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3.
MICROBIAL TESTING STUDY
In order to find effective solutions for our waterways, the City needs scientific evidence on the source of their problems. In 2016, the City launched a microbial tracking study to research and identify sources of microbial bacteria in the North Fork of the St. Lucie River. The Public Works Department, Utility Systems Department, St. Lucie County, the St. Lucie County Health Department and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection( FDEP) have been working together on the study.
The St. Lucie River and Estuary are critical resources for Florida’ s Treasure
Coast and extremely important to the economic and environmental wellbeing of the Treasure Coast. The City began this microbial tracking study in June 2016, after the Department of Health issued health advisories about the levels of microbial bacteria in the North Fork of the St. Lucie River. Those health advisories have periodically continued throughout 2017.
Three sets of water samples were collected and tested at 23 locations in the Summer of 2016 and again in the Summer and Fall of 2017. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection reviewed the test results from both phases and identified three areas with high bacteria readings and human waste indicators. These three areas of concern are the Sagamore Canal, Hogpen Slough, and Veterans Memorial Basin. Staff continued the study by inspecting and sampling those areas of concern. The investigations identified several sources along the Sagamore Canal, which were eliminated.
Dr. Brian LaPointe’ s group from Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute joined the team during the winter of 2017. The Harbor Branch report and recommendations on the Phase one and two sample data will be available in 2018.