Project Overview
ATM has been providing water quality-related technical assistance to Lee County since 2007.
Services Rendered
- TMDL Load Reduction Credits
- TMDL Implementation, Representation and Advocacy, Caloosahatchee Estuary and Everglades West Coast
- MS4 Bacteria Pollution Control Plan Support
- NPDES MS4 Permit Support
- Watershed Assessments
Summary
ATM continues to provide a range of water quality-related technical services to Lee County. For example, we review nutrient load allocations and calculate nutrient reduction credits associated with implementation of total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) through the basin management action plan (BMAP) process. ATM’s recommendation to utilize a more robust and scientifically justifiable alternative to FDEP’s load calculation methodology for the Hendry Creek and Imperial River BMAPs resulted in a potential savings to Lee County of tens of millions of dollars by decreasing required total nitrogen reductions by 73 percent.
ATM provides ongoing data analysis and assistance with bacteria source identification, review of proposed impaired waters listings, and delivers technical support for the County’s MS4 permit.
To date, ATM has completed four watershed assessments within Lee County. Each assessment involved data collection, modeling, pollutant loading analysis, analysis of structural and non-structural best management practices (BMPs), and cost estimates. Water quality improvement and flood abatement projects were also identified in each watershed assessment.