C O A S T L I N E N E W S S P R I N G 2 0 0 9

EMERALD
COASTKEEPER
W W W. E M E R A L D C O A S T K E E P E R . O R G

What’s Inside
page 1- Stormwater Runoff
page 2- Letter to Santa Rosa
County Commissioners
Stormwater Runoff
Stormwater runoff is the environmental villain without a face. Rainwater and
snowmelt flow to streams, creeks and rivers eventually taking all that they have
picked up along the way into our bays, bayous and our beloved Gulf of Mexico.
Among the most common pollutants that join them are oil, fertilizers, trash,
pesticides, animal waste and gasoline.

page 3- The Importance of
Our Trees
page 5- Bay County Airport
page 7- Gala
page 9- Earth Day
page 10- Water Quality Report
page 11- Calendar
page 12- A Pass at Navarre
Recently, the Santa Rosa County Commissioners were approached by certain
developers who are interested in lowering Santa Rosa County standards from that
of a 100 year storm, to a 25 year storm. By changing the standard of protection in
a time where it appears we are receiving more numerous and severe weather
events.
Emerald Coastkeeper has taken a position on this issue. We sent a letter to the
Santa Rosa County Commissioners stating our view. We have included the letter
in this newsletter. As of Thursday, May 14th, 2009, the Santa Rosa County
Commissioners voted to table this issue until further discussion of which areas
needed a lower standard could be determined. Commissioner Laird expressed a
desire that this proposal be denied. Commissioner Cole spoke out on the fact that
increasing the standard of protection not only in regards to stormwater, but also
for septic tanks, would only aid our environment. We will keep you updated on
this important issue.
Letter to the Santa Rosa County Commissioners
Dear Commissioner:

Emerald Coastkeeper, Inc. (ECK) has a history of defending the waterways of Northwest Florida’s Emerald Coast to ensure
that water quality, fish species, and human recreation are protected. Our membership of over 1ooo concerned citizens insists
that our waterways remain healthy for fishing, swimming, and boating activities enjoyed by residents and tourists. Over the past
10 years, the Emerald Coastkeeper organization has successfully arbitrated and litigated cases against polluters to protect and
restore water quality in Northwest Florida.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and hundreds of university
research studies have concluded that stormwater runoff is the single largest source of pollution to our rivers, creeks, streams,
bayous, estuaries, and oceans. Stormwater runoff contains a host of contaminants including sediment, toxic metals, pesticides,
fertilizers, automotive oil and grease, antifreeze, excessive nitrogen and phosphorous, fecal bacteria, viruses, and trash. These
contaminants are dangerous to humans, aquatic organisms, and environmental health.

Unlike industrial and wastewater discharges that are heavily regulated and monitored, stormwater runoff is non-point source
pollution that often receives little or minimal treatment before transporting these toxic pollutants to our waterways. The basic
minimum state stormwater treatment requirements provided by typical stormwater ponds only remove 50% of stormwater
pollutants. The remaining 50% of stormwater pollutants flow out of stormwater ponds when they “pop off ” to wetlands,
creeks, streams, and bays. Instead of accepting the minimum state stormwater standards, it is up to local governments to enact
more stringent stormwater rules and regulations if they seriously want to protect their local waterways and quality of life for
citizens and tourists to enjoy.

Santa Rosa County has been a leader in stormwater treatment requirements by requiring more protective rules and regulations
than the state minimum. The County implemented stronger stormwater protection rules several years ago in response to
citizen complaints of flooding and poor water quality that caused swimming areas to be closed. In addition to providing better
water quality and natural resource protection, these more stringent stormwater rules in Santa Rosa County have protected
many residential and commercial buildings and public infrastructure from flood damage and economic loss. It would be a
tremendous step backward in water quality protection and flood damage protection for Santa Rosa County to now consider
relaxing the local stormwater regulations. Flooding complaints will increase, flooding damage to homes and infrastructure will
increase, and water quality will be negatively affected.

Economic development in Santa Rosa County has not been hindered by the more protective stormwater treatment
requirement.! Before the economic slowdown, Santa Rosa County enjoyed healthy growth, and the construction of new homes
was not slowed by the County’s stormwater ordinance.! Stormwater rules and environmental protection had absolutely nothing
to do with the current economic crisis.! In fact, there is currently an excess number of new homes available for sale in Santa
Rosa County because of overbuilding.! Obviously the County’s stormwater rules did not slow new home construction over the
past few years, and the stormwater rules won’t slow homebuilding and new construction in the future.! Relaxing environmental
standards because of erroneous claims by some people that say these rules are hindering growth and new development are very
insincere.! Overbuilding led to the current glut of homes for sale, not environmental rules and regulations.! Using the current
economic crisis as an excuse to relax environmental protection standards is a blatant attempt to take advantage of a dire
situation.

To speed up economic recovery, it has been suggested by several respected economists that local governments should place a
moratorium on new home construction until the real estate market absorbs the glut of homes on the market now.! Permitting
the construction of new homes, and flooding the market with more new homes, will only prolong the economic crisis, maintain
depressed home values, and make it more difficult for people to sell their homes.

All citizens have a right to clean water and the recreational enjoyment it provides. No one owns the water, and no one has a
right to diminish its use by others. Clean healthy waterways are one of the best economic incentives that a community can
offer to citizens and businesses that are considering a move to Santa Rosa County. Keep your stormwater ordinance strong,
and help maintain the good quality of life in Santa Rosa County. !

Sincerely,
J. Taylor "Chips" Kirschenfeld
Coastkeeper
Emerald Coastkeeper, Inc.
 Trees
Why Are Trees Important?
Since the beginning, trees have furnished us with two of life's essentials, food and oxygen. As we evolved, they provided
additional necessities such as shelter, medicine, and tools. Today, their value continues to increase and more benefits of trees
are being discovered as their role expands to satisfy the needs created by our modern lifestyles.

Community and Social Value

Trees are an important part of every community. Our streets, parks, playgrounds and backyards are lined with trees that
create a peaceful, aesthetically pleasing environment. Trees increase our quality of life by bringing natural elements and
wildlife habitats into urban settings. We gather under the cool shade they provide during outdoor activities with family and
friends. Many neighborhoods are also the home of very old trees that serve as historic landmarks and a great source of town
pride.

In addition, your community’s trees serve architectural and engineering functions. They frame landscapes, create beautiful
backgrounds and enhance building designs. Trees can provide privacy, emphasize beautiful views, and screen unsightly areas.
Well-placed trees that serve as sound barriers muffle noise from roadways and other urban activities. As a matter of fact, the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency states that trees can reduce bothersome noise by up to 50% and mask unwanted noises
with pleasant, natural sounds. Using trees in cities to deflect the sunlight reduces the heat island effect caused by pavement
and commercial buildings.

Ecological and Environmental Value

Trees contribute to their environment by providing oxygen, improving air quality, climate amelioration, conserving water,
preserving soil, and supporting wildlife. During the process of photosynthesis, trees take in carbon dioxide and produce the
oxygen we breathe. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, "One acre of forest absorbs six tons of carbon dioxide
and puts out four tons of oxygen. This is enough to meet the annual needs of 18 people." Trees, shrubs and turf also filter air
by removing dust and absorbing other pollutants like carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide. After trees
intercept unhealthy particles, rain washes them to the ground.

Trees control climate by moderating the effects of the sun, rain and wind. Leaves absorb and filter the sun's radiant energy,
keeping things cool in summer. Trees also preserve warmth by providing a screen from harsh wind. In addition to influencing
wind speed and direction, they shield us from the downfall of rain, sleet and hail. Trees also lower the air temperature and
reduce the heat intensity of the greenhouse effect by maintaining low levels of carbon dioxide.

Both above and below ground, trees are essential to the eco-systems in which they reside. Far reaching roots hold soil in place
and fight erosion. Trees absorb and store rainwater which reduce runoff and sediment deposit after storms. This helps the
ground water supply recharge, prevents the transport of chemicals into streams and prevents flooding. Fallen leaves make
excellent compost that enriches soil.
 Trees
Many animals, including elephants, koalas and giraffes eat leaves for nourishment. Flowers are eaten by monkeys, and nectar
is a favorite of birds, bats and many insects. Animals also eat much of the same fruit that we enjoy. This process helps disperse
seeds over great distances. Of course, hundreds of living creatures call trees their home. Leaf-covered branches keep many
animals, such as birds and squirrels, out of the reach of predators.

Personal and Spiritual Value

The main reason we like trees is because they are both beautiful and majestic. No two are alike. Different species display a
seemingly endless variety of shapes, forms, textures and vibrant colors. Even individual trees vary their appearance
throughout the course of the year as the seasons change. The strength, long lifespan and regal stature of trees give them a
monument-like quality. Most of us react to the presence of trees with a pleasant, relaxed, comfortable feeling. In fact, many
people plant trees as living memorials of life-changing events.

Trees help record the history of your family as they grow and develop alongside you and your kids. We often make an
emotional connection with trees we plant or become personally attached to the ones that we see every day. These strong
bonds are evidenced by the hundreds of groups and organizations across the country that go to great lengths to protect and
save particularly large or historic trees from the dangers of modern development. How many of your childhood memories
include the trees in your backyard or old neighborhood? The sentimental value of a special tree is simply immeasurable.

Practical and Commercial Value

Trees have supported and sustained life throughout our existence. They have a wide variety of practical and commercial uses.
Wood was the very first fuel, and is still used for cooking and heating by about half of the world's population. Trees provide
timber for building construction, furniture manufacture, tools, sporting equipment, and thousands of household items. Wood
pulp is used to make paper.

We are all aware of apples, oranges and the countless other fruits and nuts provided by trees, as well as the tasty syrup of
North American sugar maples. But did you know the bark of some trees can be made into cork and is a source of chemicals
and medicines? Quinine and aspirin are both made from bark extracts. The inner bark of some trees contains latex, the main
ingredient of rubber. How many more uses can you name?

Property Value and Economic Value

Individual trees and shrubs have value and contribute to savings, but it is the collective influence of a well-maintained
landscape that makes a real economic impact and has the greatest effect on property value. Direct economic benefits come
from a savings in energy costs. Cooling costs are reduced in a tree-shaded home, and heating costs lowered when a tree serves
as a windbreak. According to the USDA Forest Service, "Trees properly placed around buildings can reduce air conditioning
needs by 30% and save 20-50 percent in energy used for heating."

Property values of homes with well-maintained landscapes are up to 20% higher than others. Here are some eye-opening
facts and statistics regarding the effect of healthy trees and shrubs:

· Homes with "excellent" landscaping can expect a sale price 6-7% higher than equivalent houses with "good" landscaping.
Improving "average" to "good" landscaping can result in a 4-5% increase.

- Clemson University

· Landscaping can bring a recovery value of 100-200% at selling time. (Kitchen remodeling brings 75-125%, bathroom
remodeling 20-120%) - Money Magazine

· A mature tree can have an appraised value between $1000 and $10,000. - Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers
 Trees
· 99% of real estate appraisers concurred that landscaping enhances the sales appeal of real estate. - Trendnomics, National
Gardening Association

· 98% of realtors believe that mature trees have a "strong or moderate impact" on the salability of homes listed for over
$250,000 (83% believe the same for homes listed under $150,000).

- American Forests, Arbor National Mortgage

This article was written by Mary F. Gutierrez.

Bay County Airport

MAJOR ECOLOGICAL DISASTER ON PANHANDLE ESTUARY
St Joe dumped swamp for airport --- Airport now dumps tons of mud in estuary

Panama City, FL -- Dire predictions of ecological disaster made by environmental groups who vigorously opposed
building a new airport in a deep swamp, have come true in tragic proportions for West Bay, which was recently (pre-
construction) part of one of the most diverse and pristine estuaries in all of North America.

Four-thousand acres of deep swampland, donated by the St. Joe Development Company for the construction of an
international airport, is situated at the bottom of an 80,000 acre bowl and was, pre-construction, remarkable for
hundreds of acres of deep cypress swamps, high ground-water, abundant wetlands, and crystal clear streams which
slowly fed two sandy-bottomed creeks that eventually opened into West Bay. To date, 5.7 million cubic yards of fill
have been placed over these wetlands and streams. In addition, a crosswind runway will require approximately one
million cubic yards of fill dirt.

Since the land clearing began in January 2008, rain events, large and small, have created a deluge of mud and
standing water on the airport site. The 80,000 acres above the airport still releases a tremendous amount of water
through the airport site, but instead of being absorbed by thousands of acres of wetlands, the water now finds an
impervious runway and an inadequate stormwater treatment system. The 7,200 linear feet of slow-moving winding
streams are now paved over and the groundwater no longer flows evenly through the cleansing soils. The water
rushes over the newly filled and graded land and carries tons of mud to Crooked Creek and Burnt Mill Creek
which, as expected, are discharging rivers of mud into the highly productive fish-nursery marshes of West Bay.

Onsite workers have told the Clean Water Network of Florida (CWN-FL) that the contractor who is building the
airport is diverting the water on and around the runway to Crooked Creek with a 24-inch pipe. Aerial photos of
the site (attached) bear this out. Any discharge to surface waters is prohibited by the general permit that the Airport
Authority is utilizing and no permit for a discharge has been granted for the pipe.

“The destruction of Crooked and Burnt Mill Creeks and West Bay has been happening for many months now and
finally after many requests to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for appropriate enforcement
action, apparently some enforcement is being initiated,” says Linda Young, director of the Clean Water Network of
Florida, the organization that led the fight to stop the destruction of West Bay with an unneeded airport. “We have
also alerted the US Environmental Protection Agency and sent the photos that document the violations. We are in a
wait-and-see mode. This situation demands more than a slap on the wrist. It requires a re-thinking of the entire
airport/West Bay development scheme,” Young said.

The airport construction was opposed by the voters of Bay County as well as numerous groups such as the CWN
of FL, Citizens for the Bay, Friends of PFN, Sierra Club, NRDC and Defenders of Wildlife. Experts for the
groups warned FDEP officials, the public and the courts, of the dangers of destroying the vast wetlands that
capture the voluminous amounts of groundwater and rainfall, and then slowly release the water into West Bay,
which was known as an abundant fishery and one of the six most diverse estuaries in all of North America. The
only environmental group that supported the destruction was Florida Audubon, who received large donations in
cash and land from the St. Joe Company.

“Protecting West Bay from after effects of bad development in its watershed, such as this airport, has been a long
battle with our local officials, in the courts, and with environmental agencies that are charged with protecting our
resources,” says Diane Brown, member of Citizens for the Bay. “We are now seeing the results of their failure to
enforce local, state and federal laws that would have prevented this airport from being built in this environmentally
sensitive location. It has been a predictable disaster waiting to happen,” Brown said.

Before the airport construction even began, CWN-FL filed complaints with the US Army Corps of Engineers and
the Florida DEP regarding illegal dredge and fill activities on and near the airport site. Eventually the Airport
Authority signed an enforcement/consent letter for these violations prior to the COE’s 404 wetlands/dredge and
fill permit being issued. The current violations indicate they cannot keep their commitments to protect the natural
resources.

The Airport Authority and St. Joe have announced plans to fill thousands of more acres around the airport for
commercial and residential development. The company essentially owns the entire watershed for West Bay and
needed the airport as a means to get publicly funded infrastructure into the watershed, which is very wet and had
few paved roads and no water, sewer,
power or other infrastructure.

At its meeting last week, the Bay

County Airport Authority discussed
how they could get $400,000.00 to
construct two large canals from the site
to nearby creeks to keep the site
drained. The FAA rules do not allow
standing water near airports because
the water attracts wildlife (especially
birds), which are a hazard to planes.

“Any attempt to secure a permit to

construct a direct discharge to the
creeks or the bay will be aggressively
opposed,” said Young. “Any future
filling of wetlands in the West Bay
watershed should be disallowed by state
and federal agencies and the Airport
Authority should be required to take
immediate actions to stop the destruction of this important estuary – including removal of the runway if
necessary. This was a failed project from its conception,” Young says.
 10th Anniversary Gala
What a night! Our 10th Anniversary Gala was the best ever thanks to the 300 plus people who attended, the many businesses and
individuals who donated time and gifts, MySpayce who helped us cut the cost, the Smart Brothers for their wonderful tunes and our
amazing volunteers. It is encouraging to see that even in these difficult economic times, the number of people who continue to
support our fight for clean water! Through our silent and live auction, we raised enough money to continue our efforts to promote
cleaner water in the Emerald Coast. Our annual Gala is our major fundraising event of the year, and we greatly appreciate all who
came to support our cause. We especially thank Kim Kirschenfeld for all her hard work, Carol Moore for her endless effort and
Michael Larson of Pro-Legal Copies for donating our gorgeous live auction posters. Please patronize our sponsors and contributors
listed below. Tell them you appreciate their support of Emerald Coastkeeper.

SPONSORS AND AUCTION DONORS

We thank those who donated Pam Garcia of Crane & Company Nancy LaNasa of Abhaya Yoga
auction items: Tony Gentry Center
Judy Albers of The Glasses Store Pasco Gibson of Nichols Seafood Crystal Lohman of Pensacola
Laurie Azzarella Restaurant Symphony
Elie Barnes Charlotte and Ben Gordon of Nick Loizos of Hemingway’s Island
Lewis Bear III of the Lewis Bear Aragon Wine Market Grill
Company Lane Harper of Gulf Coast Office Paul Lukkar of Gulf Coast
Dorothy Birch of World of Color Products Financial Corp.
Photography Darby Hart of Gulf Power Rob Mackey of Bagelheads
Brenda Bischoff Susie Hastings Martin McGuire of McGuire
Betsy Botts Micheal Haveard of The New Management Group
Laurie Bozeman Yorker Deli Kim Martin of The Skin Care
Marlice Brown of The Kayak Kitty Hendershott of Cordova Skin Center
Experience Care Gerald McCall of Seascape Resort
Whitney Butler Misty Hiatt of Vannoy’s Caz McKenzie of Key Sailing
Pati Cantavespre of Sammy’s Mark Highnote of Tire Trust Bonnie McLean of Twyn Dragon
Gentlemen’s Club Joe Hobbs Healing Arts
Don Carlock Jr. of A Backcare Ashton Howard Neil and Linda McWilliams
Center Joann Johnson of Aquatic Charters Ned and Elizabeth McWilliams
John Childs of Solutia Golf Club Larry B. Johnson of Airport Michelle Mertins of Southern
Billy Clark of Bonefish Grill Miniwarehouse Living at Home
Craig and Cheryl Collier Shanean Jones of Hilton Pensacola Margie McKinnon of Pensacola
Jeff Cosby of Royal Cup Coffee Beach Gulf Front Photo Supply
Tony Crezenski Ian Kaple of Aloha Wine World Steve Moody
Gerald Dees of Bayou Golf Von Keller of Soothing Arts Carol & Ed Moore
Kevin Doyle of The Pensacola Massage School Charles Morgan of Harbor Docks
News Journal Rick Kindle Jim Mueller of Pensacola Sailing
Hiram Eastland Chips Kirschenfeld and Dharma Tours
Charlie Ellis of Center Stage Blue Wanda Murray of Hair
Dance Studio Kim Kirschenfeld and Dr. John Expressions
Jackie Falzone Wade John and Lori Myrick
Paula Finley of Looking Good James Kober of Chips 24 Hour Jeff Neves of Island View Casino
Salon Fitness Player Development
Judy Flowers of Just Judy’s Paul and Kris Lalumiere Caroline Norman of Pensacola
Flowers Little Theatre
Elaine Foshee
 SPONSORS AND AUCTION DONORS
Michael O’Donovan Everman’s Dr. & Mrs. John Bray
Malinda Oakley Florida Pizza Kitchen Dr. Craig and Katherine T. Broom
Roger and Barbara Orth Friendly Video Mike Bruce
Shannon Pallin of Fiore The Global Grill Cheryl Collier
Mike and Terry Papantonio Go Fish Clothing and Jewelry Rick Cook
Jerry Pate Company Brian DeMaria
Randy Paun Gulf Breeze Framery Hiram Eastland of Eastland Law
Emily Peterson of Garden Gate Hall’s Offices
Rhonda K. Pippin of Avon Hopjack’s Joe and Patricia Edmisten
Robert Pride of MySpayce Ann’s Hallmark and Gift Shop Clarence Elebash
Keets Rivers Jackson’s Edward Fleming of MacDonald,
Mike Robertson of Mike’s Garden Jeweler’s Trade Fleming, Moorhead Attorneys at
Jean Russ of The Creative House Marcus Point Golf Club Law
Brian Sakey Massage Pensacola Ross Goodman
Jennifer Samala of New World New York Nick’s Mary Hembree of McDonald’s
Landing Olive Garden Restaurant
Greg Saunders Pensacola Ale House Mark Huffman of Arizona
Ellen Schoor of Pilates in North Hill Pensacola Jazz Society Chemical
Matt Schultz Pensacola Hardware Lynn Laird
Margot Shaw of Flower Magazine Pensacola Opera Mike Larson of Pro-Legal Copies
Gates Shaw Pensacourt Fred Levin
Ashley Spotswood Radiante Jacqueline Day Spa Robert and Ann Loehr
Hub and Donna Stacey of Hub Ragtyme Grille C. Flack and Kathleen Logan
Stacey’s Rave Theatre Michelle Anchors and Steve Medina
Lee Tracy of Lee Tracy Revolution Studio Larry Morris
Stacey Vann Stonebrooke Golf Dr. & Mrs. Roger and Barbara Orth
Fred Vigodsky of BLAB Television Surf Burger Dr. Michael Parker
Network Tanglewood Golf Valerie Prevatte
Dr. Jutta von Buchholtz Gulf Breeze Cinema Mr. & Mrs. Mark Proctor
Jack Williams of Seville Quarter The Club John and Lillian Renfroe
Herb Woll The Crap Trap O. Frank Rushing and Justine
Phil Woolley The Tuscan Oven Simoni
Tracey Yancy of Romano’s Ticket Sports Bar Arthur Shimek
Macaroni Grill Triple Play Thomas Sylte
Collier Merrill, Jim Shirley and Village Groomers & We Tuck ‘Em Gulf Power
Shelley Yates of the Fish House Inn Levin & Papantonio Family
D.J. Zemenick Wild Child and Co. Foundation
Adcox Imports Will Call Levin & Papantonio Law Firm
Avon Lozier
Big Rhino Screen Printing We also thank our sponsors: Thames
Carraba’s Italian Grill Dick Appleyard of Appleyard Frazier
Celebrations the Florist Agency Spencer & Schleither, P.A.
The Center for Pranic Healing and Bill Baker of Baker and Baker O’Sullivan Creel
Wellness Mike and Mary Jane Bass Panhandle Alarm & Telephone
Curves Robert and Julie Blanchard Company
Don Alans Steve Bozeman Sandy Sansing
 Earth Day 2009

Earth Day 2009 was a great success!! Nearly 100 on Climate Change. The many nationwide events opened
exhibitor/vendor, musicians, health extraordinaires and with a brief video which you may view here: http://
thousands of citizens came together to celebrate Mother www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RBVz8KSdTI.
Earth at the festival on April 18th at Bayview park.
Following the video Larry Chamblin, of Sustainable West
Emerald Coastkeeper was one of many groups who came
Florida, gave a brief history of climate change, touching
out to educate the public on a wide variety of
on the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
environmental issues ranging from the importance of
fourth assessment, 2007, and outlined some key current
clean water to energy conservation and healthy food. One
issues related to climate change.
of our sponsors, G.E. Healthcare, handed out reusable
shopping bags in exchange for thousands of disposable Following him was Dr. Wade Jeffrey, a marine
bags which will now be removed from the waste stream, microbiologist with UWF Center for Environmental
the side of the road and our waterways. Emerald Diagnostics and Bioremediation, who gave a synopsis of
Coastkeeper gave away 100 reusable shopping bags as the latest climate change research.
well.
Then, Gary Ghioto, an environmental journalist and
On November 30, 1969 a New York Times article read: UWF Communication Arts faculty, discussed media
"Rising concern about the environmental crisis is sweeping coverage on climate change.
the nation's campuses with an intensity that may be on its
way to eclipsing student discontent over the war in Next, Dick Fancher, Northwest District Director of the
Vietnam...a national day of observance of environmental Florida Department of Environmental Protection,
problems...is being planned for next spring...when a discussed actions being taken on the local and state level
nationwide environmental 'teach-in'...coordinated from the related to climate change.
office of Senator Gaylord Nelson is planned...." On April Finally, Dr. Norman Richards, developer of the
22, 1970 over 20,000 citizens and thousands of schools internationally known Mohegan Energy, Environment,
nationwide gathered together to discuss environmental and Economics Education Center, board member for the
issues plaguing their communities. Today more than a half U.S. Green Building Council, retired US EPA/USPHS
billion people participate in Earth Day Network and UWF faculty member discussed solutions to
campaigns every year throughout the globe. anthropogenic climate change.
In keeping with spirit of the original Earth Day I began Nearly 200 students and citizen participated in the town
organizing an environmental symposium at the UWF hall discussion which followed!!
campus last year. This year the event was a panel
discussion on climate change and a town hall meeting This article was written by Chasidy Hobbs.
which was a registered event for the National Conversation
 Email List
In our last newsletter, we requested email addresses from our membership. Many people responded, but
we still have over a thousand newsletters to send out. In postage alone, this costs is enormous. In times
like this, and for a non-profit, this is an extravangance we would like to avoid. Email is free (!), and tree-
friendly. We do not reveal your email address outside our organization. Please email us at
coastkeeperchips@emeraldcoastkeeper.org and let us know you would like to receive your newsletter by
email!

Water Quality Reports

Water quality continues to be an area of concern for Emerald Coastkeeper. The Pensacola News
Journal is no longer able to afford to print water quality advisories, which leaves the public uninformed
about this basic health and environmental concern. With the summer rains coming, we are in for more
and more contamination due to stormwater runoff. There are several websites that provide credible
information regarding the safety of the waters. Some of them are:

For Escambia and Santa Rosa counties check this site: http://escambiahealth.com/
Then go to their “Water Quality” circle on the lower right hand side of the page.

You can also Google “Florida’s Healthy Beaches” and get to this site: http://
esetappsdoh.doh.state.fl.us/irm00beachwater/default.aspx
This page provides current information regarding all the coastal counties in Florida.

We will post this list on our website as well. Visit www.emeraldcoastkeeper.org.

 Goings-On
OUR MAY 30 JUNE 14 JULY 14 SEPT. 19
CALENDAR Beach Clean- Dead Man’s Member Wildfest
Up Island Meeting

Beach Clean-Up Reed by planting

vegetation to protect this
welcome to come with
an adult. This event is
water quality and
policies. Chips will also
On Saturday, May 30th
incredible and historic free and open to the be giving his
we will be cleaning up
island. We will be at the public. presentation on the
the beach towards Fort
Wayside Park Boat proposed Tree
Pickens. We will meet at
Ramp on the Gulf Ordinance for the City
the last parking lot to
the west on Pensacola
Breeze side of the 3
Mile Bridge at 9 am on
Member Meeting of Pensacola. We will
also be hosting a letter
Beach. Look for our On Tuesday, July 14th at
Sunday, June 14th. We writing campaign. This
banner. We will be there 5:30 pm we will be
are working on getting a event is free and open to
from 8 am to noon. We having an open Member
shuttle boat, if you are the public.
will provide water, Meeting for any of our
interested in being our
gloves and trash bags. members, or anyone
official shuttle person,
What a great way to interested in becoming a
spend time with your
please let us know by
June 1st! You may also
member. Several of our Wildfest with the
entire family! This event
is free and open to the
kayak to the island. It’s
Board Members will be
there as well as “Chips”
Wildlife
public.
about 15 minutes by
kayak. Kayak rentals are
our Coastkeeper. This is Sanctuaty of
a great time to learn
more about what we are
NWFL
Saturday, September 19,
Dead Man’s doing, what issues we
are facing, and what you
2009 from 12-3 pm,
come join Emerald
Island can do about it. This is
Coastkeeper and the
If you missed our last also a perfect forum to
gorgeous Wildlife
trip out to Dead Man’s ask your Coastkeeper
Sanctuary of NW
Island, make sure to available by the boat any and all questions
Florida for their annual
come this time. We will ramp. We plan to be
Wildfest. For more
there until early
information, visit
afternoon, so bring
www.pensacolawildliofe.
water and a snack. This
com.
is fun for almost the
whole family! Children
be helping Heather you may have about
ages 8 and up are
 A Pass at Navarre
A BRIEF HISTORY
A pass to connect Santa Rosa Sound to the Gulf at Navarre has long been in the hearts and minds of many in the Navarre
area. It seems once every decade the desire for a pass reaches fever pitch. Financed by local interests a 9’ deep and 100’ pass
was cut in 1965 for only $30,000. It began immediately to fill with sand and two months later Hurricane Betsy closed it
completely. In the ‘70s two Florida Universities and a local engineering firm studied and laid plans for a pass which the
Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) subsequently denied permitting. Public funding/costs unknown. Come the
‘80s and records show over $800,000 of public funds were spent on engineering studies in efforts to get a pass permitted.
Again, permit to proceed denied by DEP. Skip to the late ‘90s and the Navarre Beach Chamber of Commerce sponsored a
new pass committee. Hurricane Ivan interrupted their momentum but the committee has been reborn. It no longer is
sponsored by the Chamber but the Chamber continues its support.

In the face of new legislation with draconian guidelines for funding and pass management and despite the fact that possibly
millions of public funds have already been spent on studies and applications, the pro-passers continue.

AND WHY NOT?

Advocates for the pass have a list of pro-pass positions (why it is a good thing) and anti-pass and the DEP have their anti-pass
positions (why it is not a good thing). This paper presents only the anti-pass position with great effort to stick to the facts......

First and foremost, apart from great and into perpetuity expense to the Santa Rosa County tax payer, inlets (the DEP refers to
them as inlets)/passes are the cause of 80% of erosion of Florida’s beaches. Beaches depend on the natural movement of
sand along the shoreline through wind and tide (process known as littoral drift). When the littoral drift is interrupted by a cut,
the beaches erode. A bill passed by the 2008 Legislature holds that any sand cut off from a shoreline must be collected and
distributed to the beaches starved by the cut. At Navarre Beach that means 200,00 to 250,000 cubic yards (cy) of sand. That
translates to 35,000 truck loads of sand would be collected on the east side of the pass and hauled and distributed to all
beaches west of the pass (from Navarre Beach to Fort Pickens) each year. Some sort of sand by-passing system at the cut
would be essential. Sand by-passing systems are mechanisms vulnerable to wind and weather and cost to tax payers both
initially and future upkeep. When they are down, beaches to the west starve and erosion begins to take its toll. All beaches
west of the cut would be effected.

One position of the pro-passers is that Sound waters are heavily polluted and an opening would flush out the pollution.
Contrary to this idea, Gulf waters are Class III and Sound water a purer Class II. A recent assessment by both DEP and Dr.
Richard Snyder of the University of West Florida show that Santa Rosa Sound waters are among the cleanest in the area.
There is little evidence that the amount of “flushing” that would occur with a pass would have a positive impact on the
Sound. To the contrary, the island protected the Sound from massive invasion of red tide in past years. Changes in the
salinity and temperature of Sound waters by mixing the brackish waters of the Sound and the more saline Gulf would be
detrimental to the flora and fauna of the existing biological communities. According to a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
report, 90% of the Gulf of Mexico’s catch are estuarine dependent and the brackish water and grass beds of the Sound are
one of the Gulf ’s nursery areas. Disturbance of this delicate balance could impact both recreational and commercial fishing.

The pro-passers have not addressed problems of a rise in sea level that would result from a cut in the island. The Corps of
Engineers predicts the 100 year flood level of the Gulf shoreline at 2.5 feet above that of the Sound shoreline. This means a
home or business that flooded at 10 feet, for instance, during Ivan along the Sound it would flood at 7 1/2 feet after a cut in
the Island.
 Navarre Pass
An irony the pro-passers appear to ignore is their advocacy project were $4,697,527 in 2004 with estimated costs for the
for a cleaner Sound and pollution that would result with first maintenance to be $2,187,000. After a costs of
increased boat traffic and marinas which will result from a $14,000,000 to restore Navarre beaches recently, $209,122
cut in the island. Nor the impact required routine was paid to monitor the restoration job! Messing with beach
maintenance dredging would have on the marine can get very expensive.
community of both the Sound and Gulf waters.
The bottom line for those opposing a pass cut in Santa Rosa
The history of a case in south Florida parallels the Navarre Island at Navarre Beach is its negative impact on the
Pass story. In December of ’08 after Sarasota County spent biosystems, the shoreline and the tax payers of Santa Rosa
$2,000,000 tax payer dollars, the DEP notified the county of County.
its intent to deny its application for a permit for a pass. As
The list of those who have traditionally and continue to be
in Navarre, there had once been a pass from the Intercoastal
in opposition include:
waterway to the Gulf. Like Navarre, applications had been
filed and denied by the DEP numerous time over the years. Emerald Coastkeepers, Inc.
Like Navarre, millions of tax payer dollars have been spent
in pursuit of a permit. In denying the application, DEP League of Women Voters of the Pensacola Bay Area
refers to Rule 62B-41.005(12) of the Florida Administrative Florida Wildlife Federation
Code. According to this, “DEP is prohibited from
permitting the creation of a coastal inlet” and a pass/inlet Bream Fisherman
that hasn’t been opened for 25 years is considered a new
pass (like Navarre). The reasons for DEP’s December, 2008, Clean Water Network of Florida
notice of Intent to Deny Sarasota County’s application for Gulf Coast Environmental Defense
permit to open Midnight Pass were the same as the 1977
reasons for a permit for a pass at Navarre: hydrographic Francis M. Weston Audubon Society
problems, shoreline stabilization, will not restore water
Choctawhatchee Audubon Society
quality in a disturbed ecosystem because the water quality is
not considered impaired, will result in significant adverse Waterkeeper Alliance
impacts to the coastal system, and clearly not in the public
interest. Some things just don’t change. Gulf Island National Seashore

Save Our Shores

-Written by Carolyn Kolb

MONEY! MONEY! MONEY!
In the 80’s over $800,000 was paid to an engineering firm to
study the feasibility of a pass at Navarre. What was spent by
two universities and engineering firms, we don’t know. But
in recent years, Sarasota County has spent almost
$2,000,000 for the same sort of study. To quote an old
senator: a million here, a million there and it begins to add
up. The cost for moving a quarter million cubic yards of
sand each year was estimated to be $3 to $4 per yard in
1988. This cost would fall to Santa Rosa County tax payers
because neither the Feds nor the state will fund such a
project. The estimate of construction costs for the Sarasota
 2 0 0 9 S P R I N G E D I T I O N

EMERALD
COASTKEEPER
W W W . E M E R A L D C O A S T K E E P E R . O R G

EMERALD COASTKEEPER
P.O. Box 13283
Pensacola, FL 32591
www.emeraldcoastkeeper.org
850-429-8422
coastkeeperchips@emeraldcoastkeeper.org