FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                   

Contact:   Roland Ottolini, Lee County Natural Resources Management
                (941) 479-8127 

COUNTY SEEKS $250,000 GRANT TO ADDRESS WATER QUALITY ISSUES 

FORT MYERS, Fla. (May 21, 2002) – Lee County Government is hoping to obtain $250,000 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to do an in-depth study of surface water problems and solutions in Lee County. 

The county met with EPA representatives last week and was encouraged to apply for the funding. 

As envisioned, the money would be used over several years to monitor the water quality of local stormwater management systems and their effectiveness and efficiency in removing certain pollutants such as nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorous), metals (lead, zinc), and a host of other contaminates. 

The local data would be used to determine if systems designed to current standards are adequate in treating stormwater runoff and, if necessary, find better ways of managing and cleansing stormwater.  The water quality monitoring would be done at local detention and retention ponds associated with road and development projects. 

“This would help us establish a set of local data,” said Roland Ottolini, the county’s director of Natural Resources Management.  “Currently, much of the criteria for our permits are based on national averages that may or may not be applicable to Southwest Florida.” 

Over the last year the county, in conjunction with private interests, has been working closely with the EPA to better address water quality issues associated with new infrastructure and development. 

The county currently is in the design phase for a $2.8 million marsh that will filter and cleanse the water running through the Ten Mile Canal in southern Lee County that eventually empties into Estero Bay.  One of the partners in the project is the Water Enhancement and Restoration Coalition, a private sector group formed to address water runoff issues. 

Using the Ten Mile Canal Filter Marsh as a pilot project, the county also is developing a Master Natural Resources Preservation/Mitigation Plan to proactively address potential cumulative impacts to the county’s natural resources such as water supply, water quality and wildlife habitat due to existing and future development, including both private and public works projects. 

A proactive and comprehensive approach would address environmental concerns through implementation of retrofit and restoration-type projects.