Tequesta EAC highlights Dover Ditch living shoreline, seeks incentives and outreach to reduce stormwater pollution

Allison, stormwater utility staff for the Village of Tequesta, told the Environmental Advisory Committee that the village’s stormwater utility has limited staffing but a sizable asset base and regulatory obligations, and that FY26 spending is higher mainly because of the Dover Ditch living‑shoreline project.

"Our FY26 stormwater utility budget was $734,169," Allison said, adding that the Dover Ditch line item was budgeted at $315,000 while the contractor contract came in at about $34,289.80 and that the project was roughly half grant‑funded. She said plantings are scheduled for Dec. 22–23 and that leftover contingency funds are being used to stabilize banks just upstream of the project limits to reduce sedimentation.

Why it matters: committee members noted the Loxahatchee River is impaired for bacteria and nutrients and that local stormwater work, paired with county MS4 reporting, contributes to regional efforts to reduce pollutant loads.

What the committee reviewed: Allison summarized system assets — four major outfalls, 37 minor outfalls, roughly 12.4 miles of gravity mains, 81 manholes and 577 inlets — and said the dedicated stormwater team is small (one utility worker plus shared time from two other staff), limiting the village’s capacity for reactive maintenance.

Planned FY26 work: Allison described a package of projects the village will pursue: three swale reclamations (Dover Circle, Garden Street, North Do Road) under a new 'Save the Swales' effort to regrade problem yards and reduce roadway runoff; a pipelining program for aging pipes (lining extends life 50–60 years when done preventively); and a program of inlet, inlet‑to‑pond and outfall inspections using an underwater camera with diver follow‑up if needed.

Living‑shoreline incentives and oyster habitat: the committee discussed making living shorelines more accessible through a rebate or incentive program similar to the village’s recent tree‑planting rebate. Members asked that any incentive be tied to clear technical criteria and permitting steps (for example, specifying eligible mangroves and approved alternative engineered structures). Jay and others also discussed hosting community oyster‑stringing events with recycled shells and volunteer champions to support shore‑side habitat and community engagement.

Education and outreach: Allison urged expanded public education — K–12 engagement via the Drop Savers poster contest, WaterSense and Stormwater Smart materials, social media, and short videos or curated YouTube content — to reduce behaviors that load pollutants to drains (yard waste, improper car‑washing, impervious yard surfacing). She also proposed visual treatments (wraps or color treatments) for inlet grates and an adopt‑a‑drain program to increase local ownership.

Funding and next steps: the living‑shoreline Dover Ditch project used FD grant funding to cover about half the cost; members suggested including a living‑shoreline incentive ask in the council’s FY26 budget priorities. Committee members voted internally to forward ranked initiatives to council, naming tree/non‑tree streetscape landscaping and living shoreline incentives as top priorities.

The committee took no formal vote to obligate additional funds at the meeting; action items discussed (contract with Blue Terra for Dover Ditch and use of contingency funds) were described by staff. The committee adjourned after finalizing initiative rankings.