ATTACHMENT 9
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS REPORT
Policy 1.1.3.1 – At a minimum, the following environmental factors shall be evaluated
each time a FLUM amendments are proposed:
A. Topography and soil conditions including the presence of hydric soils.
The topography is generally level to sloping. Two soil types have been identified per
the Soil Survey of Flagler County, Florida (USDA/NRCS Soils Map).
Approximately 90-95 percent of the site consists of Smyrna fine sand. Smyrna fine
sand is a deep, nearly level, poorly drained soil found in broad flatwoods areas and is
moderately suited to the commercial production of pine trees. This soil has
limitations for dwelling units without suitable fill. Less than 10% of the property
consists of Valkaria fine sand. Valkaria fine sand is a very deep, nearly level, poorly
drained and usually found on low flats and in sloughs connecting depressions.
Analysis: It is not anticipated that the proposed FLUM change will negatively
impact the local topography or prevent proposed development permissible within the
FLUM designation.
Soil Map
Topography Map
B. Location and extent of floodplains and the Coastal Planning Area, including
areas subject to seasonal or periodic flooding.
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Firm Flood Insurance
Rate Map the property does not lie within the 100-year flood plain. The subject
property does not lie within the Coastal Planning Area.
Analysis: The subject property does lie within a 100-year floodplain. Any proposed
development will comply with the City’s FEMA approved Floodplain regulation,
including the determination of special flood hazard areas, compensatory storage to
prevent potential flooding hazards.
Floodplain Map
C. Location and extent of wetlands, certain vegetative communities, and
protected wildlife species.
According to the Florida Department of Transportation’s Florida Land Use, Cover
and Forms Classification System (FLUCFCS), the majority of the subject property
consists of Shrub and Brushland (FLUCFCS 320) and Mesic Flatwoods (FLUCFCS
411). Shrub and Brushland/ Mesic Flatwoods consist of upland habitat that consists
of approximately 23+/- acres of the property. The vegetation in these areas consist of
slash pine, laurel oak (Quercus laurifolia), saw palmetto (Serenoa repens), wax
myrtle (Myrica cerifera), and gallberry (llex glabra). Hydric soils are minimal. A
small portion, approximately 0.7+/- acre, of the site is classified as forested mix
(FLUCFCS 630) wetland systems. The wetland systems are dominated by slash pine
(Pinus elliottii), maple (Acer rubrum), loblolly bay (Gordonia lasianthus), dahoon
holly (llex cassine), sweet gum (Liquidambar styraciflua), bushy broom grass
(Andropogon golmeratus), and Virginia chain fern (Woodwardia virginica). EMS
Scientists, Engineers, Planners, Inc. (EMS) conducted a background literature search
and site visit to determine the legally protected species that have the potential to occur
in the City as listed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
(FFWCC) and the United States Fish and Wildlife Services (USFWS). Protected
species lists were compiled by using the EMS’s computer database containing species
occurrence by habitat type. The database was developed by reviewing current
scientific literature and consulting the most current observation and distribution
records maintained by the Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI). Additional
distribution and habitat information was obtained from the Florida Committee on
Rare and Endangered Plants and Animals (FCREPA) publications, the FFWCC, the
USFWS, and the Florida Audubon Society. EMS indicate that several listed species
have a low potential to occur within the site habitat, including but not limited to,
gopher tortoise, Eastern indigo snake, Royal fern and cinnamon fern. A list of
species that have the potential of occurring on the site are listed in Table 1 of the
March 1, 2006 EMS Environmental Survey and Site Assessment. No species listed
by the USFWS or FFWCC were observed on the property during the field evaluation.
Analysis: The upland habitat is relatively suitable for inhabitance or utilization for
some protected species. No species listed by the USFWS or FFWCC were observed
on the property during the field evaluation. However, prior to future development
activities and accordance with the City’s Land Development Code the City will
require a detailed habitat and wildlife survey during the application and permitting
process. If listed species are identified the City will require copies of necessary State
and Federal permits prior to commencing construction activities.
Vegetative Habitat
D. Location and extent of other environmental sensitive features.
No known environmental sensitive areas or known archaeological sites have been
identified on the subject property.
E. Proximity to wellfields and aquifer recharge areas.
Production well number SW-24 is located adjacent to the property but is no longer in
use. The subject property is not located within any known recharge areas.
F. Impacts to potable water supply.
There will be no impacts to the potable water supply.
Analysis: The City is currently in the process of establishing wellhead protection
regulation. The proposed regulation will establish a tiered approach for protecting
groundwater resources from specific land use activities and chemicals within
established protection zones. As stated in the City’s adopted comprehensive plan
policy 5.4.3.1, “Within one (1) year of Plan adoption, the City shall develop wellhead
protection regulations that, at a minimum, comply with the Safe Drinking Water Act
and conform to the rules of the FDEP, the SJRWMD, and other applicable agencies.
At a minimum, the revised ordinance shall be consistent with FDEP wellhead
protection Rule 62-521, Florida Administrative Code.” The approved comprehensive
plan policy establishes a more stringent regulation than the previously adopted code
by Flagler County. It is not anticipated that the land use activities associated with
the proposed FLUM change to residential will negatively impact the potable
water supply.