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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFDEPBeachRakeMemo July 11, 2008 Mr. John McDowell FDEP Bureau of Beaches and Coastal Systems 3900 Commonwealth Boulevard MS 300 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3000 RE: Permit Application Materials Use of Beach Rake for Beach Cleaning City of Cape Canaveral, Florida Dear Mr. McDowell: Pursuant to our recent telephone conversations, attached is the information that you requested concerning the proposed beach-raking activities within the City of Cape Canaveral. We are respectfully requesting that your office issue a permit so that (1) adequate training of city staff can be performed and (2) cleaning of the beach may be initiated on as needed basis using the beach-raking equipment. We appreciate your consideration with this matter. Please do not hesitate to contact the undersigned at (321) 868-1240 if you should have any questions. Sincerely, Jeffrey A. Ratliff, PG Assistant Public Works Director City of Cape Canaveral, Florida BEACH RAKE PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS Goals and Procedures. The goals and procedures for using the beach-raking equipment within the city limits of the City of Cape Canaveral are as follows: The cities of Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach have entered into an Interlocal Agreement for the use and maintenance of the beach-raking equipment. All costs for maintenance repairs and usage will be equally shared between the cities (50/50). The use of the beach rake is a cost-effective method of improving beach conditions in both communities. Manufacturer’s information describing the beach-raking equipment is attached as Exhibit A. The beach rake will collect trash and debris to a maximum depth of six inches on the beach – the depth of the spring tongues on the beach rake is adjustable to meet variable site conditions. The beach rake will collect trash and debris up to four feet in length and as small as cigarette butts. Dead seaweed will not be collected with the beach rake – dead fish on the beach after red tide events will be collected with the beach rake. The beach rake will only be used on an as needed basis and not on the beach dune – many areas of the beach will not require the beach rake since large areas rarely contain debris and trash. The major impact of the beach rake will be a cleaner beach with a limited amount of trash and debris (and associated odors, aesthetic issues, etc.). During turtle nesting season, the beach rake will only be used in the intertidal zone, from the high tide line to six feet above the high tide line, and in areas of heavy foot traffic (e.g., public access areas to the beach). The beach rake may be used in these areas the entire length of the beach in Cape Canaveral (i.e., within the city limits). An aerial photograph of the beach areas to be cleaned with the beach-raking equipment is attached as Exhibit B. During non-turtle nesting season, the beach rake may be used from the intertidal zone to the base of the beach dune. The beach rake will not be used on the beach dune or where beach vegetation has been established – only areas where trash and debris are frequently present. The beach rake will be used only on an as needed basis – its use will be dependent upon a number of variables (e.g., onshore currents/winds bringing trash and debris onto the beach, busy beach weekends where trash and debris will be left behind by visitors in heavy foot traffic areas, frequency of fish kills, etc.). The beach rake will not be used if not required. As stated in the Interlocal Agreement, only trained City employees will operate the beach rake. City staff have been identified and will be trained in the proper operation of the equipment and made aware of all restrictions associated with the use of the beach rake. Staff from the City of Cocoa Beach will perform larger maintenance repair activities on the beach rake at their maintenance shop. The City of Cocoa Beach will also make available a large trailer for the transport of the beach rake. No maintenance activities will be performed on the beach. The noise level of the beach rake is minimal – the only noticeable noise will be from the tractor, which will be pulling the beach rake. Only properly trained staff will operate the beach rake. In addition, the beach rake will only be used during normal working hours (potentially extended hours after natural disasters – hurricanes). The beach rake is the most cost-effective method to remove trash and debris from the beach. There are not enough City staff members to manually clean the beach throughout the year. Many residents frequently complain about trash and debris on the beach (health concerns, aesthetics issues, etc.). Use of the beach rake will improve beach conditions – which is favorable to all residents.