Project Summary

2. Problem(s) addressed (check one or more)

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)

This project will focus on comprehensive assessment and nutrient/DO modeling of St. Louis Bay through the utilization of data collected in St. Louis Bay and tributaries in the past two years. Work on St. Louis Bay began originally to develop a fecal coliform TMDL. Through public, technical, and local official meetings it was determined that other issues were important in St. Louis Bay in addition to the fecal coliform TMDL, which is currently being developed. Therefore the water quality monitoring efforts in July of 1998 and April of 1999 were expanded to include the measurement of several parameters beyond those necessary for the fecal coliform TMDL. The July 1998 study was composed of the following eight modules: hydrodynamics and meteorological modeling, tide-phased bacteriological monitoring, tide-phased bay water quality sampling, point source water quality sampling, point source water quality sampling, continuous dissolved oxygen monitoring, production and respiration measurements, diffusion/reaeration rate measurements, and sediment characterization sampling. The April 1999 study was composed of the same eight modules and also included sediment oxygen demand measurements and longitudinal dissolved oxygen monitoring. A comprehensive assessment of the bay based on the aforementioned data is needed to evaluate the overall environmental condition of the bay.

The model of the bay and its watershed for the fecal coliform TMDL is currently being developed. The expansion of the model to include nutrient/DO analysis would provide a tool for protecting and maintaining the water quality of the bay through the development of thorough waste load allocations for all dischargers. There is an opportunity for efficiency through phasing the beginning of the nutrient/DO modeling in at the completion of the fecal coliform work in order to take advantage of familiarity with the project. The fecal coliform TMDL is scheduled to be completed by September 30, 2000.

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