Calusa Waterkeeper
In the News
Fort Myers Construction Sites Under Investigation
Two construction sites in downtown Fort Myers are facing scrutiny from the state Department of Environmental Protection and local leaders, after photos and complaints about runoff into the Caloosahatchee. John Cassani is a member of Calusa Waterkeeper, one of the groups, who sounded the alarm.
Calusa Waterkeeper and City of Fort Myers find Differing Fecal Bacteria Data
Efforts to clean up Billy’s Creek are getting a boost. The City of Fort Myers and Calusa Waterkeeper are working together surveying the waterway to help make our water cleaner. The problem is, surveyors are getting conflicting data for fecal bacteria and source tracing.
Differing Opinions on Fort Myers’ Record of Billy’s Creek and Caloosahatchee Pollution
Fort Myers officials went on the offensive Tuesday in an effort to counter claims that bacteria, including fecal material, is flowing from the Billy’s Creek watershed to the Caloosahatchee. Calusa Waterkeeper continually releases the results of testing that claims high levels of fecal bacteria in Billy’s Creek.
Health Department Alerts Residents About Cyanobacteria in Cape Coral Canals
Green Cape Coral canals have become as predictable as the summer rains, and this year is no exception. But while stagnant city waterways may be nothing new, the health department speaking up about it is. In the past week the Florida Department of Health in Lee County has sent out three email blasts warning of algae.
Fort Myers Construction Sites Investigated for Caloosahatchee Runoff
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is investigating new reports of stormwater runoff from the City Walk and Silver Hills projects into the Caloosahatchee River. The DEP came to the site earlier this week and told the groups to make repairs where necessary, and work to prevent further discharges.
Toxic Algae Found in Three Cape Coral Canals
Community water activists in Cape Coral are concerned about the growing number of algae blooms in the area. Blue-green algae has been found in Makai Canal, Boris Canal, and Highlander Canal. The Lee County Department of Health sent out a warning stating the algae could potentially be toxic.
Dirty Water Again Surged into the Caloosahatchee from Two Downtown Fort Myers Construction Sites
Two downtown Fort Myers developments have been shut down again for water pollution violations. On Monday, the FDEP fined City Walk $56,948.00 for violating clean water rules in June; action against Silver Hills is pending. Both developments are near West First Street.
Blue-Green Algae Staying out of Caloosahatchee with Red Tide Season Two Months Away
The Caloosahatchee river and estuary are in pretty good shape this summer, although algae blooms loom inland and along the coast. Lake Okeechobee has been plagued by a blue-green algae bloom this summer, but it seems that algae has been contained so far.
Fecal Contamination Level is High in Billy’s Creek
The latest tests from Calusa Waterkeepers shows that contamination levels caused by fecal bacteria in Billy Creek remain high. In June, WINK News joined Calusa Waterkeepers during their testing when they were attempting to trace the source of the fecal bacteria in Billy Creek.
Poison Blooms
Florida’s waters are at a tipping point as phosphorus and nitrogen pollution and climate change combine to create a perfect storm for the increasingly frequent outbreaks of toxic blue-green algae and red tides. St. Johns Riverkeeper Lisa Rinaman and Calusa Waterkeeper John Cassani are leading the fight against this growing scourge.
Rainy Season Turning out Rather Dry in Southwest Florida
The Everglades is looking at above-average rains this summer, but conditions are relatively dry in Lee and Collier counties. While the 16-county South Florida Water Management District is averaging an inch above normal for this time of the year, Southwest Florida is nearly 6 inches below normal for the same period.
Blue-Green Algae Found in Cape Coral Canal
Going beneath the surface to figure out what’s going on with our water. “People are now seeing it in abundance in their canals,” said Calusa Waterkeeper, John Cassani. Cassani posted the photo below from a Cape Coral canal near Savona Parkway.