Docks, decks along canals may be demolished

The East County Water Control District's (ECWCD) board of commissioners is expected to update a policy concerning unlawful construction of docks and other structures along the right-of- ways of Lehigh Acres canals and lakes.

David Lindsay, ECWCD manager, suggested that members of the public could also be named to a board to come up with what he called "remedies" to what is becoming a serious problem for the District.

And policies that dictate the removal of piers and decks through demolition are likely to cause some to object and others to cause problems that could endanger workers who will have to demolish structures on ECWCD's property along the canals and lakes, Lindsay said.

ECWCD staffers believe tempers may flare up when the public is told to tear down docks and decks built illegally on canals and lakes in Lehigh, Lindsay said.

The water control district, which has nothing to do with providing drinking water which is the responsibility of the utility, FGUA, is responsible for the stormwater drainage of Lehigh and to operate water control structures to prevent flooding during heavy rains and tropical storms and hurricanes through maintenance of the many canals.

Lindsay told board members last week that there are 45 docks, in all types of conditions , which have been built on the District's right-of-ways. On Able Canal, he said five docks and/or structures have been built. And on Lake Camille, there are 10 such docks and structures. He said there are structures that have been built by people who live on the canals at 35 other locations. A slide show was shown to the board and members of the public of some of the structures.

Structures, such as decks, observation decks and other types of structures have been built on a dozen canals in Lehigh.

Lindsay said the District has "issues with numerous docks and decks within our boundaries."

Even though property owners along canals and lakes can apply for a permit, for a majority of the structures, there have been no permits drawn and Lindsay offered that is time to evaluate its position on existing policies.

"Some people seem to think that if they are on a canal or lake, that they build on another's property," Lindsay said.

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Docks, decks along canals may be demolished