil types consist of bluejack oak, live oak, and turkey
oak. The understory includes chalky bluestem, indiangrass, panicum, pineland threeawn, and
annual forbs.
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9. Dominant Animal Species Within the Winter Springs Area
A large American alligator population of is known to exist in Lake Jesup and the presence of
the species has been well documented by the American alligator-harvesting program
implemented in this area. American alligators frequent many wetlands, streams, and canals
in central Florida. In Winter Springs, specifically, a significant number of the species is
known to inhabit the shoreline of Lake Jesup and the wetland systems associated with the
Howell Creek Basin.
Lake Jesup also provides suitable wading bird foraging habitat on an annual basis for
dominant species such as limpkin,.little blue heron, snowy egret, tri-colored heron, whit ibis,
and wood stork. Map IV- 8 shows strategic habitat conservation areas within the vicinity of
Winter Springs.
10. Listed Plant and Animal Species Within the Winter Springs Area
In April of 1998, the Envirorunental Consulting finn, Breedlove Dennis & Associates, Inc.
(BDA) prepared an ecological report for the City of Winter Springs identifying listed
vegetative and wildlife species existing within the Winter Springs Town Center project site.
The site consists of five identified parcels of predominately native, forested vegetative
communities that, for the most part, have been very minimally disturbed by human activity.
For the purposes of this Element, the BDA report was utilized in conjunction with the
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conscroation Commission official list of Florida's Endangered Species.
Threatened Species. and Species of Special Concern to determine those threatened or
endangered species which are likely to exist in the Winter Springs area, due to the existence
of suitable habitat. While a number of animal species have the potential of occurrence, these
have not all been confirmed by direct observation. Although the evaluation provided by
BDA is based on an isolated area, it canbe concluded that the vegetative and wildlife species
listed in Table IV- 2 are likely to exist throughout the Winter Springs area, where the
appropriate- conditions exist. Map IV- 9 shows the locations of identified listed species
within the vicinity of Winter Springs.
11. Commercial, Recreation And Conservation Uses Of Natural Resources
a. Commercial
No large-scale operations for the extraction of commercially valuable minerals take
place within Winter Springs. The same is true for other natural resources, which are
susceptible to eXploitation by industries such as forestry and commercial fishing.
The primary commercial eXploitation of natural resources is development. Through
land clearing, vast amounts of upland v~getative communities have been destroyed
or altered. However, these upland plant communities are better suited to
development than wetland areas, and do not pose as many governmental regulatory
problems for developers as wetland areas do.
Another minor commercial use of natural resources within the Winter Springs area is
that of the numerous fishing guides located within the Seminole County area.
However, sport fishing is a minor draw on natural resources of the lakes in the
Winter Springs area, and it can be noted that fishing enthusiasts rely on recreational
fishing methods for their catch, rather than netting or other commercial means. No
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large-scale commercial operations dependent upon natural resources are anticipated
to locate within Winter Springs at this time[L3J.
b. Recreation
A large portion of the recreational and leisure activities of Winter Springs' residents
revolves around the Lake Jesup lake front area. Central Winds Park, the City's only
regional park, is located on Lake J esup and provides abundant opportunities for
resource-based activities. The park's amenities include a playground; sand volleyball
courts, a large multi-purpose field, and a nature trail. A passive area located on the
west side of the park includes pavilions, picnic grills, horseshoes, and a nature trail.
Currently, Central Winds Park is utilized for its fishing opportunities, and water sport
enthusiasts can hope to see future development of the lake front area for boating and
canoeing as well. Wildlife known to inhabit the lakefront area include American
alligators and bald eagles, w~ch can be observed from the park. In addition, Bear
Creek Nature Trail, which parallels Bear Creek, provides a pleasant passive area in
which natural resources are used for recreational purposes. As well as the nature trail,
this park contains two small bridges and three picnic tables, and serves as a popular
lunch spot for Winter Springs' residents. The City homes 9 additional parks, which
are detailed in the Recreation and Open Space Element
c. Conservation
Conservation uses are defined by the Department of Community Affairs as being
"activities or conditions within land areas designated for the purpose of conserving
or protecting natural resources or environmental quality, including areas designated
for such purposes as flood control, protection of quality or quantity of groundwater
or surface water, floodplain management, commercially or recreationally valuable
fish and shellfish, or protection of vegetative communities or wildlife habitats." Lake
J esup is one area, in particular, that should be preserved from the damaging effects
of urbanization.
Not only does the land surrounding Lake Jesup provide public recreational
opportunities, but the marshes that are a part of those lands help to maintain animal
habitat, improve water quality, and also allow for the storage of large volumes of
water during rainy periods, thus providing flood protection for surrounding
communities. However, decades of wastewater effluent discharges directly into the
lake, stormwater discharges from surrounding tributaries, the construction of berms
that segregated the lake from parts of its floodplain, and a causeway that reduced the
lake's connection with the St. Johns River have all taken a toll on the sensitive
ecosystem. The discharges have left a legacy of algae, frequent fish kills, and a thick
layer of muck more than 9.1/2 feet deep. The berm constructions further
aggravated the problem by inhibiting the lake's ability to cleanse itself.
In 1994, 16 State Agencies, environmental and homeowner's organizations, and
concerned citizens united, creating the Friends of Lakc Jesup Restoration and Basin
Managcment Team (Friends). The group has met monthly since organizing and has
been developing stratcgies to form an aggressivc cleanup and restoration plan. In
the spring of 1996, a partnership between the St. Johns River Water Management
District (SJRWMD) and the Florida Departmcnt of Transportation (FDOT) resulted
in the succcssful rcmoval of a 2-milc bcrm on thc north side of tllC lakc. Thc bcrm
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removal has increased the lake's ability to store floodwater and to provide a natural
habitat for plant and animal species that are dependent on a wetland environment.
With the continued help from concerned parties, not only can further degradation be
eliminated, but also Lake Jesup's integrity can continue to be renewed, giving hope to
all its inhabitants including bald eagles, manatees, ibises, snowy egrets, wood storks,
alligators, and sand hill cranes.
d. Protection of Ground Water
The City of Winter Springs draws its public supply of water from the lower Floridan
aquifer. The most effective aquifer recharge areas are generally high, dry uplands
with permeable soils and poor surface drainage, areas that are typically well suited for
land development. Within the Winter Springs, the upper Floridan aquifer receives
moderate recharge in the central portion of the City and considerably high recharge
in the southwest portion of the City. As the upper zone is recharged, some leakage
occurs, replenishing the lower zone as well. As detaile~ in the Aquifer Recharge
Element, great care should be taken to protect areas of groundwater recharge since
development can compromise water quality.
The City has three interconnected water treatment plants and seven public water
wells, which supply the entire city. The potential for hazardous waste or pollutant
contamination of the wells is greatly reduced by the fact that they are located within
residential areas. To ensure that wellheads are exempt from contamination; the City
adheres to all FDEP standards pertaining to wellhead protection. At the present, the
City is not aware of any risk of contamination from hazardous waste or other
groundwater pollutarits.
12. Potential For Conservation, Use Or Protection Of Natural Resources
a. Conservation
Wetlands, surface water, ground water, and the other natural resources which have
been detailed within this Element, are all worthy of being conserved. The future
existence and integrity of these resources depends on the actions we, as citizens, take
today. To assist in the conservation of natural resources, Code of Ordinances should
more strictly govern development. Specifically, wetlands should be protected
through mitigation and transfers of density within a site from wetland areas to
upland areas and, surface waters should be protected through drainage
enhancements as identified within the Drainage Sub-Element of this Plan. An
Estimated 25 percent of the potable water supply is used for irrigation purposes,
realizing this the City of Winter Springs operates a reuse water reclamation system
with 1500 residential customers, twb~ golf courses, the city's parks, and public rights
of way. V oluntary residential and commercial water conservation will be achieved
through the City's participation in water conservation efforts of the St. Johns River
Water Management District. These efforts include brochures kept in the City's
public building, notices on the water bill, and expansion of the reclaimed water
system. The City's Code of Ordinances will require the installation of water-saving
plumbing devices including low-flow toilets, showerheads, and faucets within new
developments.
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b. Use
The uses of natural resources, whether for commerciai or recreational purposes have
been discussed previously within this Element. The Code of Ordinances should
determine the extent to which natural resources may be used.
c. Protection
Protection of natural resources eXlStlng presently is important. Three areas or
resources merit special protection. These three areas include:
· Wellhead fields,
. 100 year floodplain, and
. Wetlands.
Wellhead fields should be protected to insure that the potable water supply for the
City is protected from contamination. As mentioned previously, the City adheres to
wellhead protection provisions administered by the Florida Department of
Environmental Protection.
The 100-year floodplain needs to be protected to help mitigate the damaging effects
of flooding. Protection of these areas is assisted through the National Flood
Insurance Program and local Code of Ordinances.
Wetlands protection has become an important issue to Florida residents. The
protection of wetlands helps to ensure that Florida ground and surface waters remain
environmentally intact, as well as preserving habitat for numerous species dependent
on wetlands to survive. Code of Ordinances should be drafted to protect those
wetland habitats occurring in the Winter Springs area.
These three natural resources are by no means the only protected ones.
Development within areas det~rm.ined to be ecologically sensitive should be
reviewed at time of application for development order. Code of Ordinances will also
need to address ecological impact assessments.
13. Water Needs
. a. Potable Water Sources
The City of Winter -Springs receives its potable water supply from the Floridan
aquifer, within the Middle St. Johns (MS]) groundwater basin. The natural quality of
groundwater in this basin varies greatly depending on the location and the depth
from which water is obtained. A major concern in this basin is saltwater intrusion in
Seminole County. Although the County is located inland from sea, there are some
patches of connate saltwater in the Floridan aquifer. The potable water in the
aquifer is underlain by denser saline water. The potential exists for this saline water
to migrate upward within the. aquifer system in response to declines in the
potentiometric surface. However, Winter Springs is located outside the areas in
Seminole County that have chloride and sulfate concentrations of equal or greater
than 250 mg/l. The DEI> has set a recommended limit of 250mg/1 of chloride and
sulfate for public water supplies. Therefore, it can be concluded that the Floridan
aquifer underlying Winter Springs is of good water quality. Consequently, only
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aeratlon and chlorination treatment are required to provide the City with potable
water.
The City's water system consists of three water treatment plants, which serve
approximately 11,389 equivalent connections. Water is supplied to the three plants
by seven potable water wells and the entire system is pennitted to withdraw a
maximum of 12 million gallons per day.
b. Potable Water Demand
Future water demand based on population projections is included within the Potable
Water Sub-Element. -
c. Agricultural Water Demand
Agricultural land uses within the City of Winter Springs are minimal. Agricultural
operations that utilize the City's potable water facilities are non-existent, as are
agricultural users that employ water from surface waters or from wells that require
SJRWMD consumptive use pennits. Due to the increasingly urbanized nature of
Winter Spring, the City's future land use map indicates no agricultural land use by
2010. Therefore, agricultural water demand will be unfeasible in the future
d. Industrial Water Demand
Industrial water demand has been expressed within the Potable Water Sub-Element
of this Comprehensive Plan.
DRAFT 2
\1-11
,"
.'
Table IV- 1: Inventory of Permitted Point and Area Sources of Air Pollution in Winter
Springs
Star Brite Cleaners
Classic Touch Cleaners
1170066
1170360
1301 West SR 434
180 West SR 434
Source: FDEP Orlando .Air Resources Division, May 2001
DRAFT 2
V-12
,
Table IV- 2: Listed Plant and Animal Species Within the Winter Springs Area.
Bald Eagle
Florida Scrub-Jay
Wood Stork
Red-Cockaded Woodpecker
Threatened
Threatened
Endangered
Threatened
Endangered
Endangered
White Ibis
Species of Special
Concern
:;~~p.lVi::p~f:~~
Threatened/
Similarity of Appearance
Threatened
American Alligator
Eastern Indigo Snake
Species of Special
Concern
Threatened
Gopher Tortiose
Species of Special
Concern
Clasping Warea
Curtis Milkweed
Endangered
Endangered
Endangered
Commercially Exploited
Commercially Exploited
Commercially Exploited
Threatened
Threatened
Florida Bonamia
Needle Palm
Cinnamon Fern
Royal Fern
Gaberia
Source: Official List of Florida's Endangered Species, Threatened Species and Species of Special Concern.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 1997.
DRAFf2
V-13
City of Winter Springs
,
I
I
I
I
..'. I
..
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----
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~.
. . '- IIIlIlIl...;.
._.~
~.. .., -
.
~
,
r
-.
..-
Source: St. Johns River Water Management District, .May 2001
Map is for graphic representation purposes only;
actual data must be verified by City staff.
Map V-l: Major Basin Boundaries
~
N
o
Miles
N CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS MUNICIPAL BOUNDARY
N MAJOR ROADS
.. .. STREETS
_ WATER FEATURES
... (t LAND DESIGN rNNOVI\~~~~~:;.~
mIIIlli. /5/ Lookout Place Suite ZOO
Mait/and. FL }Z751
'i07.975.IZ7}
~ City of Winter Springs
r~.'
~!;o: .-. ?
/.. :'., ~~"'.
..l."r . ~" .' -:1,\ '
\ ':~",., ,. ,,\..
'.
,- :
, ..
. .
I.
,.
,
..
Source: Seminole County, May 2001
..
A
Map is for graphic representation purposes only;
actual data must be verified by City staff.
Mall \/-2: Dominant Water Bodies
IV. MAJOR ROADS .
/\./ CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS MUNICIPAL BOUNDARY
... 'STREETS
AI RIVERS, CREEKS
.. WATER FEATURES
~
N
o Mile
~(I LAND DESIGN INNOVA'~~I~~~
iIIll1. /5 I Lookout Ploce Su;ta ZOO
Mo;tlond. FL 3275/
~07-975,1 Z73
City of Winter Springs
!
.
.
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~~ --=-~.
".-:: -
It
...
"
..
f!
:~
.b
'.-,
,.....
Source: Sl. Johns River Water Management District, May 2001
Map is for graphic representation purposes only;
actual data must be verified by City staff.
Map V-3: Existing Wetlands
/\I MAJOR ROADS
IV CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS MUNICIPAL BOUNDARY
. . STREETS
.. WATER FEATURES
NATIONAL WETLAND INVENTORY DATA:
I~Ti~1 LACUSTRINE
III PALUSTRINE
~
N
o Miles
....n LAND DESIGN rNNOVA~~I.:,~.~:;
Bl1. /51 Lookout Place Suite ZOO
Maitland. FL 32751
'107-975./273
~ City of Winter Springs
.'~i
...
~.
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'.:
.
.
e' .'
: .,
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e:
.
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-/.
.:.',:.
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.'.d. ..
. ''.,
..... "
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~ ~',: .'
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-----.
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......
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.a.
.,~
:.
J
;.~
..,....~,:..;...
.': .
:r
-.
. . .
...-;
4
t ..
,
Source: St. Johns River Water Management District, May 2001
Map is for graphicrepresenlation purposes only;
actual data must be verified by City staff.
Map V-4: Wetland Vegetative Cover
N CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS
MUNICIPAL BOUNDARY
N MAJOR ROADS .
STREETS
WETLAND VEGETATION
Bl BA YHEAD
D CYPRESS
IBiI DEEP MARSH
D FLOATING MARSHES
D HARDWOOD SWAMP
I~~I HYDRIC HAMMOCK
D SHALLOW MARSH
.. SHRUB BOG
.. TRANSITIONAL SHRUB
D UPLANDS
1m WET PRAIRIE
~ WATER (EXCAVATED)
.. WATER
~
N
o Miles
_(I L,\ND DESIGN INNOVA~~I.~?~.~
MlI&. /51 Lookout Ploce Suite ZOO
Maitland. FL }Z751
~07-975-1Z7}
City of Winter Springs
,.
..'
.i
.'
,i i
-.,.;...
f
Source: SI. Johns River Water Management District, May 2001
Map is for graphic representation purposes only;
actual data must be verified by City staff.
Map V-5: Flood Zones
N CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS MUNICIPAL BOUNDARY
N MAJOR ROADS
STREETS
IiII WATER FEATURES
FEMA DATA:
&11 100- YEAR FLOODPLAIN
I~~I SOO-YEAR FLOODPLAIN
~
N
o Miles
_r. L,\ND DES/GN [NNOVA~.:/.:~~.~
~ 151 Lookout Place Sui/elOO
Moitl,"d. F"L JZ7 51
'107.975.127J
City of Winter Springs
.i "
It
..:.,..
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........-:
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'-
ED BUG LAKE RD
, . - . .'.
.. ,. ~- ~
_:._~
r
-.
..
4.
.
.-
Source: Florida Department of Environmental Protection, May 2001
Map is for graphic representation purposes only;
actual data must be verified by City staff.
Map V-6: Monitored Air Pollutant Sources
~
N
o Miles
N CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS MUNICIPAL BOUNDARY
N MAJOR ROADS
'. STREETS
I.I'JI WATER FEATURES
. L,\NIJ DESIGN INNOVA~..I.~.~~,~
151 Lookout Place Sude ZOO
Maitlond. FL }Z751
'I07-975-1Z7}
"
Map IV- 7: Soils Map
DRAFf2
V-20
Map IV- 8: Strategic Habitat Conservation Areas
/ I .l.L ]-J I /1 I U I I ..... 11 r
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sf~J I ~ _U~II~/ "I ~HifbL:~ !
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~:v! I. '8,.: IJ!,-~:g IJ ~ ~)l..JJrI~J.',.n.i~3f~ lil:]~~ ~L
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II.r .! , "Of ~:5;;; ~,. 1)1 I <:: Un I ~<.. I \ ; ~:III ,
~ ~ ~ />4 : 1 1'- ~.~ "-f!;fr". ~o/.Bf,r ~ i L f ~ft1 =- I
~ I!fi\""~~ ~.. ~,,~J -h..J';" 'i" ~ i
1 11 >"-j-~ -L. ~ r ~ ~t.:;. q lr\ i1f~ J ,'\1 Jr.-. ! I
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...J__-='._ L-I~ I -;-~ I r'.:1J : '}-I. - ~ i) ! ,
~ : ,I) ~:;;'.\.lI /8 UUd '"""-' -H ! : : ,II 11Jll:
[j; .~-<j;!l l' -7 I 1 1 ~ !
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.~-~ +ft-T!'~ I 1,\ LWI""I
. "_~~~~ ~~r.t~~ '~ ~"' ~!r ,~~1
L
"
~
Legend
_ Public L<1Jlds
_ SHeA's
G(LJ. Project Area
1\7 Roads
N
,*,
S
SOlll't;C: Horitb Fish ilnd \Vildlifc (:ol1~l'n.;lIi( III Cf "lllni:,siflll. .!lIlle 201' I
0.25
o
0.25
0.5 Milcs
,
June 8. 2001
DRAFT 2
V-21
Map IV- 9: Listed Species
. , , ~
\ 1...- l{3. ..! V "I U ~ \":'ll, p-
A \ ~ U~IIY-I ~' ' LL:::L:11
~- JJ/ / ;::;- r~O T\M~1effi A ~~ ~ ·
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f- '-! .b- / :t;l.
;~ i7" ~ ~ h .~ ' ~ -,r ..,
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f\ '1;1'7 Pi . r LJ '\
L7T, 7 'a,. ! /lllln.U J, 0 hr.. I A
\ I J7 l;.w~ J.. ~ I rAU IV~ ~V 0 I-' \~
'r~~ \ Wal'....11ij I~~% ~~>-_._ ~
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cff~~-~~; ~~: " 71~~I-"---~J~v -==~17 · M{
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~ bY ~\.;. -e-mr -:.~ . ~.~.:'Si ~!! t:2!: _.l~ I..
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I ~ I'=~'I \...J~[rl5'ff ~~.. -r},., ~ R.il;-r.-Z ~v- ~ 1
11: ~-! l)_1~~: ~, - ~ ~~.~ L .... ~ ~. Q~cl \~I f- I -, ~
~ ~ n::IEI~,l=" :fi' H~ f\ ...,-'... n\. " ~';O r-
.....[~ '~An = IT ~ ilrn[ . L ! J;J,.I ill",},
.,.\.-Ilr1' ~frrf A€' ~. t;,~~ 11": . ~ r ._' 1 - '-. L i I ~ 'r
~k.. Pr \- i 1 ~ ,~-"F...!'li-t\k~ 1 III 11111..\1
· r,; \ i.,1 . l'lP3Ul t8I OPf~ -rl -r:: j
f~ f: r fiJ ~ \ 1- Vc I n I~.
~ Oli~~' ~~\ \ 'A ! <I r_ J-bWl ~
~l r
I~
o ""\
Y
I
Legend
. Bald eagle
A Listed Species (*FNAI)
. Rookery site
N Roads .
L_..J STR
N
+,
S
2
;
o
2 Miles
. Cont"Cl FNAl ror GISID ID code
June 8, 2001
Source: Florid" h,h ,,"J Wildlifl' COll1l11i"ioll..I"lle 2e101
DRAFT 2
V-22
C. GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND POLICIES
GOAL 1:
To protect, maintain, and conserve the natural resources of Winter Springs for continued
environmental quality and the well being of all citizens.
Objective 1.1: The City shall maintain and enhance air quality.
Policy 1.1.1: On an annual basis, the City shall obtain a revised list of any identified air
pollution generators in Winter Springs from the Department of
Environmental Protection.
Policy 1.1.2: The City shall develop an industrial land use ordinance which governs
the maintenance of pollutant emissions standards based on federal, state,
and local standards.
Policy 1.1.3: The City shall require a tree protection ordinance to maintain natural
vegetative ftlters for air pollution.
Policy 1.1.4: The City shall participate in air quality public information programs and
shall encourage alternative forms of transportation.
Policy 1.1.5: The City shall adopt a bicycle and pedestrian master plan. This plan shall
link residential areas to areas of business, recreation, educational, and
cultural resources.
Objective 1.2: The City shall conserve, use best management techniques, and protect future
and existing groundwater resources for potable water usage.
Policy 1.2.1: The City shall continue to adhere to the Florida Department of
Environmental Protection's wellhead protection standards.
Policy 1.2.2: The City shall enforce the installation of water conserving devices in all
new construction, such as water conserving commodes, showerheads,
faucets, etc. within its building codes.
. .
Policy 1.2.3: The City shall continue to implement water reuse or reclamation systems
for commercial, residential, and industrial operations which utilize large
quantities of non-potable water
Policy 1.2.4: The City shall promote the use of best management techniques by
adopting a' local Xeriscape ordinance and shall promote, through
educational programs and publications, the use of Xeriscape practices,
which include low or no water landscaping, the use of solid waste
compost, efficient irrigation systems, and the prohibition of exotic plant
species, which will result in the conservation of water.
Objective 1.3: The City shall protect surface water from all known and identifiable pollution
sources.
DRAFT 2
v -2:)
Policy 1.3.1:
Policy 1.3.2:
Policy 1.3.3:
The City shall require that run-off from new developments does not
dircctly enter natural surface waters. Provisions for on-site detention will
be maintaincd within tlle Codc of Ordinanccs.
On an annual basis, thc City shall identify those components of the
Winter Springs drainage system that may be contributing to the overall
degradation of surface watcr quality, and develop a priority listing for the
refurbishment and/or installation required.
The City shall implement the conditions of the Stormwater Master Plan
requiring water discharged to any surface water body to have a Watcr
Quality Index of "Fair" as defined by the Florida Department o'f
Environmental Protection.
Objective 1.4: Wetlands and the natural functions of wetlands shall be conserved and
protected from activities which alter their physical and hydrological nature, Implementation
activities to insure the protection and preservation of these areas shall be included within the Code
of Ordinances by 2004.
Policy 1.4.1:
Policy 1.4.2:
Policy 1.4.3:
Objective 1.5:
habitat.
Policy 1.5.1:
By December 2004, the City shall require within its Code of Ordinances
minimum upland buffers for wetlands, as defined by the St. Johns River
Water Management District, to be at least fifteen feet (15') landward
from the edge of the wetland and to average twent:y-five feet (25') from
the edge of the wetland.
Additional upland buffers may be required to ensure the preservation of
natural systems, and their possible use for treated effluent disposal and
stormwater management systems. Such standards shall be included
within Code of Ordinances by December 2004.
The City's Code of Ordinances shall require that all site developments
utilize one of the following techniques in order to reduce soil erosion:
. Sodding of site;
. Seeding of site; .
· Intermediate cover (hay, tarps, etc.); and
· Other methods.determined adequate by the City.
The City shall appropriately use and protect fisheries, wildlife, and wildlife
The City shall dcvelop an ordinance containing provisions for the review
of dcvelopmcnts adjacent to lakcs and wctlands for their inlpacts upon
these natural systems.
DRAFT 2
V -24
Policy 1.5.2:
Policy 1.5.3:
The City shall coordinate with the appropriate state and federal agencies
for technical assistance in environmental issues regarding fisheries,
wildlife, and wildlife habitat.
The following procedures shall address the method in which endangered
and/ or thre;itened wildlife shall be protected:
A Development shall be prohibited within any established wildlife
habitat easement, however the City shall allow the transfer of
development rights for the easement area.
B In areas identified as being environmentally sensitive, or as having
within them endangered and/or threatened wildlife, the following
activities shall be regulated to insure that such areas are preserved:
1 The removal, excavation, or dredging of soil, sand, gravel,
minerals, organic matter, or materials of any kind;
2 The changing of existing drainage characteristics, sedimentation
patterns, flow patterns, or flood retention characteristics;
3 The clisturbance of the environmentally sensll1ve area's water
level or water table by drainage, impoundment, or other means;
4 The dumping or clischarging of material, or the ftlling of an
environmentally sensitive area with material;
5 The placing of fill or the grading or removal of material that
would alter topography;
6 The destructi~n or removal of plant life that would alter the
character of an environmentally sensitive area or wildlife habitat;
and
7 The conduct of an activity that results in a significant change of
water temperature, a significant change of physical or chemical
characteristics of environmentally sensitive area water sources, or
the introduction of pollutants.
DRAFT 2
V-2)
Page:
ILljNeed to update
Page:
IL21Are any of these located within city limits?
Page:
IL3)Black Hammock may have some commercial activity, still researching.
5
8