Title
An Ordinance of the City Commission of Coral Gables, Florida amending the Code of Ordinances, Chapter 86 “Waterways,” Article I “ In General”, Section 86-3 “Discharging garbage, trash, etc. into waterways.” by providing specific examples of prohibited discharges, clarifying applicability to the City’s stormwater management system and revising the penalty for violating this section, providing for severability clause, repealer provision, codification, and providing for an effective date.
(Sponsored by Vice Mayor Lago)
Body
The City of Coral Gables contains over forty (40) miles of coastline, waterways, and canals, which provide habitat for fish and wildlife, opportunities for recreation, and an enhanced quality of life. The State’s tourism and fishing industries also depend on a healthy and vibrant coastal environment, and both serve as major economic drivers benefiting current and future residents, property owners, and visitors to Florida.
The health of the Coral Gables waterways and Biscayne Bay is of great importance to the City's continued clean water supply, environmental and public health, and economic well-being; and the City
has long been involved in efforts to keep the City's and region's waterways healthy and safe for all.
In addition to protecting the City’s navigable waters, the Commission also wishes to safeguard the City’s stormwater management system, which conveys stormwater runoff throughout the City but can result in stormwater seeping into ground waters and eventually discharging into surface waters. In order to advance the City’s environmental priorities relating to water quality in all of its forms, it is necessary to amend Section 86-3 of the City Code, to provide greater clarity as to the type of activities and discharges that are prohibited, expressly protect the City’s stormwater management system, and increase the penalty for violations of the section.