Addressing Bayou Polllution in Fort Walton Beach, Fla.

John Hofstad, utilities director for Fort Walton Beach, Fla., has been puzzled for years by the high bacteria counts off Garnier's Beach Park near the mouth of Cinco Bayou. His work has made him conclude that the dangerous bacteria flows into the bayou from Gap Creek, but he is still not sure why.

His efforts, however, have prompted the state's department of environmental protection to get involved with related water quality research. The Northwest Florida Water Management District, Okaloosa County and the city have agreed to help fund a pollution study in Gap Creek. The water management district said it will provide up to $58,000, or half the cost, to "investigate, analyze and design storm water retrofit and treatment for the Gap Creek watershed."

"I think this is the first step in a series of collaborative efforts," Hofstad said.

County public works manager Theresa Norris said grant funds will be put toward the hiring of a project consultant, who will use existing storm water retention plan blueprints to formulate a new strategy for Gap Creek.

"It's a complicated equation," said Hofstad. "We're trying to get the storm water out of the system. This is an engineering element you have to do to tell you what path to take. We're trying to account for more volume and, at the same time, retain more so we can treat it."

If this year's grant funds are used properly, additional water management district dollars will be available next year, said Norris.

Source: Northwest Florida Daily News