Siesta Key Association (SKA) is working for a DO NO HARM solution for Siesta Key and Big Pass

The Lido Key/City of Sarasota renourishment and Hurricane Mitigation Project is now being reviewed by the State of Florida Dept. of Environmental Protection (DEP). SKA received the permit application submitted by the ACOE. The only agency who may authorize the ACOE plan for dredging and renourishment is the DEP through their coastal permit process. The permitting process is likely to continue into 2016.

The ACOE may not apply for funding through Congress without a completed EA or EIS. There is no federal funding allocated for this project. The ACOE reports it may be until 2017 before funding can be requested. There is not yet a completed EA with a finding of no significant impact. An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is preferred due to the complexity of the environmental impact and is being sought by SKA. Impact to Big Pass, Lido County Park, Siesta Key, the navigational channel, marine and bird wildlife, and shoreline studies have not been thoroughly evaluated to determine an EA will have a finding of no significant impact (FONSI).

An independent peer review, requested by SKA and approved by the Board of County Commissioners up to $50,000, is being developed to provide additional environmental impact data for the current ACOE plan.

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