Environmental Services is responsible for collecting, and processing of data in connection with water and the environment. Objectives of the department include monitoring the water quality in District canals, natural water courses, lakes, wetlands, potable water systems, waste and reclaimed water systems, ground water, and swimming pools/ beaches.

The department, with input from the Pollution Control Board, administers the RCID Pollution Control Program.

Education and community involvement:

RCID Environmental Services is a charter member of the Metropolitan Environmental Training Alliance (METRA). The department works closely with other members from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), Orange County, the City of Orlando, Seminole County and The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) to provide training to the public on environmental issues. METRA has become a model for the partnering of public and private sector organizations to increase compliance with environmental regulation and quality of life. The department’s environmental education activities were formalized in support of METRA and the RCID Municipal Separate Storm System (MS4) permit. Environmental Services personnel are active in providing information to the public on Earth Day, stormwater presentations, tours, talks at local schools to name a few.

Legislative support:

Support and expertise is provided to FDEP’s Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) for the establishment of Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) and the drafting of legislation for the identification of impaired surface waters (Chapter 62-303 FAC). The results of this monumental task will, no doubt, have far reaching effects throughout the State of Florida related to future development and preservation of the environment.

Bacteriological monitoring of swimming areas:

Biologists measure pool chemistry parameters in addition to coliform monitoring. This monthly operational data assists resorts with their compliance of Florida Department of Heath 64E-9.

The Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon Hydrilla Monitoring and Treatment Program:

Challenges to control nuisance aquatic plants have created the need for greater efficiencies in resource allocation. A weekly monitoring program measuring plant growth, plant health and water quality parameters is now in process. In addition, laboratory growth response studies are ongoing to determine the most efficient herbicide application rates. The results of these studies are expected to decrease cost of chemical treatment while minimizing the introduction of chemicals to surface waters. The overall goal is to achieve and maintain a balanced ecosystem of native flora and fauna taking advantage of any natural predatory or competitive factors that might aid in the control of these invasive plants.

Stormwater monitoring:

Stormwater outfalls are monitored quarterly to assess the water quality discharged to RCID.

The Stream Condition Index (SCI) for macroinvertebrate monitoring of streams:

This index was developed by FDEP to more accurately and efficiently determine the environmental condition of streams based on population and diversity of living organisms and their habitats. The determination consists of a rigorous habitat assessment and mapping of 100 meters of the stream in question followed by twenty half-meter dip net sweeps of the primary and secondary habitats collecting the available macroinvertebrates. The resulting data is used to calculate the SCI which is based on seven measurements. Environmental Services has on staff an elite group of biologists that are certified to perform these bioassessments within the state of Florida.

The department consists of Laboratory Operations and Technical Services groups.

Laboratory Operations is comprised of General Chemistry, Organic/Inorganic Chemistry, Aquatic Biology, and Microbiology. These sections are primarily involved with laboratory analyses and biological field assessments.

Technical Services is comprised of Quality Assurance, Information Services, and Field Operations. Their responsibilities include assuring the quality of data, database management, reporting, providing billing information, and the scheduling and collection of samples.

LABORATORY OPERATIONS

The Chemistry section continues to provide the backbone of support for permit monitoring. They have achieved a long history of accurate, complete, and dependable analytical testing capabilities including nutrients, inorganic, and organic compounds. Analytical capabilities continue to expand as a result of instrumentation upgrades and increased laboratory certifications. The Biology section regularly monitors macroinvertebrate, plant, and fish communities. The development of capability for determining "Stream Condition Index (SCI)" has given this department another tool to quickly assess the long-term water quality of streams. Global Positioning System (GPS) technology is used in the monitoring of aquatic plant and fish communities to promote balanced growth of desirable native species and control/manage the invasive and undesirable ones.

The Microbiology section continues to maintain certification for drinking water and environmental analyses through 100% successful completion of proficiency evaluations. The swimming pool and potable water programs have expanded in response to the growing number of hotels and water attractions.

TECHNICAL SERVICES

The Quality Assurance section is responsible for all aspects of the laboratory’s accreditation. Laboratory Certification has continued under the requirements of the Florida Department of Health (DOH) and EPA’s National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Conference (NELAC). This program is mandated for environmental and drinking water analyses. With this accreditation data is reportable for projects pertaining to the Clean Water Act (CWA); the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA); the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA); and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA). The laboratory is currently certified for: Potable Water (SDWA) – microbiology; Non-potable water (CWA)– microbiology, metals, general chemistry, volatile organics, extractable organics, pesticides-herbicides-PCBs; Solid and chemical materials (RCRA) – volatile organics and extractable organics.

All data are subject to stringent QA/QC requirements to ensure data of known quality according to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), Florida Department of Health (FDOH) guidelines. All data produced by the laboratory are funneled through Quality Assurance for review prior to entry in the database.

The Information Services (IS) section is responsible for data entry, database management, reporting, and the tracking of billing information. They work closely with the Quality Assurance (QA) section to provide reports and billing tailored to the customers’ needs. Environmental Services has received many compliments for the timely reporting and the ability to have data submitted electronically in addition to hard copies.

The Field Operations section is responsible for collecting the majority of the samples analyzed by the laboratory. The field personnel endure the elements to sample lakes, streams, groundwater, wastewater, reuse water, industrial waste and sediments throughout the property. They have been active in special projects such as dry weather monitoring for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4). They are ever vigilant patrolling District property for possible sources of pollution.

You may contact Environmental Services at 407-824-7301.