Educate Yourself

Functioning Septic Systems release nitrates, chlorides and phosphorous, many other chemicals and prescription drugs into the ground and groundwater. Non-Functioning Septic Systems also release pathogens (bacteria). If you can convert, you should!

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Links with additional information:

• PBS News Hour: 'How Septic Tanks May Imperil this Florida ecosystem."

• Do you live in Vero Beach? Learn more about the STEP System here.

Stormwater runoff includes soil sediments, heavy metals, petroleum products, bacteria and chemicals from pesticides and fertilizers (nitrates and phosphorous).  These pollute our rivers and streams as well as the groundwater upon which we rely.

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Links with additional information:

• Practical Engineering: "Where Does Stormwater Go?"

• Learn more at the County's Stormwater page here.

• Read a scientific paper on how runoff can threaten our environment. Click here!

Over 60% of our water goes toward our lawns. Green grass looks nice but the cost for our local environment in Florida is high. Native Plants evolved needing less water and can help with removing nutrients from the water. Native trees and plants also benefit local birds and pollinators!

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Links with additional information:

• Wild Floridan: "Florida Native Plants"

• Check out an example Garden IRNA helped sponsor at the County Administration Complex here.

• Learn more about this at Pelican Island Audubon's site coming soon.

Indian River County has a history of Land Conservation. The First National Wildlife Refuge was established here in 1903. In 2022 votes supported a $50m bond to acquire conservation lands in our county by 78.2% of the vote. Conservation and development do not need to be enemies, but they must work together to achieve well-managed growth.

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Links with additional information:

• Learn more about the Pelican Island Wildlife Refuge here.

• "Florida's Land Conservation Programs"

• National Geographic, "Saving the Florida Wildlife Corridor"

• What is Low Impact Development?

We support green infrastructure -- a network of green spaces and natural systems that provides multiple benefits, including water management, air quality improvement, and wildlife habitat. It is designed to work with and support the built environment, providing a sustainable approach to land use and development. Examples of green infrastructure include urban forests, green roofs, rain gardens, and permeable pavements. We also are proponents of Low Impact Development.

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Links with additional information:

• TEDxTalk: 'Green Infrastructure for Runoff | Elizabeth Fassman-Beck, Ph.D.'

• Create a Clean Water Future: 'Low Impact Development (LID) Stormwater doesn't have to be a Headache'

Developers of new properties are often charged impact fees by municipalities to cover the cost of infrastructure improvements needed due to the new development. These fees help offset the strain new residents put on a city or county's services such as schools, police, water and sewerage, fire protection and more. Impact fees can also be charged when someone causes an issue in the community, and are a one-time charge for the creation of new infrastructure

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Links with additional information:

•  What is an Impact Fee? Dollars and Sense