Miami_Beach_SoloG_230327_v2Sources of Enterococci to Park View Canal in Miami Beach
Presentation given by
Helena Solo-Gabriele, Ph.D., P.E.
Professor, University of Miami
March 27, 2023
Larissa Montas, Ph.D.
Afeefa Abdool-Ghany, M.S.
Yutao Chen, M.S.
Erik Lamm
Ashley Quijada
Rivka Reiner
Hekai Zhang, M.S.
N
Park View Canal (PVC)
is a secondary canal with limited flow
located within Biscayne Bay.
Biscayne Bay
Historic Enterococci Concentrations in PVC Canal
70
Objectives
From where are the enterococci coming from?
How enterococci from humans, dogs, and birds enter the waterway?
Geographic area
Fresh versus marine water
Environmental conditions
associated with elevated enterococci (rain, tide, sunlight)
Our Approach
Sampling Efforts Included:
Evaluate Historical Records
(Miami Beach has made considerable efforts)
Initiate Sampling Program
Intense Spatial Sampling at the PVC
Storm Water System
Shoreline Sediments
Intense Temporal Sampling
Depth Sampling
Historical records show:
enterococci associated with
Rainy days
Fresher waters
Sampling Effort
Intense Spatial Sampling at the PVC
Storm Water System
Shoreline Sediments
Intense Temporal Sampling
Depth Sampling
Spatially Intense Sampling
Sampling Effort
Intense Spatial Sampling at the PVC
Storm Water System
Shoreline Sediments
Intense Temporal Sampling
Depth Sampling
Intense Storm Water Conveyance and Sanitary Sewer Infrastructure
Initial Sites
Background Sites
Exploratory Sites
1
2
3
4
5
6
1
7
10
What Are Possible Contribution From Sediments
Storm Water Inlet
Top Sediments
Bottom
Sediments
Shoreline
Sediments
> 360,000 CFU/g
> 650,000 CFU/g
> 790,000 CFU/g
Sampling Efforts
Intense Spatial Sampling at the PVC
Storm Water System
Shoreline Sediments
Intense Temporal Sampling
Depth Sampling
Time Intense Sampling
Depth Intense Sampling
Measurements in the vertical direction within the water column at:
0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 feet.
Main Source is Fresh Water Carried by the
Storm Water Conveyance System
Long term impactful solutions: Upgrade storm water conveyance system (treat first flush)
Upgrade sanitary sewer system (continuous checking/maintenance)
Homeless
More Frequent Cleaning
Animal Feces
Dogs
Iguanas
Racoons
Birds
Short term items
Conclusions/Summary
Enterococci is:
Associated with freshwater and this freshwater floats on canal surface
Enters during storm events through stormwater conveyance system
Source to stormwater includes:
Animal
feces (domestic and feral)
Homeless without access to sanitation
Leaking garbage bins
Trash
Cannot discount sanitary sewage. When sewage backs up and overflows it enters the stormwater
conveyance system and contaminates the streets including all sediments
Need to further investigate underground sewage leaks. Such leaks can possibly impact the stormwater conveyance
system.
Key Take-aways
Short term. Housekeeping on streets (initiated by City during course of study)
Long term. Investments needed in upgrading
the stormwater conveyance system and
the sanitary sewer system.
Thank you. hmsolo@miami.edu