FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF Ron DeSantis

Governor

Environmental Protection Jeanette Nuñez

Lt. Governor
Southwest District Noah Valenstein
13051 North Telecom Parkway Secretary
Temple Terrace, FL 33637

September 28, 2020

Thomas Harmer, Town Manager

Town of Longboat Key
600 General Harris Street
Longboat Key, FL 34228
Tharmer@longboatkey.org

Re: Proposed Long Form Consent Order OGC File No. 20-1261
DEP vs. Town of Longboat Key
Facility ID No. FLSS0A108 & ERP Site No. 338349
Manatee County

Dear Mr. Harmer:

Enclosed is the proposed Long Form Consent Order OGC No. 20-1261 regarding the above
referenced facility. If in agreement, please review, sign, and return the Consent Order by
October 23, 2020. If not in agreement, please contact the Department immediately. Upon return
of the signed Consent Order, I shall execute it and a copy will be sent to you.

The executed Consent Order constitutes final agency action of the Department, which shall be
enforceable pursuant to Sections 120.69 and 403.121, Florida Statutes. By countersigning the
Consent Order, the Department waives its right to seek judicial imposition of damages, costs and
expenses, or civil penalties for the alleged violations. By signing the Consent Order, you, as the
Respondent, acknowledges and waives its right to a hearing and appeal of the terms of the
Consent Order.

If the signed original Consent Order is not received by the Department by October 23, 2020, the
Department will assume that you are not interested in the settlement on the above terms, and the
matter may be referred to the Office of General Counsel for formal enforcement action. None of
your rights or substantial interests are determined by the Consent Order until it is signed and
filed with the Department.

Should you have any questions, please contact Derrick Hudson at (813) 470-5769, or via e-mail:
Derrick.Hudson@floridadep.gov. Thank you for your cooperation.

www.FloridaDEP.gov
DEP vs. Town of Longboat Key
OGC File No.: 20-1261
Page 2

Sincerely,

Mary E. Yeargan, P.G.

Southwest District Director
Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Enclosure: Proposed Consent Order

Attachment A – Restoration Actions
Attachment B - Monitoring
Attachment C – Survey Map
Exhibit D – In-Kind Project

ec: Kelley Boatwright; DEP; Kelley.M.Boatwright@floridaDEP.gov

Lance Kautz, DEP-SWD, Lance.Kautz@FloridaDEP.gov
Erica Peck, DEP-SWD, Erica.Peck@FloridaDEP.gov
Derrick Hudson, DEP-SWD, Derrick.Hudson@FloridaDEP.gov
Hannah Westervelt, FDEP, Hannah.Westervelt@FloridaDEP.gov
Chris Elbon; Code Enforcement; celbon@longboatkey.org
James Linkogle; Town of Longboat Key; jlinkogle@longboatkey.org
Allen Parsons; Town of Longboat Key; AParsons@longboatkey.org
Isaac Brownman; Town of Longboat Key; IBrownman@longboatkey.org
Alexandra Lowe-Mains; Town of Longboat Key; amains@longboatkey.org
Charles Mopps; Town of Longboat Key; CMopps@longboatkey.org
Ed Steinmeyer, Fiveash, eas@steinmyerfiveash.com

www.FloridaDEP.gov
 BEFORE THE STATE OF FLORIDA
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

STATE OF FLORIDA DEPARTMENT ) IN THE OFFICE OF THE

OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ) SOUTHWEST DISTRICT
)
v. ) OGC FILE NO. 20-1261
)
TOWN OF LONGBOAT KEY )

CONSENT ORDER
This Consent Order (“Order”) is entered into between the State of Florida Department
of Environmental Protection (“Department”) and the Town of Longboat Key (“Respondent”)
to reach settlement of certain matters at issue between the Department and Respondent.
The Department finds and Respondent admits the following:
1. The Department is the administrative agency of the State of Florida having the
power and duty to protect Florida’s air and water resources and to administer and enforce the
provisions of Chapter 403, Florida Statutes (“F.S.”), and the rules promulgated and authorized
in Title 62, Florida Administrative Code (“F.A.C.”). The Department has jurisdiction over the
matters addressed in this Order.
2. Respondent is a person within the meaning of Section 403.031(5), F.S.
3. Respondent is the owner and is responsible for the operation of a collection
system that is connected to the Manatee County Southwest Regional Water Reclamation
Facility. The collection system has been assigned the identification number, FLSS0A108
(“Facility”), which was issued on July 6, 2020. Flow from the Facility is transported to
Manatee County Utilities via a single pipe that extends underneath Sarasota Bay. The Facility
is located at 501 Bay Isles Rd., Longboat Key, FL (“Property”). Respondent owns the Property
on which the Facility is located.
4. On June 18, 2020, the Respondent was notified by Manatee County Utilities
that there was a discrepancy in the flow data from the Facility.
DEP vs. Town of Longboat Key
Consent Order, OGC No. 20-1261
Page 2

5. From June 19, 2020 through June 29, 2020, Respondent evaluated the Facility
to determine the cause for the discrepancy in flow data.
6. On June 29, 2020, Respondent discovered a breech in the pipe (approximately
350 feet north of Sarasota Bay in a mangrove fringe) that transports raw sewage to
Manatee County Utilities which was causing the discrepancy in flow data.
7. An access road and pad were constructed through the mangrove fringe to
access the breeched pipe so repairs could be made. This along with wastewater
discharged from the breech in the pipe resulted in dredge and fill activities and mangrove
alteration (see attachment C) impacting approximately 0.54 acres. These activities took
place at approximately 27°26'0.0655"x-82°37'43.7153" (Parcel ID 6146901509), Section 18,
Township 35S, Range 17E, Bradenton, Florida (herein referred to as "Property 2").
8. Property 2 is owned by the Long Bar Pointe LLP ("Property Owner"). The
Department has assigned Environmental Resource Permit Site No. 338349 to Property 2.
9. Respondent violated Rules 62-604.500(3), and 62-604.130(1), F.A.C. for failure
to maintain equipment and for the unauthorized discharge of wastewater.
10. Respondent violated Section 403.9328(1), F.S. for failure to obtain
authorization from the Department for the alteration of mangroves as described in
paragraph 7. The activities were conducted on Property 2 which is within the landward
extent of Sarasota Bay, a Class III Outstanding Florida Waterbody, as defined by Rule 62-
302.700 F.A.C.
11. Respondent violated Rule 62-330.020(2)(a), F.A.C. for failure to obtain
authorization from the Department prior to conducting dredge and fill activities within
wetlands as described in paragraph 7. The activities were conducted on Property 2 which is
within the landward extent of Sarasota Bay, a Class III Outstanding Florida Waterbody, as
defined by Rule 62-302.700 F.A.C.
12. On July 1, 2020, Respondent began sampling the surface waters of Sarasota
Bay for Fecal coliform and Enterococci. The analyses were performed 3 times per week
over a period of 4 weeks.

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DEP vs. Town of Longboat Key
Consent Order, OGC No. 20-1261
Page 3

Having reached a resolution of the matter Respondent and the Department mutually
agree and it is
ORDERED:
13. Respondent shall comply with the following corrective actions within the stated
time periods:
a) Within 60 days of the effective date of this Order, Respondent shall submit
a Sewer Overflow Response Plan (SORP) to the Department for approval. The SORP must
include, but is not limited to, procedures for sampling wastewater that is discharged, and all
surface water bodies impacted by the discharge, and the number and location of samples to be
obtained. Samples shall be analyzed based on appropriate surface water quality criteria in
accordance with Rule 62-302, F.A.C. and analytical results shall be reported to the Department
within 24 hours of obtaining said results. Daily sampling shall continue until sample results
meet water quality standards for the impacted surface water body.
b) Within 60 days of the effective date of this Order, Respondent shall
provide mitigation through the purchase of 0.30 saltwater forested mitigation credits from
Nature Coast Mitigation Bank (SWFWMD ERP permit number 43-042778.000) to offset impacts
that occurred from the unauthorized activities.
c) Within 30 days of purchasing saltwater forested UMAM credits, the
Respondent shall provide the Department with documentation confirming the credits have
been deducted from the ledger of Nature Coast Mitigation Bank (SWFWMD ERP permit
number 43-042778.000)
d) Within 90 days of the effective date of this Order, Respondent shall submit
to the Department a Corrective Action Plan (“Plan”) for the installation of a redundant force
main that transfers wastewater from Respondent’s Facility to Manatee County Southwest
Regional Water Reclamation Facility. The Plan shall include details of the work to be
completed along with a timeline of start and completion dates. If the Department requires
additional information for the Plan, the Department may notify the Respondent in writing by
issuing a request for additional information (“RAI”). The Respondent shall submit the

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Page 4

required information identified in the RAI within the timeframe provided for in the RAI.
Upon the Department’s approval of the Plan, it shall become an enforceable component of this
Order and Respondent shall conduct the work detailed in the approved Plan within the
timeframes specified thereunder.
e) Respondent shall submit a complete Environmental Resource Permit
(“ERP”) application to the Department for any impacts to wetlands or surface waters related to
the installation of the redundant force main described in subparagraph 13d. If the Department
requires additional information, the Department may notify the Respondent in writing by
issuing a request for additional information (“RAI”). The Respondent shall submit the
required information identified in the RAI within the timeframe provided for in the RAI.
Respondent shall not commence work until approval from the Department is granted.
f) Respondent shall submit a complete Mangrove Alteration Permit
application to the Department for any mangrove trimming and alteration prior to conducting
activities related to the installation of the redundant force main described in subparagraph
13d. If the Department requires additional information, the Department may notify the
Respondent in writing by issuing a request for additional information (“RAI”). The
Respondent shall submit the required information identified in the RAI within the timeframe
provided for in the RAI. Respondent shall not commence work until approval from the
Department is granted.
g) Within 180 days of the effective date of this Order, the Respondent shall
perform and submit to the Department for approval an analysis of their collection system
infrastructure including a detailed evaluation of inflow and infiltration (“I&I Analysis”) to
identify needed improvements with a priority as to importance of need and time to
completion. An approximate cost analysis should be included. The I&I Analysis should
include specific projects along with their description and purpose with start and completion
dates. If the Department requires additional information for the I&I Analysis, the Department
may notify the Respondent in writing by issuing a RAI. The Respondent shall submit the
required information identified in the RAI within the timeframe provided for in the RAI.

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Consent Order, OGC No. 20-1261
Page 5

Upon the Department’s approval of the I&I Analysis, it shall become an enforceable
component of this Order and Respondent shall implement the plan by conducting the work
detailed in the approved I&I Analysis within the timeframes specified thereunder.
h) Within 365 days of the effective date of this Order, Respondent shall
review EPA’s Capacity, Management, Operations and Maintenance (“CMOM”) template (i.e.,
USEPA document 305-B-05-002, dated January 2005), and submit a CMOM Analysis to the
Department for approval. The CMOM Analysis must include potential plans, prioritization of
the plans, and projected dates for implementation of the results. If the Department requires
additional information for the CMOM, the Department may notify the Respondent in writing
by issuing a RAI. The Respondent shall submit the required information identified in the RAI
within the timeframe provided for in the RAI. Upon the Department’s approval of the
CMOM, it shall become an enforceable component of this Order and the Respondent shall
implement the plan by conducting the work specified thereunder within the timeframes
specified in the approved plan.
i) Every calendar quarter after the effective date of this Order, Respondent
shall submit in writing to the Department a report containing information concerning the
status and progress of projects being completed under this Order, information as to
compliance or noncompliance with the applicable requirements of this Order including
construction requirements and effluent limitations, and any reasons for noncompliance. These
reports shall also include a projection of the work to be performed pursuant to this Order
during the 12-month period which will follow the report. These reports shall be submitted to
the Department within 30 days following the end of the quarter.
14. Property Owner hereby gives permission to Respondent, the Department, and
their agents and contractors to enter Property 2. The permission is specifically limited for the
purpose of completing the following activities described below in sub paragraphs 14a)
through 14e). Respondent, Department, and their agents and contractors may enter Property 2
during normal business hours and must obtain written permission to enter Property 2 at any
other times from Property Owner.

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DEP vs. Town of Longboat Key
Consent Order, OGC No. 20-1261
Page 6

a) Respondent shall implement and complete the Mangrove Restoration

Actions attached hereto and incorporated herein as Attachment A in the manner and within
the time frames specified therein.
b) Once the Mangrove Restoration Actions have been completed, the
Respondent shall implement and complete the Maintenance and Monitoring Actions attached
hereto and incorporated herein as Attachment B in the manner and within the time frames
specified therein.
c) Respondent shall remove all fill material used to gain access through the
mangroves and return the area to pre-fill conditions, in manner described and within the
timeframes contained in Attachment B and Attachment C attached and incorporated herein.
d) Every calendar quarter after the effective date of this Order, Respondent
shall submit in writing to the Department a report containing information concerning the
status and progress of projects being completed under this Order, information as to
compliance or noncompliance with the applicable requirements of this Order including
construction requirements and effluent limitations, and any reasons for noncompliance. These
reports shall also include a projection of the work to be performed pursuant to this Order
during the 12-month period which will follow the report. These reports shall be submitted to
the Department within 30 days following the end of the quarter.
e) With the exception of the activities described in the Restoration Actions,
commencing immediately after the effective date of this Order, Respondent shall not conduct
any mangrove alteration activities on or within the landward extent of wetlands or surface
waters at Property 2 for a period of 5 years. After 5 years, any proposed mangrove trimming
shall require a valid Department permit or written notification from the Department that the
activities are exempt from applicable Department permitting requirements. In addition, the
Respondent shall not conduct any dredging, filling, or construction activities on or within the
landward extent of wetlands or surface waters without first obtaining a valid Department
permit or written notification from the Department that the activities are exempt from
applicable Department permitting requirements; nor shall the Respondent conduct any

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Consent Order, OGC No. 20-1261
Page 7

activities on state owned lands below the ordinary or mean high water lines without first
obtaining a lease, easement, or other consent of use from the Board of Trustees of the Internal
Improvement Trust Fund (Board) or the Department on the Board’s behalf.
15. Notwithstanding the time periods described in the paragraphs above,
Respondent shall complete all corrective actions and monitoring required by paragraphs 13
and 14 within 5 years of the effective date of this Order and be in full compliance with Rules
62-330, 62-600 and 62-604, F.A.C., and Section 403.9328, F.S. regardless of any intervening
events or alternative time frames imposed in this Order.
16. Within 60 days of the effective date of this Order, Respondent shall submit a
written estimate of the total cost of the corrective actions required by this Order to the
Department. The written estimate shall identify the information the Respondent relied upon
to provide the estimate.
17. Within 30 days of the effective date of this Order, Respondent shall pay the
Department $242,652.50 in settlement of the regulatory matters addressed in this Order. This
amount includes $241,652.50 for civil penalties and $1,000.00 for costs and expenses incurred
by the Department during the investigation of this matter and the preparation and tracking of
this Order
18. In lieu of making cash payment of $241,652.50 in civil penalties as set forth
above, Respondent may elect to offset this amount by implementing an in-kind penalty
project, which must be approved by the Department. An in-kind project must be either an
environmental enhancement, environmental restoration or a capital/facility improvement
project and may not be a corrective action requirement of the Order or otherwise required by
law. The Department may also consider the donation of environmentally sensitive land as an
in-kind project. The value of the in-kind penalty project shall be one and a half times the civil
penalty off-set amount, which in this case is the equivalent of at least $362,478.75. If
Respondent chooses to implement an in-kind project, Respondent shall notify the Department
of its election either electronically or by certified mail within 15 days of the effective date of
this Consent Order. Notwithstanding the election to implement an in-kind project,

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Consent Order, OGC No. 20-1261
Page 8

payment of the remaining $1,000.00 in costs must be paid within 30 days of the effective
date of the Consent Order.
a) If Respondent elects to implement an in-kind project as provided above, then
Respondent shall comply with all the requirements and timeframes in Exhibit D entitled In-
Kind Projects.
b) In the event that Respondent elects to off-set civil penalties including stipulated
penalties in paragraphs 19 and 22 by implementing an in-kind penalty project which is
approved by the Department, during the period that this Order remains in effect or during the
effective date of any Department issued Permit to Respondent whichever is longer (Prohibited
Transfer Duration), Respondent shall not transfer or use funds obtained by the Respondent
from the collection of sewer rates for any purpose not related to the management, operation, or
maintenance of the Sewer System or to any capital improvement needs of the Sewer System
(hereinafter, Prohibited Transfer). Respondent shall annually certify to the Department using
the Annual Certification Form located on Exhibit D to this Order that no Prohibited Transfer
has occurred. In the event of any Prohibited Transfer, the In-Kind project option shall be
forfeited, and entire civil penalty shall immediately become due and owing to the Department
irrespective of any expenditures by the Respondent in furtherance of the In-Kind project.
19. Respondent agrees to pay the Department stipulated penalties in the amount of
$1,000.00 per day for each and every day Respondent fails to timely comply with any of the
requirements of paragraph(s) 13 through 15 of this Order. The Department may demand
stipulated penalties at any time after violations occur. Respondent shall pay stipulated
penalties owed within 30 days of the Department’s issuance of written demand for payment
and shall do so as further described in paragraphs 20 and 21, below. Nothing in this
paragraph shall prevent the Department from filing suit to specifically enforce any terms of
this Order. Any stipulated penalties assessed under this paragraph shall be in addition to the
civil penalties agreed to in paragraph 17 of this Order.
20. Respondent shall make all payments required by this Order by cashier's check,
money order or on-line payment. Cashier’s check or money order shall be made payable to

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Consent Order, OGC No. 20-1261
Page 9

the “Department of Environmental Protection” and shall include both the OGC number
assigned to this Order and the notation “Water Quality Assurance Trust Fund.” Online
payments by e-check can be made by going to the DEP Business Portal at:
http://www.fldepportal.com/go/pay/. It will take a number of days after this order is
final, effective and filed with the Clerk of the Department before ability to make online
payment is available.
21. Except as otherwise provided, all submittals and payments required by this
Order shall be sent to Derrick Hudson, the Department’s Domestic Wastewater Compliance
Inspector, Department of Environmental Protection, Southwest District Office, 13051 North
Telecom Parkway, Suite 101, Temple Terrace, Florida 33637
Derrick.S.Hudson@FloridaDep.gov. Respondent shall also provide a copy of all submittals
required by this Order to the Department’s Mitigation Banking Team at
FDEPMitigationBankTeam@FloridaDEP.gov.
22. Upon the effective date of this Order, Respondent shall pay the Department
stipulated penalties for any discharges of wastewater from the wastewater
collection/transmission system.
Respondent shall pay stipulated penalties as follows:

Amount per Day per Discharge Discharge Volume

$1,000.00 up to 5,000 gallons
$2,000.00 5,001 to 10,000 gallons
$5,000.00 10,001 to 25,000 gallons
$10,000.00 25,001 to 100,000 gallons
$15,000.00 in excess of 100,000 gallons

23. Respondent shall allow all authorized representatives of the Department access
to the Facility and the Property 2 at reasonable times for the purpose of determining
compliance with the terms of this Order and the rules and statutes administered by the
Department.

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Consent Order, OGC No. 20-1261
Page 10

24. If any event, including administrative or judicial challenges by third parties

unrelated to Respondent, occurs which causes delay or the reasonable likelihood of delay in
complying with the requirements of this Order, Respondent shall have the burden of proving
the delay was or will be caused by circumstances beyond the reasonable control of Respondent
and could not have been or cannot be overcome by Respondent's due diligence. Neither
economic circumstances nor the failure of a contractor, subcontractor, materialman, or other
agent (collectively referred to as “contractor”) to whom responsibility for performance is
delegated to meet contractually imposed deadlines shall be considered circumstances beyond
the control of Respondent (unless the cause of the contractor's late performance was also
beyond the contractor's control). Upon occurrence of an event causing delay, or upon
becoming aware of a potential for delay, Respondent shall notify the Department by the next
working day and shall, within seven calendar days notify the Department in writing of (a) the
anticipated length and cause of the delay, (b) the measures taken or to be taken to prevent or
minimize the delay, and (c) the timetable by which Respondent intends to implement these
measures. If the parties can agree that the delay or anticipated delay has been or will be
caused by circumstances beyond the reasonable control of Respondent, the time for
performance hereunder shall be extended. The agreement to extend compliance must identify
the provision or provisions extended, the new compliance date or dates, and the additional
measures Respondent must take to avoid or minimize the delay, if any. Failure of Respondent
to comply with the notice requirements of this paragraph in a timely manner constitutes a
waiver of Respondent's right to request an extension of time for compliance for those
circumstances.
25. The Department, for and in consideration of the complete and timely
performance by Respondent of all the obligations agreed to in this Order, hereby conditionally
waives its right to seek judicial imposition of damages or civil penalties for the violations
described above up to the date of the filing of this Order. This waiver is conditioned upon
Respondent’s complete compliance with all of the terms of this Order.

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Consent Order, OGC No. 20-1261
Page 11

26. This Order is a settlement of the Department’s civil and administrative authority
arising under Florida law to resolve the matters addressed herein. This Order is not a
settlement of any criminal liabilities which may arise under Florida law, nor is it a settlement
of any violation which may be prosecuted criminally or civilly under federal law. Entry of this
Order does not relieve Respondent of the need to comply with applicable federal, state, or
local laws, rules, or ordinances.
27. The Department hereby expressly reserves the right to initiate appropriate legal
action to address any violations of statutes or rules administered by the Department that are
not specifically resolved by this Order.
28. Respondent is fully aware that a violation of the terms of this Order may subject
Respondent to judicial imposition of damages, civil penalties up to $15,000.00 per day per
violation, and criminal penalties.
29. Respondent acknowledges and waives its right to an administrative hearing
pursuant to sections 120.569 and 120.57, F.S., on the terms of this Order. Respondent also
acknowledges and waives its right to appeal the terms of this Order pursuant to section 120.68,
F.S.
30. Electronic signatures or other versions of the parties’ signatures, such as .pdf or
facsimile, shall be valid and have the same force and effect as originals. No modifications of
the terms of this Order will be effective until reduced to writing, executed by both Respondent
and the Department, and filed with the clerk of the Department.
31. The terms and conditions set forth in this Order may be enforced in a court of
competent jurisdiction pursuant to sections 120.69 and 403.121, F.S. Failure to comply with the
terms of this Order constitutes a violation of section 403.161(1)(b), F.S.
32. This Consent Order is a final order of the Department pursuant to section
120.52(7), F.S., and it is final and effective on the date filed with the Clerk of the Department
unless a Petition for Administrative Hearing is filed in accordance with Chapter 120, F.S.
Upon the timely filing of a petition, this Consent Order will not be effective until further order
of the Department.

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Consent Order, OGC No. 20-1261
Page 12

33. Respondent shall publish the following notice in a newspaper of daily circulation
in Manatee County, Florida. The notice shall be published one time only within 30 days of the
effective date of the Order. Respondent shall provide a certified copy of the published notice
to the Department within 10 days of publication.
STATE OF FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
NOTICE OF CONSENT ORDER
The Department of Environmental Protection (“Department”) gives notice of agency
action of entering into a Consent Order with THE TOWN LONGBOAT KEY pursuant to
section 120.57(4), Florida Statutes. The Consent Order addresses the unauthorized discharge
and mangrove alteration associated with facilities located at Parcel ID 6147110509. The
Consent Order is available for public inspection during normal business hours, 8:00 a.m. to
5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except legal holidays, at the Department of Environmental
Protection, Southwest District Office, 13051 North Telecom Parkway, Suite 101, Temple
Terrace, Florida 33637.
Persons who are not parties to this Consent Order, but whose substantial interests are
affected by it, have a right to petition for an administrative hearing under sections 120.569 and
120.57, Florida Statutes. Because the administrative hearing process is designed to formulate
final agency action, the filing of a petition concerning this Consent Order means that the
Department’s final action may be different from the position it has taken in the Consent Order.
The petition for administrative hearing must contain all of the following information:
a) The OGC Number assigned to this Consent Order;

b) The name, address, and telephone number of each petitioner; the name, address,
and telephone number of the petitioner’s representative, if any, which shall be the
address for service purposes during the course of the proceeding;

c) An explanation of how the petitioner’s substantial interests will be affected by the

Consent Order;

d) A statement of when and how the petitioner received notice of the Consent Order;

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e) Either a statement of all material facts disputed by the petitioner or a statement that
the petitioner does not dispute any material facts;

f) A statement of the specific facts the petitioner contends warrant reversal or

modification of the Consent Order;

g) A statement of the rules or statutes the petitioner contends require reversal or

modification of the Consent Order; and

h) A statement of the relief sought by the petitioner, stating precisely the action
petitioner wishes the Department to take with respect to the Consent Order.

The petition must be filed (received) at the Department's Office of General Counsel,
3900 Commonwealth Boulevard, MS# 35, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3000 or received via
electronic correspondence at Agency_Clerk@floridadep.gov, within 21 days of receipt of this
notice. A copy of the petition must also be mailed at the time of filing to the District Office at
Southwest District Office, 13051 North Telecom Parkway, Suite 101, Temple Terrace, Florida
33637. Failure to file a petition within the 21-day period constitutes a person’s waiver of the
right to request an administrative hearing and to participate as a party to this proceeding
under sections 120.569 and 120.57, Florida Statutes. Before the deadline for filing a petition, a
person whose substantial interests are affected by this Consent Order may choose to pursue
mediation as an alternative remedy under section 120.573, Florida Statutes. Choosing
mediation will not adversely affect such person’s right to request an administrative hearing if
mediation does not result in a settlement. Additional information about mediation is provided
in section 120.573, Florida Statutes and Rule 62-110.106(12), Florida Administrative Code.
34. Rules referenced in this Order are available at
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/legal/Rules/rulelist.htm

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Page 14

FOR THE RESPONDENT:

__________________________________________ _________
Thomas A. Harmer, Town Manager Date
Long Boat Key

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FOR THE PROPERTY OWNER:

__________________________________________ _________
Charles Tokarz, Registered Agent Date
Long Bar Pointe LLP

DONE AND ORDERED this _____ day of ______________, 2020, in ____________ County,
Florida.

STATE OF FLORIDA DEPARTMENT

OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

____________________________________
Mary E. Yeargan, PG
District Director
Southwest District

Filed, on this date, pursuant to section 120.52, F.S., with the designated Department Clerk,
receipt of which is hereby acknowledged.

________________________________ _____________________
Clerk Date

Final Clerked Copies furnished to:

Lea Crandall, Agency Clerk
Mail Station 35

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DEP v. Town of Longboat Key
OGC File No. 20-1261

Attachment A

RESTORATION ACTIONS

1. Within 30 days of the effective date of this Order, Respondent shall complete the
following Pre-Restoration Actions:
a. Respondent shall stake the boundaries of the Restoration Area, which is
more specifically depicted on the Restoration Map (Attachment C) for
approval by the Department, prior to undertaking any restoration
work required in these Restoration Actions. This staked line shall remain
in place during all phases of restoration and no wetlands or waters of the
state outside the restoration area shall be adversely disturbed or
affected by restoration.
b. Respondent shall ensure best management practices for erosion control
shall be implemented prior to restoration commencement and shall be
maintained at all times during construction to prevent siltation and turbid
discharges in excess of Outstanding Florida Waterbody water quality
standards, pursuant to Rule 62-302, F.A.C. Respondent shall submit a
Best Management Practice (BMP) plan prior to implementation for
approval by the Department. Methods may include but are not limited to
the use of staked hay bales, staked filter cloth, sodding, seeding, staged
construction and the installation of turbidity screens around
the Restoration Area.
c. Respondent shall receive approval from the Department for the activities
described in subparagraphs 1a. through 1b. within 24 hours of
completion.
2. Within 30 days of approval of requirements of Paragraph 1, Respondent shall
complete the following Restoration Actions:
DEP v. Town of Longboat Key
OGC File No. 20-1261

a. Respondent shall notify the Department at least 48 hours prior to the

commencement of work.
b. Respondent shall be responsible for ensuring erosion control
devices/procedures are inspected and maintained daily during all phases
of Restoration authorized by this Order until areas disturbed
during Restoration are sufficiently stabilized to prevent erosion, siltation,
and turbid discharges.
c. Respondent shall remove all fill material brought onto Property 2 from
both wetland and upland areas. This includes any vegetative debris and
fill material that has eroded prior to the installation of silt fences.
d. All fill material shall be disposed of in an approved self-contained
upland site to prevent water quality violations pursuant to 62-302.
e. Respondent shall restore the area to pre-fill conditions so that the fill area
matches the spot elevations adjacent to fill footprint depicted on the
Restoration Map (Attachment C).
f. Within 24 hours, Respondent shall notify the Department of completion of
fill removal and request an inspection by Department staff to approve site
conditions and elevations prior to planting.
3. Upon approval by the Department of the requirements in Paragraph 2,
Respondent shall complete the following planting actions:
a. Respondent shall remove all exotic and nuisance vegetation along the
restoration project site.
b. All exotic vegetation shall be removed from the restoration area using
hand-held equipment in a manner that will minimize impacts to the
existing
wetland plants and will not cause ruts in the wetland soils which will imp
ede or divert the flow of surface waters.
c. Respondent shall plant 872 mangroves including a combination
of Rhizophora mangle (Red mangrove), Avicennia germinans (Black
DEP v. Town of Longboat Key
OGC File No. 20-1261

mangrove), and Laguncularia racemosa (White mangrove) in

the approximately 0.54-acre restoration area depicted in Attachment C to
mimic local species distribution.
d. The mangroves shall be 1-gallon, well-rooted, nursery-grown stock.
e. The mangroves shall be planted on 5-foot centers throughout the
restoration area.
4. Within 30 days of completion of these planting actions further described in
Paragraph 3, Respondent shall submit the following information to
the Department:
a. Written notification that the Restoration Actions have been completed.
b. Enough color photographs to show the entire completed restoration area
taken from fixed reference points shown on a plan-view drawing.
c. Nursery receipts for all plants used in the Restoration Actions.
DEP v. Town of Longboat Key
OGC File No. 20-1261

Attachment B

MAINTENANCE AND MONITORING ACTIONS

(MANGROVES)
1. Within 30 days of the completion of the Restoration Actions,

Respondent shall implement the following Maintenance and

Monitoring Actions:

2. A "time zero" Monitoring Report shall be submitted within thirty (30)

days of completion of the planting of the Restoration Area. It shall

include the following:

a. Written notification that the Restoration Actions have been completed.

b. Enough color photographs to show the entire completed

restoration area taken from fixed reference points shown on a

plan-view drawing.

c. Nursery receipts for all plants used in the Restoration Actions.

d. Number and spacing of each species planted.

3. Subsequent monitoring reports shall be submitted for 5 years, on a

quarterly basis. These reports shall be submitted to the Department within
30 days following the end of the quarter. The purpose of the monitoring
shall be to determine the success of the restoration. The monitoring
reports shall include the following information:
e. Respondent's name, address, and OGC number (File No. 20-1261).
f. Date of inspection.
g. Color photographs taken from the previously
established fixed benchmark locations, to accurately
depict site conditions.
DEP v. Town of Longboat Key
OGC File No. 20-1261

h. The number of trees planted in the Restoration Actions

that have survived.

i. A written summary describing the success of the restoration

area including steps needed and/ or taken to promote future
success such as replanting and/ or nuisance or exotic species
removal.

4. "Success of the restoration" means that at the end of the monitoring

schedule the following success criteria are met in each restoration area

required in the Restoration Actions. At each inspection in the Monitoring

Schedule, Respondent shall replace enough dead plants to ensure that at

least 80 percent of the original number of each species planted in the

restoration areas is alive.

j. Any replanting for restoration and mitigation under this Order must
result in at least 80 percent survival of the planted mangroves 2 year after
planting. If the survival requirement is not met, additional mangroves
must be planted and maintained until 80 percent survival is achieved 1-
year after the last mangrove planting.
k. A maximum of 10% coverage by exotic and nuisance species.

l. The restoration areas have been inspected by the

Department and the Department has informed the Respondent in

writing that all the restoration areas are within the landward extent

of waters of the state as defined in Florida Administrative Code ,Rule

62-340 and the mangrove planting area has achieved the required

success criteria.
DEP v. Town of Longboat Key
OGC File No. 20-1261

5. If it is determined by the Department, based on visual inspection

and/or review of the monitoring reports, that the restoration is not
meeting the above specified success criteria, Respondent shall
identify the cause for the planting failure and an alternative
restoration plan shall be submitted to the Southwest District Office
and shall meet the following requirements:
m. Shall submit the plan within thirty (30) days of
notification by the Department of failure to meet
the success criteria.
n. Shall implement the alternative plan no later than sixty
(60) days after receiving Department approval.
o. Shall restart monitoring and maintenance program.
 Attachment C
to Consent Order OGC NO.: 20-1261
DEP v. Town of Longboat Key
Proposed Consent Order OGC File No. 20-1261
Exhibit D – In-Kind Project

Exhibit - D

In-Kind Projects

I. Introduction

Proposal

a. Within 60 days of the effective date of this Consent Order, or, of the

Department’s notification that applying stipulated penalties to an in-kind project is acceptable,

Respondent shall submit, either electronically or by certified mail, a detailed in-kind project

proposal to the Department for evaluation. The proposal shall include a summary of benefits,

proposed schedule for implementation and documentation of the estimated costs which are

expected to be incurred to complete the project. These costs shall not include those incurred in

developing the proposal or obtaining approval from the Department for the in-kind project.

Proposal Certification Form

b. The proposal shall also include a Certification by notarized affidavit from a senior

management official for the Town of Longboat Key who shall testify as follows:

My name is _______________________ (print or type name of senior management

official) and do hereby testify under penalty of law that:

A. I am a person with management responsibilities for the Town of Longboat Key

budget and finances. During the eighteenth month period prior to the effective date of
Consent Order OGC Case No.:20-1261 there has not been any transfer or use of funds
obtained by the Town of Longboat Key from the collection of sewer rates for any
purpose not related to the management, operation, or maintenance of the Sewer System
or to any capital improvement needs of the Sewer System.

B. I am aware that there are significant penalties for submitting false information,
including the possibility of fine and imprisonment for knowingly submitting false
information in this certification.
DEP v. Town of Longboat Key
Proposed Consent Order OGC File No. 20-1261
Exhibit D – In-Kind Project

Sworn to and subscribed before me, by means of ☐ physical presence or ☐ online

notarization, this _____ day of ________________, 2020 by

________________________________________

Personally known, or by Production of the following Identification __________________

Notary Public, State of Florida
Printed/typed or stamped name:
My Commission Expires:
Commission/Serial No.:

Annual Certification Form

My name is _______________________ (print or type name of senior management

official) and do hereby testify under penalty of law that:

A. I am a person with management responsibilities for the Town of Longboat Key

budget and finances. During the twelve-month period immediately preceding the notary
date on this Certification, there has not been any transfer or use of funds obtained by the
Town of Longboat Key from the collection of sewer rates for any purpose not related to
the management, operation, or maintenance of the Sewer System or to any capital
improvement needs of the Sewer System.

B. I am aware that there are significant penalties for submitting false information,
including the possibility of fine and imprisonment for knowingly submitting false
information in this certification.

Sworn to and subscribed before me, by means of ☐ physical presence or ☐ online

notarization, this _____ day of __________________, 2020 by

________________________________________

Personally known, or by Production of the following Identification __________________

DEP v. Town of Longboat Key
Proposed Consent Order OGC File No. 20-1261
Exhibit D – In-Kind Project

Notary Public, State of Florida

Printed/typed or stamped name:
My Commission Expires:
Commission/Serial No.:

c. If the Department requests additional information or clarification due to a

partially incomplete in-kind project proposal or requests modifications due to deficiencies with

Department guidelines, Respondent shall submit, either electronically or by certified mail, all

requested additional information, clarification, and modifications within 15 days of receipts of

written notice.

d. If upon review of the in-kind project proposal, the Department determines that the

project cannot be accepted due to a substantially incomplete proposal or due to substantial

deficiencies with minimum Department guidelines; Respondent shall be notified, in writing, of

the reason(s) which prevent the acceptance of the proposal. Respondent shall correct and

redress all the matters at issue and submit, either electronically or by certified mail, a new

proposal within 30 days of receipt of written notice. In the event that the revised proposal is not

approved by the Department, Respondent shall make cash payment of the civil penalties as set

forth in the Consent Order, within 30 days of Department notice.

e. Within 120 days of the effective date of this Consent Order, or, of the

Department’s notification that applying stipulated penalties to an in-kind project is acceptable,

Respondent shall obtain approval for an in-kind project from the Department. If an in-kind

project proposal is not approved by the Department within 120 days of the effective date of this

Consent Order, or, of the Department’s notification that applying stipulated penalties to an in-
DEP v. Town of Longboat Key
Proposed Consent Order OGC File No. 20-1261
Exhibit D – In-Kind Project

kind project is acceptable then Respondent shall make cash payment of the penalties as set forth

in the Consent Order, within 30 days of Department notice.

f. Within 180 days of obtaining Department approval for the in-kind proposal or in

accordance with the approved schedule submitted pursuant to (a) above, Respondent shall

complete the entire in-kind project.

g. During the implementation of the in-kind project, Respondent shall place

appropriate sign(s) at the project site indicating that Respondent’s involvement with the project

is the result of a Department enforcement action. Respondent may remove the sign(s) after the

project has been completed. However, after the project has been completed Respondent shall

not post any sign(s) at the site indicating that the reason for the project was anything other than a

Department enforcement action.

h. In the event, Respondent fails to timely submit any requested information to the

Department, fails to complete implementation of the in-kind project or otherwise fails to comply

with any provision of this paragraph, the in-kind penalty project option shall be forfeited, and the

entire amount of penalties shall be due from the Respondent to the Department within 30 days of

Department notice. If the in-kind penalty project is terminated and Respondent timely remits the

penalty, no additional penalties shall be assessed for failure to complete the requirement of this

paragraph.

i. Within 15 days of completing the in-kind project, Respondent shall notify the

Department, either electronically or by certified mail, of the project completion and request a

verification letter from the Department. Respondent shall submit supporting information

verifying that the project was completed in accordance with the approved proposal and
DEP v. Town of Longboat Key
Proposed Consent Order OGC File No. 20-1261
Exhibit D – In-Kind Project

documentation showing the actual costs incurred to complete the project. These costs shall not

include those incurred in developing the proposal or obtaining approval from the Department for

the project.

j. If upon review of the notification of completion, the Department determines that

the project cannot be accepted due to a substantially incomplete notification of completion or due

to substantial deviations from the approved in-kind project; Respondent shall be notified, in

writing, of the reason(s) which prevent the acceptance of the project. Respondent shall correct

and redress all the matters at issue and submit, either electronically or by certified mail, a new

notification of completion within 15 days of receipt of the Department’s notice. If upon review

of the new submittal, the Department determines that the in-kind project is still incomplete or not

in accordance with the approved proposal, the in-kind penalty project option shall be forfeited,

and the entire amount of the penalty shall be due from the Respondent to the Department within

30 days of Department notice. If the in-kind penalty project is terminated and Respondent

timely remits the penalty, no additional penalties shall be assessed for failure to complete the

requirements of this paragraph.