our next technical meeting: july 28 and 29, 2011 casa marina, … · 2013-08-02 · florida section...
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Florida Section American Water Resource Association Page 1
Our Next Technical Meeting: July 28 and 29, 2011Casa Marina, Key West, Florida
As our membership requests, AWRA Florida Section will host our 40th Annual meeting in Key West, July 28 and 29 at the beautiful Casa Marina in Key West.
Highlights for the 40th Annual Key West Meeting include exciting discussions regarding water quality trading and climate change and its impacts to Florida. Additionally, representatives from Florida Power and Light will provide an update on the exciting developments of the expansion of the Turkey Point nuclear power plant. Also, coastal surge modeling will be discussed and for the 40th Annual Meeting, AWRA-National President, Michael Compana will speak and as always, we will have a chance to visit with AWRA Executive Vice President, Ken Reid.
As in years past, our Wine tasting, snorkel trip and Award Luau will take place and AWRA Florida Section’s Education Committee will once again host the very popular Silent Auction raising funds for the variety of educational scholarship programs aiding the water managers of the future.
One of the best benefits of the AWRA Key West Meeting is the networking and conversa-tion. As AWRA National always tells us, AWRA is about Community, Conversation and Connections and your registration and attendance at the Key West meeting will get you “up-to-speed” on the variety of issues facing the water community in Florida.
As always, AWRA Florida Section thanks our sponsors. Without them, this meeting would not be possible.
We look forward to seeing you and if you have questions about the conference or would like to serve as a sponsor, please contact Ron Edenfield at 239-277-0033 or Garrett Wallace at 561-662-7208 or [email protected].
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Ronald M. Edenfield, P.E.PresidentFort Myers
Annette CarterVice-President
West Palm Beach
Michael DelCharco, P.E.Secretary
Jacksonville
Carol HintonTreasurer
Gainesville
David R. Watt, P.E.Past-President 2010
Palatka
Jay YinglingPast-President 2009
Brooksville
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Kristin K. Bennett, Esq.Stuart
Nicole CaesarTampa
Joanne Chamberlain, P.E.Jacksonville
Mark C. Diblin, P.G.Gainesville
Douglas J. Durbin, Ph.D.Tampa
Ed FinchTampa
John J. Fumero, Esq.West Palm Beach
Gary K. Howalt, P.W.S.Jacksonville
Donald W. McEwenHavana
Paul W. O’Neil, Jr., P.E.Tampa
Krista D. SabinPalm Beach Gardens
Garrett WallaceWest Palm Beach
Shayne Wood, P.E.Jacksonville
Florida Section American Water Resource Association Page 2
This is a LIMITED TIME OFFER. Book your room at the Casa Marina Resort before the close of business June 25 and you will receive a $20 PER NIGHT PER ROOM credit on your final bill. This offer is available only for rooms booked for the nights of July 27, 28, 29 & 30. You do not have to book all four nights to receive the credit. You will receive a credit for however many nights you reserve.
You must book your room by the close of business June 25 to receive this special offer! Contact the Casa Marina today to take advantage of the savings. When you make your reservation, be sure to tell the hotel you are with the American Water Resources Association. Group Name: American Water Resources Association Group Code: ZZAWR Hotel Name: Casa Marina Resort, A Waldorf Astoria Resort Hotel Address: 1500 Reynolds Street, Key West, Florida 33040 Phone Number: 1-888-303-5717 http://www.casamarinaresort.com
Hotel Reservation Deadline – June 25, 2011Registration Deadline – July 19, 2011For registering for Key West online athttp://www.regonline.com/july_2011
Directions from North/Central Florida I-75:Take I-75 South toward Miami Take Exit 5 to merge onto FL-821 South Florida’s Turnpike South toward Key West (Partial toll road)Exit onto NE 1st Ave/FL-5/US-1 toward Key WestContinue to follow FL-5/US-1Turn left at FL-5/North Roosevelt Blvd/US-1Continue to follow North Roosevelt Blvd.Continue on Bertha St/FL-A1A Turn left at Atlantic Blvd/FL-A1AContinue to follow FL-A1A to 1500 Reynolds Street.
Directions from Jacksonville I-95:Take I-95 South, Take exit 129 to merge onto FL-70/Okeechobee Road. Continue straight to stay on FL-70/Okeechobee Road. Turn left at South Kings Highway. Take the ramp to FL-91/Florida’s Turnpike (Toll road). Keep right at the fork to continue toward FL-91/Florida’s Turnpike, Keep left at the fork, follow signs for Florida’s Turnpike and merge onto FL-91/Florida’s Turnpike. Take the exit onto FL-821 S/Florida’s Turnpike South toward Homestead. Exit onto NE 1st Ave/FL-5/US-1 toward Key West, Continue to follow FL-5/US-1. Turn left at FL-5/N Roosevelt Blvd/US-1. Continue to follow North Roosevelt Blvd. Continue on Bertha St/FL-A1A. Turn left at Atlantic Blvd/FL-A1A. Continue to follow FL-A1A to 1500 Reynolds Street.
Reserve your room at the Casa Marina by June 25 and SAVE MONEY!
Florida Section American Water Resource Association Page 3
Items Needed for the Key West Silent AuctionWe are seeking donations for the annual Silent Auction. We will be happy to accept baskets, items and/or financial contributions. All proceeds from the silent auction help fund the Sandy Young Scholarship , the J.B. Butler Science Grant and the William V. Storch Student Award. Help the AWRA Florida Section continue its outstanding record of helping students and advancing water resources education and research.
Contact Rosanne Clementi at [email protected] or call 813-230-8100. Si
lent
Auct
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AWRA Florida Section Meeting, July 28 - 29, 2011SPECIAL EVENTS
Thursday, July 28th
6:00 PM President’s Welcome Reception1
Network with conference presenters and attendees among the swaying palms!
7:30 PM Student Networking Dinner, Sponsored by CDM2 (location TBD): All registered students are invited to join us to watch the famous Key West sunset and learn more about AWRA and how it can benefit their careers.
Both Days Silent Auction Fundraiser (Keys Ballroom): Have fun and place your bid on unique and interesting items!ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE AWRA EDUCATION FUND.
Friday, July 29th
12:45 PM Ecotour3 (Casa Marina Pier): Experience the coral reefs and other sea life in the crystal blue waters of the Caribbean! This sailing and snorkeling adventure includes professional instruction, sanitized snorkel gear, freshwater shower, free beer, wine and soft drinks.
1:00 PM Wine Tasting, Hosted by Sommelier Mr. Edward Finch of Diversified DrillingSponsored by the Balmoral Group (Location: TBD)
5:30 PM Networking Reception2 (Keys Ballroom Patio): Another opportunity to network with conference presenters and attendees among the swaying palms!
6:30 PM Awards Dinner and Ceremony4 (Keys Ballroom): This is the annual meeting for AWRA, Florida Section members. Join us for a great meal as we celebrate the achievements of the previous year, pick the winners from the silent auction, and have lots of fun!
1 Cash bar available.2 Invitation only event.3 Additional charge for this event. See registration form for details.4 One dinner included for each registrant.
Casa Marina Resort & Beach Club
Registration Deadline – July 19, 2011 • Hotel Reservation Deadline June 25, 2011
Casa Marina, Key West – Thursday, July 28th and Friday, July 29th, 2011
Name: First: M.I.: Last: Suffix: (PE, Ph.D., etc.):
Firm/Organization:
Street Address:
City, State, ZIP:
Phone: Fax:
E-Mail:
Item Cost Number Attending
Extended Amount
Board of Directors Meeting (Members Welcome) Dutch Treat
Florida Section Member Registration $140.00 Non-member Registration q Apply this fee to making me a Member or to renew my membership
$160.00
Luau Dinner Guest, age 12 and over / Name: $60.00
Children ages 5 - 12 $25.00
Children under 5 for Luau – free $0 Florida Section Student Registration $25.00 Students (Non-member) q Apply this fee to making me a Member or to renew my membership
$29.00
Snorkel Trip $40.00
Wine Tasting $60.00
Donation to Sanford N. Young Scholarship Fund ---------------- Donation to General Education Fund ---------------- Silent Auction/Momma Mango Donations ---------------- (For Conference Sponsorship Information, contact Garrett Wallace @ 561/682-6215) TOTAL $ PDH Credit for Engineers AWRA is an approved provider by the Florida Board of Professional Engineers (FBPE Provider No.EX0003897) and offers Professional Development Hour (PDH) credit to Florida Licensed Professional Engineers. You will only receive credit if you attend the entire technical session. Please check the box below and include your PE number if you would like to obtain PDH credit.
q I plan to be present for the entire session and would like PDH credit. My PE number is: ________________
Make checks payable to
AWRA Florida Section Please mail to:
Garrett Wallace, SFWMD 3301 Gun Club Rd, W Palm Beach FL 33406
(561) 662-7208 / [email protected]
Sponsorship Opportunities
Don’t miss this great opportunity to highlight your organization and
network with water resource professionals and students. Get your logo on the sponsorship
boards!
Accommodations Casa Marina – Key West Mention AWRA Room Block 1500 Reynolds Street Key West, FL 33040 888-318-4237
JOINING AND RENEWING MEMBERS Please complete this entire form for our membership records and directory. Would you like to receive our newsletter via email? (Preferred) q Yes No q US Mail Are you an AWRA National Member: q Yes q No Would you like information on AWRA National? q Yes q No Are you interested in corporate sponsorship opportunities? q Yes q No Would you like to be part of a bi-monthly meeting team or committee? q Yes q No
Florida Section American Water Resource Association Page 5
Technical Agenda
Bi-Monthly Meeting, AWRA FL Section, July 28-29, 2011 Casa Marina Hotel, Key West, Florida
Thursday, July 28th10:30 a.m. Florida Section Board of Directors Meeting1 (Room TBD): All are welcome to attend
as the board of directors handles the business of the section.
11:30 a.m. Registration Opens (Keys Ballroom Patio)
1:00 p.m. Call to Order and Welcome (Keys Ballroom): Ron Edenfield, President, Florida Section AWRA, Roman Gastesi, County Administrator, Monroe County
1:15 p.m. Michael Compana, AWRA National, President
1:45 p.m. Water Quality Trading: Moderator: Luna Phillips, GunsterSpeakers: Church Roberts, Johnson Engineering; Robert Brown, SFWMD; Todd Garner, World Resources Institute
3:00 p.m. Break.
3:30 p.m. Turkey Point Reactors, 6 and 7 and the water connection, Florida Power & Light, Steven Scroggs, FP&L
5:00 PM Closing Remarks (registration closes)
Friday, July 29th8:00 a.m. Registration Opens (Keys Ballroom Patio)
8:30 a.m. Call to Order (Keys Ballroom): Ron Edenfield, President, Florida Section AWRA
8:45 a.m. Climate Change and FloridaSpeakers: Michael Cullum, P.E., SJRWMD; Douglas Yoder, Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Dept., Lynette Cardoch, MWH Americas, Inc., Ashley Foster Pinnock, NextEra Energy Resources, LLC
10:00 a.m. Coastal Surge Modeling Moderator: Michael DelCharco, Taylor Engineering Speakers TBA
10:30 a.m. Break
10:45 a.m. Infiltrating Wetlands to Improve Aquifer Recharge and Water Quality, Scott Knight, Wetlands Solutions
11:15 a.m. Status update on the state of Water Management Districts in Florida
12:00 Noon Lunch break (on your own)
Florida Section American Water Resource Association Page 6
Meeting Sponsors as of 06/15/11
Special thanks to the Anonymous donor for their contribution.
Contact Garrett Wallace at [email protected] or 561-662-7208 by July 1st if you would like to sponsor the 2011 Key West, AWRA Florida Section Meeting. Get your logo on the sponsorship boards today!
HIGGINS ENGINEERING, INC.
WaterManagementInstitute
Florida Section American Water Resource Association Page 7
Technical Program Summary – Haines City, May 2011Abstracts Provided by PresentersCompiled and Edited by Doug Durbin
Stream Impacts & Mitigation – Regulatory Requirements of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tracy Hurst, US Army Corps of Engineers
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) recognizes the important role of streams in maintaining the health of Nation’s watersheds. The Corps’ regulations require a sequential approach of avoiding, minimizing, and mitigating project impacts on aquatic resources, including streams. Appropriate avoidance and minimization of stream impacts is vital to successful project development, as the Corps cannot permit a proposed project if there is a practicable alternative which would have less adverse impact on the aquatic ecosystem. Historically, stream impacts have largely been compensated for with wetland mitigation. In 2002, with the National Wetlands Mitigation Action Plan and associated guidance, the Corps began efforts to ensure appropriate and consistent mitigation for impacts to streams under the Section 404 program. In 2008, the Final Rule on Compensatory Mitigation for Losses of Aquatic Resources further clarified stream mitigation standards. The Final Rule requires stream mitigation for impacts to streams unless there are case-specific watershed considerations that warrant out-of-kind mitigation. In Florida, the Corps currently faces the challenge of requiring appropriate stream mitigation in the absence of a widely-accepted functional assessment method for streams and limited regional curve development.
Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for Mercury in FL Streams, Ted Lange, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Since the mid-1970’s researchers have sought to empirically link mercury (Hg) in fish to lake and stream physical and chemical parameters. One difficulty with this approach is that natural surface waters tend to be skewed in their distribution of chemical parameters (in particular, pH), which, in turn, can unduly influence the resultant statistics. In order to develop a statewide, scientifically defensible Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for Hg in fresh water streams and lakes, we developed a probabilistically based sampling program to model the relationships between Hg deposition and bio-magnification in largemouth bass as a function of stream water quality. Under the auspices of the Clean Water Act (CWA), the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FLDEP) has the responsibility to develop TMDLs for Hg in impaired waters in Florida. This empirical approach described here was chosen because it is not practical to sample all the water bodies throughout the state to measure impairment in fish and because Hg is atmospherically derived and therefore not constrained to individual watersheds, We used the FLDEP Status Monitoring Network (SMN) for Florida streams, which is based on probabilistic sampling across regional water quality variables, to develop a randomized sampling design. The goal was to develop distribution characteristics of fish mercury and a full range of water quality variables believed to have the greatest influence on bioaccumulation of Hg in fish. This approach will allow application of the resultant empirical model to the entire SMN stream data set. Preliminary modeling of data for streams indicated that the variables with the strongest correlations to largemouth bass (LMB) Hg were pH, NO3, color, and SO4. From the SMN stream data, a matrix was developed across a multidimensional continuum of these variables (with the exception of SO4, which was limited) set at equidistant ranges (e.g. think of a Rubik’s cube with each block representing a range of pH, NO3 and color). With 5 concentration ranges for each of three variables, we randomly selected streams for sampling from within each “cell”. Because of mutually exclusive combinations of pH, NO3 and color, the 1,475 stream sites represented only 88 cells; therefore, an additional 40 sites were randomly selected to bring the total to 128 sample sites. Between 9/2008 and 9/2010, we sampled 130 SMN
Ted Lange, FFWCC
Tracy Hurst, US Army Corps of Engineers
Florida Section American Water Resource Association Page 8
stream sites. Each site was sampled once and at each site we collected a water quality sample and up to 12 harvestable size LMB . Because LMB were not encountered in all streams, spotted sunfish (Lepomis punctatus; SPSU) were co-sampled from 88 sites while only SPSU were collected from 9 sites. Preliminary modeling supports using SPSU Hg to predict LMB Hg at those sites. Water quality parameters were selected based on their perceived importance in influencing Hg bioaccumulation in fish and included measures of trophic state (nutrients, chlorophyll), mineralization (minerals, sp. conductance, solids), ionic strength (pH, alkalinity), and mercury methylation/transport (color, DOC, SO4). In-situ water quality measures were also taken. We report on the results of the stream selection process as well as preliminary data on the fish mercury, water quality, and modeling of relationships.
Florida streams slide show presentation, John Kiefer, Ph.D., AMEC-BCI
Dr. Kiefer discussed the physical nature of streams in the Florida peninsula. His recent work has culminated in the development of a stream classification system for Florida streams based upon a variety of criteria, including topography, geology, watershed metrics and vegetation. Increasing interest in stream restoration and mitigation provides clear opportunity for implementing classification systems and emerging fluvial geomorphological technology to restore or create functional stream systems. Dr Kiefer walked the audience through a series of photos depicting the nature and diversity of stream types in Florida.
Emerging Issues Facing Urban Streams, Kelli Levy, Pinellas County
Pinellas County, Florida, is the most densely populated county in Florida and has an abundance of environmental concerns and challenges. About 98 percent of the county is developed land, with more than 80 percent of the county in residential development. Some 75 percent of water bodies in the county are impaired in some way with respect to water quality, which will require the development of TMDLs and Basin Management Action Plans. Historic dredge and fill activities altered many water bodies and led to degraded physical, hydrologic and water quality conditions that persist many decades after the original impacts. Streams in the county have largely been converted to channelized conveyances, often with concrete-lined banks. There is little baseflow and many streams and canals are stagnant and provide little or no native habitat. The county wants to improve the quality of its stream network, but is faced with many hurdles like private property concerns, extremely degraded systems with insufficient area to restore proper channel configurations and floodplains. Even some of the current “extreme engineering” solutions being implemented to solve hydrologic and bank stability problems are leading to further water quality and habitat problems.
Peace River Basin Restoration Initiatives, Richard W. Cantrell, Cardno ENTRIX
At the direction of the Florida legislature, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in cooperation with the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) conducted a Cumulative Impact Study of the Peace River basin in central and southwest Florida. This study showed that over 343 miles of natural stream channels had been lost from the basin either through direct elimination or stream canalization. Restoration activities to reduce these loses are ongoing and several examples were reviewed including; the restoration of portions of upper Horse Creek to historic meanders and the associated elimination of canalized segments, land reclamation with wetland and flow way construction at Tenoroc, and stream restoration by the phosphate mining industry.
Florida Headwater Streams: Distribution, Sources & Management Within Urbanizing Landscapes, Thomas L. Crisman, USF
The distributions of both headwater streams and their sources (lakes, seeps, springs, wetlands) were examined in Florida relative to physical and biological landscape attributes. While an extensive area
John Kiefer, Ph.D., AMEC-BCI
Board Meeting, May 20th
Florida Section American Water Resource Association Page 9
in interior Florida lacked headwater streams, both the density and many source types were geographically clustered. Within the urban areas of Tampa-St Petersburg, Orlando and Jacksonville, headwater streams were routinely buried prior to the Clean Water Act. Thereafter, increasing numbers of headwaters have been incorporated within the expanding urban area of all three cities, displaying an exponential increase during the past 20 years. Development trends throughout Florida have demonstrated the critical need for understanding the structure and function of headwater sources and associated streams and their downstream influences as the base for sound management policy at the watershed level. An initial headwater classification system is proposed for Florida based on the density of headwaters within the watersheds of 26 Florida streams and rivers to separate their importance for nature conservation versus downstream watershed impacts from nutrients and sediments.
Dissolved Oxygen & the Raiders of the Lost Response Variable, Daniel G. Hammond, Cardno ENTRIX
Numeric Nutrient Criteria (NNC) and TMDLs constitute the most significant changes in water quality regulation in recent memory. US EPA’s NNC development process for streams has been the source of significant criticism for failing to appropriately classify streams and identify a proper response variable to produce scientifically defensible dose/response criteria. In an effort to improve upon the current development process, a research study was conducted, using existing data, to explore the assumed relationship between dissolved oxygen and nutrients to determine if a defensible dose/response criteria development process could be identified. Physical, chemical, and biological data was used from the FDEP DO/Nutrient Study, which includes 160+ streams statewide. Results indicate nutrient concentrations were not related to dissolved oxygen or any parameter, regardless of classification structure, and therefore, no criteria development process was readily identified. However, this apparent failure revealed significant relationships between dissolved oxygen, stream biological integrity, and physical stream morphology that can significantly affect implementation of nutrient criteria as well as dissolved oxygen TMDLs. This study concludes that nutrient concentrations do not have a significant effect on dissolved oxygen in streams, contrary to generally accepted theory. Water resource managers should focus on stream morphology and human disturbance to alleviate dissolved oxygen impairments rather than economically and technically challenging nutrient reductions, which are not likely to result in any ecological benefit.
Long-Term Monitoring of Florida’s Lotic Resources, Eric Nagid, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Florida includes over 10,000 miles of rivers and streams that are home to a diverse range of fish and wildlife. Although important riverine fisheries have been monitored periodically by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), monitoring techniques differ, and fisheries data for most rivers are relatively scarce in comparison to lakes. To better manage fisheries resources, FWC biologists are developing a standardized approach for monitoring the current status and trends of riverine sport fisheries, their associated fish communities, and habitat health in Florida’s rivers. Researchers are working at nine rivers in the Panhandle and north-central Florida to develop the monitoring approach, and the rivers selected for their various lengths and water flows are the Perdido, Escambia, Blackwater, Yellow, Choctawhatchee, Apalachicola, Ochlockonee, Withlacoochee (north), and Ocklawaha. The results of this study will be used to develop a statewide, standardized, river-monitoring protocol that will provide baseline information on fishery population dynamics, angler use of the fisheries, species composition, and habitat health. This information can be used to guide future research, provide predictive assessments, and develop management plans that will ensure sustainable fisheries and fish communities.
Canoe Trip - Taking a Break
Catfish Creek Canoe Trip Group
Florida Section American Water Resource Association Page 10
Restoration of Large Rivers In Florida, Dr. Joann Mossa, University of Florida
The National Research Council defined restoration as the “return of an ecosystem to a close approximation of its condition prior to disturbance.” It is difficult to know what system state or range represents “a close approximation” and what time period, and supporting data to go with it, represents “prior to disturbance”. Florida has less than 0.2% of the river restoration projects nationwide, but this statistic is confounded by data gathering issues, loose definition of “restoration” for other projects, and scaling factors as several Florida projects are larger and more costly to implement. It is unclear that much learning is occurring in that monitoring and data gathering are limited, as are reflection and discussion of important questions. This paper examines two large river restoration projects, Big Escambia Creek and the Lower Kissimmee River, in Florida as a starting points for discussion and raising important questions. Dedicated work and deep discussion of important questions should continue. Some dialogue about floodplain restoration is relevant, because Florida rivers interact with their floodplains more than most. Because of varying constraints, it may not be possible for rivers to be restored to a close approximation of their condition prior to disturbance, so in some cases rehabilitation and improvement are reasonable goals. Improved outcomes can result by better assessment and monitoring, and learning more while moving forward.
Creation of First & Second Order Headwater Streams Using Natural Channel Design Principals On Phosphate Mined Lands In the Central Florida Phosphate District, Martin J. Boote, Environmental Consulting & Technology, Inc.
Phosphate is an important commercial commodity being mined in the Central Florida phosphate mining district, particularly in the Peace River basin. Florida state statutes require lands disturbed from mining to be reclaimed, including foot-for-foot replacement of mined streams. Mined streams are primarily small first and second-order headwater streams with drainage areas typically less than five square miles. These headwater streams provide important hydrological and biological functions, but are often impaired by historical land drainage and agricultural practices. The phosphate mining companies are currently applying natural channel design principles and practices to create stable streams on phosphate mined lands. The science and technology is available to create the form necessary to replace lost stream functions. Mosaic Fertilizer, LLC created 900 feet of stream in Reclamation Unit LMR-8 at its Four Corners Mine in October of 2009. The stream has remained stable due to reliable natural channel design, aggressive establishment of vegetation, and sedimentation control. Pools, introduced woody debris, and overhanging vegetation are providing complex and diverse aquatic habitats.
Stream Nutrient Criteria, Kalina Warren, Florida Department of Environmental Protection
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is developing numeric nutrient criteria for streams. It has analyzed its very large database in search of dose-response relationships between nutrient concentrations and biological responses and not found reliable patterns between the two. These analyses showed that other water quality parameters like pH and conductivity do influence biological patterns in streams, but not nitrogen or phosphorus. Meaningful relationships were found between nitrate/nitrate levels and periphyton algae growth in springs, which led to the recommendation of 0.35 mg/L nitrate/nitrite as a numeric criterion for streams. For streams, FDEP pursued a “benchmark” stream approach, where high quality streams are selected based on a series of metrics. From such benchmark sites, criteria for nutrients can be developed. However, exceedence of those criteria in a non-benchmark stream would not necessarily imply impairment, but would require that biological evaluation be conducted to indicate whether the stream has ecological degradation. This approach is still being refined by FDEP as it contemplates
Catfish Creek Canoe Trip
Catfish Creek Canoe Trip
Florida Section American Water Resource Association Page 11
proposing numeric nutrient criteria for review by the US EPA.Creative Methods for Cost-Effective Stream Restoration, Kristen Nowak, AMEC-BCI
For any stream restoration project to be cost-effective, the problem(s) should first be identified and clear objectives should be developed to help solve the problem(s). Restoration techniques range from stream creation, to stream enhancements, to bank stabilization. Two creative, cost-effective methods for stream creation include hydraulic carving and mechanical construction. Hydraulic carving is a method by which a prescribed flow rate is pumped through a constructed valley to form a stream channel, typically within a matter of two months. Mechanical construction, on the other hand, provides a detailed set of design specifications (i.e. locations of bends and pools, width, depth, number of large woody debris) to build a stream channel similar to one that would be found naturally within a matter of two weeks. To enhance a stream (i.e. create pools, induce bends, protect banks) a number of structures can be constructed from large woody debris, including v-log weirs, root wads, j-hooks, and wing deflectors. Lastly, to stabilize stream banks, one may consider a holistic approach (i.e. riparian corridor restoration) rather than a band-aid approach (i.e. valley burial with culvert, in-place stabilization with rock revetments), which not only gets to the root of the problem, but is also more cost-effective. Projects compatible with a stream’s inherent tendencies tend to be more stable, require less maintenance, and are more ecologically productive than traditional engineered approaches.
Restoration Needs for Florida Spring-Fed Streams, Dr. Robert L. Knight, Wetland Solutions
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) sponsored a synoptic ecosystem study of twelve of Florida’s artesian springs with three in each of four water management districts. All field work for this project was completed during 2008 and 2009. Syntheses of new data and previously published information for the twelve springs were also provided. Findings from this study indicate that while specific springs display remarkable consistency over various temporal periods, there may be large differences between individual springs in their physical, chemical, and biological properties. Artesian springs vary greatly in their physical dimensions and in the quantity of the water they discharge. Large spring size and high flows are in turn the basis for high levels of primary productivity and food-chain support for wildlife. While artesian springs have long been categorized by their quantity and quality of salts and other inorganic ions, the importance of dissolved oxygen concentration variability with respect to their aquatic ecology has not been widely appreciated. Spring pool average dissolved oxygen concentrations recorded in this study ranged from a high of 6.9 mg/L at Rainbow Springs in Marion County to a low of 0.7 mg/L at De Leon Springs in Volusia County, with a relatively even distribution of values between these two extremes. Nitrate concentrations which are primarily the result of anthropogenic pollution ranged from a low of 0.05 mg/L at Silver Glen Spring in the Ocala National Forest in Marion County to a high of 3.32 mg/L at Jackson Blue Spring located in an area of intensive row crop agriculture. A variety of biological data were collected during this study, including observations of the percent cover and dominance of submerged aquatic macrophytes and benthic and attached algae, populations and occurrence of snails, turtles, aquatic insects, and manatees (primary and secondary consumers of plants and algae), and fish, bird, and reptile species at higher trophic levels, as well as detailed observations of human use at each spring. In addition to these population-level study methods, this project quantified the overall functioning of these spring ecosystems as a response to their chemical and physical forcing functions. These top-down study methods included the estimation of overall assimilation of nutrients; system export of organic and inorganic matter; light attenuation due to suspended matter, turbidity, and dissolved color; and community or ecosystem metabolism (primary productivity, respiration, and photosynthetic efficiency. These springs have a relatively wide range of community-wide metabolic rates with gross primary productivity (GPP) ranging from a low of about 1.26 g O2/m2/d at Homosassa Springs to a high of about
The Canoe Group
Annette Carter and Kelly Richardson
Florida Section American Water Resource Association Page 12
25 g O2/m2/d at Silver Springs. GPP magnitude reflects the overall ability of a spring ecosystem to support life. Overall community respiration (CR) was also estimated for these twelve springs and ranged from about 0.21 g O2/m2/d at Ponce de Leon to a high of about 18.8 g O2/m2/d at Silver Springs. CR is an independent estimate of the size and function of the biological community and is analogous to the caloric metabolic rate of a human or other animal. The difference between GPP and CR is termed net primary productivity (NPP) and reflects the amount of fixed carbon that is utilized in the spring ecosystem for increasing living biomass or is available for export to downstream systems. The estimated NPP during limited sampling in these twelve springs ranged from -5.45 g O2/m2/d at De Leon Springs pool to 9.26 g O2/m2/d at Silver Glen Springs for the combined pool and run segments. The ratio between GPP and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), defined as photosynthetic efficiency (PE), the efficiency of the aquatic ecosystem in the conversion of useable sunlight into GPP. The average PE (%) across the twelve spring boils included in this study was 3.4%, with a range of values between 0.8 and 8.6%. These findings can be roughly compared to the observation made by Dr. Howard Odum (deceased) in his study of eleven artesian springs in Florida in the 1950s where he found a trend line equivalent to a PE of about 4%. This study corroborated Odum’s conclusion that the consistency in the PE observed over a wide range of incident light intensities indicates that springs’ biota were highly adapted to their relatively constant environments and able to maximize their production at rates higher than many other natural ecosystems with less favorable water and nutrient availability. This study provides an updated “baseline” of the current range of conditions in typical artesian springs in Florida. This data set is not a pristine baseline description but rather a snapshot of current conditions in springs, many of which have been highly altered by recent and historic cultural practices. Some springs, including most of those included in this study have seen reductions in their flows and increases in their nitrate nitrogen concentrations. They are also subject to increasing levels of direct human disturbances from recreation and management practices. The results of this study will be useful to assess recovery as improved management measures are taken to help restore ecological functions in Florida’s artesian springs to pre-impact levels.
Minimum Flows Development on Riverine Systems in SWFWMD, Jonathan Morales, Ph.D., Southwest Florida Water Management District
Florida’s water management districts are mandated to establish minimum flows/levels as part of their responsibility to permit consumptive water use and protect water resources from significant harm. Minimum flows are reported for the Braden River, located in Manatee County. Realizing that flow regimes are necessary to protect the ecological functions of the river, seasonal blocks corresponding to periods of low, medium and high flows were identified over the entire period of record. Short-term minimum flow compliance standards were developed for each of the flows using a building block approach and applied to the USGS long-term gage at Linger Lodge. These compliance standards include prescribed flow reductions based on limiting potential changes in aquatic and wetland habitat availability that are associated with seasonal changes in flow. For the entire annual hydrograph, a low flow threshold of 7 cubic feet per second (cfs) consistent with fish passage depth and wetted perimeter inflection points was proposed. Inundation analyses of woody instream habitats and Physical Habitat Simulation (PHABSIM) for five fish species and macroinvertebrates diversity suggested that only 11% of the natural daily flow is available during medium flow periods while 10% is available during low flow periods. During high flows, a stepped flow reduction of 19% and 10% of historic flows at 54 cfs would assure inundation of various floodplain features.
Ron Edenfield and Beth McEwen
Doug Durbin, Ph.D., Cardno ENTRIX
Florida Section American Water Resource Association Page 13
Let me start by thanking Ms. Stephanie Dasher and her crew from BCI for an outstanding job putting together an exceptional meeting in May at the FFA Training Center near Haines City. The Center was a most excellent venue with awesome scenery, a grand sunset and more wildlife than you will see most anywhere. Deer, bobcats, Osceola turkey, lions, tiger and bears, Oh My!!!! (just kidding about the last three,
but the rest were everywhere!!) As to the program, be sure to review the meeting summary provided in the newsletter. There were several cutting edge presentations on topics that you may find applicable to your own project work.
I would also like to thank the Education Committee, Rosanne Clementi, Doug Durbin, Kristin Bennett, Mark Diblin, Mike Copeland and Nicole Caesar, for their diligent work in preparing recommendations for this year’s Sandy Young Scholarship, The Storch Awards and Butler Grants. This group thoroughly reviews dozens of applications each year, a task that requires untold hours of effort. As in years past, the Committee has provided the Board with stellar candidates for this year’s awards. Thanks for all y’all do. Next up is our 40th Annual Meeting in Key West at the Casa Marina, July 28th & 29th. Garrett Wallace, Dave Watt and many others have worked quite hard to pull together another exceptional program with a wide array of topics with world class speakers. We appreciate that these are tight times, so the Board has worked overtime to hold cost to last year’s lev-els and still maintain a quality program at a quality venue that will be professionally beneficial to the attendee and tropically relaxing for their family. If you haven’t made your reservations at the Casa, please do so as soon as possible. In another cost saving effort, the Board has arranged for a $20.00 per room per night reduction in the room rate (see details elsewhere in the Watershed). It is imperative that we cover our contractual room block with the Casa, so the Board has arranged this accommodation to encourage all to register at the Casa to help us meet that obligation, so make that reservation today.
I am looking forward to once again seeing many old friends and meeting many new ones. Summer time in the tropics! Doesn’t get much better than that! See y’all soon and who knows a party might even break out!!! Have fun.
Sincerely,
Ron Edenfield, P.E.
President’s Message Board of Directors SummaryThe Florida Section AWRA Board of Directors (BOD) met at the FFA Leadership Training Center in Hines City, FL on May 20th, 2011 at 8:30 am. The detailed agenda and minutes will be included on our website after the BOD approves them.
Highlights of the meeting include:• A discussion of digital archival of historical
Florida Section AWRA BOD documents – if you have anything to contribute, please e-mail [email protected]
• Voted to approve 5 Fellow Memberships - Allan Biddlecomb, Roger Ruminek, Bob HIggins, Patrick Victor, and Cathy Vogel.
• Voted to approve 1 Life Member – Rosanne Clementi – for her tireless work for the section!
• The BOD accepted the education committee’s recommendation that Hollie Hall, a student at UF, receive the 2011 Sanford N. Young scholarship.
• National Meetings: » June – Specialty Meeting in Keystone,
Co. » November – Annual Meeting in
Albuquerque, NM. » 2012 Annual Meeting is in Jacksonville!
We will be heavily involved in the planning and execution of this meeting – please get involved!
Our next meetings are:• Annual meeting in Key West July 28 and 29• West Palm Beach on September 16• Fort Meyers on November 18
Be sure to add these dates to your calendar and watch for additional meeting information in both the Florida Section and National AWRA in the Watershed publication.
Remember, Board meetings are open to all members of the Florida Section AWRA and their guests. Feel free to attend and participate in our lively discussions and help the organization move forward and increase its value to members.
Florida Section American Water Resource Association Page 14
2011 Membership Renewal Process Almost Complete!
AWRA Florida Section membership dues are due January 1st of each year. We still have a number of members that have not renewed for 2011. If you’re not current on your membership, take a moment now and complete the application in this newsletter. If you are uncertain about the status of your membership please feel free to contact me at 561-707-8301 or [email protected]. Don’t miss out on all the great benefits of belonging to one of the best professional organizations in the State!
The 2011 Membership Directory has been published and you should be receiving your copy in the near future. The Board would like to thank the Sponsors for underwriting the cost of producing and distributing this important networking tool!
MembershipPlease take a few minutes to introduce yourself to our new AWRA members at our next meeting in Key West. This is how we continue to grow! To date, we have a total of 431 active members!
Welcome New Members!
Membership
Nicholas O Botts Florida State University StudentDrew Campbell Environmental & Marine Consulting ServicesJohn Capece Southern DataStreamAndrew Ebendick TetraTechDawn M Hart Environmental Protection Commission Hillsborough CountyShavonne K Hoyte EI Ghyabi and AssociatesJohn Jansen Cardno ENTRIXGreg M Juszli Scheda Ecological Associcates IncJames L Latchaw PE Dewberry LLCChristopher F Meindl PhD University of South Florida Sandra M Scheda Scheda Ecological Assoc., Inc.
Sincerely,
Joanne ChamberlainMembership Services [email protected] 904-733-2527
Key West, Florida
Florida Section American Water Resource Association Page 15
AWRA National News
Upcoming conferences hosted by AWRA
Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), June 20-22, 2011, Keystone, COEarlybird Registration Deadline June 7, 2011!Michael E. Campana, Conference and Technical Program Chairperson, [email protected]
Annual Water Resources Conference, November 7-10, 2011, Albuquerque, NMEarlybird registration deadline is 10/17/2011. Preliminary program online soon!Stephanie Moore, Conference Chairperson, [email protected] Bexfield, Technical Program Co-chairperson, [email protected] Stone, Technical Program Co-chairperson, [email protected]
GIS and Water Resources VII, March 26-28, 2012, New Orleans, LAMark your calendars! More details coming soon!
Think JAWRA First!
Do you have a manuscript you’re looking to publish? Do you want to reach a large, multi-disciplinary audience around the world? Consider these important JAWRA advantages:
• Current Impact Factor - 1.618• Time-to-First-Decision - 84 days on average• Distribution - 3,700 institutions worldwide• Easy Online Submittal System - ScholarOne Manuscripts• Automated Proofing Process - Wiley-Blackwell• PLUS, online manuscript tracking from submittal through publication!
Visit our instructions for authors and learn how to submit your manuscript. Questions? Contact [email protected]. When it’s time to publish your next work, think JAWRA first!
Remember to check the AWRA website for all things water resources, including blogs, job postings, non-AWRA conferences and a virtual exhibit hall.
For more information, to renew your membership, or become a member of the National AWRA, go to www.awra.org, or contact David Watt at 386-329-4355 or [email protected].
Celebrating Ken Reid’s Thirty Years at AWRA
The following are excerpts from a May 1 posting in Waterwired, a blog written by AWRA National President Michael Campana:
Thirty years ago today, a young man entered the University of Minnesota’s St. Anthony Falls Hydraulic Laboratory … to assume his new position as the director of the American Water Resources Association, a relatively young (17 years) professional organization whose stock-in-trade was multidisciplinary water resources.
That man is now 30 years older… and he’s still going strong - Kenneth D. ‘Ken’ Reid, now Executive Vice President of AWRA. He’s moved from Minnesota to Middleburg, VA…
In The News
Florida Section American Water Resource Association Page 16
The Rosanne Clementi Education ProgramCongratulations to the 2011 J.B. Butler Science Grant, William V. Storch Student Award and the Sanford N. Young Scholarship recipients.
The Florida Section of AWRA has a mission to support education through the Rosanne Clementi Education Program which includes the J.B. Butler Science Grant, the William V. Storch Student Award and the Sanford N. Young Scholarship. The Board of Directors budgets annually to provide for at least five $500 J.B. Butler Science Grants, two $1,000 William V. Storch Student Awards and one $2,000 Sanford N. Young Scholarship.
The J.B. Butler Science Grant is awarded to pre-K-12 teachers to aid in water resource education. As of this year, the Section will have given more than $40,000 in Butler Grants. This program has resulted in providing assistance to dozens of teachers and thousands of students and there has been extensive positive feedback on the educational value of these grants.
The William V. Storch Student Award is given to undergraduate and graduate students to support educational activities. Since its inception, nearly $35,000 has been awarded to students by the Florida Section through this vehicle.
The AWRA Board of Directors created the Sanford N. Young Scholarship in 2005 to honor the memory of Sandy Young, a long-time Board member and AWRA supporter. The fund has grown very rapidly and is now an endowed fund designed to provide funding for at least one $2,000 scholarship each year. Many generous donations have been received and donors are continuously being sought.
The Rosanne Clementi Education Program is funded through the generosity of you, our valuable and supportive members. The Program receives funds from membership dues, from donations and from the proceeds from the Silent Auction held in July at the Annual Meeting. You can make a donation to the Education Program when you register for the meetings, by purchasing items at the silent auction or by sending a check any time to Rosanne Clementi ([email protected]). You can make a donation to the education fund in general or you may direct your donation to any of the awards specifically.
A Message from the Education Committee
He could have left AWRA years ago. He’s won awards and colleagues’ respect and admiration. Professional colleagues have wondered why he was still with a relatively small professional society that espouses all aspects of water (viewed by some as being ‘unfocused’). You could make more money, have a bigger staff and make more of an impact, they said. But Ken loves AWRA, its mission, its staff, and its members. He embodies our motto: Community, Conversation, Connections… the relatively small size of AWRA enables it to be nimble, something he relishes.
Ken values people and relationships, and firmly believes that the society is the ‘property’ of its members. What a concept! That’s what has kept me in; you can do things in AWRA that you can’t do in other societies. He actually encourages that.
Under Ken’s leadership, AWRA has become the leader among professional societies in promoting a holistic view of water resources and has served to bring others together to discuss and debate such important issues as a national water resources policy. Through his position on the World Water Council, Ken has propelled AWRA onto the world stage where our reputation has soared. We now have more international members than the entire membership of the IWRA.
… The man is a treasure and I am honored to work with him.
On behalf of the Florida Section, Congratulations Ken and thank you for 30 years of service to AWRA!
President Campana’s comments make a compelling case for Florida Section members to belong to the national AWRA. Many Florida Section members already enjoy the benefits of belonging to the national organization. If you have not joined us yet, check out the website at www.awra.org and consider becoming a member today!
Florida Section American Water Resource Association Page 17
We are seeking donations for the 2011 Silent Auction.
We will be happy to accept baskets, items and/or financial contributions. Help the AWRA Florida Section continue its outstanding record of helping students and advancing water resources education and research. Contact Rosanne at [email protected] or call Rosanne at 813-230-8100. Thank you for your past and continued support.
Awards, Scholarships, & Grants
On behalf of the AWRA Florida Section Board of Directors, the AWRA Florida Section Education Committee is pleased to announce the following recipients of the 2011 William V. Storch Student Award, the Sanford N. Young Scholarship, and the J.B. Butler Science Grant.
William V. Storch Student Award
The Board awarded the William V. Storch Student Award to undergraduate student Gonzalo Moretta from Hillsborough Community College. Mr. Moretta is studying aquaculture production and research. Mr. Moretta also is interning at a local middle school at an aquaculture lab.
The Board awarded the William V. Storch Student Award to graduate student Yogesh P. Khare from the University of Florida. Mr. Khare is a PhD student in agriculture and biological engineering. Mr. Khare has been studying the impacts of land use changes on water quality in the Tampa Bay region watershed. Mr. Khare is involved also in Global Sensitivity Analysis or ARID and documentation of Watershed Assessment Model. Mr. Khare also volunteers with a proefssor on sediment transport research.
Sanford N. Young Scholarship
Ms. Hollie Hall from the University of Florida is the 2011 recipient of the Sanford N. Young Scholarship. The subject of Ms. Hall’s doctoral research is an examination of Florida lake uses, water quality and water quality regulation. Ms. Hall’s studies are focused on understanding the correlation between societies’ values and uses of Florida lakes and the Environmental Protection Commission’s Numeric Nutrient Criteria Rule for Florida’s lakes. Ms. Hall is also in the process of developing methodologies from the social sciences that will allow her to collect data about public use of lakes in a quantitative manner. Ms. Hall intends to correlate this information with lake water quality data to inform the ongoing discussion regarding the classification and regulation of Florida lakes.
The overarching objective of Ms. Hall’s research is to learn more about how the public use of Florida’s lakes varies across differing gradients of phosphorus, nitrogen and chlorophyll a concentrations. Ms. Hall will: (1) define uses of various Florida lakes form the users’ perspective; (2) define why people use specific lakes as they do; (3) examine the relationship between the uses of Florida’s lakes, lake water quality and the numeric standards set by the EPA; and (4) re-define recreational use categories for Florida lakes including swimming, fishing, picnicking and boating.
J.B. Butler Science Grant
Name School City Grade Project AmountPhilip Gravinese Heritage High School Palm Bay 9-12 Design, construct and test a solar powered water
purification system to be used following natural disasters
$500
Adrienne Thieke Lincoln Middle School Gainesville 6 Design and construction of an experimental garden to test for best watering systems, plant choice and yield
$500
Somer Sutton Heritage High School Palm Bay 4 “Why is the water green” lab investigation kits $260.90
Sara Chang Pineview Elementary School
Tallahassee k-5 Water Cycle lesson kits $425
Harry Rotter Pace Secondary School
Tallahassee 8-12 Purchase of equipment to demonstrate alternative systems of raising fish and growing plants in an ecosystem.
$500
Lisa Andrews Big Cypress National Preserve
Ochopee Pre K-12 Digital camera and three GPS hand held devices for tracking lessons
$500
MEMBERSHIP DUES New $20 Regular Renewal $4 Student
DIRECTORY INFORMATION Please provide the information requested below, as you would like it to appear in the membership directory
Name: _____________________________________________________________________________ First Middle Initial Last Suffix (Ph.D., PE, PG, etc)
Company/Affiliation: _________________________________________________________________ Mailing Address:
____________________________________________________________________________________ Box, Street or Route Suite or Apartment
____________________________________________________________________________________ City State Zip Code
Daytime Telephone: _______________________Alternate Telephone: ________________________ Area Code Area Code
Facsimile: ________________________E-mail:__________________________________________ Area Code
MEMBERSHIP INTERESTS
Would you like to receive our newsletter via e-mail? Yes No Are you an AWRA National Member? Yes No If not, would you like information? Yes No Are you interested in sponsorship opportunities? Yes No Would you like to be part of a bi-monthly meeting team? Yes No
SPONSOR/RECRUITER: ____________________________________________________________
PAYMENT INFORMATION
$_________ Annual dues (please indicate if you are paying for additional years) $_________ Florida Section Water Resources Education Fund (tax deductible contribution) $ Sandy Young Scholarship Fund (tax deductible contribution) $_________ TOTAL (Please make checks payable to AWRA Florida Section, THANK YOU!)
Return this application Joanne Chamberlain, Member Services Coordinator and your check to: Brown and Caldwell
101 Dogwood Drive St Augustine, FL 32080
Florida Section membership dues are due January 1 and are good through December 31. Contributions or gifts to the Florida Section are deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. Dues payments
may be deductible by members as an ordinary and necessary business expense. For membership information, please contact Joanne Chamberlain at 904-733-2527 or [email protected] Section Use Only:Date Received: _______________ Check #: _______________ Amount: _______________
2011 Membership Application
Florida Section American Water Resource Association Page 19
the Watershed Editor:Doug Durbin, Ph.D., Technical Director/V.P.Cardno ENTRIX3905 Crescent Park Dr. • Riverview, FL 33578Phone (813) 664-4500 • Fax (813) [email protected]
Key WestJuly 28-29Garrett Wallace800-432-2045
West Palm BeachSeptember 16, 2011Krista Sabin 561-472-3518
Fort MyersNovember 18, 2011Dr. L. Donald Duke239-590-7542
Contact Upcoming Meeting Chairs Regarding Sponsorship or Assistance
VISIT THE FLORIDA SECTION WEBSITE AT:www.awraflorida.org
the Watershed is assembled and published by Cardno ENTRIX, a proud sponsor of the Florida Section of AWRA.
Page Layout and Design by Michael B. Tyson