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River Ridge CDD weighs storm-surge resilience as staff files annual NPDES report
Summary
CDD staff filed the Lee County NPDES Cycle 4 Year 7 report for submittal to FDEP by Nov. 1, 2024, and the Board discussed a proposed multi-year storm-surge resilience plan that could take a decade and require coordination with state and county agencies. Board designated Mr. Long and Mr. Merrill to help with the effort.
District and consultant staff reported on stormwater and coastal resilience matters and the Board discussed next steps.
Johnson Engineering reported the Lee County NPDES Permit FLS000035-004 Cycle 4 Year 7 Annual Report was reviewed and approved by Lee County and will be submitted to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in advance of the Nov. 1, 2024 deadline. Staff noted an updated permit is expected at an indeterminate date and recommended continuing reporting into Year 8 while waiting for formal issuance; water-sampling requirements could change in future permit cycles.
Separately, Eric Long outlined a proposed action plan to increase storm and climate resilience across Pelican Sound, including formation of an advisory/review panel and coordination with county and state partners. Long described a topographic hypothetical in which a 10'–12' storm surge could have flooded 45%–55% of the community and said addressing the issue could take 10 years and require multi-agency coordination. The Board reached consensus that Long and newly appointed Supervisor Keith Merrill will assist with coordinating the effort; Mr. Krebs was authorized to provide engineering support as needed.
The CDD also approved a template Grant of Easement for drainage from PSGRC to the River Ridge CDD, and the engineer reported two additional drainage easements (for Seaside II and the golf course area) are in progress but work is delayed until areas dry.
The Board did not adopt specific construction or funding commitments during the meeting; staff was directed to assist with coordination and to return updates as planning and potential funding opportunities develop.
