LTC 250-2022 Park View Island Canal Water Quality Study - Emergency Purchase250-2022
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MIAMI BEACH
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
NO . LTC# LETTER TO COMMISSION
TO: Honorable Mayor Dan Gelber and Me bers of the City Commission
FROM : Alina T . Hudak, City Manag I
DATE: June 27, 2022
SUBJECT : Park View Island Canal Water Quality Study -Emergency Purchase
The purpose of the memorandum is to provide an update regarding an emergency purchase to
secure additional specialized analysis to address Park View Canal water quality concerns . Park
View Canal is experiencing elevated fecal bacteria levels and a "no contact with the water"
advisory is in place for this waterway adjacent to the kayak launch at 73 Street. The water
sampling results exceed limits for recreational swim standards established by the Florida
Department of Health. Extensive and continued investigations by our staff and consultants have
not identified a significant point source of contamination from the city's infrastructure, and in-depth
sampling has been conducted that has indicated canine and bird fecal coliform.
To date the City has spent over $70,000 on investigations such as smoke testing, water quality
sampling, contracting a third party to perform an unbiased investigation, and in performing
additional cleaning and maintenance in the stormwater system. A more in-depth study of non-
point source pollution, including an expanded coverage area, more parameters, increased
frequency, and recommended solutions is required.
My staff and I remain concerned along with North Beach and Park View residents. The City's
professional staff team working together on this item is Amy Knowles, Chief Resilience Officer
and Lindsey Precht, Assistant Director of the Environment and Sustainability Department; and
Joe Gomez, PE, Director, Cristina Ortega, City Engineer, PE and Mariana Evora, PE of the Public
Works Department. The team also met with Miami-Dade County's Division of Environmental
Resources Management, who reviewed efforts to date and agreed this additional analysis with
recommendations for solutions is an important next step.
City Commission Meeting Agenda Item
The persistent high bacteria levels require expertise in intertidal zone contamination, and a
proposal was presented for a specialized study in item R7 M, sponsored by Commissioner Alex
Fernandez, on the June 22, 2022 City Commission agenda. The resolution to waive, by 517 th
vote, the formal competitive bidding requirements in accordance with Section 2-367 of the City
Code, is included in Attachment 1. The explanatory memorandum and proposal is also included
within the attachment. The item was not heard due to the unfortunate adjournment of the meeting.
Since the item was not heard, and in light of the extensive and continued investigations by our
staff and consultants that have not identified a significant point source of contamination, I am
authorizing an emergency purchase under City Code Sec. 2-396 for to the health, safety, and
welfare of the city. A more in-depth study of non-point source pollution, including an expanded
coverage area, more parameters, increased frequency, and recommended solutions is required.
Dr. Helena Solo-Gabriele, Associate Dean, University of Miami College of Engineering, Office of
Research is recognized nationally and internationally for her work evaluating microbes in water
and sediments. Her area of focus is the interface between water and sediments in both rivers
and in marine environments.
Dr. Solo-Gabriele was selected due to her extensive background in non-point source pollution
and developing recommendations for permanent solutions. The final report deliverable will
include the results of the sampling efforts to identify the source of the non-point source pollution.
The sampling will be expanded to north and south of the kayak area, include more parameters
and will be more frequent. The report will also identify recommended solutions and high-level cost
estimates to implement the recommendations. The cost of the study will not exceed amount of
$122,000.00 for these services and is funded through the FY 2022 Sustainability and Resiliency
Fund.
Background
The situation began in March of 2020, when Jaffer Wells Drilling, a sub-contractor for Hy-Power,
struck a 42-inch sanitary sewer main near the intersection of 17 Street and Lincoln Road. This
event caused increased pressure throughout the sanitary system and on March 5, 2020 caused
a sewer force main break at the parking lot at 72 Street and Collins Avenue. Following the break,
sewage recovery and cleaning efforts began immediately and continued for approximately one
week after the spill. Water quality testing began on March 6, 2020 to identify impacts to the
surrounding surface waters.
Typically, following a sanitary sewer break, surrounding surface waters will continue to have high
bacteria counts for a couple of days following the incident. However, high bacteria counts
continued many days following the sewage break repair and has continue since.
“No Contact Advisory” signage was posted at the kayak launch, notices were issued via the City's
Neighborhood Affairs Division team, and information was posted on the City's website. The Public
Works Operations Division, along with the Environment and Sustainability Department identified
possible sources of cross-contamination in the area along with site specific conditions that
potentially could negatively impact the area. The following were identified as potential sources of
bacteria: siphon (underwater sewer pipe) between Parkview Island and 72 Street, abandoned
force main from North Bay Village at 72 street, abandoned overflow from Sewer Pump Station
No. 23 located at 72 Street and Abbot Avenue, human waste from homeless community or
otherwise, animal waste, slow movement of water along the canal, possibly limiting "flushing"
effect.
Efforts to isolate potential sewer leaks have included multiple dye tests, deep cleaning of the
stormwater lines, water quality testing throughout the stormwater system, sediment sampling in
the canal, CCTV inspections and smoke testing to determine potential illegal cross connections
between private properties sewer lines and the City's stormwater system. The investigations
performed to date have not identified any significant deficiencies within the City's public
infrastructure that would explain the chronically elevated bacteria concentrations.
In October and November 2020, the City hired Source Molecular to conduct source tracking
analysis to identify fecal gene biomarker for humans and/or canines at four locations within the
canal. The results indicated that fecal coliform from humans was not detected or detected, but in
quantities below the limit of quantification. Fecal coliform for canines had high concentrations in
all samples which led the City to launch a multi-tiered outreach campaign to educate the public
and encourage people to pick-up after their animals. This campaign includes advertisement on
bus shelters, water bills, digital ads, and direct mailing. Educational signs have been installed in
the local dog parks, parks, and along the right-of-way and reusable doggie bag dispensers and
flyers were distributed to residents walking their dogs in the area as well as to local veterinarians
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and dog groomers.
In November 2020, the City retained ESciences, a third-party consultant specializing in
environmental and ecological investigations, to conduct a thorough analysis of the data and
investigations to date and provide a road map forward in the illicit discharge detection and
elimination. Concurrently, smoke testing and CCTV inspections have also been performed to
determine potential illegal cross connections between private property sewer lines and the City's
stormwater system. Between June and August 2021, additional DNA source sampling was
conducted to identify fecal gene biomarker for humans and/or canines at four locations within the
canal and added a new fecal gene biomarker for birds. The results indicated that fecal coliform
from humans was not detected or detected, but in quantities below the limit of quantification. Fecal
coliform for canines continued to be detected at high concentrations, and the new biomarker for
birds was also detected at high concentrations.
Staff has met with the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) and Miami-Dade County Division of
Environmental Resources Management (DERM) to review the data. Their recommendation was
to increase education and outreach related to residents cleaning-up after their dogs. Code
Compliance Department has conducted targeted inspections in this area, focusing specifically on
dog issues. In addition, another communication effort was made to inform residents in the area of
the importance of picking-up after their pets.
The City also had conversations with municipalities in Monroe and Broward Counties to explore
other potential solutions for reducing the high bacteria which may be further replicating in the low
flow, high nutrient environment of the canal. Potential options include aeration and bubblers to
increase dissolved oxygen and potential help increase water movement. These options will
require environmental permits and conversation with the regulatory entities are on-going.
To date the City has spent over $70,000 on investigations such as smoke testing, water quality
sampling, contracting a third party to perform an unbiased investigation, and in performing
additional cleaning and maintenance in the stormwater system.
Please contact me or Amy Knowles, Chief Resilience Officer, at amyknowles@miamibeachfl.gov
with any questions regarding this study.
ATH/LS/ALK
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Resolutions - R7 M
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
TO:Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission
FROM:Alina T. Hudak, City Manager
DATE:June 22, 2022
SUBJECT:A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA,
APPROVING, AND WAIVING, BY 5/7TH VOTE, THE FORMAL COMPETITIVE BIDDING REQUIREMENTS, IN
ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 2-367 OF THE CITY CODE, FINDING SUCH WAIVER TO BE IN THE CITY'S BEST
INTEREST, AND AUTHORIZING THE UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI TO CONDUCT WATER QUALITY CONTAMINATION
RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS FOR PARKVIEW CANAL; AND FURTHER, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
ISSUE A PURCHASE ORDER TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI FOR THESE SERVICES, IN THE AMOUNT NOT TO
EXCEED $122,000.00, FROM THE SUSTAINABILITY AND RESILIENCY FUND.
RECOMMENDATION
The Administra
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In November 2020, the City retained ESciences, a third-party consultant specializing in environmental and ecological inves
6/24/22, 2:21 PM Coversheet
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Applicable Area
North Beach
Is this a "Residents Right to
Know" item, pursuant to
City Code Section 2-14?
Does this item utilize G.O.
Bond Funds?
Yes No
Strategic Connection
Environment & Infrastructure - Work regionally and nationally to protect Biscayne Bay water quality and to maintain a healthy dune
and beach system.
Legislative Tracking
Environment and Sustainability
Sponsor
Sponsored by Commissioner Alex Fernandez
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Resolution
Attachment 1- UM Proposal
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RESOLUTION NO. ________ _
RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING, AND
WAIVING, BY 517TH VOTE, THE FORMAL COMPETITIVE
BIDDING REQUIREMENTS, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION
2-367 OF THE CITY CODE, FINDING SUCH WAIVER TO BE IN
THE CITY'S BEST INTEREST, AND AUTHORIZING THE
UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI TO CONDUCT WATER QUALITY
CONTAMINATION RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS FOR PARK
VIEW CANAL; AND FURTHER, AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO ISSUE A PURCHASE ORDER TO THE
UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI FOR THESE SERVICES, IN THE
AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $122,000.00, FROM THE
SUSTAINABILITY AND RESILIENCY FUND.
WHEREAS, since 2020, the water quality at the Park View kayak launch and canal has
contained chronically elevated bacteria levels for fecal coliform from canines and birds; and
WHEREAS, "No Contact Advisory" signage is posted at the kayak launch and the City has
conducted a multi-tiered outreach campaign to educate the public and encourage people to pick-
up after their animals; and
WHEREAS, the City's Public Works Department, along with the Environment and
Sustainability Department, have conducted mu ltiple dye tests, deep cleaning of the stormwater
lines, water quality testing throughout the stormwater system, sediment sampling in the
canal, Closed Circuit Television Video (CTTV) inspections and smoke testing to determine
potential illegal cross connections between private properties sewer lines and the City's
stormwater system; and
WHEREAS, the investigations performed to date have not identified any significant
deficiencies within the City's public infrastructure that would explain the chronically elevated
bacteria concentrations; and
WHEREAS, the City hired Source Molecular to conduct source tracking analysis to identify
fecal gene biomarkerfor humans and/or canines at four locations within the canal, and the results
indicated that fecal coliform from humans was detected but in quantities below the limit of
quantification, while fecal coliform for canines had high concentrations in all samples; and
WHEREAS, the City retained ESciences, a third-party consultant specializing in
environmental and ecological investigations, to conduct a thorough analysis of the data and
investigations; and
WHEREAS, to date, the City has spent over $70,000 on investigations such as smoke
testing, water quality sampling, contracting a third party to perform an unbiased investigation, and
in performing additional cleaning and maintenance in the stormwater system, and in addition, the
City has procured additional Sanitary Sewer Evaluation Surveys that currently are in process; and
WHEREAS, the lasting high bacteria levels in Park View canal are concerning, and an
expert in the field of contamination in intertidal zones is necessary to develop permanent
solutions; and
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WHEREAS , Dr . Helena Solo-Gabriele, Associate Dean, University of Miami College of
Engineering, Office of Research is recognized nationally and internationally for her work
evaluating microbes in water and sediments; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Solo-Gabriele is recommended to perform further analysis and develop
recommendations for solutions and high-level cost estimates to implement; and
WHEREAS, the Administration recommends waiving the formal competitive bidding
requirement to be in the best interest of the City of Miami Beach, and authorize Dr. Solo-Gabriele
and the University of Miami to conduct water quality contamination research, analysis , and
recommend solution options for Park View canal; and
WHEREAS, approximately $122,000.00 in funding for this item is available in the
Sustainability and Resiliency Fund, authorized by Ordinance No. 2016-3993 to be used for
environmental restoration projects, environmental remediation projects, environmental
monitoring, green infrastructure, enhanced storm water quality and quantity improvements , and
sustainability planning efforts.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT DULY RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, that the Mayor and City
Commission hereby approve, and waive, by 5/?th vote, the formal competitive bidding
requirements, in accordance with Section 2-367 of the City Code, finding such waiver to be in the
City's best interest, and authorize the University of Miami to conduct water quality contamination
research and analysis for Park View Canal; and further, authorize the City Manager to issue a
purchase order to the University of Miami for these services, in the amount not to exceed
$122,000.00, from the Sustainability And Resiliency Fund.
PASSED and ADOPTED this_ day of ________ _
ATTEST:
Rafael E. Granado, City Clerk
Dan Gelber, Mayor
APPROVED AS TO
FORM & LANGUAGE
& FOR EXECUTION
~
City Attorney ~ Date
1
Helena Solo-Gabriele, Ph.D. P.E. 1251 Memorial Drive Ph: 305-284-2908
Professor and Assoc. Dean MEB Room 252 Fax: 305-284-3492
Chemical, Environmental, Materials
Engrg.
Coral Gables, Fl 33146 hmsolo@miami.edu
RE: Proposal titled, “Sources of Enterococci to an the Kayak Launch Area in Miami Beach”
Date: June 1, 2022
To: Lindsey Precht, c/o City of Miami Beach Team Cristina Ortega, Amy Knowles, Joe Gomez, Mariana Evora,
Giancarlo Pena
From: Helena Solo-Gabriele, Professor, University of Miami, College of Engineering
Re: Project titled: Sources of Enterococci to an the Kayak Launch Area in Miami Beach
Thank you for meeting with me on March 17, 2022 and for sharing the data files that document the fecal
indicator bacteria (enterococci and fecal coliform) in the waters near the Kayak Launch in Miami Beach. Also
thank you for meeting with me again on April 29 to provide feedback on the proposal that was submitted. From
the data files, it is apparent that a lot of work has been done which provides considerable insight into the
potential sources. Below is an overall assessment and recommendation for further evaluation. I have also
included an appendix where I describe my thoughts on the information contained in the various folders that
were shared with me. There are additional recommendations listed in the appendix.
Overall Assessment
The canal water at the Kayak Launch (GPS: 25˚ 51’ 31.20” N. 80˚ 07’ 33.00” W) located in Miami Beach near 73
Street and Dickens Avenue (Figure 1) is chronically elevated with fecal indicator bacteria. This is observed for
both enterococci and fecal coliform, although enterococci are more elevated. In sanitary sewage, the opposite
holds true, where fecal coliform is typically at levels of 106 MPN per 100 mL whereas enterococci is typically at
levels of 105 per 100 mL (Roca et al. 2019). So, the fact that enterococci is higher than fecal coliform leads me
to believe that there may be differential die-off or regrowth of enterococci in the environment. Regrowth has
been documented to occur in shallow sediment side slopes of water bodies in areas characterized by high
organic matter and shade (Solo-Gabriele et al. 2000, Desmarais et al. 2002). On the eastern bank of the Kayak
Launch area are mangroves which are known to retain soils with high organic content and which also provide
shade. I recommend investigating the sediments that are tidally influenced (in the intertidal zone) for levels of
enterococci.
I therefore recommend a phased approach. Below is a breakdown of the first phase.
Phase 1a, Further evaluation of bacteria data already collected against environmental data.
Although a considerable amount of data was collected through the City of Miami Beach, a thorough
environmental analysis to evaluate correlations with tidal height and weather events was not found in the
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UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI
COLLEGE of ENGINEERING
L.J
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documents provided. This work should be conducted with the bacteria data that has already been collected to
determine whether associations exist between environmental factors and enterococci and fecal coliform levels.
Phase 1b, Evaluation of sediments as possible sources.
The data collected through the City of Miami Beach to date are consistent with a potential sediment source of
fecal indicator bacteria. The sediments should be evaluated for enterococci levels including sediments along the
canal banks (under the mangrove area) and sediments within the storm sewer system. Samples should be
collected at low tide from the intertidal zone. Sediments should be analyzed for moisture content and percent
volatiles, as these factors may influence the ability of bacteria to persist and possibly regrow in the sediments.
Phase 1c, Intense spatial sampling.
To further isolate the location of the hot spot in the Kayak Launch area, a spatially intense sample collection
program is recommended. The program is to include a series of transects that cut across the canal at locations
of interest to the north and south of the Kayak Launch area. The spatially intense sampling should be conducted
at extreme high tide and at extreme low tide, with all samples collected as quickly as possible to get a snapshot
of the enterococci distribution. A possible design of the spatially intense sampling program is illustrated in Figure
2. Samples would be analyzed for basic physical chemical parameters (including dissolved oxygen) plus
enterococci by Enterolert.
Phase 1d, Intense temporal sampling.
Some prior efforts have been completed to collect bacteria data on a daily basis and also several times per day.
The results show that the enterococci levels are highly variable between days and between fractions of a day.
The lack of trends indicates that the temporal time scale of sampling is too coarse. There is a need to collect
samples from one location over shorter time scales. I recommend the installation of an autosampler at the
Kayak station (in an enclosure to avoid vandalism) which collects samples every hour over the course of several
days. Samples should be collected 2 times per day (once every twelve hours) in individual pre-sterilized
containers. Depending upon the results from Phase 1c, an additional site may be set up at an identified hotspot
location (e.g., OT-1) which showed extremely high levels of enterococci in prior studies.
Future beyond Phase 1
Future potential work beyond Phase 1 can include, for example, evaluating unregulated outfalls for possible
sources of fecal indicator bacteria.
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Estimated Budget
This work is to be initiated on July 1, 2022 and end on October 31, 2022. In order to fast track this study, Phases
1a, 1b, and 1c will be initiated immediately. We will also initiate the process of coordinating the building of the
enclosure and nozzle system for Phase 1d. The results from 1c (Intense spatial sampling) will guide the
placement of the autosampler system for 1d (intense temporal sampling). The rough budget for a project is as
follows.
Description Amount
Time for Helena Solo-Gabriele, direct and fringe $24,290
PhD Student Time (3 months full-time), salary
$9,000
Research Associate Time (3 months full-time), salary &
fringe
$19,035
Undergraduate Researchers (2 students) $11,440
Supplies (includes 300 samples for enterococci) $15,298
Administrative Costs $42,937
Total $122,000
Assumes that City of Miami Beach will provide boat access and construct enclosure and nozzle system
for autosampler. University of Miami team will provide examples and design guidance for the
enclosure/nozzle system.
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Deliverables
The team will host a kick-off meeting to get input and feedback from the City of Miami Beach concerning the
planned approach. This meeting will be via Zoom and/or in person.
Reports will be provided monthly. These reporting schedule is as follows.
• Progress Report 1: Due date, July 31, 2022
• Progress Report 2: Due date, August 31, 2022
• Progress Report 3: Due date, September 310, 2022
• Final Report: Due date, October 31, 2022. The final report will include the results of the sampling efforts
and work to identify the source of the non-point source pollution. The report will also identify
recommended solutions and high-level cost estimates to implement said recommendations.
The University of Miami team will be prepared to meet with the City of Miami Beach every other week to
provide updates on the study, to explain the contents of the reports, and to obtain feedback and
recommendations from the City.
Timeline
Task Descriptions July August September October
Week number 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
Kick off meeting and field visit X
Phase 1a, Environmental Data Assess X X X X X X X
Phase 1b, Sediments X X X X X X
Phase 1c, Spatial Sampling X X X X X X X X X X X X
Phase 1d, Temporal Sampling X X X X X X X X X X
Bi-weekly Meetings X X X X X X X X
Progress and Final Reports X X X X
References
Roca, M. A., Brown, R., Solo-Gabriele, H. M. 2019. Fecal indicator bacteria levels at beaches in the Florida Keys after
Hurricane Irma. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 138, 266-273. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.09.036
Desmarais, T.R., Solo-Gabriele, H.M., and Palmer, C.J., 2002. Influence of Soil on Fecal Indicator Organisms in a Tidally
Influenced Subtropical Environment. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 68(3): 1165-1172.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/AEM.68.3.1165-1172.2002
Solo-Gabriele, H., Wolfert, M, Desmarais, T., and Palmer, C., 2000. Sources of E.coli to a Sub-Tropical Coastal Environment.
Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 66(1): 230-237. http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/AEM.66.1.230-237.2000
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Figure 1: Location of Kayak Launch (25˚ 51’ 31.20” N. 80˚ 07’ 33.00” W), near 73 Street and Dickens Avenue
Miami Beach, FL. Basemap from Google Earth.
Kayak Launch
North
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Figure 2: Potential Sample Collection Program for Phase 1c, to evaluate the spatial distribution of enterococci.
Conduct sampling at low tide and high tide. Run either 1:10 to 1:100 dilutions using Enterolert.
Consistent discoloration in
Google Earth images
North
Consistent discoloration in
Google Earth images
Proposed Sampling Location
12 inch Sanitary at 72 Street
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