Interoffice Memorandum
DATE: January 27, 2025
TO: Mayor Jerry L. Demings and County Commissioners
THROUGH: N/A
FROM: Ed Torres, M.S., P.E., LEED AP, Director, Utilities
CONTACT: Kerry Kates, P.E., LEED AP, Deputy Director, Fiscal and Operational Support Division
PHONE: 407-254-9801
DIVISION: Fiscal and Operational Support Division
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Approval and execution of Entry and Access Agreement between The Nature Conservancy and Orange County, Polk County, Tohopekaliga Water Authority, and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District f/k/a Reddy Creek Improvement District for water supply monitoring. All Districts. (Fiscal and Operational Support Division)
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PROJECT: N/A
PURPOSE: In June 2007, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) approved individual 20-year Water Use Permits (WUP) for the withdrawal of groundwater from the Floridan Aquifer to five utilities: the City of St. Cloud, Tohopekaliga Water Authority, Orange County, Polk County, and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD), formerly Reedy Creek Improvement District (collectively, the STOPR Group). Conditions in each WUP require significant aquifer level and wetland condition monitoring.
This agreement with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) grants the STOPR Group permission to access TNC property, known as the Disney Wilderness Preserve in Osceola and Polk Counties, for the limited purposes of monitoring, surveying, and photographing vegetation and soil associated with and proximate to SFWMD monitoring wells. The STOPR Group designated WSP USA, Inc. as their agent authorized to enter the property and conduct monitoring activity on behalf of the STOPR Group.
The County Attorney’s Office and Risk Management Division reviewed the agreement and find it acceptable as to form. Utilities Department staff recommend approval.
BUDGET: N/A