Page 10 - Jupiter Ocean Mile - July '23

Page 10, Jupiter Ocean Mile
Northern Notes

Draining Swimming Pools the reason is cleaning, 3) Test the water before discharging to ensure that the
water changes, or just chlorine levels are safe. Also ensure that the pH levels
By Katie Roundtree, lowering water levels, are normal (6.5 to 7.8).
Director of Finance and pool draining is a 4) Drain the pool slowly over a large pervious area, such
Administration, common activity. as your lawn, before letting the water drain into a storm
Northern Palm Beach Disposal of pool drain. The water will filter slowly and evenly through the
County Improvement water into a storm soil. Control the rate of discharge across your property
District (NPBCID) drain is harmful to to avoid erosion and nuisance conditions for neighboring
If you live in South t he e nvi ro nm e nt . properties. Nuisance conditions such as the creation of
Florida, odds are you have Pool water enters the odors, mosquito breeding conditions, or flooding can occur
a swimming pool. One of storm drain system when water is ponded for a prolonged period.
the reasons we live here untreated and may 5) If your pool contains algae or other organic matter
is the great climate where contain chemicals that can harm canals, ponds, lakes (a black film), collect the algae and dispose of it in your
you can enjoy swimming and wetlands, as well as the wildlife living in and around normal trash. Decaying organic matter lowers the oxygen
year-round. If you have a pool, it is also critical that you them. Chlorine, bromine, algaecides, biocides, water content in the water and should not go into the storm drain
maintain the structure and treat the water to keep you conditioners, stabilizers, and other chemicals in pool or any wetland area.
and your family healthy and safe. From time to time, it water are toxic to fish and other aquatic life. Please keep in mind that there is a direct link between
may be necessary to drain your pool for repairs. Whether Here are some things to remember about draining pools: what we do around our home and the water quality of our
1) Only drain your pool when absolutely necessary.
canals, ponds, lakes and wetlands.
Commissioner’s Avoid draining/backwashing your pool during periods NPDES tip: Dirt, oil, and debris that collect in parking
of drought and during significant rainfall events. Do not
lots and paved areas can be washed into the storm sewer
Update drain your pool when watering restrictions are in place. system and eventually enter local waterbodies. Sweep up
2) Leave the water in the pool for at least one week
litter and debris from sidewalks, driveways and parking
without adding chlorine or other chemicals before draining.
lots, especially around storm drains.
If you can’t wait that long, use a chlorine neutralizing
Protecting And Enhancing chemical found at most pool supply stores. Please consult
your pool supply company for further information.
Our Reefs

By Commissioner Maria Did You Know That Palm Beach
Marino
Within Palm Beach
County’s 47-mile Atlantic County Has An Office Of Inspector
coastline lies part of the
only living barrier coral reef
system in the continental General (OIG)?
United States. Florida’s
Coral Reef stretches 360
miles from the St. Lucie By Inspector General OIGs are often called the citizens’ “watchdog.” They
Inlet south to the Dry John Carey fulfill this independent oversight role by conducting
Tortugas, formed thousands Like other OIGs at audits and reviews of government organizations,
of years ago. The reefs are lush with coral and limestone, the state and federal operations and programs, and investigations of
shipwrecks, and a wide range of sea life. Because of our level, the Palm Beach complaints of wrongdoing.
close proximity to the warm waters of the Gulf Stream, County OIG, created by Citizens, elected and appointed government officials,
Palm Beach County is home to one of the most diverse the county charter, is an and those doing business with government play an
marine ecosystems in the country. independent, nonpartisan important role in the OIG’s work. Your requests or
Natural reefs support aquatic plants and animals by agency charged with suggestions are important when we plan our audits
providing food and refuge for young marine life to develop. promoting the integrity and reviews. Additionally, tips are critical in the
The reefs protect our coastline by absorbing wave energy. and accountability fight against fraud, waste, and abuse. So if you have
As we enter another hurricane season, it is important to in government; and suggestions or suspect wrongdoing in government,
note that this absorption helps prevent loss of life, property preventing and detecting fraud, waste, and abuse. The you can contact us through our hotline at (877) OIG-
damage, and erosion, particularly in strong storm events. OIG’s jurisdiction includes the county government, the TIPS or our website at https://www.pbcgov.org/oig.
For more than 40 years, Palm Beach County (PBC) has 39 municipalities, Children’s Services Council, and the Additionally, on our website you can learn more about
worked to create artificial reefs using various materials Solid Waste Authority. what we do or view our reports.
to give the public additional areas for fishing, diving
and snorkeling, and to protect our natural reefs from
overuse. The materials include limestone, concrete, and
occasionally decommissioned ships that become marine
habitats. The Department of Environmental Resources
Management has deployed over 49 vessels, 110,000 tons
of concrete, and 140,000 tons of limestone boulders to
create artificial reefs.
The artificial reefs become new substrate for coral
settlement and diversify habitat in otherwise sandy areas.
Once established, they provide the same food, shelter,
protection and marine life spawning areas as the natural reefs.
Both natural and artificial reefs support our local
economy, generating over $280 million per year and
supporting approximately 3,000 annual jobs.
Funding for PBC’s artificial reef program comes
from vessel registration fees, grants from federal and
state agencies, donations from fishing clubs, local dive
associations, corporations and individuals. Nonmonetary
support includes donated reef material such as concrete,
prefabricated modules, underwater art and ship hulls.
This year’s artificial reef project plan involves a multi-
partner effort. For instance, the Florida Department of
Transportation is donating material removed from the
Earman Canal bridge renovation project in North Palm Beach
to a reef project 75 feet offshore of South Palm Beach.
One of PBC’s key artificial reef partners – the Andrew
“Red” Harris Foundation – will deploy three to four reefs
in 70 to 80 feet of water offshore of Juno Beach. This
project will consist of at least 1,000 tons of limestone
boulders and 500 tons of concrete culverts. This material
– all donated – will be located near an existing artificial
reef train in the Juno Beach permitted area.
The artificial reef program is a prime example of Palm
Beach County’s commitment to stewardship of our natural
resources by creating new habitat.
As always, please contact me if I can assist you at (561)
355-2201 or by email at mmarino@pbcgov.org.