TAMPA BAY PASSES THE TEST: For Two Consecutive Years, Tampa Bay Meets Targeted Water Quality Standards The EPC began monitoring water quality in Tampa Bay in 1975. Up until the early 1990’s, most segments of the bay were not meeting their water quality targets. The series of figures (Figure 1) illustrates the overall trends in water quality improvements between 1980 and 2007, expressed in terms of attaining water quality targets for chlorophyll-a. Chlorophyll-a is widely used as an indicator of the overall condition of a surface water. As levels of chlorophyll-a decrease, the depth of light penetration increases, resulting in improved environmental conditions and a healthier bay. The trend has been one of overall improvement in water quality for all segments of the bay. In the last two years the bay has consistently met expected targets for chlorophyll-a. Better management of “point source” discharges (primarily from wastewater treatment plants) over the years has made a significant contribution to improved water quality in the bay. The present challenge is to better manage the
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“non-point” source discharges, such as stomwater runoff to the bay, so that water quality improvement for the bay continues.
Water Quality and Minimum Flow in the Lower Hillsborough River The EPC has been monitoring water quality in the Hillsborough River for many years. Our data indicated the segment of the river just downstream of the dam was changing from a primarily freshwater environment to more of a saltwater environment. This change was attributed to decreased freshwater flow over the dam which allowed saltwater from the bay to migrate further upstream and in extreme low flow conditions, saltwater would reach the base of the dam. Among other things, the change in the salinity structure resulted in a “layering” of water masses within the river which in turn, adversely impacted oxygen levels. According to state standards, dissolved oxygen should always be greater than 4 micrograms per liter (mg/l). When dissolved oxygen levels are below 2 mg/l, stress and death of fish and other aquatic animals can occur. In addition to dissolved oxygen, freshwater to sustain the river’s seasonal manatee population was another very important factor in the evaluation of the need for freshwater flows in the lower Hillsborough River. (Figure 2)
in 2006, and results show that the minimum flow of freshwater at the dam actually needs to be 20 cfs. This flow, with some seasonal variations, should better protect the lower Hillsborough River’s ecosystem from significant environmental harm. After discussions on implementation, the revised minimum flow began in January 2008. For our part, the EPC will continue our commitment to monitor water quality in the lower Hillsborough River with hopes that the new minimum flow will bring the anticipated improvements to the river and the bay’s ecosystems for years to come.
Something had to be done to get more regular flows of freshwater at the dam. Fortunately, state law in Florida makes provisions to set what are termed “minimum flows” of freshwater to stream and river systems in order to prevent harm to the environment. For the lower Hillsborough River, establishing a minimum flow of freshwater at the dam was exactly what was needed. (Figure 3) In 1999, the Southwest Florida Water Management District, the Tampa Bay Estuary Program, the EPC, local citizens and elected officials agreed that the best available science supported a minimum flow of 10 cubic feet per second (cfs) of freshwater over the dam. This finding was followed by a six-year study period to evaluate whether 10 cfs was truly adequate to improve water quality in the lower Hillsborough River. The study was completed by SWFWMD
Companies Work to Clear the Air at the Port Hillsborough County is home to the nation’s seventh largest port, and millions of tons of phosphate fertilizers and construction products are shipped through the dozen or so terminals on the bay every year. These products are imported and exported in bulk, and can be dusty if not handled properly. In fact, at one time the dust from these operations caused Tampa to exceed the state’s dust particle standard. More recently, the EPC has been working with the companies which load and unload these materials from ships at the port, and the results are visible. By investing in enclosures, atomized water sprays and modifying their work practices, these bulk material importers/exporters have greatly reduced their emissions to the air. The result is less dust and cleaner air for the Tampa Bay area.
EPC Partners with Organizations to Promote Asthma Education In 2007, the EPC initiated the Tampa Bay Asthma Coalition (TBAC). Funded through a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the coalition is a communitybased, voluntary health collaborative dedicated to improving the quality of life for persons with asthma. In addition to the EPC, coalition members include USF College of Public Health, St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, Hillsborough Community College, Hillsborough County Health Department, American Lung Association, Take Charge Lifestyle Management and Steps to a Healthier Hillsborough. Through education and outreach, TBAC helps to bring effective self-management to those with asthma, including efforts to reduce asthma triggers in the environment, thus reducing the burden of asthma and improving air quality for everyone.
Air Quality Over the past decade, the EPA has tightened standards requiring the air to be cleaner before it can be declared healthy. Therefore, even though the air quality in general is improving, the number of days in the unhealthy ranges remains higher than we would like. (Figure 4) These unhealthy days are mainly due to elevated levels of ozone and fine dust, which occur in the warmer seasons.The good news is that for the vast majority of the year, our citizens enjoy healthy air quality.
It is my pleasure to present the 2007 State of the Environment report, highlighting some of the key environmental issues addressed by the EPC during the past year. As we enter our fourth decade of local resource protection, it is not only a chance to reflect on all of our accomplishments, but also an opportunity to look ahead. Since the 1960’s the EPC has evolved as a trendsetter in local environmental protection and program efficiency. The EPC is a leader in receiving state delegations for permitting and other regulatory activities. Delegation from the state to the local level streamlines environmental regulations, allowing residents and regulated entities to receive more efficient customer service. In addition to our regulatory responsibilities, the EPC takes pride in serving the public in an educational and outreach role, a mediator for neighborhood disputes, and as an advisor to local governments on how to comply with state and federal regulations. The EPC also offers many non-regulatory programs such as the Green Star and Green Yards Program and the Clean Air Partnership to the community, providing environmental stewardship opportunities for local businesses. Over the past year, the EPC has been busy enhancing its wetlands program, by offering a more streamlined approach to the many services the Division provides. The Division has added online application forms, designated an Ombudsman for enhanced community relations and has made rule revisions to help provide clarity as well as streamline the wetlands review process. The EPC continues to look for ways to better serve our community and we welcome your comments and suggestions. Please feel free to contact us at any time. Sincerely,
The Board of the Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County STANDING, LEFT TO RIGHT:
Commissioner Brian Blair, EPC Vice Chair Commissioner Jim Norman Commissioner Rose Ferlita Commissioner Kevin White Commissioner Ken Hagan SEATED, LEFT TO RIGHT:
Commissioner Al Higginbotham, EPC Chair Commissioner Mark Sharpe THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION COMMISSION OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY
Rick Garrity, Ph.D. Executive Director
3629 Queen Palm Drive Tampa, FL 33619 813.627.2600 Please visit us at www.epchc.org
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Air Management The Air Management Division protects the environment and the public’s health and safety by maintaining the health-based National Ambient Air Quality Standards, and by protecting the community from air toxics and noise pollution. In order to keep the public informed of the quality of the air they are breathing, the Division maintains a daily Air Quality Index, which can be reached 24-hours a day, seven days a week, by phone at 813.627.2626 or by visiting our Website at www.epchc.org. In 2007, Hillsborough County had five days when the air quality was determined to be in the unhealthy range for sensitive individuals. There was also one day when the air quality was determined to be very unhealthy due to smoke from the wildfires in southern Georgia and northern Florida. During 2007, the Air Management Division fulfilled its responsibility to protect air quality by conducting over 300 inspections of commercial and industrial sources; monitoring 200 plus asbestos removal projects; responding to approximately 800 citizen complaints on noise, odor and dust; and issuing some 200 permits to control industry emissions.
Environmental Resources Management The Environmental Resources Management Division monitors water and sediment quality in Hillsborough County’s public waterways, including Tampa Bay, major rivers and tributaries. The Division manages the Pollution Recovery Fund (PRF) grants program, the Artificial Reef program, provides GIS and mapping support, conducts environmental impact assessments, works to establish environmental minimum flows and levels, and manages the seagrass and habitat restoration program. Our staff processed more than 100,000 water and benthic quality measurements during 2007, and provided immediate response for investigation and monitoring of several major incidents and spills, including an anhydrous ammonia pipeline breach. The Division also completed the initial local Seagrass Management Action Plan for the Tampa Bay region, the first of its kind. Through the PRF grants program, more than $600,000 was awarded to local groups to fund environmental restoration and cleanup within Hillsborough County.
Waste Management Waste Management Division programs are designed to protect and enhance both groundwater and surface water quality. In 2007, staff performed 5,134 inspections of underground and above ground storage tank systems, solid waste management facilities and businesses which generate small quantities of hazardous waste. All state contracted task assignments were completed, 104 storage tank systems were closed and the cleanup of 55 petroleum contaminated sites was completed. The Pollution Prevention (P2) program conducted five free audits for local businesses, to identify ways to reduce or eliminate pollutants, often resulting in both an environmental and economic benefit. In addition, the P2 program continued to promote “Green Star”, an industry-friendly program for auto repair facilities to achieve, and go beyond, environmental compliance, and three facilities were certified. As of 2007, 11 auto salvage facilities received “Green Yard” certifications. In 2007, 35 administrative enforcement cases were resolved with payments of $36,570 in cost reimbursement to the agency and $90,211 in administrative penalties.
Water Management The Water Management Division protects, restores, and enhances surface and groundwater quality through the implementation of wastewater permitting,
compliance and enforcement programs. In 2007, the Division issued 374 permits, conducted 493 facility inspections, initiated 57 enforcement actions, and responded to over 270 citizen’s complaints. These efforts resulted in a 95 percent compliance rate among permitted wastewater facilities and the elimination of thousands of gallon per day of sewage from entering Tampa Bay. The Division is also responsible for maintaining a certified environmental laboratory that provides analytical support to the Agency’s Divisions. During 2007, the laboratory performed more than 54,000 various air, water and soil analyses. In 2007, the Division’s effort to protect water resources continued with enhanced coordination of septic tank-related complaints with the Health Department, watershed technical assistance for pollution source tracking in support of Basin Management Action Plans, and data entry and tracking of sanitary sewer overflows.
Wetlands Management The Wetlands Management Division is responsible for the protection of wetlands within Hillsborough County. In 2007, the Division completed 438 wetland delineations, reviewed 20 applications for mangrove trimming, and reviewed 1,386 projects associated with development throughout unincorporated Hillsborough County and its municipalities. The Division received 43 applications to impact wetlands, with 22.15 acres of wetland impacts and 125.71 acres of wetland mitigation being authorized by the Executive Director. To ensure compliance with the approved mitigation plans, 507 inspections were conducted, with 94 percent of the mitigation sites being found in compliance. In addition, staff responded to 660 citizen complaints and issued 165 warning notices for alleged violations. In 2007, 81 wetland violation cases were escalated to administrative enforcement and 63 enforcement documents were executed.
Finance & Administration Management To ensure resources are available to support the Agency’s five major programs, Finance and Administration Management provides critical staff support. This includes the preparation and monitoring of the Agency’s budgetary and financial requirements which total approximately $16 million and 176 positions. As illustrated in the EPC Revenue Sources graph (Figure 5), approximately 36 percent comes from grants, contracts and other funds; 47 percent comes from the Hillsborough County’s General Revenue Fund, and 17 percent from fees collected. The Division is responsible for coordinating the purchase of all goods and services, coordination and submission of the Agency’s payroll/timekeeping, processing all travel and coordination of all employment personnel functions of the Agency with the Hillsborough County Civil Service and the Human Resources Department. The Division is also responsible for the management of the vehicle fleet operation and replacement program, operation and maintenance of the Agency’s electronic systems, and provides security identification services.
Direct Inspection Program The Direct Inspection program was conducted to determine whether or not the number of field inspections could be increased by creating a virtual office in staffs’ assigned automobile and by allowing staff to leave directly from home to the field. New technology was incorporated and evaluated for increased accuracy and efficiency. The program was conducted over a four-month period. Two inspectors from the Small Quantity Generator program were chosen to participate. They were required to come to the office at least one day a week. In addition to leaving from home, new wireless technology was incorporated into their daily routine to further increase accuracy and efficiency of work products. The program demonstrated a 43 percent increase in inspections performed.
Emphasis on Customer Service The Wetlands Division staff strives to provide the best possible service to the public. In addition to the appointment of an Ombudsman to serve as a liaison for the public, amendments to the Wetland’s Rule were adopted on August 20, 2007 to codify existing policies and to provide clarity. Applications for Noticed Exemptions and Nuisance Vegetation Removal in Wetlands may be found and submitted electronically by visiting our Website at www.epchc.org.
Bacteria Investigation Leads to Leaking Sewer Pipes The waters of Ben T. Davis Beach located on the Courtney Campbell Causeway have been plagued with chronic high bacteria concentrations for several years, leading to numerous beach closings. This pollution has historically been attributed to stormwater runoff; however, recent advancements in analytical techniques have allowed investigators to delineate human and non-human sources of bacteria. In 2007, through an EPC Pollution Recovery Fund grant, the Hillsborough County Health Department identified human sources of bacteria impacting Ben T. Davis Beach. The EPC was requested to perform an investigation into the potential sources of the human bacteria. EPC staff, with cooperation from the City of Tampa, performed an intensive survey of the area for sources of pollution including sanitary sewer overflows, illicit discharges of sewage, and illegal dumping. EPC staff discovered two points of failure in a city sewage forcemain which allowed sewage to discharge to the bay. The city has subsequently repaired the pipes, eliminating potentially several thousand gallons per day of sewage from entering the bay. Additional sampling has confirmed a significant decrease of bacteria pollution.