The collaborative approach used to reduce nitrogen pollution in Tampa Bay has been formally designated by the U.S. Environmental Protection as meeting new federal standards for water quality.

This important milestone means that state and federal regulators agree that Tampa Bay's nutrient management strategy is sufficient to achieve the water quality targets they have established for the bay.

 "This is a great example of how local, state and federal entities can work together, with our public and private partners, to develop the strong technical basis needed for effective policies for clean waters and the aquatic resources that they support," said TBEP Executive Director Holly Greening.

EPA released its Numeric Nutrient Criteria last Friday, adopting the standards developed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to protect recreation and a healthy-well-balanced population of fish and wildlife. DEP had previously determined that the nitrogen management approach developed by TBEP and the Tampa Bay Nitrogen Management Consortium would address state water quality targets.

Tampa Bay now has more seagrass than at any time since 1950

By implementing a variety of pollution-control projects, the Nitrogen Management Consortium -- a partnership of local and state agencies and key industries impacting the bay -- has reduced nitrogen loads to the bay by more than 100 tons from 2007-2011, and more than 500 tons since 1996.

This cooperative approach has resulted in overall water clarity in Tampa Bay equal to that of the 1950s, as well as more seagrasses than at any time since then.

In a letter to DEP Secretary Herschel Vinyard announcing the Numeric Nutrient Criteria decision, EPA Water Protection Division head Jim Giattina noted the "invaluable" contributions of the three Gulf Coast NEPs (Tampa Bay, Sarasota Bay and Charlotte Harbor) to developing science-based water quality targets.

Click here to read more about the EPA decision

A comprehensive study that investigated the sources and extent of nitrogen fallout on Tampa Bay shows that cars, trucks, and other mobile vehicles deposit four times more nitrogen oxide, or NOx, in Tampa Bay than power plants.

Overall, power plants are the major sources of air emissions in the bay area. But mobile sources have a disproportionately large impact, because emissions from cars, trucks and boats are generated closer to the ground, and more of their emissions wind up in the bay. The tall stacks of power plants, on the other hand, send emissions higher into the atmosphere, where a substantial portion is carried outside the bay watershed.

The study, known as the Bay Region Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment, or BRACE, utilized computer modeling and extensive field sampling to measure nitrogen falling directly on the bay surface, as well as nitrogen falling on the watershed and carried to the bay in stormwater. The study examined nitrogen carried in both rain (wet deposition) and dust (dry deposition).

TBEP sponsored the project, led by Dr. Noreen Poor, a noted air pollution researcher. Funding was provided by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

TBEP has pioneered scientific research showing the link between air and water quality. In addition to impacting human health, air pollution can contribute harmful nitrogen to water bodies. In Tampa Bay, direct and indirect atmospheric deposition comprise a whopping 57% of the total nitrogen loading to Tampa Bay each year.

In the last decade, upgrades at area power plants -- including the conversion of two coal-fired plants to natural gas -- have reduced NOx emissions by 95 tons. Additionally, new federal air quality regulations, including the Clean Air Interstate Rule, are projected to result in a 24% reduction of atmospheric nitrogen in the bay. 

Conserving energy at home and in our offices, driving less and driving more fuel-efficient cars will help to further reduce airborne nitrogen pollution. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, driving a car is a typical citizen's most polluting daily activity. 

Click here to read a public summary of the BRACE project prepared by TBEP staffer Lindsay Cross.

An ambitious project aimed at enhancing a small park in an urban area along the Hillsborough River has won the 2011-12 "Golden Mangrove Award" from Tampa Bay Estuary Program. The award is presented annually to one outstanding recipient of a TBEP Bay Mini-Grant. This year's winning project was submitted by the Sulphur Springs Museum and Heritage Center for the restoration of Mann-Wagon Park, where the center is located. The long-neglected park, which is home to three non-profit organizations that serve the surrounding neighborhood, was overgrown with weeds and invasive plants.

With a grant of $3,874 (and some matching funds and donations), professional landscape designer Brian Schatz was enlisted to work with community volunteers to identify and remove exotic plants and weeds and redesign the landscape using native and Florida friendly plants.  Dozens of local residents, church groups, Girl Scouts, students from USF-Tampa, Sierra Club and YMCA members and other local groups pitched in at eight volunteer workdays. Upon completion, the volunteers - adults, teens and children of all ages -- were taught valuable lessons on the principles of Florida friendly landscaping, including water conservation, weed and invasive plant identification and mulching.

Kudos to lead organizer Norma Robinson and everyone involved in this "exotic" urban renewal!  Click the link below to see a slide show Ms. Robinson put together about their tremendous project.

Left to right: Mike Herdegen, Sue Brandon, Dorothy Rainey, Cathy Quindiagan (Not pictured: Marjorie Karvonen)

  

Five members of our Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) were honored recently for service of 10 years or more.

Marjorie Karvonen, 25 years

Marjorie joined the CAC after seeing a presentation about the Chesapeake Bay program, before the Tampa Bay Estuary Program even existed. When she was offered the opportunity to participate in a similar program affecting Tampa Bay, as an appointee of the City of St. Petersburg, she jumped at the chance and has stayed with us ever since as our most veteran CAC member. We like to say Marjorie has been given a "life sentence" with TBEP! Marjorie grew up in South Florida but attended USF, and moved to Tampa Bay in 1971.  In addition to serving on our CAC, she is on the Board of Directors of Coordinated Child Care and is a member of several environmental groups.

Sue Brandon, 12 years

The owner of FindYourselfOutdoors.com kayak and ecotours, Sue was appointed to the CAC by the City of Oldsmar. A resident of Tampa Bay for 35 years, Sue shares her passion for the outdoors with Oldsmar Parks & Rec, the Boy Scouts, Florida Native Plant Society and as an outings leader with the Sierra Club. Through her guided women's paddle trips, she helps women connect with nature and works with elementary school children to foster a love of the outdoors. Sue serves on the selection committee for our annual Golden Mangrove Award, and feels that serving on the CAC has enriched her knowledge and appreciation for Tampa Bay, which she shares with her many friends and colleagues.

Mike Herdegen, 10 years

Mike is a local businessman who takes recreational water sports seriously. His love of fishing, paddle boarding, tubing, skiing and pleasure boating inspires his dedication to work to protect Tampa Bay for all who enjoy clean and healthy water.  "Being on the CAC has taught me a great deal about the science of the bay, and how everyday activities can have a dramatic effect on the bay, both positive and negative," he relates. Mike is proud of his role on the Bay Mini-Grant judging committee which allows him to "pay it forward" in the protection of Tampa Bay.

Cathy Quindiagan, 10 years

Cathy is a familiar face at our Give a Day workdays, and her enthusiasm is contagious! A retired teacher, Cathy's passion for nature is evident as she is also active in the Florida Native Plant Society, St. Petersburg Audubon, and the Sierra Club. Growing up in the Chesapeake Bay area, Cathy's fond memories of time spent in and on the bay compelled her to apply for a seat on the CAC.  "It just felt natural to do," she says. Educating local citizens and children on environmental issues is her number one priority, as well as serving on the Bay Mini-Grants judging committee.  She also serves as the CAC representative to the Agency on Bay Management.  

Dorothy Rainey, 10 years  

Dorothy has always had a deep connection with the environment. As a wetlands mapper, and later an environmental planner for Manatee County, she has spent nearly two decades protecting Tampa Bay's wetlands habitat.  An avid boater, she and her husband reside on the Little Manatee River in Ruskin and frequently enjoy the nature and scenic beauty of  Little Cockroach Bay.  Dorothy's appreciation for natural Florida and Tampa Bay, and a desire to share it with future generations, led her to join the CAC. She volunteers for various CAC events and activities and looks forward to continuing to serve.