Title
Tracking and Investigating Microbial Sources in Gainesville's Urban Creeks (B)
All three major creeks systems in Gainesville (Hogtown, Tumblin, and Sweetwater Branch) have been listed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) as impaired by elevated levels of fecal coliform. Over the past two years, staff has been working with consultants to apply the latest genetic methods to determine the sources of fecal pollution in these creek systems. The results of the study will provide the foundation for meeting the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) requirements established by FDEP for Gainesville's creeks.
Explanation
In 2004, the City Commission approved a project to apply the latest scientific methods to track the sources of fecal coliform (indicator organisms for fecal pollution) in Gainesville's urban creeks. FDEP has established TMDL's that require 51%, 74%, 70%, reductions in fecal coliforms for Hogtown, Tumblin, and Sweetwater Branch, respectively. The primary limitation of the conventional testing method used to detect fecal coliforms is that it does not distinguish which potential source the fecal coliform originated from. The potential sources include direct human impact, leaky public and private wastewater systems, failing septic tanks, domestic animals, wild animals, and re-growth in conducive environments. The purpose of this three phased study was to apply advanced scientific methods to determine the relative contribution of these sources and narrow in on areas of human impact. The report concludes that more than half of the fecal coliforms detected in local creeks are of non-human origin. The study will be used in the TMDL process as a foundation for local stakeholders (Alachua County Department of Health, Alachua County Environmental Protection Department, City of Gainesville Public Works Department, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and GRU) in developing action plans to address the elevated levels of ...
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