HomeMy Public PortalAbout2019-12 Agreement with the University of Miami for environmental studies related to potential sources of enterococci on VillageRESOLUTION NO. 2OI9-I2
A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE
VILLAGE OF KEY BISCAYNE, FLORIDA,
AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE MANAGER TO ENTER
INTO AGREEMENTS \ilITH THE UNIVERSITY OF
MIAMI FOR ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES RELATED TO
POTENTIAL SOURCES OF ENTEROCOCü ON VILLAGE
BEACHES AND THE EFFECT OF NOISE POLLUTION ON
MARINE LIFE; PROVIDING FOR IMPLEMENTATION;
AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
\ryHEREAS, the Village of Key Biscayne ("Village") desires to conduct studies to
determine the potential sources of enterococci on the Village's beaches ("Enterococci Study")
and to determine the effect of noise pollution on marine life ("Noise Study"), collectively, the
'oStudies"; and
\THEREAS' the Village Council desires to engage the University of Miami
(o'Consultant") to perform the Studies; and
WHEREAS, the Consultant has provided proposals to conduct the Studies, attached
hereto as Exhibits o'4" and "B" (the "Proposals"); and
\ryHEREAS, the Village Council desires to authorize the Village Manager to enter into
agreements with the Consultant consistent with the Proposals; and
WHEREAS, the Village Council finds that this Resolution is in the best interest and
welfare of the residents of the Village.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF
THE VILLAGE OF KEY BISCAYNE, FLORIDAO AS FOT,LOWS:
Section l. Recitals. That each of the above-stated recitals are hereby adopted,
confirmed, and incorporated herein.
Section 2. Authorization. That the Village Manager is hereby authorized to
negotiate and enter into agreements with the Consultant that are consistent with the Proposals in
an amount not to exceed $86,000, subject to approval by the Village Attorney as to form,
content, and legal sufficiency.
Section 3. Implementation. That the Village Manager is hereby authorized to take
any and all actions necessary to implement the purposes of this Resolution.
Section 4. Effective Date. That this Resolution shall be effective immediately upon
adoption hereof.
PASSED and ADOPTED this 26Th day of February,20lg.
A W. DAVEY,
CMC
APPROVED AS FORM AND LEGAL
VILLAGE ATTORNEY
(
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EXHIBIT ''A''
Evaluating Potential Sources of Enterococci to Key Biscayne Beach
(DRAFT)
Submitted by
Helena Solo-Gabriele, Ph,D., P.E.
Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering
University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL
hmsolo@miami.edu
305-284-3467 (office), 305-989-9L03 (ceII )
January L5,20L9
L
Evaluating Potential Sources of Enterococci to Key Biscayne Beach
lntroduction
The beach at the Village of Key Biscayne has experienced elevated levels of the fecal indicator
bacteria, enterococci, which is used to set beach advisories. Beach advisories are based upon sample
collection and analysis through the Miami-Dade Department of Health. Samples are collected once a
week and analyzed using a method called membrane filtration {MF). Through MF the water sample
that is collected is filtered through a 0,45 micron filter, placed on growth specific media (mEl agar),
incubated for 24 hours, and colonies are then counted. The units of measure are thus colony forming
units per 100 milliliters (CFU/100m1). Beach advisories are issued if two consecutive samples exceed
70 CFU/L00ml for enterococci. These advisories are reported centrally to the Florida Department of
Health and are reported on-line through the Florida Healthy Beaches Program web site.
Another method of analysis is known as chromogenic substrate (IDEXX). Chromogenic substrate is
based upon a color change due to the presence of the indicator bacteria within a series of wells. The
number of positive wells are counted and the bacteria levels are then determined statistically.
Because of the need for statistics to estimate the bacteria numbers, the units of measure are given in
most probable number (MPN/100m1). Groups outside Miami-Dade Department of Health, such as
Surfrider and WaterKeeper, use the chromogenic substrate method. Generally, in practice, the MF
and chromogenic substrate methods are considered to be equivalent methods for monitoring
pu rposes.
We recommend the MF method as the "main" method of sample analysis because it is the method
used by Miami-Dade Department of Health. This will allow results to remain consistent with the
approach used by the organization that issues the beach advisories.
Historical Records of Enterococci
Beaches at all Florida coastal counties have been monitored for enterococci by Miami-Dade
Department of Health since the year 2000. The enterococci concentrations are reported on a weekly
basis and these values can be averaged for a given year or over a particular season. ln terms of yearly
averages (Figure L), the enterococci concentrations appear to have increased at Key Biscayne Beach
from 2016 through 201-8 in comparison to concentrations measured in2007 to 2015. Overallthe
average enterococci level was 12.L CFU/100m1 for the entire period of record (2000 to 2018). For
2007 to 201-5, the average was 7.8 CFU/L00m1 suggesting an improvement in water quality during
this time. However, during the last three years, the average concentrations have increased to 22,7
CFU/100m1 (for 201"6-2018). The differences in enterococci concentrations between these two
periods are statistically significant as computed using t-tests. So in summary, enterococci levels have
increased at Key Biscayne Beach during the last three years in comparison to the levels measured
during the prior 9 years.
2
ln terms of seasonal averages, the highest levels of enterococci are measured during the fall (20
CFU/100m1 on average), followed by the summer (L3 CFU/100m1), and then the spring and winter
seasons (L0 and 9 CFU/1-00m1, respectively) (Figure 2). The fall is known for tides higher than usual
(known as kíng tides) and this may be a reason for the higher levels during the fall. The medium-high
levels during the summer may be due to higher intensity use of the bathing waters by people and the
generally higher amounts of seaweed. lnterestingly the winter season is low whlch is when migratory
birds may be more readily observed at the beach.
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--O- Average Annuâl Éfl terococcl '- - averãge Fnterococci ForAll Dâta
Figure L: Average yearly enterococci
concentrations at Key Biscayne Beach from 2000
to 201-8
Sewage from the Central District Wastewater Treatment
Plant
Sources from leaking sewers or septic tanks plus diffuse local
sources including bather shedding and from animals, in
particular from birds and dogs
During the visit on October 1l-, the area had been recently groomed
by incorporating seaweed into the sand. This resulted in darker sand
(See photo A) due to the seaweed integration along the intertidal
zone at the beach. There were discussions about whether this
integration promoted the retention of bacteria. So the third
contributor towards elevated bacteria levels to be investigated is:
Seaweed. lt is believed that seaweed and its integration into
the sand may contribute towards the retention of bacteria.
3
Spring Summer Fall Winter
Season
Figure 2: Average seasonal enterococci
concentrations at Key Biscayne Beach for the
2000 to 2018 period of record
8888 I
Objectives and Approach
The objectives of this project are to evaluate potentialsources of enterococciat Key Biscayne Beach
The beach was visited on October LL,20L8. This visit included a tour of the surrounding areas.
During discussions with Key Biscayne staff the potentialsources were listed as:
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Photo A: lntegration of
aweed into intertidal sands at
Bis e Beach
o
Birds feed near seaweed encouraging the accumulation of bird feces. Also the seaweed
retains moisture and nutrients which may help bacteria to persist.
Three phases of research are therefore proposed to evaluate each of these suspected sources. These
phases are as follows.
Phase l: Evaluate Correlations with Sewage from the Central District Wastewater Treatment Plant
The Central District Wastewater Treatment Plant (CDWWTP) discharges L43 million gallons of treated
wastewater effluent through a diffuser located 3.6 miles offshore at a depth of about L00 feet of
water. Although the treatment and the diffuser system has been designed to limit the impacts of the
treated sewage on nearby coastal waters, this potential source should be evaluated given its close
proximity to Key Biscayne Beach (Figure 3), large volume of effluent, and the variability in the effluent
characteristics. Although the CDWWTP operates within standards, it is possible that variations in
effluent quality and/or elevated volumes of discharge from the CDWWTP could be the associated
with enterococci levels at Key Biscayne Beach.
Figure 3: Location of CDWWTP and its ocean outfall relative to Key Biscayne
4
To evaluatethis, we willfocus on obtaíning records of discharge and effluent qualityfrom the
CDWWTP. With the assistance of Anita Nash of the FDEP, we have obtained a contact within the
Southeast District of the FDEP who would be able to pull the data from the FDEP database. We
already have the FHBP records of enterococci for Key Biscayne Beach for 2000 through 20L8. Our
plan is to evaluate associations between the enterococci data and the effluent volume and quality.
We plan to prepare time series plots, and regression plots to evaluate possible patterns, trends and
correlations. lf associations are found with CDWWTP quality or volume, then some evidence would
be available to identify the CDWWTP as a possible contributor which should be explored further.
Phase ll: Evaluate Human and AnimalSources
With respect to public health, human sources of enterococci are considered to be the most
problematic, primarily because humans share a lot of diseases with other humans. Animal sources
are also of concern, but the risks are lower due to the fewer number of diseases shared among
humans and dogs or birds.
Human sources of enterococci can come from sewage. Untreated sewage is of primary concern due
to the especially high levels of enterococci (and other disease causing organisms). There are sewer
pipes within the Village of Key Biscayne which carry untreated sewage to the treatment plants. There
is a possibility that these pípes can be leaking. There are also septic tanks within the Village and
malfunctioning septic tanks under certain hydraulic conditions can also potentially serve as a source.
lnadditiontothesesources,enterococcicanalsocomeoff oftheskinof humanbathers, Whenthe
beach is heavily used it is possible for this source to be significant to the point of causing an
enterococciesceedance. ln summarythere are several potential human sources of enterococci so it
ís worth determining whether human sourced enterococci is impacting the beaches.
Similarly, animalsthatfrequentthe beach have also been shown to be significantsources. Dogfeces
in particular are known to harbor large numbers of enterococci. Bird feces also harbor enterococci
but to a lesser extent than dog feces.
Two general approaches will be taken to evaluate the sources of enterococcí. These approaches
include:
a Microbial source tracking (MST), There are specific biological markers for humans versus
animal sources. ln speaking to collaborators on this topic, they recommend two human
markers (HF1-83 Bacteroidales, and HumBac), the Catellicoccus gull marker for seabirds, and
the DogBac Bacteroidales marker for dogs. They also recommend inclusion of the general
enterococci marker to provide a basis for comparison between the MF method used for beach
monitoring and the molecular-based methods which are based upon a process called PCR.
Chemical markers. Four chemical markers have been recommended by Anita Nash of the
FDEP to trace untreated sewage. These include: acetaminophen, naproxen, ibuprofen, and
hydrocodone. For treated sewage caffeine and sucralose are recommended.
5
a
We plan to outsource the analysis of chemical markers, MSTwill be completed through a
collaboration with Dr. Maribeth Gidley who works for U.Miami, but whose lab is located at NOAA-
AOML located at Virginia Key (laboratory of Drs. Chris Sinigalliano and Maribeth Gidley). Drs. Gidley
and Sinigalliano are experts in the MST analysis and their laboratory is located within a 10 minute
drive of Key Biscayne. For the chemical markers, we have heard back from one of the two
laboratories contacted. The laboratory that responded (ALS Global in Washington State) indicated
that they can analyze for the untreated and treated sewage markers. The cost is provided on the
budget page. We plan to integrate the analysis of the MST and chemical markers with the monthly
sampling described below. The MST markers will be analyzed monthly as part of the regular monthly
sampling program, The results from MF and MST measurements can be used to trigger the analysis
for the chemical markers.
Phase lll: Evaluate Seaweed and Other Factors as Contributors to Elevated Bacteria Levels
A transect will be set up to evaluate enterococci at three water locations and at three sand locations
on a monthly basis. This transect will align with the location at whÍch Miami-Dade Department of
Health collects its weekly sample. The water sample will be collected in ankle deep water, in knee
deep water, and in waist deep water. Sand will be collected in the subtidal zone in knee deep water,
in the intertidal zone, and in the supratidal zone (just above the high tide line). ln addition to 6
enterococci measurements (3 in water and 3 in sand), the following additional measures will be
taken:
General weather conditions as documented by an iPhone App called Navclock which provides
air temperature, humidity, and wind speeds.
Additional weather conditions will be documented by noting whether it is sunny, overcast, or
raining. We wíll also record an estimate of wave height. We will download rainfall records
from the closest rainfall monitoring station to document antecedent rainfall conditions. Tidal
height at the time of sampling will be obtained from the nearest tide gauge.
Basic water quality measurements will be taken (salinity, pH, water temperature, and
turbidity). Salinity, pH, and water temperature will be collected with a water quality sonde
Turbidity will be measured ín the lab.
Human load and anímal load observed 100 feet to the left and right of the transect will be
recorded.
Seaweed characteristics will be measured, including the depth and length of the seaweed
strand. The estimate age will also be recorded (fresh, semi-dry, very dry). We will also seek
the beach grooming records to include this information in our analyses.
Photo of the site will be taken from the same location to have a time history of what the
beach looked like during each samplíng períod.
These measurements will be collected monthly over a period of one year to assess possible
relatíonships between environmental measures (including measures of seaweed) and enterococci
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a
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levels. This information will be useful for the Village to take pro-active efforts to minimize enterococci
exceedances at its beach.
Timeline
Project Period February t, 20tg to July 3L,2020 (18 months)
Budget (This budget has not been officially approved by the University of Miami):
Item Amount
PhD Student Stipend, lnsurance, and Tuition (20% time)52s,766
Research Scientist (Dr. Gidley for MST, 4%lime)Si-0,198
Undergraduate Student {300 hours)57,s2s
Supplies 53,6L2
LocalTravel (mileage to and from beach)s2,899
Subtotal S5o,ooo
Note: Budget does not include costs for the Chemical Marker analyses as this will be outsourced to a
different laboratory. The U.Miami team will be responsible for sending the samples to the laboratory
and for integrating the results into the overall study.
Estimated cost of Chemical Markers
$+OO/sample for untreated sewage markers (acetaminophen, naproxen, ibuprofen, and
hydrocodone).
S400/sampf e for treated sewage markers (caffeine and sucralose)
Option
lf there is a desíre to also analyze the samples by chromogenic substrate (IDEXX)we can
include those samples as long as the supplies are purchased by the Village outside of the
contract. We will accommodate the labor costs within the S50K budget already set, but the
supplies will need to come from another source.
a
a
a
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20t9 2020
fask F M A M J J A s o N D J F M A M I J
Preparations X x x x
Phase I x x X X X X R
Phase ll X X x R
Phase lll x x X X X X X X X x X X R
Meetings (M)/Reports(R)M M M M M M R
EXHIBIT ''B''
lmpacts of noise pollut¡on associated with the ULTRA Music Festival on fish
UM scientists, Drs. Berenshtein, Cartolano, Heuer, McDonald, Paris-Limouzy, and Grosell propose to
conduct a series of controlled experiments in combination with field monitoring to quantify the impacts
of noise pollutíon from the 2019 ULTRA Music Festival to take place in Virginia Key in March. The
research team is committed to providing an objective report of their findings no later than 40 days after
the concert and is committed to producing a peer-reviewed publication reporting the results of the
study. Typically, the University of Miami requires that a portion of research grants awarded to scientists
are allocated to institutional operating costs. However, in this unique case, the University of Miami has
agreed to waive these costs in order to ensure maximal research value of the requested funding for this
local issue. ln the following, we outline experiments that will be performed prior to, during, and after
the event.
L Controlled experi ments
The Gulf toadfish (Opsøn us beta), a local and benthic species, will be used for these experiments for
three primary reasons. First, toadfish play an important ecological role in the local environment as they
are a common prey item for sentinel species such as dolphins. Second, toadfish vocalizations contribute
to the local marine soundscape and they rely heavily on their hearing for reproduction, social
interactions, and predatory avoidance. Third, toadfish have well-characterized responses to stress that
our research team has studied extensively. The proposed experiments will utilize the very sensítive
stress response of toadfish to determine the impacts of noise from to the musíc festival by measuring
fluctuations in stress hormones (cortisol and ACTH) found in blood.
Toadfish will be placed in holding tanks at the UM Experimental Hatchery immediately adjacent to the
Virginia Beach Park weeks prior to the concert in March and blood will be sampled after a sufficient
acclimation period to obtain baseline levels of stress hormones. These baseline levels are expected to be
low and similar to those of wild fish. An additional set of fish will be held under identical conditions
immediately before, during, and after the ULTRA Music Festival, and their blood will be sampled during
peak intensity of the festival. Elevated stress hormone levels in samples from these fish will indícate
stress in response to the event. Sampling one week after the festival will also allow us to determine if
the stress response can recover after three continuous days of noise pollution. For these experiments,
sound will be recorded adjacent to, and in the toadfish holding tanks in order to match stress levels to
sound intensity.
ll. Fíeld monitoring
Underwater sound recording devices (hydrophones) will be also be deployed in two places to obtain
before, during, and after soundscapes. First, recordings from Bear Cut directly in front of Virginia Beach
Park will quantify and document the magnitude of noise pollution coming from the event. These
recordings will be compared to baseline recordings collected before the festival to determine the level
of noise pollution that wild fish endured. Additionally, we will compare these recordings to those
obtained from toadfish experimental holding tanks to more broadly estimate stress induced in wild fish
in Bear Cut during the event. Second, recordings in "Jimbo's Lagoon", located east of Virginia Beach Park
and generally void of boat traffic, are intended to capture the natural sounds produced by Gulf toadfish
and other marine organisms in this area before, during, and afterthe event. Studies on Gulf toadfish and
other fish species have demonstrated reduced vocalizations in response to noise pollution and our field
mon¡toring will allow us to determine if the noise associated with ULTRA altered the natural marine
soundscapes surrounding Virginia Key.
Sound in woter and hearing by fish dictates detailed characterization of sound
The propagation of sound in water differs from that in air. Since air is compressíble, land dwelling
animals rely on pressure sensing diaphragms, like eardrums, for hearing. ln contrast, water is much less
compressible and sound results in particle (water) movement in addítion to pressure gradients.
Consequently, marine organisms both "hear" and "feel" noise in the waterand rely on a range of
specialized sensory systems to detect fluctuations in acceleration and velocity of their surrounding
water to detect sound. Since fish detect mainly particle movement to "hear", particle movement along
with pressure gradients will be determined for pre-event and during event periods from both controlled
experiments and field monitoring.
lll. Budget
Drs McDonald, Paris-Limouzy, and Grosell are tenured professors at RSMAS and will be responsible for
project completion and reporting, Theyoffertheirtime and expertise at no costtothis project. ln
addition, existing relevant equipment for sound recording, cortisol analyses, as well as blood sampling is
available for the present project. The majority of the requested funds will cover salaries for postdoctoral
fellows Drs Berenshtein, Cartolano, and Heuer, who will perform the day-to-day observations before,
during, and after the event, as well as the extensive sample and data analyses invofved with the
proposed work. ln addition, a modest supply budget and funds for purchase of additional hydrophones
and recorders is requested as detailed below.
Item Cost
Salaries (2 months for each postdoctoralfellow)S31,793
Hydrophones/recorders (4 at 5500 ea)S2,ooo
Analytical cost of measuring ACTH and cortisol S 1238
General lab supplies (needles, syringes, sample
tubes, liquid nitrogen, etc)
S 42s
Toadfish holdins facilities S ¡OO
Experimentalfish S z+o
Total S ge,ooo