The Florida west coast is experiencing another horrendous bout of Red Tide. This past weekend, several KCI teammates had the opportunity to go fishing offshore near St Petersburg. For approximately 10 miles of the trip to deeper water, the team was constantly reminded of how red tide can devastate our eco-system by the thousands of fish, large and small, floating lifeless on the sea surface. Regardless of whether algae blooms are natural or possibly human intervened, it was quite disheartening to see our eco-system being disrupted.
Stated clearly by the Earth Observatory, “increased sunlight, nutrient runoff, and wind-driven upwelling can create ideal conditions for massive blooms of floating plant-like phytoplankton.” It is clearly known that red tide, or algae blooms, can occur naturally. This year, the Florida west coast has seen an unusual increase in levels of a unique bloom called Karenia brevis. This unique algae bloom, usually becomes more concentrated in the fall, and can spread and multiply much quicker in large scale mass. Many experts are stating it is too early for Karenia brevis to take place and is possibly caused by an increase in nutrients being introduced to the waters creating an early development and growth cycle for Karenia brevis. Research officials have tested many fish and found traces of this toxic fish killing algae.
There are many factors that contribute to this problem. We clearly understand that algae blooms are mostly a natural result of the movement of certain ocean currents and fluctuating sea water temperatures creating an increase in nutrients. Additionally, we also have found that coastal water pollution and human activities can quickly increase specific nutrient levels in our oceans causing a negative impact.
Late March, a Piney Point phosphate plant reservoir, an industrial fertilizer plant located in Manatee County, FL, sprung a leak in the containment wall. As a result, millions of gallons of wastewater poured into Tampa Bay. Today, research officials claim that this incident may have helped fuel the red tide taking place across the west coast of Florida.
Did you know stormwater can be a leading contributor for increase nutrients entering our waterways. Construction and industrial activities in Florida are on the rise, yet implementing environmental sustainability solutions to reduce the stormwater contamination they may generate, infrequently gets prioritized. We have found several key reasons for this to be the case. Firstly, there is an unawareness among many industrial businesses of how to meet stormwater compliance and requirements. Secondly, we hear many times there is a fear of change and the belief that familiar ways of operating are safe. And finally, there is a cost to adequately invest resources to be accountable for compliance, management systems, and training for personnel.
KCI is a strong advocate for the environment, and we are an expert resource to help clients minimize risk of nutrients and contaminants entering our water ways. Every day, we focus on helping customers maintain environmental sustainability by supporting their efforts to satisfy environmental regulations and standards. As partners in sustainability, we are committed to help clients reduce the impact on the environment and we can employ resources to help you become part of the solution. Give us a call at (888) 346-7779, we want to help!
