Specifications

Section 2 Existing Conditions/Affected Environment
EAA Storage Reservoirs Revised Draft PIR and EIS February 2006
2-39
2.14.2 Monitoring Programs
SFWMD maintains a water quality monitoring network for surface waters
within and at the boundaries of the EAA. These surface water samples have
been analyzed for multiple constituents. The samples have been acquired at
various frequencies from a variety of sampling stations over the years. These
water quality data are compiled in SFWMD’s database DBHYDRO and available
through Internet search (http://www.sfwmd.gov/org/ema/dbhydro/). Additional
data sources include: USEPA, the USGS, FDEP, and numerous public and
private research and monitoring efforts.
FDEP has defined most of the primary and secondary canals within the EAA
(Miami, Hillsboro, North New River, West Palm Beach, Bolles and Cross Canals)
as Class III Waters with a designated use of “recreation, propagation and
maintenance of healthy, well-balanced population of fish and wildlife.”
Agricultural canals are regulated as Class IV Waters designated for
“agricultural water supply.” A summary of applicable water quality criteria for
Class III and IV Waters of the state as defined in Section 62-302.530, FAC, may
be found in Appendix C.
While most of the surface water quality monitoring has been performed by
SFWMD, other agencies have cooperated in the monitoring effort, including
USEPA, USGS, FDEP, and the USACE. Surface water samples and field
measurement data were collected near the water surface. Samples and data
generally were collected at routine frequencies so they were not biased by water
management practices or season of the year. Analytical procedures were
typically USEPA methods that were approved by CERP oversight.
Information in this sub-section is intended to be general summary data. It
should be useful in providing a broad understanding of water quality in the
various water bodies of interest. It must be noted that any monitoring program
has limitations with regard to the detail to which data may be interpreted. For
example, water samples and field measurement data were routinely collected
near the water surface. Sampling at the surface of a water body may or may not
yield analytical data that reflect the water quality of the entire water column.
The water columns in some Florida canals have been seen to stratify, allowing
substantial water quality (e.g., dissolved oxygen, nutrients) differences to
develop in the near-surface water and water closer to the canal bottom. Please
see Appendix C for more detail on water quality data.
2.14.3 Water Quality Parameters of Interest
Field measurement parameters include specific conductance, pH, and dissolved
oxygen. Specific conductance, the ability of a water sample to carry an electrical