Nutrient enrichment and fecal contamination can cause environmental degradation to coral reefs, sea grass beds and drinking water and cause significant threats to public health. The Center for Watershed Protection (CWP) and local partners are continuing efforts to work with University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez and InterAmerican University in San Germán to identify and track land based sources of pollution by tracking sewage, septage and other sources of pollution to their origin so that these sources can be addressed. Existing methodologies
developed for the U.S. (https://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/)
are being amended to detect illicit discharges in freshwater and the near shore coastal environment in southwest Puerto Rico.
Field crews conducted initial surveys in Guánica Bay, the Rio Loco, Lajas Valley, Yauco and LaParguera in September, 2010. Results of the field work indicate nutrient and bacteria hotspots throughout the surveyed areas. Hotspots were determined based on water quality and physical indicators such as ammonia, bacteria, nutrients and other parameters. Additional field work will be performed in February, 2011, to further isolate the sources of contamination by more intensive sampling of problem areas and conducting drainage area investigations of stormwater infrastructure and tributaries of concern. (CLICK PHOTO to enlarge)
