Injection wells (Class V disposal wells) are a major method for domestic wastewater disposal in coastal environments around Florida, and particularly in the Florida Keys, where there are nearly 700 in operation. A recent report published in the June issue of Water Research by researchers at the University of South Florida indicates that wastewater disposed by these practices can rapidly contaminate groundwater and surface marine waters. These investigators, led by Drs. John H. Paul and Joan B. Rose, used harmless bacterial viruses as a tracer from the movement of wastewater from a recently permitted Class V disposal well in the Middle Keys. This well meets current DEP requirements, which means that the well was drilled to 90 feet and cased with PVC pipe to 60 feet. Within eight hours of addition of the tracer, it was detected in groundwater, and within 36 hours it was detected in Florida Bay. By 53 hours, the tracer appeared in a canal on the other side of US1, on its way to Hawk Channel and the Atlantic Ocean. A second experiment performed last fall indicated that the tracer could move from the waste disposal well to the same canal in less than eight hours, if strong North winds associated with a cold front occurred at the same time. The meaning of these results is that wastewater from injection wells can rapidly make its way into surface marine waters, and not stay put in the subsurface. This could cause potentially serious health problems for bathers in canals and coastal waters around the Keys. Disease­causing microorganisms could be transmitted from wastewater to these waters where they could potentially infect bathers, windsurfers, jet ski operators, and other participants in recreational water-contact activities. A second reason for concern is the transport of nutrients (inorganic and organic) into marine waters. These act like fertilizers which cause algal growth and water quality deterioration.
By Michael Blades
The Key West Hotel and Motel Association, West Marine, American Express, Blue Marlin Motel, Best Western Hibiscus Motel, Paradise Inn and Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, in a cooperative effort with REEF RELIEF, announce the availability and distribution of the newly printed brochure, Florida’s Coral Reef Ecosystem.
Each year for the past eight years, REEF RELIEF has produced the colorful educational piece, which is distributed to over 300 locations in the Florida Keys and elsewhere. It is a key educational brochure REEF RELIEF’s Coral Reef Conservation Program and is considered the most popular, most widely distributed brochure in the Florida Keys. It is printed in English, Spanish and German, and is an important educational tool. Alyson Simmons, spokesperson for the Sanctuary, commented, "The Sanctuary has always been excited about being a partner in this effort. This Year’s [brochure] is more beautiful and informative than ever."
The brochure is loaded with information regarding the coral reef ecosystem of the Keys. As the biggest dive destination in the world, the Florida Keys strives to keep its visitors informed about the state of North America’s only living coral barrier reef. Discussed within the context of the brochure are facts about coral reefs, mangroves and sea grass beds. It outlines the way in which the natural balance of the ecosystem is easily influenced and altered through human activities and pollution, and offers instructions on how to use the mooring buoys, which are set up throughout the Keys to help insure the safety of the reef. An expanded map of the reef mooring buoy system can be found within the brochure, along within tips for divers, snorkels, boaters and fishermen.
By Robin Orlandi
The Restoration Advisory Board represents a liaison between the Navy, community members and state and federal agencies to oversee the cleanup of polluted sites on NASKW properties. At the last meeting on May 19th, important topics of discussion included cuts in the FY1997 cleanup budget , the environmental review of ten Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) sites recently added to the RAB’s workload and progress reports on two of the original Environmental Restoration, Navy Account (ERNA) sites currently undergoing remediation.
The fate of the ten BRAC sites, including several at Truman Annex, depends not only on their environmental assessment but also on the availability of re-use proposals for the properties. The city of Key West Base Re-Use Planning Team is currently holding a series of public meeting to "identify concerns constraints and opportunities for the property" in question.
Once the city comes up with a re-use plan, their proposals as well as those of other interested federal and state agencies and private developers will be assessed by the Navy and the BRAC sites prioritized for preliminary environmental review, remediation if necessary and finally excessing either through sale or leasing. Attendance at the public meetings is strongly urged to get a clear picture of this process, which will determine the fate of (potentially) the most valuable waterfront property in Key West and the future of Bahama Village. Possible sites for affordable housing also figures large in the BRAC equation.
Of the non-BRAC sites currently being worked on, the containment of the South Fleming Key Landfill has attracted the most public attention. Activity at the site, located next to the city’s Wastewater Treatment Plant, is easily visible. A containment seawall or revetment is being constructed around the old landfill, which was jointly used for "mixed waste" disposal by the city and Navy for a period of twenty years. The site’s most pressing problem was the erosion of its contents into surrounding waters.
Limited testing at the site has revealed troublesome levels of lead, mercury, arsenic, antimony and other heavy metals, and PCBs, a carcinogenic and reproductive system disrupting chemical formerly used in electrical insulating fluids. The Navy admits they’re not sure what all is buried in the dump, and investigations are continuing. At this time, there are no plans for excavation, which from a purely environmental perspective, would be the preferred remedial action.
Although the revetment will stop onshore erosion and some tidal groundwater (underground water) movement in and out of the dump, it does not eliminate the potential environmental risks that could result from underground seepage of hazardous contents into the surrounding marine waters. Keep an eye on this column for further information about findings and progress at the site.
Celebrating the International Year of the Coral Reef
All week: CORAL REEF DISPLAY:
Key West, 700 Fleming Street, Big Pine Key (MM30), Marathon (MM48.7),
Islamorada (MM81.5) and Key Largo (MM101.4) public libraries.
Come see a colorful, informative display featuring the world’s
coral reefs.
Sunday, July 20th: "The Spiritual Side of Conservation."
11 a.m.
DeeVon Quirolo speaks as a guest of the Unitarian Universalist
Fellowship at the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 3424 North Roosevelt
Boulevard, Key West.
Monday, July 21st: SPLICING PARTY, 6 p.m. at Safe Harbour
Marina, Stock Is.
Volunteers needed to splice lines for the reef mooring buoys.
Sponsored by Safe Harbour Marina and Charterboat Reef Chief. Music
by Paris.
REEF AWARENESS FILM FESTIVAL, 8-9 p.m., sponsored by TCI
Ch. 5.
Tune into Channel 5television and learn about coral reefs.
Tuesday, July 22nd: CORAL REEFS OF CUBA Slide Show by Larry
Benvenuti, 5 p.m.,
John Pennekamp State Park Visitor’s Center, MM102.5, Key
Largo. Free Admission.
Reef Relief Environmental Center and Store,
201 William Street, Key West: All Day Special SALE!!!!! 20% off
everything in the store,.
Wednesday, July 23rd: 11th ANNUAL REEF RELIEF MEMBERSHIP
MEETING, 6 p.m.
Hosted by Pier House Caribbean Spa, Key West. Featuring Craig
Quirolo’s "State of the Reef" Address, Katy Thacker
of the Negril Coral Reef Preservation Society, "Protecting
Negril’s Coral Reefs," and Dr. James Porter of the University
of Georgia, "A Pox Upon Your House: Coral Diseases in the
Florida Keys." Non-members are invited to join at the door.
Tax-deductible annual membership dues are $20 per year.
Thursday, July 24th: FLORIDA KEYS NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY
DAY
Create-A-Logo for the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Contest.
Artists interested in submitting a design should contact the Key
West Sanctuary office at 292-0311, where entries will be displayed.
Join us at 5 p.m. for the awards ceremony and reception. Public
welcome.
REEF AWARENESS FILM FESTIVAL, 8-9p.m.,
sponsored by TCI Ch. 5
Friday, July 25th: WATER QUALITY PRESENTATION AND LUNCHEON,
noon at the Cheeca Lodge,
MM82, Islamorada. Presentation by Dr. Brian LaPointe of the Harbor
Branch Oceanographic Institute, "Coral Reefs, Sea Grasses
and the Sargasso Sea." $12 per person - reservations recommended.
Sponsored by the Upper Keys Citizens Coalition and Reef Relief.
Saturday, July 26th: ENVIRONMENTAL POETRY READING, 8 p.m.
Hosted by the Green Parrot Bar, 601 Whitehead Street, Key West.
Join us for an evening of poetry readings with Robin Orlandi,
Kathleen Balsemo, Rosalind Brackenbury, Allen Meese, DeAnna O’Shaughnessy,
Captain Sherri Appellis, Tony Kline, Danne Hughes, Kim Northrop,
June Nelson, Jack Hackett and others.
REEF RELIEF Environmental Center & Store 201 William St., KW, (305) 294-3100
Reef Awareness Week is sponsored by American Express Protect Living Coral
By Joel Biddle
The Yellowhead Jawfish (2-3 inches), has pale,light coloring and is named because of its big mouth which is often used as a shovel to dig its nest, a hole in the sandy bottom and coral rubble areas near reefs. Jawfish are common to South Florida, the Caribbean and the Bahamas. Male Jawfish are unusually good fathers. They wait in their holes for visits from females and then carry the eggs in their mouth to protect them from harm, especially when they hatch. If you are lucky, you will see a proud father poke his head out from his hole, look furtively around and, when the coast is clear, open his mouth, and let his children out to "play." When danger threatens, "Slurp!" ­­ in the mouth go the children and down the hole goes the Jawfish.
by Alexandra Deal
During my job search, I came upon Reef Relief’s page on the internet. Scanning the pictures of hard and soft coral and reading about the projects underway, I decided it might be a good place to work. I was interested in environmental policy, and the things Reef Relief was doing seemed to tie in nicely. And I’ve always been a sucker for saving things; my best friend and I once found a baby bird in the middle of the road, named it Bert, and took it to the local State Park where we set it free. Perhaps not an extremely momentous occasion, but still one that epitomizes my compassion for the environment. But to help save a coral reef ­ what an accomplishment that would be!
I came here having just finished my freshman year at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. The minute I stepped off the plane, I knew I was in for an interesting two and a half months. The night was just closing in on the evening, and my pores struggled to get used to the still humidity. You can always smell it when you’re right near the ocean. The air is thick with salt and seaweed. The plants growing along the path right on the coast are doubly aromatic, and even the sand seems to smell as the sun goes down. The sky, like a watercolor, drips pink and orange into the blue-green ocean that turns darker every minute with the disappearing sun. Passing some wetland marshes, I listened to millions of bugs and frogs and birds holding private conversations in the dark wetness of the woods. A far cry from Upstate New York, to be sure.
I instantly liked Reef Relief. The staff, though extremely diverse in background, very obviously shares one common goal: to preserve and protect those amazing coral reefs. And they are extremely dedicated to doing so. Several days after I arrived, they decided I should see the reef we were all working to save. I had never seen a coral reef, and the only snorkeling I had ever done was off the coast of Rhode Island. I was awestruck. I followed a sting ray through the water. I saw a moray eel, perhaps six feet in length, slide out from beneath a ledge, make its way over a coral finger, and disappear again into the darkness. Hungry barracudas eyed me as I swam with them. Regal purple sea fans danced with the current, anchored to the ocean floor. And I fell in love with the reef.
Since then, I’ve been as involved as I can in the efforts of Reef Relief. My biggest project has been planning Reef Awareness Week, scheduled for July 20th through July 26th. I wrote letters and made calls for sponsorship, reserved spaces for meetings and luncheons, wrote press releases, and created invitations and flyers. I’ve also had the opportunity to distribute brochures around the Keys, help out with the mooring buoy operations and give educational presentations to groups that came into the Environmental Center. I’m learning not only about issues dealing directly with the reefs, but also about other poignant environmental concerns throughout South Florida. The experience I’ve gained so far is extremely valuable.
I cannot imagine a better way to spend a summer. Not only have my experiences with Reef Relief been educationally rewarding, but emotionally rewarding as well. There are many components to conservation, and each one, whether educational, administrative, or scientific, is an intricate part in saving an ecosystem.
By Michael Blades
Thanks to the help of a myriad of volunteers, REEF RELIEF was able to canvas South Florida over the Earth Day weekend of April 19th and 20th. In the most ambitious Earth Day yet, we participated in five major events and managed to put on a concert as well.
Locally the celebration, held at McCoy Indigenous Park, was organized by Clean Florida Keys. Thanks go out to coordinator Andrea Comstock for once again going above and beyond the call of duty. Also volunteers Eileen Evans, Richard and Perry Fowler, Edwin Lucas, Bill Whitford, Charley Hendrix, Al and Bonnie Castle and Gail, Francisco and Kate from the Hyatt Key West deserve thanks for their assistance.
We also participated in events held at Bahia Honda State Park, John Pennekamp State Park in Key Largo and at The Museum of Discovery & Science in Fort Lauderdale. Thanks go out to Kenneth Knapp, Jody Weber and Jody Berman and staff of The Museum of Discovery & Science for helping me make these events possible.
Joel Biddle represented REEF RELIEF at the Florida Marine Science Educators Association (FMSEA) conference held in Coral Gables over the same weekend. While the staff and volunteers were pushed to the limit with the various events, they proved to be up to the task. Our participation allowed us to provide an important educational presence to a large area of South Florida.
Despite the seemingly full schedule, we also managed to hold an Earth Day benefit concert featuring the cool tropical jazz of Othello with Brian Murphy, Melody Cooper & friends. The concert was held at the Tennessee Williams Fine Arts Center and thanks go out to all who helped us put it on.
By Joel Biddle
As part of Reef Relief’s Coral Reef Conservation Program, we are proud to announce that Michael Blades has been nominated to the steering committee of the Florida Keys National Marine Educational Advisory Team to represent local conservation efforts. The purpose of the team is to recommend educational goals and objectives for the sanctuary and includes formal, non-formal, adult educators, government agencies, professional educational organizations, media and outreach, business, civic and education councils.
On Earth day, we participated in a conference held by the Florida Marine Science Educators Association (FMSEA) in Coral Gables, Florida. Top scientists including Harold Hudson from the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and Dr. Robert Ginsburg, Chair of the International Year Of The Reef, gave seminar talks about the environment. I represented Reef Relief and gave a talk that called for clean water for all the Everglades, the Florida Keys, North America’s Living Coral Reef, and an end to all flood and flush policies, especially in Florida Bay.
We are always looking for ways to expand our educational efforts and, in his yearly visit, Michael S. Harris from King City, Ontario, Canada, brought a group of students to the Center & Store on marine biology trip that was honored by Prime Minister Sean Christian in 1997 for "Excellence in Science and Environmental Awareness." The Center & Store also had visitors that included Sugarloaf Elementary school, Gerald Adams High School, Bryant Community College from Missouri. We participated in conference calls with biology students from Bennington College in Vermont, and Boston College in Massachusetts. We are more than happy to help the International Year Of The Reef answer their information requests by sending out Reef Relief Information kits, and we are proud to announce that from September through May over 2,OOO Teacher Kits were given out at conventions or were sent directly to educators at schools, colleges, universities and other organizations interested in coral reefs in the United States and throughout the world.
Work on our Web Site a
By Michael Blades
The REEF RELIEF Environmental Center and Store recently hosted a book signing by author Barbara Ornitz. Barbara signed copies of her newly released book, "Oil Crisis in Our Oceans, Coral: Roadkill on the Petrohighway." Barbara has been a marine naturalist and trial lawyer for 20 years. This book is the culmination of a three-year quest for answers as to why the Morris J. Berman tank barge ran aground on a reef off San Juan, Puerto Rico on January 7, 1994.
"People don’t think much about reefs," says Ornitz, noting that all of the world’s oceans have suffered sustained damage from oil spills. "Reefs are out of sight. But they’re turning out to be natural pharmacies of the world, like rain forests. We hear about oil spills, but once you see one, you never forget it. And they are preventable. Eighty percent of the spills are caused by human error. The coral reefs of the world are in trouble, with predicted losses of two-thirds of reefs globally in less than 40 years. While oil spills account for only 5- 10% of all oil in the oceans, when they happen, they are catastrophic for sea creatures, including coral reefs. We, the consumers of oil, who care for these vital ecosystems, can turn that concern into stewardship of our own backyards. As active citizens, we can insist that these spills stop and that our coral reefs are protected."
For naturalists who treasure the world’s oceans and coral reefs, as well as experts in oil spill response and prevention, this vital, ground-breaking new work emphasizes the importance of U.S. law that holds the polluter pays. The oil crisis in our oceans is ultimately the result of our energy consumption demands.
The author, a part-time Puerto Rico resident, analyzed voluminous data and interviewed more than 100 individuals in the industry: marine biologists, US Coast Guard staff, local volunteers, non-profit organizations, International Maritime Organization authorities, insurance experts and government agency lawyers. This book provides a "concise overview of where the U.S. is headed in oil spill prevention, and a persuasive argument that oil has to travel first class," according to Jacqueline Michel, Phd of Research Planning Inc.
"Oil Crisis In Our Oceans Coral ­ Roadkill on the Petrohighway" is available from REEF RELIEF for $30.00 plus tax.
By Michael Blades
Internationally acclaimed marine life artist Wyland demonstrated his continued support of REEF RELIEF by donating proceeds generated from drawings held during the All Artist Shows held recently at his Key West galleries.
Wyland donated a pair of framed, limited-edition lithographs valued at $1500 each and tickets were sold during the show which featured Wyland and eight other renowned environmental artists. The funds generated at the benefit were split between REEF RELIEF and the Dolphin Research Center on Grassy Key.
A long­time supporter of environmental efforts, Wyland painted his Key West mural on the 201 William Street building that houses the REEF RELIEF Environmental Education Center and has been a valued supporter over the years.
REEF RELIEF would like to extend a sincere THANK YOU to everyone who has generously supported our conservation efforts through memberships, donations and in-kind contributions, especially Bill Kight Printing, Pro Photo, and Waterfront Market.
A BIG THANK YOU TO:
A SPECIAL THANK YOU FOR SUPPORT OF OUR BUOY PROGRAM TO:
Conch Charters, Laura Hill Cook, John Enander, Fury, Edith Ann Roland (Gypsy), Sunny Days, The Jerry Boyland Memorial Fund, West Marine and an anonymous walk-in cash donor.
ALSO A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING SUPPORTERS:
Alabama Environmental Council, Peter Anderson, Nancy Duane Benton, Best Western Hibiscus Motel, Bigelow Lab for Ocean Sciences, Marika Blades, CJ Publishers, Coastal Vitners, Coral Island Yachts, Barrie Dolnick, Empire Comfort Systems, Flying Stables, John P. Grunden Jr., Gulliver Academy Environmental Club, William Hamaker, Mr. & Mrs. Gary Harney, Betty Hettinger, Fred Philip Hochberg, Key Carpet, John Kirk, Lola Klein, Irene Loeber, Brian Martin, Phil Miani, New Leaf Foundation, Doug Perrine, Capt. Pips, Popovic Photos, Phyllis Rose, Edgar Sabbeth, Save Our Economy, Sheraton Key West, David Stadler, W. Patrick Stallard, Catherine Thompson, Grace Tiffany, Jody Weber, Evelyne White, Lothar von Ziegesar Foundation
REEF RELIEF Intern Alex Deal’s poem was inspired by a Shel
Silverstein work entitled "Listen to the MUSTN’TS,"
which says:
Listen to the MUSTN’TS, child
Listen to the DONT’S
Listen to the SHOULDN’TS
The IMPOSSIBLES, the WON’TS
Listen to the NEVER HAVES
Then listen close to me
ANYTHING can happen, child
ANYTHING can be.
Alex’s poem was written for a Natural Resources class at Cornell University - Environmental Conservation. Meant to be a children’s book, it stresses the importance of environmental awareness at an early age and focuses on pressing environmental issues of our time. It embodies Silverstein’s message: Anything can happen...anything can be.
"Capsize Your Boat"
by Alex Deal
I say capsize your boat, child
And if you’ll just listen to me,
You can shake up the ocean, child
You’ll make a difference, you see.
The population is growing, child
There are people who do not eat.
They’re young and free like you, child
Help put them on their feet.
The water’s getting dirty, child
The air yields acid rain.
But you can clean them up, child
And avert any future pain.
There’s copper in the rocks, child
And oil flows from the ground.
Don’t overuse the resources, child
Or there won’t be enough to go around.
Trees stand tall in the forest, child
Of this, I’m certain you know.
And people cut them down, child
But you can help them grow.
There are elephants in the world, child
With tusks of ivory white.
Make sure those elephants live, child
Please don’t ignore their plight.
Coral reefs in water, child
House animals and plants.
And you can help preserve them, child
You’ll always have the chance.
Children are the future, child
Make yours a better place.
Tell all your friends about it, child
Inform the whole human race.
You don’t have to do it alone, child
You need only lend a hand.
Then many hands will help you, child
And you’ll all save this land.
So remember what I told you, child
Remember all you’ve done.
The world is here for saving, child
And you can be the one.
And then you’ve capsized your boat, child
You’ve heard the world’s strong pleas.
You’ve shaken up the ocean, child
And you’ve made a difference, you see.