§ 166-164. Maps delineating zone of protection.

(a)

The zone of protection maps developed as described in subsection (b) are incorporated herein and made a part of this article. These maps shall be on file and maintained by the county administrator's designated departments. Any amendments, additions or deletions to such maps shall be approved by amendment to this article pursuant to the provisions established by F.S. § 125.66(5).

(b)

The zone of protection map is developed by the following procedure:

(1)

The historic water level data is obtained for each of the U.S. Geological Survey and county water system Floridan monitor wells shown on the zone of protection map and listed in appendix I.

(2)

The average water level is calculated for each well for the period of record available for each well.

(3)

Potentiometric surface contours are then constructed based on these average water levels.

(4)

A flow net is then constructed across the potentiometric contours by constructing flow lines perpendicular to potentiometric contours.

(5)

The zone of protection is delineated by extending a line along the convergence of those flow lines that enter the wells or wellfields (flow lines converge in areas of discharge and diverge in areas of recharge).

(6)

As additional Floridan monitor wells are constructed in the map area, this additional water level data will be incorporated into the zone of protection map. Accumulated annual water level data may be evaluated annually and adjustments to the zone of protection will be made as the data dictates.

(7)

Measurement of the zone around a wellfield will be established for the entire wellfield by calculating the zone of protection for the wellfield as a whole. In the case of unclustered wells, individual zones of protection around each well will be calculated.

(8)

Rebuttable presumption: Affected parties wanting to challenge the county's determination of the zone of protection may do so during the public hearings by generating more precise site-specific data concerning potentiometric levels that would allow more accurate calculations of the zone.

(9)

The county administrator may change the zone of protection based on reconfiguration of a wellhead or wellfield, changes in open interval, proper abandonment of a well pursuant to rule 17-522, F.A.C., or permitted increase in the permitted average daily pumping rate. Such changes in the zone of protection shall follow the requirements as described in subsection (c) of this section. The zone of protection may be established for newly approved/permitted well(s) or wellfield(s), after the appropriate hydrogeologic testing and impact analyses have been performed in accordance with Southwest Florida Water Management District permitting consumptive use from the wells or wellfields.

(c)

The zone of protection maps may be reviewed at least on an annual basis. However, failure to conduct such review shall not affect the validity of the existing approved map. The basis for updating such map may include, but is not limited to, the following:

(1)

Changes in the technical knowledge concerning the applicable aquifer.

(2)

Changes in pumping rates of wellfields.

(3)

Wellfield reconfiguration.

(4)

Designation of new wellfields.

(d)

In determining the location of properties and facilities within the zones depicted on the zone of protection map, the following rules shall apply:

(1)

Properties located partially within the zone of protection reflected on the applicable zone of protection maps shall be governed by the restrictions applicable to that zone.

(2)

Where a zone of protection contour passes through a facility, the entire facility shall be considered to be in the more restrictive zone.

(e)

The legal description of the area of the county zone of protection is as follows:

Commence at the intersection of the centerline at East Lake Road (C.R. 77) and the northern boundary line of Pinellas County; thence run easterly along said northern boundary line of Pinellas County to its intersection with the eastern boundary line of Pinellas County; thence run southerly along said eastern boundary line of Pinellas County to its intersection with the easterly extension of the Florida Power Corporation right-of-way, said intersection being 1290'+ north of the southeast corner of Section 12, Township 28 South, Range 16 East; thence westerly along the easterly extension of the centerline and the centerline of said Florida Power Corporation right-of-way to its intersection with the centerline of Tampa Road (S.R. 584); thence northwesterly along the centerline of Tampa Road (S.R. 584) to its intersection with the centerline of the aforementioned East Lake Road (C.R. 77); thence northerly along the centerline of East Lake Road (C.R. 77) to the point of beginning.

(Ord. No. 18-36 , § 3(Att. E), 10-23-18)