Page 1 - PGA Community News - August '22

VOL. 32 NO. 8 FAX 561-624-9088 • E-MAIL canpga@yahoo.com AUGUST 2022

Northern Notes

Algae In The Waterways Algal blooms are natural occurrences, and may

And How You Can Minimize occur with regularity (e.g., every summer), depending
on weather and water conditions. The likelihood of a
Its Growth bloom depends on local conditions and characteristics
of the particular body of water. Blooms generally occur
By Katie Roundtree, where there are high levels of nutrients present, together
Director of Finance and with the occurrence of warm, sunny, calm conditions.
Administration, Northern However, human activity often can trigger or accelerate
Palm Beach County algal blooms. Natural sources of nutrients such as
Improvement District phosphorus or nitrogen compounds can be supplemented
The term “algae” is by a variety of human activities. For example, in rural
generally used to refer to a areas, agricultural runoff from fields can wash fertilizers
wide variety of different and into the water. In urban areas, nutrient sources can cause
dissimilar photosynthetic stormwater runoff that carries pollutants such as lawn
organisms, generally fertilizers.
microscopic. Depending Algae growth depends on weather patterns, temperature,
on the species, algae can the phytoplankton are the base of the aquatic food chain. and nutrients in the water. While blooms happen naturally,
inhabit fresh or salt water. In modern taxonomic systems, Small fresh-water crustaceans and other small animals an imbalance of phosphorus and nitrogen, in particular, can
algae are usually assigned to one of six divisions. The consume the phytoplankton and in turn are consumed by accelerate an algal bloom’s growth significantly. Pollutants
misnamed blue-green algae are often grouped with algae larger animals. from construction runoff, fertilized yards and golf courses,
because of the chloroplasts contained within the cells. Under certain conditions, several species of true road wash, stormwater runoff, pet waste, and decomposing
However, these organisms are actually photosynthetic algae as well as the cyanobacteria are capable of causing leaves, grass clippings, and other organic materials also
bacteria assigned to the group cyanobacteria. various nuisance effects in fresh water, such as excessive contribute to nutrient imbalances in the water.
Fresh-water algae, also called phytoplankton, vary in accumulations of foams, scums, and discoloration of the
shape and color, and are found in a large range of habitats, water. When the numbers of algae in a lake or a river increase Northern Notes on page 2
such as ponds, lakes, reservoirs, and streams. They are a explosively, an algal “bloom” is the result. Lakes, ponds, and
natural and essential part of the ecosystem. In these habitats, slow-moving canals are most susceptible to blooms.
Commissioner’s Update

State Sets New Building phase is a cursory visual examination by a licensed architect the League of Cities on a countywide ordinance that will
Palm Beach County building officials are working with
Milestone inspections consist of two phases. The first
Safety Standards or engineer. If the visual examination finds evidence of include the new Florida Building Code provisions along
“substantial structural deterioration,” which is defined with timelines and penalties regarding compliance. The
By Commissioner as structural distress that negatively affects a building’s ordinance will set the schedule for commencement of
Maria Marino general structural condition and integrity, then a more repairs to occur within 365 days of receipt of a report of
During this year’s Florida extensive second phase inspection is required. The second substantial structural deterioration.
Legislative Special Session, phase may include destructive investigation. Substantial The Florida Building Commission will work with the
important new building structural deterioration does not necessarily include surface State Fire Marshal and report back with comprehensive
construction standards imperfections, cracks, distortion, sagging, deflections, structural and life safety standards for all buildings and
became state law. This has misalignment, signs of leakage, or peeling of finishes unless structures statewide that are three stories or more in height
been a priority for state and the inspecting engineer or architect determines it is a sign by Dec. 31, 2023.
local governments in the of a more significant problem. These are critical considerations in protecting public
wake of the tragic Surfside, The county or the local government having jurisdiction safety and our quality of life, as well as our property
Fla., condominium building will notify building associations in writing of the inspection values. I am encouraged by the passage of this law by
collapse one year ago. requirements, and the associations must distribute the the Legislature and I look forward to finalizing the local
Florida Statutes 553.899 now requires milestone results of the inspections to each owner. Associations are ordinance to implement the new standards.
inspections after 30 years for every structure three stories required to identify all structures on their property that are As always, if I can assist you, please contact me at
or more, and for buildings within three miles of a coastline, three stories or higher in a report to the State Division of (561) 355-2201 or by email at mmarino@pbcgov.org.
at 25 years, then every 10 years thereafter. If a building Corporations. Additionally, the law mandates associations
has a certificate of occupancy issued on or before July 1, to complete a structural integrity reserve study by Dec. 31,
1992, the initial milestone inspection must occur before 2024, and every 10 years thereafter. It's Back To
Dec. 31, 2024. The structural integrity reserve study must include a review
of the structural integrity and School Time!
safety of the building related Drivers be aware
to the roof, primary structural
members, floor, foundation, of students
fire protection, plumbing, and school zones.
electrical, waterproofing,
and windows. The new Students always
law prohibits any waiver cross at the
or reduction of reserves for
required building elements crosswalks.
in the study.