FY 2017-2018 Accomplishments 

• Escambia County Water Quality Laboratory maintained certification from the Florida Department of Health. The ECWQL provides analytical services for the following Fields of Accreditation: drinking water, non-potable water, and solid and chemical materials for a total of 68 parameters in water, soil, sediment and tissue using 32 separate analytical methods.
• Performed 4,011 different analyses during in the year, 13 percent increase in volume over last year, at an estimated cost savings to Escambia County of over $57,000. Successfully managed regulatory compliance and monitoring requirements for county National Discharge Elimination System Stormwater Permit.
• Managed more than $30 million in competitive grants for natural resources projects including water quality and habitat improvement projects.
• Supported development and submittal of millions of dollars of restoration projects for funding consideration by the Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund, Natural Resources Damage Assessment, RESTORE Direct Component, Gulf Coast Restoration Council, and Gulf Consortium.
• Analysis performed and report generated based on a 2017 field study conducted in Bayou Chico to estimate thickness and distribution of soft sediment. The report discussed analysis of nearly 500 sampling stations located throughout the bayou. The report will support the development of the Bayou Chico Sediment Remediation Project.
• Conducted surface water quality monitoring at 21 long-term ambient stations located throughout Escambia County. Stations were monitored monthly for bacteria, and quarterly for nutrients, total suspended solids, and chlorophyll-a. Data generated by this program is used to determine water quality status and trends.
• Began implementation of the next phase of the Carpenter Creek Bacteria Pollution Control Plan. Held a kickoff meeting for state and local stakeholders in March, and a “Maps on the Table” planning meeting in August. Continued monthly surface water quality monitoring for E.coli bacteria at six stations located throughout the watershed. Data generated by this program was used to identify sources of fecal bacteria and document surface water quality improvements.
• Supported county departments providing municipal arboricultural services to Planning and Development, Public Works, Risk Management and Code Enforcement. Leveraged Tree Restoration funds with Florida Forest Service and Five Star Grant for tree planting projects in county parks, canopy habitat restoration and Arbor Day activities.
• Continued implementation of the data collection/monitoring phase for the Eleven/Ten Mile Creek BPCP. Performed monthly surface water quality monitoring for E.coli bacteria at five stations located throughout the watershed. Data generated by this program was used to identify sources of fecal bacteria and document surface water quality improvements.
• Participated in the annual update of the Bayou Chico Basin Management Action Plan. Supported BMAP monitoring efforts by conducting monthly surface water quality monitoring at seven stations located throughout the watershed. Stations were monitored for bacteria and nutrients. Data generated by this program was used to identify sources of fecal bacteria and document surface water quality improvements.
• Assisted Escambia County Waste Services with groundwater and surface water sampling for one active (Perdido Landfill) and three closed (Beulah, Klondike, and Saufley Field Landfills) solid waste facilities. Annual cost savings to Waste Services was estimated at approximately $100,000.
• Continued monthly monitoring of the Escambia County Central Office Complex green roof and previous pavement parking lot. Monitoring efforts are part of a three-year efficiency study funded by a Florida Department of Environmental Protection Total Maximum Daily Load grant.
• Continued natural areas restoration and trail management activities in Jones Swamp Wetland Preserve. Leveraging available funds, volunteers and partners, 20 acres of exotic invasive plants were reduced, Southwest Greenway Trail maintenance preformed and education signage installed. With grant funding from National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, an additional half mile of elevated boardwalk is under construction.
• Assisted the Marine Resources Division with pre- and post-construction surveys of the Navy Point Living Shorline Project.
• Maintained four air monitoring stations located around the former Rolling Hills Construction and Demolition Debris Facility. Stations monitored the concentration of hydrogen sulfide gas every 30 minutes. Data generated was automatically posted to the county website in real-time.
• Monitored county permitted concrete recycling facilities for airborne particulates. Data generated was used to determine permit compliance.