Meeting Type: BCC Regular Meeting
Meeting Date: 10/15/2024
Item Status: New
From: Frank Lundy, P.E., County Engineer
Mark Acreman, P.E., Assistant County Engineer
Tyler Mitchell, P.E., Operations Manager
Orie King, Maintenance Manager
Submitted by: Lisa Sangster, Administrative Support Specialist IV
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ITEM TITLE
Title
Magnolia River Regional Detention Area - Drainage Improvements and Erosion Control
End
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Authorize the Highway Department to install sediment containment measures to preserve water quality in Magnolia River.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Background: The Baldwin County Commission has received several complaints about turbid water and sediment entering Magnolia River during heavy rain events. County staff, as well as the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM), investigated the complaints and determined the source to be from a series of both active and inactive private dirt pits as well as an unimproved access road on public right-of-way which is being used by the pit owners for access. ADEM has issued Notice of Violations for two of the active private dirt pits and those owners are working towards compliance through ADEM protocol. However, it’s been determined that even with full compliance of the two active pits, other areas remain that are posing negative impacts on the river. The properties involved are within the footprint of a planned large scale regional stormwater improvement project that is aimed at improving water quality of the Magnolia River by utilizing State GOMESA grant funds to acquire properties that have historically been used for dirt borrow pits and converting them into constructed wetlands.
The purpose of this agenda action is to authorize County crews to enter the abandoned dirt pit properties that have already been acquired or those that are in the process of being acquired (and legal access has been granted) to perform mitigation work needed to stop the immediate threat of sediment entering the river. This immediate work is a temporary measure to be utilized until the permanent restoration project can be completed.
Previous Commission action/date: N/A
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Total cost of recommendation: N/A
Budget line item(s) to be used: N/A
If this is not a budgeted expenditure, does the recommendation create a need for funding? N/A
LEGAL IMPACT
Is legal review necessary for this staff recommendation and related documents?
N/A
Reviewed/approved by: N/A
Additional comments: N/A
ADVERTISING REQUIREMENTS
Is advertising required for this recommendation? N/A
If the proof of publication affidavit is not attached, list the reason: N/A
FOLLOW UP IMPLEMENTATION
For time-sensitive follow up, select deadline date for follow up: N/A
Individual(s) responsible for follow up: Highway Department will schedule project.
CC: Lynda Demko
Action required (list contact persons/addresses if documents are to be mailed or emailed): N/A
Additional instructions/notes: N/A