Navigating Dredging Regulations: The Seagrass Dilemma
Dredging in the Florida Keys comes with a unique set of regulations. Maintenance dredging is permitted, but there’s a catch – areas can only be dredged if they’ve been dredged before. However, the presence of seagrass adds an additional layer of complexity to this seemingly straightforward rule.
Seagrass Regulations Across Jurisdictions:
Each jurisdiction, be it the City of Marathon, Monroe County, or the Village of Islamorada, has its own rules. Monroe County takes a strict stance – no dredging if there’s seagrass, even if the area has been dredged previously. This can be a significant roadblock for projects that assume past dredging guarantees future permissions.
Each jurisdiction, be it the City of Marathon, Monroe County, or the Village of Islamorada, has its own rules. Monroe County takes a strict stance – no dredging if there’s seagrass, even if the area has been dredged previously. This can be a significant roadblock for projects that assume past dredging guarantees future permissions.
Duck Key’s Unique Amendment:
Duck Key stands out as an exception, having successfully lobbied for an amendment allowing dredging of seagrass within its interior canals. This serves as a valuable lesson in the power of community advocacy in shaping local regulations.
Duck Key stands out as an exception, having successfully lobbied for an amendment allowing dredging of seagrass within its interior canals. This serves as a valuable lesson in the power of community advocacy in shaping local regulations.
City of Marathon and Village of Islamorada Distinctions:
In the City of Marathon and the Village of Islamorada, you can dredge inside basins and canals even if they contain seagrass. However, open water in these jurisdictions poses a challenge – seagrass dredging is strictly prohibited.
In the City of Marathon and the Village of Islamorada, you can dredge inside basins and canals even if they contain seagrass. However, open water in these jurisdictions poses a challenge – seagrass dredging is strictly prohibited.
Time is of the Essence:
The key takeaway? Act swiftly. Waiting for a storm event or postponing your dredging project can spell trouble. Seagrass grows rapidly, and once classified as a seagrass bed, dredging becomes nearly impossible. Immediate action and permit applications are crucial to avoiding complications down the line.
The key takeaway? Act swiftly. Waiting for a storm event or postponing your dredging project can spell trouble. Seagrass grows rapidly, and once classified as a seagrass bed, dredging becomes nearly impossible. Immediate action and permit applications are crucial to avoiding complications down the line.
Our Expertise:
Have a dredging project in mind? Worried about seagrass? Contact us, and our team will assess your situation. It’s our mission to ensure everyone is well-informed and equipped to navigate the intricacies of dredging regulations in the Florida Keys.
Have a dredging project in mind? Worried about seagrass? Contact us, and our team will assess your situation. It’s our mission to ensure everyone is well-informed and equipped to navigate the intricacies of dredging regulations in the Florida Keys.
Remember, understanding the nuances of seagrass regulations can make all the difference in the success of your dredging venture. Stay informed, stay proactive!
For more information on our services CLICK HERE!
