Project Summary

1. Project ID
Name	Quantitative Analysis of Fecal Coliform Contamination in Watershed Draining into Pensacola Bay
Region	Gulf of Mexico Region
State	AL
Location	Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Okaloosa Counties
Date of this update	8/3/00

Habitat Restoration/Protection
Wetlands
River systems
Beaches/Dunes
Offshore areas
Mangroves
Assisting Species at Risk
Pollution Mitigation
Non-Point Source Pollution
Other (describe)

3. Project description (100 words or less)

The region of the Florida panhandle encompassing the Pensacola Bay Watershed is one of the most rapidly growing regions in the United States. Santa Rosa County is experiencing annual increases in population in excess of 3%. This region includes large populations in unincorporated areas, with a heavy reliance on onsite wastewater treatment. Past work has indicated the presence of fecal coliform bacteria in the Pensacola Bay estuary, although quantitative data is lacking.

The estuary accepts runoff from four watersheds which can be classified into two broad categories. The Pensacola Bay Watershed itself is comprised of a number of small streams draining a narrow band adjacent to the estuary. Input to this watershed is exclusively from the southern portions of Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Okaloosa Counties. The three other watersheds feeding the estuary (Yellow, Blackwater and Escambia) are dominated by relatively large rivers. The majority of the input to these rivers comes from streams in south Alabama. The regions in Alabama providing input to these rivers are rural areas with large numbers of onsite wastewater treatment systems. Various factors in this region have contributed to problems with coliform contamination. In addition, the rivers can be expected to contain heavy coliform loads contributed by recreational boaters, a component less likely to be significant in the small streams comprising the Pensacola Bay Watershed.

Given the potential vulnerability of this estuarine system and differing state regulations relating to water quality, a knowledge of the relative contribution of coliform bacteria from each of these watersheds would be valuable. Such information would assist in identifying potential problems and maximizing clean-up efforts

Description of the Proposed Project: We propose to conduct quantitative sampling for fecal coliform bacteria in Pensacola Bay and in the Pensacola Bay watershed. Sampling will be conducted in the estuary itself to ascertain coliform levels at various points in the bay. In addition, each of the feeder streams will be sampled to determine the relative input of coliforms into the estuarine system. Coliform concentrations and hydrologic data will be measured quarterly and employed to estimate the coliform load that each feeder stream contributes to Pensacola Bay. One ultimate goal of the project is to investigate the relative contribution of the narrow Pensacola Bay Watershed in relation to that of the riverine systems

For each of the streams comprising the Pensacola Bay Watershed, samples will be collected at the mouth and at chosen locations upstream. This will allow the identification of problem areas within which significant increases in coliform load can be detected. Such information will allow more effective efforts to protect the water quality in the region.

On completion of data collection and analysis, the results of the study will be made available through publication and presentations. In addition, public forums will be held in the area to increase awareness of water quality in the general public.

4. Goals/Benefits (quantify where possible using measures of success list) Was a cost-benefit study conducted for this project? yes/no If yes, provide a summary of findings.

5. Partners (include each participant's responsibilities - funding, permitting, etc.)

6. Funding/Contributions (organization and amount)

	 	  Cash	Federal
			Non Federal 	State government
					Local government
					Private industry
					Public interest groups
			Total


	  In-Kind Services (hours, equipment, or other forms of assistance and estimated dollar value)
	
	  Volunteers (number of people and hours, and estimated dollar value)
                

7. Legislative authorities used by each participant

8. Value added by Coastal America Partnership including Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) goals achieved through this collaboration (500 words or less)

9. Project Status

• Initiation date:
• Completion date:
• Current stage (Initiated - I, Underway - U or Completed - C)

10.Contacts

11. Any additional information/comments