River Ridge discusses storm surge resilience and files NPDES annual report with county

At the Oct. 22 meeting River Ridge staff updated the board on stormwater regulatory compliance and proposed a coordinated approach to storm surge resilience.

Mark Zordan reported that the Lee County NPDES Permit FLS000035‑004 Cycle 4 Year 7 Annual Report has been reviewed and approved by Lee County and will be submitted to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection before the Nov. 1, 2024 deadline. Staff were instructed to continue NPDES activities into Year 8 until a new permit is issued.

Separately, Eric Long asked the board to help coordinate a multi‑agency storm surge resilience effort. He described an action plan under development, including an advisory/review panel and a request that the CDD designate a board representative and staff or engineering representative for coordination. Long presented a hypothetical topographic analysis in which a 10' to 12' storm surge could flood an estimated 45% to 55% of the community, and said addressing the issue could take a decade and require partnerships with state, county and village agencies.

Board consensus named Mr. Long and Mr. Merrill to assist with the initiative and authorized Mr. Krebs to support coordination as necessary. The board discussed potential engineering and funding avenues including Army Corps concepts presented in neighboring Collier County, but noted any substantive measures would require multi‑jurisdictional funding and planning.