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Town of Ocean Ridge |
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UTILITIES INFRASTRUCTURE ADVISORY BOARD MEETING FOR THE TOWN OF OCEAN RIDGE, FLORIDA, HELD IN THE TOWN HALL ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 26, 2000, AT 6:00 P.M. Town Manager Gregory Dunham, Town Clerk Hancsak and the following members attended the meeting: Dr. Smith, Peggy Smith, Craig Baskin, Michael DuBose, and Dom Pallaria. II. The Oct. 20, 1999 and Dec. 1, 1999 minutes could not be approved due to the lack of a quorum.
The board decided to address this item later on the agenda provided a quorum was present. Town Manager Dunham advised that Bob Jennings, representative for Air Liquide, was present to discuss the noseeum problem in the town. He added that Dr. Joe Paganessi and Dr. Jon Day were also present to discuss the issue informally. Mr. Jennings commented that Air Liquide was headquartered in Paris, France where they manufacture chemicals and sell to resale stores for supplies since 1960. He briefly described the company and added that their company is #2 in the United States and #1 in the world and added that they have an office in Orlando, FL. Dr. Day commented that he had requested a copy of an aerial of the town and upon reviewing same discovered that the town had two large areas in Ocean Ridge (by Corrine St. and behind the Town Hall) that would provide a good breeding area for noseeums. He added that there were also two areas west of the ICWW in Boynton Beach that may have direct effects for the town depending on the winds. Dr. Day stated that Air Liquide is currently in their third year of a research project funded by the Dept. of Environmental Protection (DEP) at St. Marks school in Boynton Beach utilizing carbon dioxide to kill the noseeums. Dr. Day mentioned that unfortunately the abandoned mosquito ditches behind the Town Hall have actually produced a more conducive environment for the breeding of noseeums. He added that the DEP would not permit the ditches to be cleared because they would prefer them to fill in with mangroves. Dr. Paganessi commented that it took Boynton Beach three years to obtain the proper permitting through the DEP to build the walkway through Mangrove Park. Dr. Day mentioned that it would appear that Inlet Cay island would suffer the most especially when there were the southeast or southwest winds from the west side of the ICWW and the area behind the Town Hall. Dr. Day explained that Air Liquide utilizes carbon dioxide from a bulk source such as a cylinder system that then runs through piping and emits the gas in treated traps in various time intervals thus killing the attracted flying noseeum. Dr. Day was asked how far apart the traps are located to which he advised anywhere between 60’ to 500’. Regarding Inlet Cay Dr. Day suggested that the piping could possibly run down Inlet Cay Dr. and Eleuthera Dr. because Inlet Cay was too close to the bulkhead. Mr. Jennings stated that he felt surrounding the mangrove area would be an ideal site, however, he was unsure if the proper permitting could be obtained through DEP. He added that the treated traps are replenished every 4 to 6 months. Dr. Day also stated that the company manages any replacements or refills needed to operate the system. Dr. Day stated that he felt that if the two areas in Ocean Ridge were treated it would decrease the noseeum population drastically but the winds could still blow them from the west. Mr. Pallaria questioned whether the noseeum breeds year round to which he was advised that the peak breeding time is March/April and October/November. Dr. Day advised that once the female lays the eggs they emerge within 2 weeks. Dr. Smith asked whether they have investigated sterilizing the males. Dr. Day advised that it is the female noseeum that is attracted to the carbon dioxide emitted from humans or the traps so that it would not be an option for us. Town Manager Dunham questioned whether the pipes would be buried or above ground. Dr. Day advised that the pipes could be buried and the traps would be located approximately 2’ to 3’ above ground. He also commented that if the area around the Town Hall were completed if would take approximately 1,000 ft of ¼ to 3" PVC piping in 5 rows of ten traps each. Mr. Baskin questioned the noise disturbance to which he was advised that the system would not create a noise disturbance. It was also explained that the systems emits the gases on a timer, usually at dusk and dawn for 3 to 4 hour periods. Mr. Baskin also questioned the odor that would be emitted. Dr. Paganessi advised that at times one might smell an earthy type smell. Dr. Paganessi also stated that the gas is also combined with an alcohol type substance and is available in a premix solution. Mrs. Smith inquired as to whether someone could treat their screen enclosure with the same treatment on the traps. She was advised that this was possible. Town Manager Dunham questioned whether treating the two areas in Ocean Ridge would greatly decrease the population. Dr. Day advised that the greatest impact would be to the residents immediately adjacent to the treated areas. Dr. Paganessi stated that he felt 99% of the noseeums could die over several years. Mr. Pallaria asked whether one system could supply both areas. Dr. Paganessi advised that it would depend on the ROW’s and the terrain. Town Manager Dunham briefly showed where the existing ROW’s were located. Dr. Day acknowledged that the town did have a major problem and he was unsure of what the total outcome could be adding that there were also areas west of the ICWW impacting the town. Mr. Baskin inquired if it would be feasible for the town to complete a study to learn the approximate associated costs. Mr. Jennings stated that he was unsure if the town could get the proper permitting and suggested implementing a plan first and possibly start with the north area. Mr. Baskin again stated that the town would need an approximate cost before it can determine to proceed with this venture. The board questioned the approximate annual cost to which they were advised $30,000 which included everything. Town Clerk Hancsak asked if Air Liquide could complete the total feasibility study inclusive of the permitting process and permits to which they advised they could complete such a study. The members concurred that the Town Manager should discuss the cost of a feasibility study for the north area only at this time. Town Clerk Hancsak commented that Greg Zink had resigned and it would be necessary to fill to appointments and suggested that the board submit names of interested individuals for the next meeting. ADJOURNMENT The informal meeting was adjourned at approximately 7:30 P.M. |
