As marinas, parks, and beaches start to open up, we know you’re excited as we are to get back in the water. You might be wondering how clean the water is before you jump back in (of course, respecting social distancing guidelines and local ordinances regarding access!).
We’re here to help inform you so you can make the most educated decision before hopping in to cool off as the hot summer approaches!
On March 26, 2020, the EPA issued a memorandum announcing that it is temporarily suspending enforcement action due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Where the EPA agrees that COVID-19 was the cause of noncompliance, it “does not expect to seek penalties for violations of routine compliance monitoring, integrity testing, sampling, laboratory analysis, training, and reporting or certification obligations.” Additionally, the EPA suggests that it will be less likely to carry out enforcement action if other types of violations, like exceedances of effluent limits, were caused by the pandemic.
(Source: Earth Justice)
In honor of Earth Day 2020, Miami Waterkeeper’s Outreach Coordinator, Collin Schladweiler led a virtual presentation hosted by FORCE-E Scuba Centers! Viewers learned about our community programs, including our new digital tools, and learned the latest information about what is happening currently in our oceans and our waterways.
Point source pollution is the direct deposit of pollutants into a waterbody from an identifiable source such as a sewage treatment plant or a factory. On April 23, 2020, in County of Maui v. Hawai’i Wildlife Fund, the United States Supreme Court ruled that point source discharges to navigable waters through groundwater are to be regulated under the Clean Water Act. This final decision leaves vital rights for the oceans, rivers, lakes of the United States in place -- a significant water win for all!
(Source: REUTERS, Sarah Silbiger)
MAST student turns dog walkers' stickers into project helping the hungry amid pandemic
These first responders with Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue donated to Jaïm Steele's "YesPooNoPoo" initiative after the teen's family made washable masks for them. The funds were then given to Feeding South Florida to help people with food insecurity due to the coronavirus pandemic. Photo provided by Jaïm Steele.
Scientists find lower bacteria levels in water samples across Miami-Dade
MIAMI (WSVN) - Experts have found overall lower bacteria levels in water samples across Miami-Dade County compared to before the start of the coronavirus pandemic. Elizabeth Kelly stayed at home for a month due to the COVID-19 outbreak, but she returned to the outdoors to collect water samples on Thursday.
Rising Seas, Sinking Infrastructure: Miami's Climate Conundrum - KENNEDY SCHOOL REVIEW
By KATIE SEGAL, PATRICK LYNCH, and MICHELLE CHANG Two miles across the water from Miami's glamorous beaches and luxury apartments lies what is perhaps the city's most important but underappreciated waterfront property - the Central District Wastewater Treatment Plant. Donning hardhats and reflective vests, a team of Harvard Kennedy School environmental policy fellows toured this lesser-known side of Miami.
Miami's water quality has improved during coronavirus pandemic, researcher says
The coronavirus has presented researchers like Elizabeth Kelly with a unique opportunity. She specializes in environmental microbiology, so she has been taking water samples to gather data she believes will show water quality improves when there is less human activity.
Please join us in congratulating Nicole Sedran on her recent completion of her Master's degree! As Programs Intern with Miami Waterkeeper, Nicole helped curate content for Miami Waterkeeper's fertilizer outreach and education campaign. Throughout her internship, Nicole completed a series of projects, working closely with Miami Waterkeeper staff on both the Fertilizer Campaign and 1,000 Eyes on the Water Program.
