SANDRA WALTERS
Principal
Academic Background
Masters Degree in Marine Studies, University of Miami, Florida, 1983
Bachelor of Science in Animal Behavior and Marine Biology, University of California, Davis, CA, 1974
Specialized Professional Competence
Ms. Walters has more than 25 years of professional experience in Florida. She is qualified as an Expert Witness in Florida administrative hearings and court proceedings; has conducted and supervised environmental studies, and developed avoidance and mitigation plans, in all South Florida submerged and upland habitats; has successfully permitted projects ranging from single family homes to developments of regional impact, working with all regulatory agencies; has extensive experience in design and implementation of public participation programs and review and development of comprehensive plans; and has represented clients successfully with many agencies and government boards. She presently serves as a Governor’s appointee on the South Florida Regional Planning Council; served for four years as a Governor’s appointee on Florida’s Acquisition and Restoration Council, which supervises purchase and management of State conservation lands; and she serves on EPA’s Water Quality Steering Committee for the Florida Keys.
Representative Professional Experience
Principal, Sandra Walters Consultants, Inc., 1996-present
Key West and Miami, FL
Provide consulting services to both public and private sector clients in areas of environmental and land use planning and permitting, including habitat evaluation, mitigation and contamination assessment and remediation; public involvement and outreach; and community and government liaison.
Environmental Studies • Permitting • Mitigation • Monitoring services
City of Key West Stormwater System
Consultant in charge of bringing City into compliance with environmental resource permitting requirements for already-completed and future maintenance work of stormwater system, including developing impact assessment and mitigation plan that incorporates 5.6 acres of wetland restoration and enhancement at former Hawk Missile site in eastern Salt Ponds and creation of connection between Riviera Canal and western Salt Ponds to enhance 131 acres of wetlands and cause significant water-quality improvements.
Mallory Dock Maintenance Dredge, City of Key West
Principal in charge for acquisition of all permit modifications to add Mallory Dock to scope of Navy Key West Harbor dredging project, including collection of all data on submerged habitats required by agencies, coordination with dredging company and environmental monitoring contractor, acquisition of EPA approval for use of offshore disposal site, provision of Quality Assurance services onboard the dredging vessel, and preparation of all final reports to Navy and permitting agencies. Representing City in Navy agency partnership process for harbor dredge and other environmental issues.
Environmental Impact Study, Ft. Lauderdale Airport Runway Extension
Principal in charge of fulfillment of all NEPA requirements including endangered species impact assessment and wetland delineation, coordination with environmental regulatory agencies, and preparation of environmental permit applications.
Port Everglades Master Plan Update, Broward County
Principal in charge of all natural systems data collection and analysis and permitting assessments for five-year master plan update.
Jewfish Creek Bridge/US Highway 1 Project, Northern Florida Keys
Member of design-build team in charge of environmental compliance for final design and construction of 65-foot-high bridge over Jewfish Creek and new roadway from North Key Largo to just south of Dade County line, including training of onsite personnel regarding avoidance of listed species; coordination with agencies for permit modifications; assessment of preconstruction environmental conditions; and continuous work with project engineer and contractor to assure all environmental permit conditions are met during four-year project.
General Environmental Consultant for Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail
In contract with Florida Department of Environmental Protection, provide environmental planning services for entire 130-mile linear park throughout Florida Keys, including NEPA review and documentation for permitting of particular segments and bridge crossings.
Residential Redevelopment Project in Marathon, Florida Keys
Serving as project manager for all aspects of environmental planning and environmental resource permitting for 92-unit redevelopment project in Marathon called Marlin Bay Yacht Club, including supervision of all field data collection and preparation of benthic assessments and avoidance and minimization plans, supervision of ERP application preparation and submittal and all responses to requests for additional information, work with Florida Department of Environmental Protection to acquire net positive public benefit exception to State submerged land lease riparian restriction, and presentations to Governor and Cabinet regarding lease rule provisions and final lease adoption.
Submerged Habitat Study and Sediment Analysis, Key West Harbor and Vicinity
Work with scientists from Florida International University to conduct survey of submerged habitats in and around Key West Harbor. Divers collected field data from 50, randomly selected sites. This data was then collated into maps showing general distribution of habitats in area, and underwater photographs were organized and printed. Data was compared with that collected at other sites throughout Florida Keys, to assess habitat quality in relation to shipping activities in Harbor. Supervise collection of sediment samples in and near harbor following approved DEP protocol, transmit to State certified laboratory for testing for petroleum contamination and RCRA metals, prepare report summarizing findings.
City of Key West Navy Base Reuse Plan
Member of team that evaluated surplus Navy properties in Key West, and developed plan for reuse which addresses local needs and concerns. Primary role—planning and environmental assessments, including SCUBA examination of Mole Pier at Truman Waterfront.
Key West Mooring Field Seagrass Monitoring Project
Conducting seagrass monitoring project at Key West Mooring Field that investigates potential shading impacts from boats, including project design, photographic documentation of stations over time, collection of seagrass density and shoot count data, and report preparation.
S. Roosevelt Seawall Repair Seagrass Monitoring, Key West
Supervised assessment and documentation of seagrasses in vicinity of seawall undergoing repairs, including field data collection and photography, update of CAD files delineating seagrass line, measurement of seagrass impacts in project area for mitigation purposes, and report preparation.
Smathers Beach Seagrass Mitigation Monitoring, Key West
Member of team conducting field monitoring of seagrass mitigation project conducted by City of Key West. Roles include field personnel establishing monitoring sites, collecting required data, assisting with preparation of monitoring reports, and providing local liaison with City and base of operation for work.
Districtwide Environmental Compliance Services, Florida Keys
Serving as south Monroe County project coordinator for FDOT, District 6. Conducted turbidity, wetland and seagrass monitoring at Harris Gap Bridge, Sugarloaf Key, in conformance with emergency permits.
Miscellaneous Environmental Services
Member of team contracted to provide miscellaneous environmental services in Dade and Monroe counties for FDOT, District 6. Primary roles—environmental and public facilities planning, and public information. Served on value engineering team for Biscayne Blvd. from 39th to 123rd streets, Miami.
Cudjoe Key Quarry, Florida Keys
Planning and permitting for continuation of existing rockmining operation. Develop wetland and endangered species habitat mitigation plan which has received endorsement of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission staff; prepare and process Florida Department of Environmental Protection and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit applications; process County vested rights application; successfully negotiate development agreement with Monroe County and Florida Department of Community Affairs (DCA). For new owner, prepare and successfully process permit modifications for change of land use to communications facility, successfully negotiate new development agreement with DCA, prepare and process Monroe County permit application, prepare testimony and appear as witness in local court hearing regarding County moratorium on communication facilities.
Key West Citizen Property Expansion Project
Responsible for all aspects of South Florida Water Management District environmental resource permitting, impact minimization and wetland mitigation. Duties include wetland delineation, preparation and processing of ERP application, and mitigation design and implementation.
Grassy Key Beach Cleanup, Florida Keys
Provide onsite ecological oversight of beach cleanup operation conducted by contractor for Florida Department of Transportation, assuring heavy equipment did not harm biological resources and
removed only storm-deposited dead seagrass and sediments as specified by Florida Department of Environmental Protection and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Electric Transmission Line Environmental Compliance Monitoring, Florida Keys
Conducting environmental compliance monitoring of installation of new electric tie-line poles between Big Coppitt Key and Key Haven in wetland and submerged habitats, including confirmation of pre-construction conditions, onsite inspections to assure impacts do not exceed limits established in environmental permits, and longterm monitoring to document post-construction recovery.
Whispering Pines Canal, Big Pine Key
Examination of physical and biological parameters in a canal system on Big Pine Key in regard to a pending permit for installation of air curtain weed gate at the entrance, which included investigation of similar air curtains at canals elsewhere on Big Pine and Cudjoe keys, and preparation of expert testimony for State administrative hearing.
Key West Transfer Station & Hauling Services, Inc.
Prepare and process application to Florida Department of Environmental Protection for renewal of solid waste transfer station permit that provides for substantial expansion and updating of facility, including supervising CADD drawings, engineering of site and preparation of environmental resource permit application for stormwater system, coordination with agency staff to assure application meets standards, and responses to information sufficiency reviews. Participate as expert for client by deposition in lawsuit by competing business.
land use PLANNING AND PERMITTING • Public Involvement services
State Aquatic Preserve Management Plans, Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Providing advisory oversight, quality assurance and technical editing services to develop a Statewide management plan and corresponding site-specific plans for 41 State aquatic preserves.
Stock Island-Key Haven US 1 Corridor Study, Florida Keys
Provided public involvement outreach and meeting coordination services for study to identify improvements to US 1 corridor segment; resulted in significant participation by user groups and relevant and effective planning charrette.
Rezoning and Development Agreement for 92-unit Project, City of Marathon, Florida Keys
Presently serving as principal planning consultant and agent for 92-unit redevelopment project, including recent acquisition of property rezoning and executed development agreement from Marathon City Council. Work involves representation with planning staff, Council members and Florida Department of Community Affairs representatives; and work with Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Governor and Cabinet regarding submerged land lease for 115-slip private marina.
Lower Sugarloaf Key Mixed Use Development, Lower Florida Keys
Served as planning consultant and agent, developed and processed major conditional use application for mixed use office, workforce housing and market-rate housing project; received 8/0 positive vote from Monroe County Development Review Committee and 5/0 positive vote from Monroe County Planning Commission.
Hawk’s Cay Expansion Development of Regional Impact, Florida Keys
Prepare and successfully process Application for Development Approval for the Hawk’s Cay Expansion Development of Regional Impact to the South Florida Regional Planning Council. Evaluation included environmental, public facilities, socio-economic, and traffic impacts. Provide continued planning consultation, including 1996 approval of major site plan revision and 7 year extension, approvals of three DRI revisions, and annual reports.
Expert Witness Testimony for Monroe County
Conduct thorough review of land use, environmental and permitting issues for property in North Key Largo, prepare expert witness report, provide deposition in circuit court proceeding.
Matecumbe Key PD&E Study, Islamorada, Village of Islands
Member of team conducting FDOT study of roadway improvements, including turn lanes, in five-mile corridor in Islamorada, Village of Islands, Monroe County. Responsible for all public involvement and land use planning elements of study, including coordination with Village staff and elected officials.
Sombrero Beach Road PD&E Study, City of Marathon
Member of team conducting FDOT study of roadway improvements, on major roadway in Marathon, Monroe County. Responsible for all public involvement elements of study.
Big Coppitt Key PD&E Study, Lower Florida Keys
Member of team to conduct FDOT study of turn-lane and other improvements on US Highway 1 through Big Coppitt Key, and to evaluate extension of the Florida Keys Heritage Trail between Stock Island and Big Coppitt. Responsible for all public involvement elements of study.
Florida Aquatic Preserve Management Plans
SWC is serving as principle writer in development of Statewide management plan for 41 aquatic preserves, and development of plans for each individual preserve.
City of Key West Bahama Village Redevelopment Plan Update
Member of team that updated community redevelopment plan. Primary roles—environmental and public facilities planning; and public involvement, including preparation and distribution of project
newsletters and news releases, and development and implementation of proactive community involvement process.
City of Key West Economic Development Conveyance Application
Member of team that developed EDC application for surplus Navy properties. Primary roles—planning and implementing meetings with local officials and interest groups, coordination of public workshops and presentations, and public facilities and environmental data collection and analysis.
St. Francis Episcopal Church Parish Hall, Big Pine Key
Prepare and process application for amendment to major conditional use to add parish hall to church in Key Deer habitat, including supervision of traffic study, project design to avoid impacts to pineland habitat, and coordination with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service resulting in finding of no impact to endangered species, received 5/0 positive vote from Monroe County Planning Commission.
contamination services
Monroe County Airport Department
Retained to advise director regarding contamination issues involving spill at Key West Airport fuel farm, and to process permit applications with South Florida Water Management District.
City of Key West Engineering Services
Provide ongoing groundwater testing, analysis and reporting services for former underground fuel storage tank site at Key West City Hall; prepare and process application for No Further Action with conditions.
Robbie’s Safe Harbor Marine Enterprises, Inc., Florida Keys
Develop agreements with Florida Department of Environmental Protection for solid waste cleanup and above-ground fuel storage tank removal, including field testing, preparation and submittal of tank closure assessment report (TCAR). Prepare and process solid waste transfer station general permit, including representation as expert witness at State administrative hearing decided in client’s favor.
Phase I and II Environmental Audits, Florida Keys
Conduct environmental audits for commercial real estate transactions. Recent audits include: Oceanside Marina, Stock Island, FL, client: Oceanside Marina; Vacant parcel on US Highway 1, Marathon, FL, client McFadden family; Dog Track property, Stock Island, FL, client: Historic Tours of America; U.S Postal Service property, corner of Eaton and Whitehead streets, Key West, FL, client: U.S. Postal Service; Flight Department/Jet Center property (private aviation facility at Marathon Airport), Marathon, FL, client: Monroe County Attorney’s Office; A&B Lobsterhouse property (res-taurant, commercial marina, fueling facility, parking lot), Key West, FL, client: David Paul Horan, Attorney at Law, lender: TIB Bank of the Keys, Inc.; Authors of Key West, Alexander Palms Court, and Curry House properties (guesthouse/commercial), Key West, FL, lender: Emergent Business Capital, Inc. for SBA loans.
Vice President & Manager of Environmental and Permitting Division, 1994-1996
H.J. Ross Associates, Inc., Coral Gables, FL
Create new division of company, manage personnel and project budgets, develop project proposals.
US Highway 1 South Project, from Key Largo to Florida City
Consultant Project Manager—assist Florida Department of Transportation, District 6, in permitting for expansion of US 1, including construction of new bridge with 65 foot water clearance at Jewfish Creek. Permits were required from U.S. Coast Guard, South Florida Water Management District, and ACOE, and coordination with Dade County Department of Environmental Resources Management. Work included preparation of permit applications; creating CADD generated permit sketches; responding to information sufficiency reviews (including extensive evaluation of potential secondary impacts of project on community and environment); supervising field investigations for construction projects and associated mitigation (including mangrove, seagrass, and freshwater emergent habitats); public information; and coordinating with many commenting agencies.
Development of Regional Impact Application and Environmental Impact Statement for New Runway at Miami International Airport
HJR project manager for preparation of sections of documents, and overall quality control and editing.
Publisher and Media Consultant, 1986-1994
Little Torch Key, FL
Co-found, and serve as co-publisher and managing editor for seven years of Island Navigator newspaper, a feature monthly publication distributed throughout the Florida Keys. Also work with all kinds of print and broadcast media in production and scheduling of public information and advertising campaigns.
Environmental Planning Consultant, 1984-1996
Little Torch Key, FL
Site evaluation and project design for many commercial and residential parcels of property in the Florida Keys, including acquisition of permits from local, state, and federal agencies; policy analysis and legislative support; expert testimony at Florida administrative hearings; and public information programs.
Prepare and successfully submit Application for Development Approval for Hawk’s Cay Expansion Development of Regional Impact (at Mile Marker 61 in Florida Keys) to the South Florida Regional Planning Council. Evaluation included environmental, public facilities, socio-economic, and traffic impacts. Also annual reports and continuing planning work.
Provide expert witness testimony in administrative hearing regarding appeal by FL Dept. of Com-munity Affairs of Monroe County development order for beachfront property on Lower Sugarloaf Key.
Provide expert witness testimony in administrative hearing regarding environmental permitting for marina project on Little Torch Key.
Successful application for State purchase of Big Pine Key property under Conservation and Recreation Lands program.
Appointment by Mayor of Monroe County to Blue-Ribbon Committee to review land use plan; served as advisor to Monroe County Commission; and conducted South Florida Regional Planning Council review of draft plan.
Extensive research and detailed report regarding impacts of inclusion of Florida Keys in federal Undeveloped Coastal Barrier Program.
Research and design public information document on Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority water distribution system.
Environmental Programs Manager, 1980-1984
South Florida Regional Planning Council, Hollywood, FL
Review comprehensive plans of counties and municipalities in South Florida, evaluate in relation to State and regional policy guidelines, and write evaluations including recommendations for improvements. Participate in and manage reviews of Developments of Regional Impact, with emphasis in areas of environmental and public facilities impacts. Environmental programs manager responsible for analyzing and critiquing environmental aspects of development in region, including U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Florida Department of Environmental Regulation dredge and fill permit applications; prepare and present reports to Council concerning development warranting regional attention.
Development of Regional Impact Review
Broward County—Ball Point, Design Center of the Americas, FEC Industrial Park, Harrison Park, Houston Park Marina, Pompano Industrial Park, Weston Phase II; Dade County—Airport Corporate Center, American Bankers Industrial Group, Homestead Bayfront Park & Marina, Chapman Field Park & Marina, Brickell Bay Office Tower, Terremark Centre, 1111 Brickell, SE 8th Street & Brickell Avenue, Watson Island; Monroe County—Port Bougainville/Garden Cove.
Court Testimony
Gave deposition as witness for Dade County, FL in District court case involving beach restoration project on Key Biscayne.
Project Manager: South Florida Oil Spill Priority Protection Response Strategy
Prepare detailed work program and budget. Supervise consultant in conducting extensive detailed study and mapping of South Florida coastal marine resources in relation to sensitivity to spilled oil. Supervise consultant in writing, editing, graphics, and printing of Environmental Sensitivity Index maps and report titled The Sensitivity of Coastal Environments and Wildlife to Spilled Oil in South Florida. Atlas and report won first prize from Florida branch of American Planning Association, 1981. Coordinate interest groups and agencies for implementation of strategy, including:
• inventory of cleanup equipment and contact personnel in region
• determination of appropriate spill responses and communication channels
• preparation of regional oil spill response handbook
• distribution of all project products and provision of public information concerning project, including presentations at local, state, and national meetings
Project Manager: Regional Hazardous Waste Program required by State of Florida Water Quality Assurance Act
Coordinate Broward, Dade, and Monroe counties and Florida Department of Environmental Regulation in South Florida program implementation. Develop and distribute consultant request for proposals. Write and execute contracts between Council and State, counties, and consultant for administration of $490,000 in State funds for program tasks. Coordinate public information. Review progress reports, assure contract compliance, authorize funds disbursement.
South Florida Hurricane Evacuation Program
(Broward, Dade, and Monroe counties)
Project Manager: Coordinated U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, technical consultant and local agency task force in plan preparation; developed and implemented public information program.
Sea Awareness Environmental Education Programs, 1976-1981
Miami and Summerland Key, FL
Develop, market, and run natural history tours for general public to variety of destinations in South Florida and Caribbean.
Adult Education Instructor, 1977-1980
Coral Gables High School & Key Biscayne Community School, Miami, FL
Design, promote, and teach full-semester courses in coastal natural systems of South Florida to adults of all ages and backgrounds.
Research Assistant, 1976-1980
Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, FL
South Florida marine mammal salvage program, conduct behavioral study of West Indian manatee to stop deaths in flood control structures, take field data and conducted necropsies, analyze data for comparative studies.
Analysis of infauna at potential sewage outfall site in South Florida.
Analysis of sediment plume duration and path during dredging in Biscayne Bay.
Analysis of fish populations on South Atlantic continental shelf for OCS oil and gas lease environmental impact statement.
Marine Biologist, Oceanic Society Charters, Belize, Central America, 1975-1976
Provide educational and research programs in tropical marine ecosystems for sailing/diving charter groups.
Research Assistant, University of California at Davis and Santa Cruz, 1974
Conduct field study of sea lion behavior, population dynamics, general ecology.
Study detailed taxonomy of aphids in relation to agricultural research.
Professional Registrations/Affiliations/Certifications
Appointed in January 2005 and reappointed for four-year term in November 2006 by Governor Bush to the South Florida Regional Planning Council, a board that oversees planning and regional issues for Broward, Dade and Monroe counties
Member, EPA Water Quality Steering Committee for Florida Keys
Appointed in May 2000 by Governor Bush to four-year term on Florida’s Acquisition and Restoration Council, which oversees purchase and management of State conservation lands
Chairperson, Key West Utility Board Advisory Committee
Certified Woman-owned Business Enterprise (WBE), Florida Department of Transportation; State of Florida; South Florida Water Management District; Dade, Broward and Lee counties
Former president, Monroe County Federation of Chambers of Commerce; former president, Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce; current member, Lower Keys and Key West chambers
Associate member, Marathon and Lower Keys Association of Realtors
Member, Florida Association of Environmental Professionals and South Florida chapter
Member, National Water Resources Association and Florida chapter
Certified diver, PADI #9501031862, advanced research certification from University of California at Davis and Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami
Publications
Many feature stories in Island Navigator newspaper in January 1987 through March 1994 issues. Topics include land use and growth management issues, hurricane evacuation and preparation, environmental issues, and local news features.
Coordination for Coastal Hazard Response. Proceedings of the Coastal Zone ‘83 conference, June 1983, San Diego, CA. American Society of Civil Engineers: NY.
Developing a Coastal Management Constituency. Proceedings of Coastal Zone ‘83 Conference, June 1983, San Diego, CA. American Society of Civil Engineers: NY.
Adult Education Marine Biology—An Opportunity for Increasing Public Environmental Awareness. Florida Scientist, 43 (Suppl. 1). Abstr. 1980.Barrett, Sandra K. And Sharyn L. Dodrill.
Protection of Coastal Wetlands systems through an Oil Spill Response Strategy for South Florida. Proceedings of Progress in Wetlands Utilization and Management Symposium, June 1981, Orlando, FL.
The Sense of Taste in the West Indian Manatee, Trichechus manatus. Florida Scientist, 43 (Suppl. 1). Abstr. 1980.
Taste Receptors in the West Indian Manatee, Trichechus manatus. Proceedings of Third Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals. October 1979. Seattle, WA.
Manatee (Trichechus manatus) Mortalities in Flood Control Structures in South Florida. Florida Scientist, 42 (Suppl. 1); 26. Abstr. 1979.
(Click for downloadable resume)
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