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City directs surveys at Northbridge Marina as Army Corps permit process begins for vessel removals
Summary
Staff told the board the city has contracted Tetra Tech to perform benthic and bathymetric surveys required by the U.S. Army Corps so the city can pursue removal of vessels deposited after Hurricane Ian; the state has new authority allowing FWC to remove some derelict vessels without prior notice.
Environmental compliance staff updated the board that the city has given direction to Tetra Tech, the city’s environmental emergency contractor, to perform benthic and bathymetric surveys at the Old Bridal/Northbridge Marina site. Those surveys are required for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ review so the Corps can complete an environmental assessment and determine whether the city may proceed with vessel removals.
"We have provided direction to Tetra Tech...to perform the benthic and bathymetric surveys at the site that are required for us to complete the Army Corps permit," Environmental Compliance Manager Mahone said. Mahone explained the Corps has indicated that because the vessels have been in place for more than two years, a formal environmental assessment is needed before removal work can proceed.
Board members also discussed who pays for vessel recovery. Staff said vessels sunk or stored in private marinas are generally the private owner’s responsibility; the state has limited appetite to use public funds for private‑vessel removal. Nicole Setzer and others noted a July state law authorizes Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to remove certain vessels without individual notice and seek fines or cost recovery.
