Jacksonville Waterways Commission

• $120,000.00 · ORD Approp $120,000.00 in Grant Funding from the FL Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (“FWC”) for Reimb of Certain of the City’s Costs to Construct a Marine Artificial Reef Complex in the Harm’s Ledge Permitted Area; Prov for Oversight by the Office of Admin Svcs, EQD (B.T. 26-051) (Dillard) (Req of Mayor) 3/10/26 CO Introduced: NCSPHS, F, JWC 3/16/26 NCSPHS Read 2nd & Rerefer 3/17/26 F Read 2nd & Rerefer 3/24/26 CO PH Read 2nd & Rerefer 4/6/26 NCSPHS Approve 6-0 4/7/26 F Approve 7-0 4/14/26 CO Approve 19-0 Public Hearing Pursuant to Ch 166, F.S. & C.R. 3.601 - 3/24/26

  • Jacksonville Waterways Commission — Minutes

• $1.12 · Lisa Rinaman, St. Johns Riverkeeper, provided a presentation. She gave a mission overview of the St. Johns Riverkeeper and a detailed description of the St. Johns River and the system that encompasses it. Ms. Rinaman then explained that the initial reason for the formation of the St. Johns Riverkeeper in 1999 was due to nutrient pollution in the waterways from wastewater treatment facilities, failing septic tanks, agricultural runoff, and runoff from urban fertilizers. She then explained that increased regulations over the last 25 years have reduced point source pollution; however, nonpoint source pollution is still a concern. Ms. Rinaman explained that following the Florida Legislature's 2007 ban on land disposal of sewage in Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades, the state permitted 70,000 tons of South Florida sewage sludge to be disposed of in the headwaters of the St. Johns River, resulting in nitrogen and phosphorus runoff that undermined the river's water quality and triggered outbreaks of harmful algae blooms. Ms. Rinaman further explained that the Florida Legislature in 2020 introduced new rules limiting the disposal of South Florida sewage sludge in the St. Johns River to 50,000 tons annually. She also noted that a study estimated a $1.12 billion cleanup liability transferred from South Florida to North Florida. Ms. Rinaman then stated that the Florida Legislature recently passed a future ban on the land disposal of Class B Biosolids that will go into effect by 2028. Ms. Rinaman expressed concern that this might lead to more Class AA Biosolids, which, while better treated, are not currently regulated. However, she noted that the Florida Legislature passed guardrails on Class AA Biosolids the day before the Waterways Commission meeting. Ms. Rinaman announced that the Riverkeeper has been conducting a pilot project called 'Resilient Ribault,' sampling the water quality of the Ribault River and Moncrief Creek to identify sources of chronic pollution and the causes of flooding in the area. Ms. Rinaman then provided an overview of various projects utilizing oysters to increase flooding resilience. Ms. Rinaman then gave an overview of the importance of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) and wetlands, noting their role in providing wildlife habitats and biofiltration. Ms. Rinaman then discussed the launching of the “SAVe our River’s Grasses Expedition” in 2023 to investigate why grasses have not returned since Hurricane Irma and highlighted multiple stressors contributing to the issue. Ms. Rinaman then discussed the Rodman Dam, later renamed the Kirkpatrick Dam, which was constructed in 1968 and severed the connection between the Ocklawaha River and Silver Springs. She noted the Riverkeeper's efforts over the past decade to restore that connection. She also noted several benefits it would provide to the St. Johns River: restoring 150 million gallons of freshwater flow per day, 100 miles of St. Johns River estuary, 56 miles of warmwater habitats, and 17,500+ acres of floodplains, as well as improving fisheries and providing several economic benefits. She reported that while legislation restoring the Ocklawaha River passed in committee and on the floor in the House and in committee in the Senate, it has not reached the floor of the Senate. Finally, Ms. Rinaman discussed educational initiatives for students and a “State of the Watershed” symposium hosted by the St. Johns Riverkeeper on April 22, 2026. CM Peluso asked for Ms. Rinaman’s perspective on septic tank phaseout. Ms. Rinaman discussed the financial uncertainty for homeowners who convert from septic to sewer. She noted that outreach and offering incentives to homeowners may alleviate their uncertainty and encourage quicker conversion to sewer. Commissioner Fraden asked Ms. Rinaman whether submerged grasses near waterfront properties have shown improvement over the last four years. Ms. Rinaman explained that progress has been uneven between areas due to several stressors affecting each area differently. Commissioner Fraden then asked Ms. Rinaman about the potential to expand sample testing of submerged grasses in Duval County. Ms. Rinaman explained that they have done limited testing in Duval County and that they are launching a small program this year to conduct further testing. Commissioner Barker noted that average water levels in the Ortega River are two to three feet lower this year than in previous years and asked whether that has had any effect on submerged grasses. Dr. Pinto explained that water levels have been elevated since Hurricane Irma, reducing sunlight availability for submerged grasses to 44% of what they need to grow. He noted that while the recent dry season may have created an opportunity for growth, conditions remain too mucky for grasses to grow. Ms. Rinaman added that while lower water levels increase sunlight exposure for grasses, if caused by drought, saltwater intrusion may offset the benefit. CM Amaro asked Ms. Rinaman what the Riverkeeper’s position is on the future of the Rodman Dam. Ms. Rinaman stated that since 2016, the St. Johns Riverkeeper’s formal position has been to reunite the Ocklawaha River and the St. Johns River by breaching the dam and investing in outdoor recreation around it. Jim Suber, Waterways Coordinator, asked Ms. Rinaman about the location of the vertical oyster project. Ms. Rinaman stated that the area that they are looking at for the project is north of the Mathews Bridge. Mr. Suber then asked if the oysters were harvestable. Dr. Pinto explained that the oysters won’t be harvestable due to bacterial problems in the area. Commissioner Hobson asked Ms. Rinaman about the future impact of restoring 150 million gallons per day of freshwater to the water quality and ecosystem. Ms. Rinaman stated that several agencies and independent scientists have concluded that full restoration is the most beneficial option, while a partial restoration through breaching the dam is a compromise position.

  • Jacksonville Waterways Commission — Minutes

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  • Jacksonville Waterways Commission — Minutes

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• Jacksonville Waterways Commission — Minutes

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