Resources

Wetlands

Wetlands provide a valuable natural function. Acting as “nature’s kidneys,” they collect rainfall and stormwater runoff, and filter and purify this water as it soaks into the ground or runs off into the Gulf of Mexico. Wetlands also provide unique habitat for a variety of specially adapted plants and wildlife.

A number of wetland evaluations have been conducted onsite by a team of ecologists. These studies determine wetland type and condition, and verify wetland connections. The results of these studies will be verified by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Southwest Florida Water Management District.

SunWest Harbourtowne’s current plan impacts less than 2 percent of the site's existing wetlands — with the majority of these impacted wetlands being low quality, isolated wetlands that have previously been disturbed by past limestone mining activities. These disturbed wetlands are not bound by any restoration or land reclamation requirements. And, in accordance with Pasco County’s Land Development Code, only low-impact activities will occur adjacent to wetlands on this or any other site.

Widlife

To effectively protect wildlife, there must be a clear understanding of the habitats on site, the quality of those habitats, and the plants and animals that use them. The first step is to perform a baseline survey of the habitats and the living things that rely on them. The results of the survey are reviewed and evaluated by both the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Listed species are those plants and animals that are considered endangered, threatened or species of special concern.

Current survey results indicate 17 state-listed and 6 federally listed plants and animals on the property.

Once the government agencies are satisfied with data collection, a management plan will be proposed to ensure that post-development there will be habitat for the same plants and animals.

Manatees

Manatees currently use Fillman Bayou and the nearby coastal waters. Pasco County is one of 13 counties designated as a priority protection county for the West Indian manatee. Counties with such a designation are required by Florida Statute to develop a countywide Manatee Protection Plan (MPP). The MPP is a planning document designed to reduce human-related impacts to manatees.

Pasco County and the developers of SunWest Harbourtowne are working together to develop a site-specific MPP, which will include:

• A summary of information on manatees and their habitats
• A review of the existing manatee population through aerial photographs
• The establishment of specific protection criteria
• A management strategy to reduce manatee-related threats associated with navigation channels

Part of this plan will include speed zone regulations, habitat protection programs and future water quality and habitat enhancement measures. This MPP will be used as a basis for a future countywide MPP that, once implemented, will supersede the site-specific plan.

Bears

SunWest Harbourtowne is working with state agencies, the Gulf Coast Conservancy and other interested groups and individuals to develop a black bear management plan.

Water

Extensive water quality studies will be performed to evaluate how boat traffic will affect water quality in the existing channel, Fillman Bayou and the SunWest site. The results of these studies will be provided to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD).

One study will evaluate how tides and groundwater “flush” pollutants from the canal system while another study will model the potential movement of pollutants toward the Gulf of Mexico — through surface or groundwater. Both studies will be conducted in accordance with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection regulations.

Preliminary research shows that the water quality at SunWest Harbourtowne meets or exceeds all applicable state water quality standards.

Land Conservation

SunWest Acquisition Corp. and the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) have agreed to a land exchange that provides approximately 1,289 acres to the SWFWMD for permanent conservation. The proposed project has one of the highest conservation/development ratios in Pasco.

Cultural Resources

An archaeological and historical survey of the SunWest Harbourtowne property will be conducted in accordance with the Florida Division of Historical Resources (DHR). Once completed, a copy of the report will be forwarded to the DHR.

Traffic

The developers of SunWest Harbourtowne will conduct extensive traffic studies using a variety of state-approved transportation models and scenarios. These evaluations will identify all potential impacts SunWest Harbourtowne could have on the local and regional road network. The evaluations and results will then be provided to the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council, the Florida Department of Transportation, the Florida Department of Community Affairs, Pasco County, the Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization, Hernando County and the Withlacoochee Regional Planning Council for review, comment, and recommendations.

All potential hurricane evacuation management routes will also be studied, using the latest information provided by the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council. These studies will determine whether SunWest Harbourtowne will significantly or adversely impact evacuation routes.

In addition to identifying potential impacts to regional and local roads, studies will also check the feasibility of closing Old Dixie Highway north of the proposed Pasco County Park.

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