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Water Untested for Drugs |
(2008-03-10) |
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Representatives from Southwest Florida utility companies said that their agencies do not test for pharmaceuticals in drinking water and are not required to by the Florida DEP. No one knows what levels of pharmaceuticals are in the water. [NaplesNews]
[Article]
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The Watershed Council meets on May 15 at 2pm. This meeting will focus on a discussion of the possibility of forming a single water resource advocacy organization in Southwest Florida. The meeting is open to the public 
About $1.9 million worth of water management projects will fall on the shoulders of Cape Coral taxpayers after the state turned down funding. City was looking for $20 million in funding 4 projects in 2008. The Legislature turned down funding for all. 
Water polluters in NE FL will be able to buy and sell water-quality credits to compensate for some kinds of environmental damage. A credit system was approved last week by the Florida Legislature - but only for the lower St. Johns River. 
Riverwatch has selected the 2008-2009 board members and officers. First time directors include Joanna McKasy and Leo Mayne. Joining Marti Daltry of N. Ft. Myers (right) in a new co-presidency arrangement is Mary Ruth Prouty of LaBelle (left). 
1st Annual Monitoring Forum is on Jun 3-5 at the Bayfront Hilton in St. Petersburg. The Forum focuses on coastal nutrient; improving data comparability. Registration by May 16 is required for attendance. 
Riverwatch members are invited join the new regional email list called EVSWF. The list is open to all those interested in environmental issues of SW FL and is moderated by Paul Holmes of Peace River Audubon. 
Information related to the Ceitus boat lift removal in Cape Coral are posted for public access and review. The documents include consent orders and amendments, water quality studies, reports and surveys, and others. 
Fertilizer Preemption bill – HB1267 and SB2352 died in committee on April 22. These bills would have kept local governments from passing local ordinances more stringent than a state model. 
Friends of Billy’s Creek, a 501(c)3 organization is pleased to invite you to a fun Eco-event Meet the Creek on June 7th, 2008 from 11am to 2pm at Rock Lake Motel 2937 Palm Beach Blvd. Bring the whole family! 
Pam Rowe & Tom Schueler of the Center for Watershed Protection presented the Smart Watershed Benchmarking Tool, a self assessment tool to help local communities meet their water resource goals. 
The Florida DEP is in the process of making changes to the Florida statewide stormwater treatment rule, an effort that is long over-due. EPA has written a comment letter to DEP in which they outline a number of concerns. 
Most Floridians are blind to the pollution happening next door. That is changing as the DEP begins a project to transfer its files online for public access. Environmentalists say that accessible records will improve the watchdog role of the public. 
Recent rains appear to have triggered new algae blooms on Lake Okeechobee and on the Caloosahatchee. Algae is again appearing at the Caloosahatchee Olga water plant, but at lower levels than seen in Pahokee & Clewiston. 
Riverwatch & other petitioners are insisting upon restoration of a structure to divert water through the spreader canal system. In settlement negotiation, Cape Coral Mayor Eric Feichthaler declined to agree to any reconstruction. 
Two months of drenching rains have eased the regional drought. The relaxed limits would take effect Apr 18. However, farmers around Lake O would have to continue with their existing 45% reductions. 
This is a critical time period for the Clean Water Restoration Act (HR2421 & S1870), amending the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to clarify the jurisdiction of the United States over waters of the United States. 
EPA has accepted a development model called the Harper model, after its author Harvey Harper that has been criticized for assuming that wetlands are a source of pollution – pollution that can be cured by development. 
The April 2008 CRCA newsletter is available online. The archives provides an index to many of the newsletters dating back to 1995. Sign up to receive the newsletter by email. 
"What freshwater flow regime will protect and enhance submerged grass beds, and other biotic resources?". Peter Doering and Robert Chamberlain of SFWMD presented their conclusion on the minimum and maximum flows to the estuary. 
The Southwest Florida Boy Scout Council will hold the 3rd Annual Kayak Fishing Classic on May 17, 2008 in southwest Florida waters. There will be great prizes in both the adult and youth divisions! Get registered today! 
Members joining CRCA at the Friends level or higher receive a Caroline Krieger Comings print - Everglades or Maid of Matlacha. You can join online. 
The language control, No.1 dimension of the "orchestrated attack on federal employees" by the Bush administration has resulted in the EPA’s most recent decision to deny California a Clean Air Act waiver to regulate greenhouse gas emissions. 
The Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District and SFWMD will host a series of nine public meetings throughout south Florida in Apr and May to present and receive feedback on regionally based recreation plans for the CERP Master Recreation Plan. 
Riverwatch thanks the LaBelle Heritage Museum for assisting CRCA in the Swamp Cabbage Festival exhibit & cruise. Special thank to Mr. Joe Thomas who narrated the cruise, sharing stories and history of LaBelle and the river. 
A House proposal to cut nearly $400 million from Everglades environmental land preservation has raised the ire of Congress. National & local lawmakers urged observers not to jump to conclusions during tough budget times. 
Greater Everglades Ecosystem Restoration (GEER)Conference for Everglades Restoration 2050 - Advancing the Science to Achieve Success is scheduled for July 28 - Aug 1 in Naples. Co-sponsors are UF-IFAS, SFWMD and other agencies. 
Karen Bickford of the Lee County water quality office has two web pages providing information about the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL), Fertilizer Ordinance, and other issues. 
As summer is approaching the officials are raising the issues of bacterial pollution in the coastal waters. State Senators are backing legislation that would require the Florida DEP to find the source of bacteria that closes any Florida beach. 