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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 .