EWRI-ASCE Luncheon Jan 23, 2019
An overview of Palm Beach County’s Environmental Resources Management (ERM) Department with a focus on the update to the Lake Worth Lagoon Management Plan
The presentation will provide an overview of Palm Beach County’s Environmental Resources Management (ERM) Department, with detail on the ways that ERM achieves its mission to manage conservation lands, protect water quality in surface and groundwater, nourish beaches, create reef habitat, control mosquitoes, and create a resilient landscape within the County.
The County has overseen restoration projects in the Lake Worth Lagoon (LWL) since the early 1990’s, including both large scale island restoration and smaller scale shoreline enhancement projects. The presentation will include the history of ERM’s efforts, examples of successful projects, and a vision for the future. There will be a focus on ERM’s current effort to update the Lake Worth Lagoon Management Plan, including a first attempt in taking a watershed approach.
Deborah L. Drum, Director, Palm Beach County Environmental Resources Management (ERM)
Presentation to the Environment and Water Resources Institute (American Society of Civil Engineers)
As Director of Palm Beach County’s Department of Environmental Resources Management (ERM), Deborah Drum heads a team of scientists, engineers, project managers, and other environmental professionals focused on protecting, preserving and restoring Palm Beach County’s natural land and water resources. Ms. Drum has a long and distinguished career in public service experience working on south Florida environmental issues, including currently occupying a “local government” seat on the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Working Group. Most recently, she served as the Ecosystem Manager for Martin County, where she was on the frontline responding to the region’s extensive and impactful cyanobacteria blooms. Prior to that, Deborah worked in a variety of management and staff positions at the South Florida Water Management District on efforts to restore coastal and freshwater ecosystems from the Kissimmee River valley to the Florida Keys. Ms. Drum has a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Miami, and a Master’s degree from the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science in Marine Science Affairs.
SFWMD Building B-2 EMD Room
3301 Gun Club Rd
B-2 Building
West Palm Beach, FL 33406