On Wed, Apr 9, 2025 at 3:27 PM Suzee Bailey <info@residentsforresilience.org> wrote:

 

 

Thank you for the detailed information!

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R4R would also like to express deep concern on behalf of our community regarding these ongoing and increasingly harmful impacts of construction activities on the Tarpon River, but also on the Intracoastal Waterway.  These vital waterways are facing repeated disruptions caused by insufficient sediment controls, careless runoff, and, in some cases, a lack of regard for environmental safeguards.  

Many of our residents are very concerned not only about the specific construction site at hand, but also the consistent sediment pollution at various construction sites both north and south of the Las Olas Bridge. They are particularly worried about potential health hazards associated with disturbed sediment that is released through faulty turbidity curtains or insufficient mitigation efforts.

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According to the EPA, pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and parasites can attach to sediment particles and persist for extended periods. When sediment is disturbed, by storms or dredging, it can become airborne, allowing for the inhalation of contaminated particles and pathogens. This can lead to respiratory infections, allergic reactions, and other health issues. Additionally, legacy bacteria—often a result of past sewer line spills—can persist in sediment for years, contributing further to these concerns.

While turbidity is currently the only water quality monitoring required at this site and along the ICW, residents are understandably concerned about the broader impacts. These concerns have only grown since the City pulled Miami Waterkeeper’s independent monitoring off the Tarpon River, leaving a troubling gap in third-party oversight. Meanwhile, residents with boats docked near the construction zones have reported significant damage to their vessels due to sediment accumulation.

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Despite existing ordinances, we continue to witness severe turbidity events, sediment accumulation, and contamination that threaten marine life, water quality, public health, and community trust. The current enforcement methods, which often involve minimal fines or warnings, have proven to be ineffective in deterring negligent practices.

We respectfully urge the Commission to take the following actions:

1. Increase and enforce meaningful fines, starting at a minimum of $10,000 per violation, with a maximum of $15,000, as allowed. The current $500 fines are insufficient and ineffective.

2. Issue immediate stop-work orders for any project violating environmental protections, with mandatory cleanup fully paid for by the construction company. The cleanup should be followed by independent water quality monitoring—not limited to turbidity, but also including broader indicators of ecological health to ensure the safety and welfare of all who live, work, or play on these waterways.

3. Require stricter sediment control and construction best practices, including properly functioning containment systems, storm preparation protocols, and stronger oversight of high-risk waterfront sites.

4. Establish a dedicated environmental compliance liaison or task force within the City’s Environmental or Building Department to monitor activity and address violations swiftly.

5. Ensure public transparency by making all permits, enforcement actions, fines, and water quality monitoring results easily accessible to residents and environmental watchdog groups in real time.         

Our waterways are not only central to the identity and economy of Fort Lauderdale, but they are also vital ecosystems that must be protected. Continued inaction or leniency in enforcement threatens long-term damage, undermines restoration efforts, and sends the wrong message to developers.

We urge the City to act boldly and swiftly to protect these invaluable resources. Thank you for your time, leadership, and commitment to preserving Fort Lauderdale’s most important natural assets. We stand ready to support you in implementing these necessary improvements.

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I have many pictures and videos that I can send upon your request!

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Sincerely,

Suzee Bailey