Calusa Waterkeeper 25th Anniversary Commemorative Report

ecal bacteria are indicators of pollution that originate in the guts of warm-blooded animals and can cause rashes, infection and gastrointestinal illness in people. The two types of bacteria used to assess state waters for impairment and public health risk are the enterococci group, in predominantly marine waters and E. coli in freshwater. Fecal bacteria, also known as Fecal Indicator Bacteria or FIB, represent the second highest cause for impairment of Florida waters just after nutrient pollution. In southwest Florida fecal bacteria contamination of surface waters is a widespread and serious problem especially as it concerns public health. Waterbodies like Billy’s Creek in Ft. Myers have had ongoing contamination at serious levels for at least 20 years. Ironically, some of our waters, designated as Outstanding Florida Waters (OFWs) by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), and having a non- degradation standard, are beset by some of the worst levels of fecal bacteria contamination. The sources can include wildlife and pet feces but where levels are consistently high, the source is more likely leaky sewage pipes or septic tanks if in close proximity to water. Additionally, sewage spills which have become more frequent in many urban areas also create significant fecal bacteria contamination. Inside left John Cassani, Calusa Waterkeeper Escherichia coli (E. coli) Enterococcus In 2017, CWK began an in-house sampling program that follows strict protocols for monitoring at 27 locations every month in Lee County. Our monthly sampling has identified a number of fecal bacteria “hotspots” that are consistently at very high levels. We continue to post those monthly results to our Facebook page and web site, while we work with the agencies to improve public health risk notification. The longer-term goal is to develop watershed plans that focus on source tracing and eventual remediation. An option of last resort, when residents are at high and continual risk, is to seek relief from the courts . August 26, 2009 Dr. Mike Parson nominated to the (first) HAB task force by Governor Crist March 13, 2009 CRCA VP Margaret England receives First Ambassador Award from SFWMD Jan 9, 2010 CRCA Director, John Cassani receives Everglades Coalition Kabler Award Sept 7 2010 Conservancy of SWFL petitions SFWMD on rulemaking for Caloosahathee MFLs Oct 28, 2010 Audubon Environmental Breakfast – MC Wayne Daltry calls for a local Riverkeeper May 19, 2011 Olga water plant temporarily shut down due to high salinity and algae May 11, 2011 FDEP denies of Ceitus Lock rebuild ending years of struggle by CRCA and others June 22, 2011 ACOE finally releases water MFLs had gone down to 220 cfs Funding for a major portion of our work on FIBs In 2020 is made possible by a Community Impact Grant from the Southwest Florida Community Foundation. “This key grant will help cover costs for sampling of Billy’s Creek to identify sources of contamination and has also allowed us to hire a project coordinator - Nonnel Galaviz-Johnson – whose job it will be to raise awareness and engage people who live along the creek,” notes Ruth Watkins, CWK President. She adds “In addition, the grant will help fund production of a second water quality documentary focused on critical threats to our waterways and public health from fecal bacteria, harmful algae blooms and flesh-eating bacteria.”