City Council: Stop dewatering until city knows more

Results of ENVIRON study send Marco council searching for alternatives

  • By LESLIE WILLIAMS HALE
  • Posted September 25, 2007 at 2:54 p.m., updated September 26, 2007 at 1:52 p.m.
City Council: Stop dewatering until city knows more

Marco Island’s City Council voted Tuesday to halt dewatering activities until scientists testing the island’s air for hydrogen sulfide know more about the levels released during sewer construction — and have a clear idea of how to deal with them.

City Council: Stop dewatering

Council’s plan will allow the city to begin dewatering at two sites, which provides ENVIRON, the contracted monitoring firm, the chance to conduct more testing. Additionally, the city will be allowed to finish up work on North Barfield Drive, only if the city pumps groundwater directly into a force main, sending it to the city’s wastewater treatment plant.

The motion was opposed by council Chair Mike Minozzi and Councilor Bill Trotter, who both said they believed dewatering could continue on Amber Drive without presenting a threat to residents.

Amber Drive was one of two sites where ENVIRON specialists conducted tests last week, and was the one site that returned numbers not high enough to cause alarm among the three scientists.

However, they identified Apataki Court as an area of concern, with levels that exceeded those at Amber Drive by as many as 20 times. After wrapping up testing in that area on Sept. 20, the specialists called a meeting with the city, including Public Works Director Rony Joel, who had the pumps in that area shut down immediately.

HYDROGEN SULFIDE TESTS ON MARCO

The differential in levels at the two locations supports the theory that hydrogen sulfide is more prevalent in areas of the island that were built up through extensive dredge and fill projects. Hydrogen sulfide is created during the breakdown of organic material, like buried mangrove thickets.

After consulting with the Collier County Health Department and the city, the specialists from ENVIRON established a threshold of 100 parts per billion as a “peak” limit, meaning that if future levels exceed that number in a given location, dewatering would halt immediately.

Health Department Director Joan Colfer said her organization is consulting with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry to determine just how long that threshold level could be present before it is deemed a threat. Measurements taken by ENVIRON were gathered for 30 seconds at a time every five minutes.

Measurements gathered right at the source of dewatering on Apataki Court averaged 315 ppb, while two monitors placed 75 feet from the source gathered measurements averaging 85 ppb and 51 ppb, respectively.

These levels, while they do not exceed the peak threshold, do go beyond the average levels that ENVIRON and the health department deemed dangerous.

Project engineers will adopt 20 ppb as the maximum acceptable average. The number was based partly on a study cited by Colfer, which she said found 30 ppb to be the threshold at which asthmatic children began experiencing health setbacks.

“We went through the findings with staff from the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry,” Colfer told the council Tuesday. “They were comfortable with a 20 parts per billion level.”

She said the agency also recommended that downstream monitors be placed closer to outflow sites in future tests, to better mirror the proximity of a home to a dewatering hose.

Those additional tests will begin next week, as ENVIRON’s three scientists return to the island to set up shop at Amber Drive and Hummingbird Court, which is located across North Barfield Drive from Apataki Court.

City Manager Bill Moss said Wednesday that the new tests would cost more money, but that he was unsure of the exact figure. The firm’s initial contract was for $58,000, though the contract will now have to be amended to reflect cost of the additional work.

“This firm did not come cheap,” he said. “They have very expensive equipment, and it is going to cost more money to do this additional testing.”

Some citizens present at the meeting questioned the city’s plans to spend for more tests, and, as they have before, questioned whether contractors for the sewering program should foot the bill.

Moss said Wednesday that the city has discussed that option, but is not pursuing it.

“We simply can’t convince ourselves that the contractor would be held responsible for conditions that are natural on Marco Island,” Moss said.

Joel said the purpose of tests there will be to try out alternative methods of dewatering and water disposal. Tim Varney, the lead scientist for ENVIRON, said he is consulting with engineers in his firm and will set up a conference call between his colleges and city engineers in the next week to discuss possible alternatives.

Aside from the force main disposal to be implemented on Barfield, ENVIRON and the city will look at chemical treatment of the hydrogen sulfide-laden water as well as shallower pumping, Joel said.

The city currently pumps from a depth of 20 feet, deep enough to enable sewer pipes to be placed 14 feet down, but Joel said the depth could be reduced.

However, this option would mean placing sewers at a shallower depth, causing the need for additional lift stations, and eventually tacking on thousands of dollars more to the sewering costs in a given district. At the mention of more lift stations, the crowd broke into a round of incredulous scoffs and chatter.

Public comment at the meeting reflected the same sentiment of outrage that has gained speed and steam over the last two months, since two construction workers were overcome by hydrogen sulfide emanating from a manhole just off of North Barfield Drive.

Many of the residents who came forward implored the council to bring dewatering activities to a halt, citing concerns over their well-being and the health of neighbors and family members.

Resident Godfrey Davies, who has been active in seeking action from the council, alleged that the city pumped groundwater at a reduced rate on Amber Court while ENVIRON specialists were there, then increased dewatering activities once the monitoring was over.

Varney said his team would take such a change in circumstance into account when he tests there next week.

“If those conditions are existent, it is possible that they may be different from when we were there monitoring before,” Varney said.

Varney agreed to a three-week timeline to complete testing and create a final report for the city. One of his recommendations in the preliminary report, released Tuesday, was that the city conduct tests in a new dewatering site at the start of each new project.

He said that the information gathered last week and going into next week will help his firm develop an algorithm of what hydrogen sulfide levels the city could expect in the air based on the pH of groundwater taken from a site.

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Comments » 30

JoeFubietze writes:

Now I wonder who Councilman Tucker will blame for placing hydrogen sulfide in the Apataki dewatering area? I'm sure he has pictures of that too. And what about our Island's own Homer Simpson turned MacGyver...Rony Joel...does his "make the smell go away machine" really work? Isn't it logical to assume that both Mr. Moss and Mr. Joel have done something criminal? They both put the citizens of this island at great risk by not taking proper precautions. They both have ignored citizens of this island that have been attempting to point out these health hazards. At the very least they have behaved in the most irresponsible way possible. Hey, lets give Moss another 6% raise!

MarcoMaven writes:

People told this idiot city council they were playing with fire with the sewer program and NONE of them would listen. Now the air is bad. This city council (and the two loons who left already) should be hanged.

dwellsattheendoftheearth writes:

anyone find it intresting this all comes out the same day moss announces he is applying for job as naples city manager I guess seeing on how he has already spent all of our cities money he is off to do the same to naples may god have mercy on theirs souls

EdFoster writes:

I am gratified that the city council has called a halt to dewatering at least temporarily. But, if history is any guide, the halt is likely to be temporary and I also smell a movement to discharge the underground water into the central sewer lines rather than onto the swales. (I presume the FDEP and SFWMD will stand up to the plate and not allow the city to contaminate our waterways any further by dumping directly into the canals.

It comes as a surprise to me that one option being considered is to dump the underground water into the nearest force main and transport it to the sewage plant. I wasn't aware that central sewer plants were designed to treat the hydrosulfurous acid, sulfides and sulfates in our undground water. I had always thought they were designed to treat "poop" and other organic materials, not inorganic acids. Methinks that this is another attempt at covering up a problem by moving it elsewhere.

I guess if it's okay for the city to dump acids and other toxic chemicals down the drain, it's okay for homeowners to flush whatever chemicals they have hanging around and want to get rid of. Do you think that's a good idea, Rony? Has anyone investigated what dumping this stuff into our nice new MBR plant will do to the expensive membranes or even whether it will be treated at all? I'd question whether the plant could handle the extra flow but we all know it's been designed to handle the sewage flow of one or two Miamis so we won't be hampered as we expand. I'm not a sewer-plant expert but I do suggest that someone investigate the effect that the contaminants in this underground water will have on our shiny new plant lest we destroy our new toy before we even get a chance to use it.

Ed Foster

MarcoLabRat writes:

Ed,
Unfortunately, Rony is not a sewer-plant expert either. His "good ideas" are destroying this island.

DawnPharmer writes:

Ed Foster wrote: "I wasn't aware that central sewer plants were designed to treat the hydrosulfurous acid, sulfides and sulfates in our undground water. I had always thought they were designed to treat "poop" and other organic materials, not inorganic acids. Methinks that this is another attempt at covering up a problem by moving it elsewhere."

Yep, Ed you are right. Not only that but considering how leaky these old sewer lines are...well you can guess the rest. Rony Joel and Jim Miller (the manager of this mess) are acting like consultants instead of the best interest of citizens. They don't understand waste water treatment OR septic systems. Miller worked for the Health Dept.supervising the septic program, but was way over his head. (my guess as to why he left...unless he planned on working there for a while and then rejoining his old coworkers (Moss and Joel) on Marco from the beginning.) He had no idea of what he was doing then. He still doesn't.

I have a s(t)inking feeling about this. I still don't understand why the Doctor in charge of the Health Dept. didn't make a better case to stop all of this. She lives on Marco, so maybe there is some pressure on her? Still public health is at stake. I didn't go to the meeting. Did she at least talk about how the levels found affect health?

happy34145 writes:

Seems like the good readings on Amber court are a sham and should not be considered. They had the monitor too far away and they never tested when the full dewatering was taking place. Instead they tested when there was only one hose instead of the normal 4 they use when dewatering.

This seems like a total ruse either from Environ or from the city staff who was in charge of overseeing the monitoring being done. Our city tax dollars were spent to pay Environ to dupe the citizens and councilors and put people in harms way.

Our councilors need to find out what exactly happen and who was in charge. Maybe Environ needs to be fired and Godfrey Davies hired.

optomist writes:

The contractor has the obligation to take care of any hazzardous conditions he encounters. It is his problem, not ours. It now appears we will spend thousands of dollars treating the water generated by his activities and run the risk of damaging out waste water treatment plant.

Let the contractor provide the filters to eliminate this problem.

Is Moss applying for a job with Naples or Quality?

15yearsmarco writes:

The citizens of Marco are being used as guinea pigs as the City tries to figure out how to install sewers without making people sick. This project just got a lot more expensive and people will still be in danger as they experiment with new ways to remove the toxic water from the ground. As far as Moss getting the job in Naples it wont happen, he couldn't get a City managers job anywhere in this state.

SmokeyJoe writes:

The Council Majority supported the Sewer assessments to Force residents with septic tanks to tie in to the City sewer system to improve the health of all Marco Residents . Or they forced the sewer assessment on those with septic systems to pay for the necessary upgrading of the broken down sewer system they purchased. Or they purchased the broken down utility system in need of Millions of dollars in repairs because the utility would give them a large source of revenue to expand the City Staff without affecting the tax rate and as a place to hide the cost of projects that would normally come under the General Budget supported by taxation such as roads, equipment, etc. Based on the current proven Health problems with the dewatering, They SURE AS HELL DID NOT INSTALL THESE ASSESSMENT LINES TO PROTECT OUR HEALTH! They refused to stop the construction and await the outcome of the tests. Their concern was to even speed up the construction and forget about concerns for the health of the Marco Residents. How some of our Marco Residents can still not only support these actions of the City Manager and the Council Majority but go on to make personal attacks against residents deeply concerned, is something I can not understand.

ImaMalcontent writes:

Let it be known to all; the actions of this city staff, council and manager are well documented.
Can't wait for the inevitable investigation.
Can you say 'house of cards'?

lauralbi1 writes:

Every City in the State of Florida that touches State waters will be forced to remove Septic Tanks and install sewers, if they have not done so already. This is according to the Govenor's office and FDEP. See the case of Key West, as an example. Almost every other city has or is in the process of doing so.
Thank you to Mr. Davies for pushing this issue in order to protect the health of Marco Islanders. But the process needs to and will continue and it may cost more money to do it properly.
But it must and will be done, now or more costly in the future. It is not our decision to make and anyone who thinks so has not spoken to FDEP, the Govenor's office or other State agencies that oversee this activity. I suggest all candidates do so and any interested citizens do so also.
Ed Issler

optomist writes:

Again we see another misrepresentation from Mr. Issler. Show us one documented source that supports your contention. Key West is built on coral, not on sand. The truth is that governments are moving away from central sewer systems across the country. Central sewers are the largest contributor to beach closings in the country accounting for over 25,000 last year alone. Is this the kind of distortion that we can expect from you and Wally if you are elected? Marco Island deserves better.

happy34145 writes:

Mr Issler,
I am beginning to see your ways and would like to help you spread the word. Can you please share with me your contact name and phone number at either the
governors office and or the FDEP. These people like to help little ole citizens like me to be correctly informed.

Look forward to hearing back from you and thanx for all the homework you have done to help inform us. Real easy - just need one name and phone number from you.

lowus writes:

Happy; Ed TWISTler is is an enigma rapped in a riddle.
He rambles aimlessly in his blogs with no end point.
He quotes phantom sources and makes statements that border on lunacy.
I will be the first to ask TWISTler at the first canidate forum if he feels he is mentaly capable of representing the citizens of Marco Island as a councillor.

happy34145 writes:

Mr ED ISSLER, Hello Mr ED ISSLER, Calling Mr ED ISSLER, hi ED,
Was wondering if you had that phone number and contact name at either the FDEP or Governors office yet?

Again, thank you for helping keep us informed.

Look forward to getting those names and numbers from you. I know I can count on you.

DawnPharmer writes:

The Governor's office has no information on what Issler reports. He can't even write good fiction!

optomist writes:

Ed Issler, I called the FDEP as you suggested. They don't have any idea of what you are talking about. They don't have any plans to legislate the replacement of septic tanks. What number did you call? Please give us a number to prove that you are not perpetrating another fear mongering hoax. What do you think your reputation is on the island? What do you think people think when they see you?

exposed writes:

love the name Ed TWISTler fits like a glove.

happy34145 writes:

Hi Mr ISSLER,
Its me again. Just checking to see if you listed that contact info yet. Don't be bothered by these negative comments that you won't be able to provide a good contact name and number to verify that the state is going to mandate all septics be replaced.

You are after all a man a integrity and character and would not make these statements repeatedly if you could not back them up.

I'll check back again soon. Thank you again.

EdFoster writes:

Hey Ed,

Why don't you check with your buddies in City Hall and get a copy of the videotape of the City Workshop held in 2006? Listen to what the head of the Fort Myers FDEP office said.

1) Marco waters are not polluted.
2) No intention to order Marco to put in sewers.
3) No intention ever to order Marco to put in sewers.

Where do you come up with these lies? Has someone switched your medications again? Like to try a polygraph? How about some sodium pentathol (if that's the way you spell truth serum).

Ed Foster

optomist writes:

Ed you might want to check today's Eagle. The beach on Sanibel is closed due to human waste. It may be from the sewer system. Sanibel doesn't have septic systems.

optomist writes:

Sorry, Make that the Naples Daily News. They have the article on the beach closing. We also have a very leaky central sewer system. This is the issue we should be addressing.

optomist writes:

Sorry, Make that the Naples Daily News. They have the article on the beach closing. We also have a very leaky central sewer system. This is the issue we should be addressing. We need to fix our 30+year old system that is leaking before we add 6,500 more homes that are on septic tanks that aren't polluting at all.

lowus writes:

Twistler, Twistler... are you there? been waiting all night for your responses... Twistler where are you? Twistler are you gonna run for council? Twistler are you gonna answer the questions these bloggers put to you? Twistler whats the capitol of Nebraska...

shadow writes:

another dodge job by the moron...he's never responded to the city mgr's pay issue that he provided false info for.

happy34145 writes:

Hi MR ISSLER,
Sorry I could not check in last night but am able to today. Thinking I somehow missed were you posted your contact name and numbers for the FDEP and Governors Office.

Its so simple and I know you have probably just been busy - hopefully getting your canidates application in. Again will check back. Thank you for helping us. Bye for now MR ISSLER, MR ED ISSLER.

Oracle writes:

Come on Ed, You are letting the city down. As their representatives you and Wally need to back up your allegations. Otherwise you undermine the city's credibility. Just give us one name and one telephone number. If you can't, be a man and step up to the plate and admit that you lied. Your silience is deafening.

EdFoster writes:

Gentlemen, gentlemen!

Please leave Mr. Twistler alone. I've heard that Mr. Tucker is running his campaign and advising him how to make outrageously false statements and then hide under the table. You're not going to get him to crawl out and admit he told an "untruth" or two,or three, or four, or 500.

Ed Foster

lowus writes:

Twisler & Tucker now there's a pair.

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