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HomeMy WebLinkAboutExhibit Provided for item #13.2Environmental and Pubtic Heatth Assessment of th€ Historic Dania Beach Mangrove Estuary and Former Dump Site Presented by: Dan Dawson / Dynamic Al Network lnc. Prepared for: Concerned Citizens and Stakehotders of Dania Beach, Ftorida Contact: dan@dynamicai network.com Date: nsert Current Datel Author's Note I was born in Ftorida in 1960 and have spent my entire tife within its coastal ecosystems - fishingthese waters, watching btue [and crabs migrate, and seeing mangrove nurseries once teeming with shrimp, baitfish, and juvenite game fish. Over the decades, I've witnessed the toss of that abundance firsthand. This white paper brings together historicaI evidence, ecotogicaI science, and decades of personaI observation to support a singte purpose: ensuring that any future activity on this [and is conducted safety, transparentty, and in fu[[ consideration of pubtic hea[th and environmentat responsibitity. - Dan Dawson Section 1 - Executive Summary The mangrove estuary west of Port Evergtades in Dania Beach is one of the last intact natura[ wettands in Broward County. lt is hydrotogicatty tinked to the Attantic Ocean, meaningthat whatever enters this system - ctean water or contamination - moves with each tide through the port and atong the coast. Historic evidence suggests the site served as a municipaI and industriaI dump in the mid- 20th century possibty containing residues of DDT, hydrocarbons, and heavy metals. Residents have tong recatted persistent sulfur odors, consistent with hydrogen-sutfide emissions from decomposing buried materiat. Today, biodiversity has cotlapsed: btue [and crabs have neartyvanished, shrimp and baitfish are scarce, and game fish reproduction has fatlen sharpty. Yet despite these warning signs, no comprehensive environmentat assessment has been performed. This paper recommends an immediate EnvironmentaI Safety Review and Verification Process - a scientific examination conducted by independent experts before any new site 6h;D+ ltqata txw( 4 l;..Z work or construction proceeds. The objectives are clear: 1. Confirm safety for human health and the environment through independent testing. 2. ldentify and remediate any tegacy contamination. 3. Restore and protect the remaining mangrove ecosystem as part of South Ftorida's coasta[ [ifetine. This approach atigns with Ftorida's own statutes prioritizing pubtic health and environmentaI stewardship, not opposition to progress. lt ensures devetopment, if it occurs, rests on verified ctean ground and a sustainab[e ecotogicat foundation. Section 2 - EcologicaI lmportance The Dania Beach mangrove estuary is one of South Ftorida's last remaining natural tidal systems - a living fitter and a cradte of marine life that has supported fisheries, witdLife, and coastaI protection for generations. Each incoming tide carries microscopic tife from the At[antic Ocean into the mangrove roots, where the batance of satt and fresh water creates one of the most productive ecosystems on the ptanet. These brackish nurseries are the starting pointfor btue crabs, shrimp, baitfish, and game fish that sustain both [ocaI and regional fisheries. Criticat EcotogicaI Rotes . Nurseryfor Marine Species: Offshore species such as snook, tarpon, redfish, and snapper rety on the protection of mangrove roots during their juvenite stages. . Natural Fittration: The mangroves trap sediment and fitter runoff, protecting the ctarity and quality of nearby waterways, inctuding the Dania Cut-Off CanaI and Port Evergtades. . Storm and Ftood Protection: Root networks stabitize shoretines, absorb storm surges, and reduce erosion, acting as a natural barrier for inland communities. . Carbon Capture: Mangroves store significant amounts of carbon dioxide, mitigating ctimate impacts and improving air quality. Because of its direct connection to Port Everg[ades, any contaminants or improvements within this system directty inftuence coastal water quatity for mil.es. This area's ecologicaI heatth is, therefore, a shared pubtic resource and responsibi[ity - essentiat not on[y for marine life but for the tong-term resitience of Dania Beach and its surrounding economy. The goat of this initiative is not to prevent responsibte progress but to ensure that atl future actions are grounded in science, environmentaI safety, and transparency- principtes that protect both people and nature. Section 3 - Historicat Context and Site Conditions The tand surrounding the Dania Beach mangrove estuary carries a tong and comptex history of human use. Historicat maps, resident accounts, and devetopment records suggest that portions of this property were utitized during the 1950s and 1960s as a municipat and industriat waste disposat area. At that time, environmentat safeguards were minimat, and it was common practice to bury or burn mixed debris, inctuding househotd waste, fitt, and construction materiats. Legacy Land Use and Transition By the late 1960s, the site was redevetoped as Pirates Wortd Amusement Park - a [andmark attraction that operated from 1967 to 1973. The park was constructed primarily on reclaimed tand that had been fitted and leveled after the prior dumping period. During construction and subsequent grading, residents reca[[ persistent suLfur-[ike odors, a strong indicator of hydrogen su[fide gas reteased from decomposing organic waste betowthe surface. When the park ctosed in the earty 1970s, the property again underwent tand modification, with additionaLfitt ptaced and access routes created for [ight industrial use nearby. These repeated disturbances may have redistributed buried materiats and attowed contamination to interact with shaltow groundwater. lndicators of ResiduaI Contamination Odor Reports: Residents traveting Dania Beach Boutevard for decades consistentty describe the strong, sutfurous smett- beyond what is typicaI for naturat mangrove wet[ands. Soit and Water Co[oration: ln multip[e areas, discotored soit and sheens on tida[ water after rain events suggest possibte hydrocarbon residues. Hydrotogicat Proximity: The estuary drains directty to the Stranahan River and Port Evergtades, providing a potentiaI conduit for any mobilized contaminants. These historicaI observations, taken together, strongty support the need for a scientific verification process - not to assign btame for the past, but to ensure that future devetopment and public use are safe, informed, and sustainable. The purpose of evatuatingthis land is to confirm or rute out environmental risk. Verification protects atl stakeholders - the community, future property owners, and the natural systems that underpin South Ftorida's coastal economy. Sectlon 4 - Current Ecologicat Conditions and Dectlne The Dania Beach mangrove estuary today reflects visible signs of ecotogical stress. Once vibrantwith marine [ife, this area now shows substantial reduction in biodiversity, productivity, and overa[[ environmentaI balance. Loss of Foundationat Species Btue Land Crabs: Historicatty, these crabs migrated in such numbers that roadways atong Dania Beach Boutevard were btanketed during seasonaI movements. ln recent decades, sightings have dropped to nearzero. White vehicte mortatity ptayed a rote, environmentat degradation - inctuding poor water quaIity and possibte contaminants inhibiting tarvat survival - appears to be a maior contributing factor. Btue Crabs, Shrimp, and Baitfish: These species form the foundation of the [oca[ food web. Their sharp dectine suggests unfavorabte spawning conditions. Poor sediment quatity, tow oxygen leve[s, and potential chemicaI exposure can disrupt their reproductive cyctes, limiting recruitment and reducing the overalt fish poputation. Game Fish and Wading Birds: Species such as snook, tarpon, mangrove snapper, and herons once thrived here. Their scarcity mirrors a broader chain reaction: fewer baitfish and crustaceans mean fewer predators, These cascading losses are consistent with [ong-term habitat impairment. Observabte EnvironmentaI lndicators . Fou[ odors and gas bubbting in certain areas after rainfatl. . Oit-[ike sheens and discotoration on surface water. . Sparse mangrove density in sections that shou[d otherwise be thickly rooted. . Limited aquatic movement even during prime seasonat cyctes. These indicators do not in themselves prove contamination but provide ctear scientific justification for comprehensive testing. Understanding these symptoms through verified data is essentiat before any physicaI atteration or construction is initiated. RegionaI lmportance The estuary's connection to Port Evergtades magnifies its regionat impact. The tides here ftow directty to the Attantic Ocean, inftuencing water quality and larval dispersion far beyond Dania Beach. This means the condition of this single estuary affects both [oca[ fisheries and the broader East Coast marine network. Safeguarding this waterway ensures the heatth of an interconnected ecosystem that supports Ftorida's fishing, tourism, and economic vitatity. The ob.iective moving forward shou[d be ctear: to scientificaUy assess, stabilize, and restore this vital natura[ system so it can once again function as a living, productive estuary- safety, sustainabty, and in batance with surrounding growth. Section 5 - Pubtic Heatth and Safety Considerations The condition of the Dania Beach mangrove estuary is not sotety an environmental matter; it is a public-health concern. Because historicat evidence indicates possibte buried waste and chemicaI residues, it is necessary to verify that neither air nor water around the site poses any hazard to residents, workers, or visitors. Air Quatity and Gas Emissions For decades, people driving along Dania Beach Boutevard have noticed a strong sutfur odor, especiatty after rainfatt. Such odor is often caused by hydrogen sutfide (HrS), a naturat by-product of organic decaythat can atso arise from decomposing [andfi[t materiat. Atthough HrS is common in smalt amounts in wettands, etevated concentrations can cause irritation of the eyes, throat, and [ungs. Atongside H2S, tegacy waste sites may emit smalt quantities of methane (CHJ and votatite organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene orvinyl chloride. These compounds are hazardous onty when confined or concentrated, but verifying safe levels through direct monitoring is essentiaI before any soiI disturbance or excavation. Soil and Groundwater Quatity Untined fit[ materia[s from the mid-20th century may attow residuaI contaminants-such as organochtorine pesticides (DDT, DDE), petroteum hydrocarbons, or trace metats ([ead, arsenic, mercuryFto migrate into groundwater. Because this estuary is hydraulicatty connected to Port Evergtades and nearby tidat channets, even localized contamination coutd influence [arger water systems. Testing the groundwater, sediment, and surface water wi[t provide definitive answers regarding the presence or absence of harmfuI substances. These data are necessary not onty for regutatory compliance but for pubtic reassurance that the area is safe for recreation, work, and marine [ife. Fish and Food-Chain Safety lf contaminants exist in sediment, they can accumulate in crabs, shrimp, or fish through a process known as bioaccumulation. Routine sampting of aquatic species-fottowed by tissue anatysis-wit[ determine whether any consumption advisories are needed. This precautionary testing protects both locaI residents and visitors who may harvest seafood in nearby waters. Gommunity Wett-B€ing Beyond chemicaI exposure, structurat stabitity is another pubtic-safety issue. Otd fitt can settte uneventy or trap gases underground. Any future tand use shoutd include geotechnicaI review to confirm that foundations and utitities will remain secure and that venting systems, it required, are safety designed. ln short, scientific verification protects everyone invotved-citizens, property owners, devetopers, and the surrounding environment. By confirming safetyfirst, the community can move forward with confidence and credibitity. Section 6 - EnvironmentaI Verification and Testing Ptan To ensure public safety and environmentat integrity, the Dania Beach mangrove estuary area should undergo a structured Environmentat Verification and Testing Process. This plan does not assume contamination - it seeks factuat confirmation of current conditions so that any future use of the land is both safe and sustainable. Step 1 - Historica[ and Data Review: A Phase I Environmentat Site Assessment (ESA) shoutd compite att avaitabte background Information. Step 2 - Fietd Testing and Subsurface Analysis: A Phase ll ESA woutd cotlect hard evidence through LiDAR, GPR, core sampting, groundwater monitoring, and air testing. Step 3 - Data lnterpretation and Risk Evatuation: A muttidisciptinary review team compares resutts to safety threshotds and prepares a pubtic summary. Step 4 - Safety Confirmation and Next Steps: lf safe, documentation supports ptanning; if contamination exists, a Remediation and Restoration P[an is created. Step 5 - Ongoing Monitoring: Welts and sensors remain in ptace for quarterty updates, ensu ri ng [ong-term transparency. This ptan is not designed to hinder progress-it is designed to protect life and property through knowtedge. Onty through verified science can devetopment, restoration, and conservation coexist in batance. Section 8 - lmmediate Protective Measures While format testing moves forward, practica[ preventive steps can be taken now to protect heatth and habitat. Section 7 - Oversight and Accountabitity Framework Safeguarding the Dania Beach mangrove estuary requires coordination among government agencies, scientists, and the pubtic. LocaI Oversight: Broward County EnvironmentaI Protection and Growth Management Department (EPGMD) regutates environmentaI permits, reviews wettand and mangrove plans, and can require additiona[ testlng before approvat. State Oversight: Ftorida Department of EnvironmentaI Protection (FDEP) oversees contaminated-site assessment, works with the Ftorida Department of Heatth (FDOH), and administers the Florida Mangrove Trimming and Preservation Act. Federat Oversight: U.S. EnvironmentaI Protection Agency (EPA Region 4), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and NOAA provide support, funding, and regulatory oversight for wettands, water quatity, and habitat restoration. Community Participation: Estabtishing a Community Advisory PaneI and data portat ensures transparency and cooperation. This framework ensures that environmentaI verification proceeds under tawfuI authority, transparent communication, and shared responsibitity. 1 . Environmentat Safety Review Pause: Before new ground disturbance, agree to a brief environmentaI safety review period to confirm testing is comptete. 2. AirQuatity Observatlon: lnsta[[ temporary sensors for hydrogen sulfide, methane, and VOCs, with pubtic data access. 3. Water-Sampting lnitiative: Couect water samples to estabtish a pottution base[ine. 4. Visuat and Structurat Documentation: Record sheens,gas bubbting, or vegetation stress for future comparison. 5. Heatth and Community Communication: Provide regutar factuaI updates on[ine and in community buttetins. 6. Cottaboration with Universities: Partner with Nova Southeastern, FAU, and FIU for testing support and student engagement. 7. Data Sharing: Create an interagency database connecting tocat, county, and state resutts. These actions demonstrate batanced progress - economic growth supported by verified environmentaI safety. Section 9 - Restoration and Rocovery Strategy The goal of restoration is to revitalize the estuary and show that development and environmentaI protection can coexist. 1 . Site Remediation: Remove or cap contaminated soit, control gases, and instat[ drainage. 2. Restore Natural Water F(ow: Reestabtish tidat exchange, remove barriers, and stabitize tand. 3. Reptant Native Vegetation: Reintroduce red, btack, and white mangroves and buttonwood, monitoring survivaI for five years. 4. Rebuitd the Food Web: Encourage return of btue crabs, shrimp, baitfish, and wading birds. 5. Community Engagement: Launch volunteer monitoring, education programs, and partnerships. 6. Long-Term Monitoring: Maintain sensors, surveys, and a pubtic database for transparency. 7. Funding: Combine EPA, NOAA, FDEP, and private resources for efficiency. A restored estuary wit[ again teem with tife, proving that when science and community atign, Ftorida's naturaI heritage can thrive. Section 10 - Conctusions and Meeting Statement The Dania Beach mangrove estuary is a tiving system that protects our coast, nurtures marine tife, and connects generations of Ftoridians to the water that defines us. HistoricaI evidence and ecotogicaI dectine indicate that this area must be scientificatty verified before new devetopment occurs. This is not an opposition to progress - it is a catl for responsible progress grounded in truth, safety, and respect for both peopte and the environment. The Environmentat Safety Verification Process provides a path forward that benefits everyone - residents, locaI government, devetopers, and nature. Through cooperation, testing, and transparency, we can ensure that every future action on this land is based on confirmed safety and sound science. References and Data Sources Supptement toi Environmental and Public Health Assessment of the Historic Dania Beach Mangrove Estuary and Former Dump Site Prepared by: Dan Dawson / Dynamic Al Network lnc. Contact: dan@dynanrica i network.com 1. Government and Environmentat Agency Reports Ftorida Department of EnvironmentaI Protoction (FDEP): Contaminated Site Cleanup Criteria & Guidance Documents - outtines procedures for assessment and cleanup of former [andfiU and industriaI sites. Broward County Environmental Protection and Growth Management Department (EPGMD): Environ mental Resource Licensing and Wetlands Protection Division Repotts - detaits permitting and environmentaI review standards for Broward County wettands and mangroves. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 4: Superfund and Brownfields Program Guidance -lramework for evatuating legacy waste sites, tandfitt gas emissions, and ecotogicaI risk. Ftorida Fish and Witdtife Conservation Commission (FWCI'. Mangrove Protection and Estuarine Habitat Management Plans - otlicial documentation on mangrove ecosystems and fisheries support functions. South Ftorida Water Management District (SFWMD): Easin Hydrology Reports for Broward County Coastal Systems - data on surface water ftow, stormwater connectivity, and tidaI exchange. 2. Historical and ArchivaI Sources Broward County Historical Commlssion: Orat histories referencing the Dania tandfit[ and early municipaI waste practices. . City of Dania Beach Planningand ZoningArchives (195G1975): Land use records indicating the transition from tandfitt operations to Pirates Wortd Amusement Park and subsequent redevelopment. Ftorida Department of Heatth, Bureau of Environmentat Heatth: Records of historicat mosquito controt and pesticide use (inctuding DDT) in Broward County during the 1 950s-1 960s. U.S. Geotogicat Survey (USGS) Topographic Maps (1949-1972): CoastaI etevation and hydrotogy data showing fitt expansion and canatization. 4. Observationa[ and Community Data . LocaI residents' historicaI accounts (1960s-present) describing persistent sulfur odors, reduced aquatic [ife, and observed fit[ disturbances along Dania Beach Boutevard. . Personal observation logs and photographic records compited by Dan Dawson (1960-202s). . lndependent reports from Dania Beach civic and environmental organizations documenting dectining biodiversity and water quatity trends. 5. Proposed Verification and Assessment Methodotogies . ASIM E1527-21. Standard Practice for Environmenral Site Assessrnents: Phase / E nvi ron me ntal Site Assessment Process. 3. Scientific and Academic Literature . Lugo, A.E. & Snedaker, S.C. (1974). The Ecology of Mangroves. Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics, 5: 3964. . Odum, W.E. (1988). Compa rative Ecology of Mangrove Forests and Estuarine Systems in Florida. Bulletin of Marine Science, 43(3): 713-731. . Twittey, R.R., eta[. (1996). Bestoration of Mangrove Ecosystems. Coastal and Estuarine Studies, Vol. 55. . NOAA Office for Coastal Management. Mangrove Ecosystem Servic es and Habitat Function in the Southeast U.S. (2019). . University of Ftorida IFAS Extension. Mangrove ldentification and Environmental Functions in Florida Coastal Systems. (Updated 2023). ASTM E1903-19. Standard Guide for Phase ll Environmental Site Assessrnents. EPA SW-846 Methods: Anatytical procedures for soiI and groundwater contamination testing. LiDAR and Ground Penstrating Radar (GPR): Common geophysicat toots for subsurface mapping of buried waste, utitities, and soiI anomaties. Sediment and Core Sampling Protocots: Ftorida DEP and NOAA standards for assessing [ong-term contaminant accumutation in estuarine environments. 6. Supporting Organizations and Contacts . Ftorida Departmgnt of Environmentat Protection (FDEP): www.ftoridadep.gov . Broward County Environmentat Ptanning Division: www.broward.orglEnvi ronment . U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA Region 4): www.epa.gov/aboutepa/epa-region-4-southeast . NOAA Office for Coastal Management: coast.noaa.gov . Ftorida Fish and Witdtife Conservation Commission (FWC): myfwc.com . University of Ftorida IFAS Extension: sfyt. ifas.uf[.edu 7. Contact for Further lnformation Dan Dawson Dynamic Al Network lnc. c d a n@dyn am ica inetwo rk. com Native Ftoridian, Environmentat Advocate, and Research Contributor End of References and Data Sources