HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 2025-339422025-33942
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY
ADMINISTRATION TO: 1) SECURE AN INDEPENDENT, THIRD -PARTY
REVIEW OF SANITARY SEWER PUMP STATION 23 TO DETERMINE IF IT
CONTRIBUTES TO CONTAMINATION IN PARK VIEW CANAL. 2) IMPLEMENT
WEEKLY WATER TESTING IN PARK VIEW CANAL, INCREASING
FREQUENCY FROM MONTHLY TO WEEKLY TO BETTER MONITOR
BACTERIAL LEVELS AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS; 3) EXPEDITE THE
COMPREHENSIVE WATER AND SEWER INFRASTRUCTURE STUDY FOR
NORTH BEACH, ALIGNING WITH BROADER DEVELOPMENT AND
RESILIENCY GOALS; 4) PROCEED WITH PERMITTING AND
IMPLEMENTATION OF NANO BUBBLE TECHNOLOGY TO IMPROVE WATER
QUALITY IN PARK VIEW CANAL BY OXYGENATING THE WATER AND
REDUCING BACTERIA; AND 5) CONTINUE DREDGING EFFORTS IN PARK
VIEW CANAL TO IMPROVE WATER FLOW AND REDUCE POLLUTANT
BUILDUP.
WHEREAS, at September 11, 2025Land Use and Sustainability Committee (LUSC)
meeting, the Environmental and Sustainability (Environmental) and Public Works (Public Works)
Departments presented an update on Operation Clean Water (the "Program"), adopted by the
Mayor and City Commission (City Commission) on March 19, 2025, by Resolution No. 2025-
33559 sponsored by Commissioner Alex J. Fernandez, Commissioner Tanya K. Bhatt,
Commissioner Laura Dominguez, Commissioner Joseph Magazine, Mayor Steven Meiner,
Commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez, and Commissioner David Suarez.; and
WHEREAS, Operation Clean Water was developed in response to the North Beach Water
Quality and Park View Canal report, which continues to be a significant priority for the City; and
WHEREAS, the Administration publishes weekly Letters to Commission (LTC) with
updates on the implementation of the Program; and
WHEREAS, the intent of Operation Clean Water is to aggressively address the street -
level pollutants entering the stormwater system and impacting Park View Canal water quality, as
identified in the North Beach Water Quality and Park View Canal report entitled "Assessment of
Enterococci in Groundwater and Stormwater at the Miami Beach Park View Canal," led by Helena
Solo-Gabriele, Ph.D., P.E., from the University of Miami Department of Chemical, Environmental,
and Materials Engineering; and
WHEREAS, at the September 11, 2025 meeting, LUSC members passed a motion to: 1)
authorize an independent, third -party review of the Sanitary Sewer Pump Station 23; 2) expand
the monthly water quality study to authorize and fund weekly water testing in Park View Canal; 3)
expedite the comprehensive infrastructure study for North Beach; and to maintain Park View
Canal as a standing item on the Committee's agenda for regular updates; and
WHEREAS, at the September 17, 2025, meeting, the Mayor and City Commission held a
discussion regarding the September 11, 2025, LUSC motion; and
WHEREAS, at the conclusion of the discussion, an after -the -fact Resolution No. 2025-
33942 was adopted, directing the Administration to undertake the following:
• Independent Review —Authorize an independent, third -party review of Sanitary
Sewer Pump Station 23 to determine if it contributes to contamination in Park
View Canal.
• Water Quality Testing — Authorize and fund weekly water testing in Park View
Canal, increasing frequency from monthly to weekly to better monitor bacterial
levels and environmental impacts.
• Infrastructure Study — Expedite the comprehensive water and sewer
infrastructure study for North Beach, aligning with broader development and
resiliency goals.
• Nano Bubble Technology — Proceed with permitting and implementation of
nano bubble technology to improve water quality in Park View Canal by
oxygenating the water and reducing bacteria.
• Dredging — Continue dredging efforts in Park View Canal to improve water flow
and reduce pollutant buildup.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT DULY RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, that the Mayor and City Commission
hereby, authorize and direct the City Administration to: 1) secure an independent, third -party
review of Sanitary Sewer Pump Station 23 to determine if it contributes to contamination in Park
View Canal. 2) implement weekly water testing in Park View Canal, increasing frequency from
monthly to weekly to better monitor bacterial levels and environmental impacts; 3) expedite the
comprehensive water and sewer infrastructure study for North Beach, aligning with broader
development and resiliency goals; 4) proceed with permitting and implementation of Nano Bubble
technology to improve water quality in Park View Canal by oxygenating the water and reducing
bacteria; 5) continue dredging efforts in Park View Canal to improve water flow and reduce
pollutant buildup.
PASSED and ADOPTED THIS 7 day of �e lewber 202.1
ATTEST:
MAY 1 3 2026
Rafael E. Granado, City Clerk
Sponsored by Commissioner Alex J. Fernandez
Co -Sponsored by Commissioner Tanya K. Bhatt
Co -Sponsored by Commissioner David Suarez
Co -Sponsored by Commissioner Laura Dominguez
Co -Sponsored by Commissioner Joseph Magazine
CO -Sponsored by Mayor Steven Meiner
Co -Sponsored by Commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez
— C14 - �q�_
Steven Meiner, Mayor
APPROVED AS TO
FORM & LANGUAGE
& FOR EXECUTION
ttomey
Date
2
Discussion Items - R9 AD
MIAMI BEACH
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission
FROM: Eric Carpenter, City Manager
DATE: September 17, 2025
TITLE: DISCUSS/TAKE ACTION ON THE SEPTEMBER 11, 2025, LAND USE AND
SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE MOTION TO: 1) AUTHORIZE AN INDEPENDENT,
THIRD -PARTY REVIEW OF THE SANITARY SEWER PUMP STATION 23; 2)
AUTHORIZE AND FUND WEEKLY WATER TESTING IN PARK VIEW CANAL; AND
3) EXPEDITE THE WATER AND SEWER STUDY FOR NORTH BEACH.
RECOMMENDATION
The Administration recommends that the following items, as requested by the Land Use and
Sustainability Committee (LUSC) at its September 11, 2025 meeting, be brought forward for
discussion. These actions are intended to enhance water quality through additional analysis and
due diligence, which will require dedicated funding. Furthermore, the Administration is
considering the implementation of a nanobubble pilot technology, subject to City Commission
approval and anticipated funding at an upcoming meeting.
BACKGROUND/HISTORY
At the September 11, 2025 LUSC meeting, the Environmental and Sustainability (Environmental)
and Public Works (Public Works) Departments presented an update on Operation Clean Water,
adopted by the Mayor and City Commission (City Commission) on March 19, 2025, by Resolution
No. 2025-33559. Operation Clean Water was developed in response to the North Beach Water
Quality and Park View Canal report, which continues to be a significant priority for the City. The
item was sponsored by Commissioner Alex Fernandez, Commissioner Tanya Bhatt,
Commissioner Laura Dominguez, Commissioner Joseph Magazine, Mayor Steven Meiner,
Commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez, and Commissioner David Suarez. Weekly Letters to
Commission (LTC) are provided with updates.
The intent of Operation Clean Water is to aggressively address the street level pollutants entering
the stormwater system and impacting Park View Canal water quality as identified in the North
Beach Water Quality and Park View Canal report entitled "Assessment of Enterococci in
Groundwater and Stormwater at the Miami Beach Park View Canal" led by Helena Solo-Gabriele,
Ph.D., P.E., from the University of Miami Department of Chemical, Environmental, and Materials
Engineering. The presentation is included as (Attachment A).
At the meeting, LUSC members passed a motion to: 1) Authorize an independent, third -party
review of the Sanitary Sewer Pump Station 23; 2) Expand the monthly water quality study to
authorize and fund weekly water testing in Park View Canal; 3) Expedite the comprehensive
infrastructure study for North Beach; and to maintain Park View Canal as a standing item on the
Committee's agenda for regular updates.
ANALYSIS
The City of Miami Beach is committed to maintaining and improving the quality of its waterways
and protection of Biscayne Bay. As documented in local water quality monitoring efforts
throughout Miami -Dade County, Broward County, and study literature, urban waterways are
susceptible to pollution. Park View Canal is an angled canal within the Tatum Waterway canal,
within the broader Biscayne Bay. The canal has limited natural flushing to dilute pollutants
associated with urban runoff. Additionally, Biscayne Bay itself is an aquatic preserve with serious
water quality concerns from nutrient pollution as outlined in the Biscayne Bay Task Force Report
and Recommendations.
The Administration continues to make progress with prioritized improvements funded through City
Commission approval to address water quality concerns. The efforts have yielded positive results,
with the University of Miami Phase II report highlights significant improvements in water quality.
Despite the improvements, the canal still has fecal indicator bacteria concentrations that exceed
the 70 MPN/mL recreational water quality standards established by the Florida Department of
Health for ocean beach standards for bathing.
The September 11, 2025 LUSC motion included:
1) Authorize an independent, third -party review of the sanitary sewer Pump Station 23
The Committee emphasized the need to confirm that Pump Station 23 is not leaking due to its
proximity to the Park View Canal. They requested an independent study, different from Hazen
and Sawyer's previous work, to conduct a new review. The Committee also asked for any findings
to be promptly addressed. The cost of the independent study has not yet been determined;
however, it should not exceed $50,000.
2) Authorize and fund weekly water testing in Park View Canal
The City of Miami Beach conducts monthly water quality sampling that expands upon Miami -Dade
County's Biscayne Bay surface water quality sampling program. The City utilizes the Miami -Dade
County contract and it is being determined if the contract can be accessed for weekly sampling in
five locations in the Park View Canal.
The sampling locations were added voluntarily by the City as an extension of the larger Biscayne
Bay sampling network, which Miami -Dade County has been monitoring every month for more
than 40 years. The results are provided to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection
each year as part of the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System permit Annual Report.
The program is separate from the Florida Department of Health's Healthy Beaches Program,
which focuses sampling on beaches and utilizes the enterococci level of 70 MPN/mL.
3) Expedite the comprehensive infrastructure study for North Beach
On November 20, 2024, at the request of Commissioner Bhatt, the Mayor and City Commission
(City Commission) approved item C4H, a referral to the Finance and Resiliency Committee
(FERC) to discuss funding for a comprehensive infrastructure study for North Beach.
On January 24, 2025, FERC members held a discussion about the need for an infrastructure
study in North Beach as sponsored by Commissioner Bhatt. FERC members made a motion to
proceed to the City Commission with a favorable recommendation to consider funding during the
FY 26 budget process. The study is not currently recommended for funding as part of the FY 2026
Budget. The estimate for the evaluation is $363,000.
On June 27, 2025, the City Commission approved item R713, a resolution approving the North
Beach Oceanside District — Deauville Development Agreement. The agreement requires the
developer to contribute $400,000 towards the North Beach infrastructure study within 30 days of
receiving final approval of the private project by the Historical Preservation Board. It is anticipated
that this funding will not be available for at least a year or more.
Nanobubbles Technology
Nanobubble technology was identified and reviewed by Environment and Sustainability, Public
Works, and the City Manager's Office as a viable technology for Park View Canal. Nanobubbles
are tiny bubbles, less than 200 nanometers in size. Unlike regular bubbles that quickly rise and
pop due to buoyancy, nanobubbles can stay suspended in water for a longer period of time thanks
to their small size and random motion. These bubbles can be naturally created in places like
waterfalls or artificially produced using special generators.
Nanobubbles are beneficial because they dissolve gases, like oxygen, more effectively in water,
which helps accelerate various physical, chemical, and biological processes. They also adhere to
materials in the water, causing them to clump together, which can prevent the buildup of biofilm
and scale. These processes also help clean the water by promoting the breakdown of microbial
contaminants, reducing harmful pathogens, algal growth, and bad odors, ultimately improving
overall water quality. The technology has been used in the State of Florida and globally, however
it has not been used yet in Miami -Dade County.
Additionally, a pre -application meeting was held with the County regulatory staff to confirm that
the technology could be permitted. An on -site meeting was held and the small containment
unit/station for the technology can be stored securely within the Public Works facility adjacent to
the canal. There are no expected impacts to the environmental resources of the Park View Canal
or disruptions to the park. The Administration is exploring opportunities to pilot this technology.
Does this Ordinance require a Business Impact Estimate?
(FOR ORDINANCES ONLY)
If applicable, the Business Impact Estimate (BIE) was published on:
See BIE at: https://www.miamibeachfi.gov/city-hall/city-clerk/meeting-notices/
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
CONCLUSION
The Administration recommends that the above items, as requested by the LUSC at its
September 11, 2025 meeting, be brought forward for discussion. These actions are intended to
enhance water quality through additional analysis and due diligence, which will require dedicated
funding. Furthermore, the Administration is considering the implementation of a nanobubble pilot
technology, subject to Commission approval and anticipated funding at an upcoming meeting..
Applicable Area
North Beach
Is this a "Residents Right to Know" item,
pursuant to City Code Section 2-17?
IR:,,
Is this item related to a G.O. Bond
Project?
M
Was this Agenda Item initially requested by a lobbyist which, as defined in Code Sec. 2-481,
includes a principal engaged in lobbying? No
If so, specify the name of lobbyist(s) and principal(s):
Department
Public Works
Sponsor(s)
Commissioner Alex Fernandez
Co-sponsor(s)
Commissioner Tanya K. Bhatt
Commissioner David Suarez
Condensed Title
Discuss/Action, LUSC Motion: NB Infrastructure & Water Quality Sampling. (AF/TB/DS) PW
Previous Action (For City Clerk Use Only)
Assessment of Enterococci in
Groundwater and Stormwater at the
Miami Beach Park View Canal
(Progress Made and Source Assessment)
December 13, 2024
University of Miami Team: Ayaaz (Johann) Amirali, Cristina Fayad Martinez, Aarohi Talati, Diego Lopez Oranday, Larissa
Montas, Isabela Puente, Rivka Reiner, Matthew Roca, Helena Solo-Gabriele
NOAA Team: Maribeth Gidley, Christopher Sinigalliano, Robert Bremer
Background - Sources
am* z *me,
Enterococci = Fecal Indicator Bacteria (risk to gastrointestinal disease)
Must be able to grow (viable) to be counted
Microbial_ SourceTracking (MST) - Used to Identify Sources
Dogs
Humans (Direct human source and sewage)
Birds
Detects DNA (not necessarily viable) on different bacteria (weaker)
Regulatory/Guideline Levels
Enterococci • -Purpose ai
7 Single SampleLimits
• ii
FDOH Recreational Beach Use
70 �—
FDEP Class III (Recreation)
130
US EPA Primary Contact
130
US EPA Kayaking turbulent water
164
US EPA Kayaking calm water
371 �.
US EPA Fishing
391
MST (Research Recommendations for Recreational Beach Use)
•M Rr,,WMWffjEM=.Single Sample Limits
Human 525 Human + Gull 370 + 1
Dog N/A Human + Gull 120 + 300
Bird (Gull) 200,000 Human + Gull 1+22,500
Limited Flushing
within an
Impaired Bay
81.3-acre catchment
No first flush treatment
Background.- Enterococci elevated
CMB
92% exceed
oaring.
AWV Rup.jcement P;%%rA)@md
10000
Sewa Spill
Before
A er
Water Qualit
Study
Improved but elevated-
1000
100
I
I
I
I
_
17
70
I1
BEIOW
,---r
i EXCEED
Surfrider
..
, ,
10000
1000
Bacteria Threshold
for Water Quality Standards
100
-----------------------
70
,o
1
O� O� O� 01 Of Of W O� N
N N N N O
N N N N N
N N ry
ry N
N eo PI e9 l'1 PI P9 ♦
-
ON
ON ON O O O O O
N N N"
N N
O O O O O O O O
N N N
O O
N
O
N N
O O
N
O
N N N N N
O O O
ON ON
N N
O O
NO N♦
N N N N N N N N" NO
O O O O O O O O
NO NO
O ON
NO N NNN NNN
NN
N N N
NNO
N
N N
N N N N N N N N N N N
N N N
c A>; n
a a 3 iL b
n,>;
e b: A>>
ii
u c
b L a o u A L a>;
y
LL4�,QAO�,
a��AzIOU
a
<�QozAif
nQ�oa��<��Q�����a,�Qo
Considering Kayaking Guidelines (yellow)
0 100
0
z 10
a
75 1
d
J
C 10000
0
1000
40
W
100
10
1
CMB Major sewage break Before During After <70MPNI100m1
* * < 370 MPN/100m1
1370 MPN/100m1
a
i
Surfrider * * x
Bacteria Threshold for Kayaking in Calm Waters
t
Bacteria Threshold for Beach Recreational Standards j
0 0 M M 0
o� �o Op op
N N N N N
Ii
O/ 01 N N N N N M V) fn M M r) M 4n M 'a f v v f .0 v .0 IN
INO O O OOO O O O
NNNNN N NNN N N N NN N NNNN N N N N NN N N NNNN N
oN N o oopN N OpN p oN oooOOON N N N N N oOoN N N N ooN N N N OooON
w a a m o ar q a o `o w '' >; m a Z. a 5 o x
O a a M 2 O a no � a O z�a��� no a M O. A I a� '' < v� 2 C A a a n "' a 0 z a
w
Baseline (between storm) comparison
onoo
1,500
0 4--
6:00
v e rs u s 2 0 2 4 Baseline improved but elevated
-*-MPN 2022 -K-MPN 2024
*-Tide Height 2022 O Tide Height 2024
70
0
X
mL
2024
12:00
202
Time (October 18, 2022 and August 15, 2024)
Lost evidence of groundwater source
1.5
0 0
1.0
00
00
0.5
Q
0.0 z
w
0
-1.0
w
-1.5
-2.0
---� -2.5
18:00
Background
Prior UMiami study in 2022 4 main source from the stormwater conveyance system
Water in stormwater conveyance system mix of stormwater, groundwater, and PVC water
„A C
�pud tw} dy���«•Y�` �
+0.8 t--,-- .Eta
3 _
PVC and .Groundwat
-1
C .. ..
a 4Y.
4 fft,
-- - - -- - -
,
ation +0.80 ft
f--� Elevation +1.00 ft ~
+-- Elevation +p�__ r
Elevation -2.20 ft
j
Section
Drawings
Objectives:
Measure Enterococci and MST in
Groundwater
Stormwater
PVC water
Surface
1-foot
5-foot
y — 1 or 10 mL l PBS + Enterolert IDEXX enterococci
Incubate and count
Preservative
Up to 500 mL
Filter i DNA/RNA Shield
t� ( -80 °C for MST
Field Sample
(+ temperature °C)
Remainder YSI Probe Collect data: pH, lab temperature (°C),
salinity (psu), turbidity (FNU), dissolved
oxygen (mg/L)
Stormwater
PVC Water
Groundwater
t�
A),1
Enterococci in Groundwater
•108 Legend, Groundwater
Enterococci Levels
Biscayne
EleBi—
Parkary Element., Site F7 0<10 •
Less than 10
9 6 419 :145 <10 ,.t s <
• 10 • 10 — 60
• 60 - 110
•85 �< 10 •< 10
0137 • 110 - 150
0<10 •
<10 7gth st <lo ® 150 - 230
F ...,�,.:... �228 •<10 It 230 - 260
® 260 - 1440
61 337 253 •108 Q1U
••<io 01440 - 24196
• 7 North Shore
North Shore Beach
Pa.
Site G17 Site F9 Park ter • � 10 CommunityConte,
< Site F
4
�—no St 72nd St
Enterococci in Stormwater
Biscayne
Elementary Biscayne
Park Elementary
>24196.>24196
81640 �861
0173290
5794,00S
38730
Parkview Island
>24196
3609
92080
24196
•1399
> 24196• W
•
2410
,5.k "
960 >241960 129970
'• >24196
h St 46110 Legend, Stormwater
hSt>24196 s,r0 Enterococci Levels
125810 5830 16790 >24196
•12997 • • • 861 - 4000
>24196 >24196
>241960 • 120330 • 24196 241960
1159010
� � 0
•17329 >241960
Park >24196
>241960 •
> 241960
1076010462 98040 15520•>24196
40d • •
MO O' 77010 North Shore
n North Shore Beach
Park / Tennis Community
wk e center > 24196 Contvr
8 D >24196 104260 19040 129970
72nd St 2nd St
• 61310
• 4000 - 10000
10000 - 20000
20000 - 30000
ii • 30000 - 70000
• 70000 - 110000
• 110000 - 180000
0180000 - 241960
Enterococci in PVC water
BBE Outfall Samples
r""OA,"
98630
OMP
Kayak Launch Samples
9208
616
457
i
3
9
tM Y
UMiami Samples (Enterococci only)
a) General Categories b) Stormwater Sample Types
O 20000
CA 0000 10000
10000 5000
ZCL ■ 5000
1000 1000
2000 500
> 1000
100
J 500
0 100
50
0 10 200
U
0 100 10
L.-
1 50 5
w Groundwater Stormwater Kayak BBE
Launch Outfall Puddles Bottles In -Person
c) Kayak Launch Samples
Surface Surface
(BBE) Canal KL 1 foot 5 feet
Comparison to other urban environments
Roof runoff Miami, FL 1,200
Permeable pavers (experimental)
Porous asphalt (experimental)
Canals impacted by stormwater
Stormwater (from street)
Edison, NJ 100
Edison, NJ 10
New Orleans, LA 4,300
Norforlk, VA 1,200
PVC 300
Houston, IX lU'lUU
Raleigh, NC 12,300
PVC 20,000
Microbial Source Tracking
MST
Enterococci and MST Marker Levels
(MPN/100ml, gc/L)
I
R
I
i
1
I I
I I
I
� ■ I
I
I I
C I
I, � t ■. I
I
Bird Marker Levels
(gc/L)
,a
0
93
n
d
c
N
A
0
a) Ground water
10'
103
J
j
10
0)
_j
10
O
1
<5 <a Fb QUO F1 ol <P
Z
IL
b) Storm water
le
rn
G>'
105
y
10°
J
L
103
j
10,
10
I
I I
I
1
�5 5555�\ 5P 5554P
v
c) Canal
U
105
O
104
OL
103
CD
C
102
W
10
1
Sample Site
PARAMETER
. ENTEROCaU
ENTEROIA
BFiC
CaUL,
DOG
*=DNQ
Two highest enterococci
Corresponded to measurable
Levels of either _ or dog marker
Bird Marker Highest in PVC
L
c M 3 ,c
° E J >,
L O
= 0 DO o o c Y u
•L L �, f0 C
tn
cn
co
tn
O • BY,a e
(n Byron Ava
cn
en
•� ��
� � a
r N
w u
v)in
�A
cc0 j
ru
W w E w
L in
Q s 0 � in
Conclusions
Enterococci levels have declined but still elevated
Groundwater had the least enterococci levels
Stormwater had the highest enterococci levels (main source)
BBE Outfall was significantly higher in comparison to the Kayak Launch
Bird marker observed in all samples (especially in the PVC)
Human and dog marker observed intermittently
Human marker detected along the 73rd Street and park corrider.
Highest levels in stormwater (>_241,960 MPN/100 mL) coincided with dog or human
marker detection
No direct evidence of sanitary sewer impacts.
Recommendations
Reduce dog fecal waste impacts to stormwater (deep cleaning)
Reduce possibility of human fecal waste to stormwater (study of homeless and sanitation facilities)
Conduct bird study along channel banks and throughout catchment
Continue with aggressive inspection and maintenance of sanitary sewer
Corrective actions for BBE outfall
Add hydrodynamic separators to stormwater conveyance system (in design and to be permitted in 2025.
$2M by city in capital plan).
Long term
Improve PVC flushing (in design and permitting phase)
Add stormwater treatment ($10M Florida Resilient Grant for North Shore D Neighborhood Improvement,
design and permitting phase)
Sanitary sewer replacement as part of the proposed community center (72nd Street Community Complex)
Thank you!
Next steps
Release report to general public in January/February.
Integrate feedback from public into report.