Florida Healthy Beaches

7/31/2019 Florida Healthy Beaches

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Work Product #4:

Florida Department of Healths Methods and Assessment Procedures Plan

for the Federal BEACH ProgramThis detailed methods and assessment procedures plan will be used to detect levels

of pathogen indicators and to identify short-term increases in pathogen indicators in

Floridas coastal recreational waters to protect public health. The original work productplan outlined a methods and assessment procedures plan that would include quality

assurance/quality control (QA/QC) procedures, data quality objectives (DQOs), standard

operating procedures (SOPs), and a quality assurance project plan (QAPP). To avoidredundancy, the methods and assessment plan is the QAPP and all other categories are

included in this document. The QAPP describes the technical activities and QA/QC

procedures used to ensure that data meets specified standards. The plan develops and

implements QA/QC procedures to produce high quality data and to minimize the loss ofdata. This plan also contains DQOs and SOPs to clarify study objectives, define the

appropriate type of data, and specify tolerable levels of error.

There are three phases to the QAPP: Planning, Implementation, and Assessment.

The planning phase includes DQO statements that help to clarify study objectives, defineappropriate types of data, and specify tolerable levels of potential decision errors used as

the basis for establishing the quality and quantity of data needed to support decisions. Theimplementation phase translates the DQOs from the planning phase into measurement

performance specifications and describes QA/QC procedures and SOPs that will provide

the information needed. The final phase, assessment, focuses on determining whether thedata meet the necessary requirements.

Floridas Healthy Beaches ProgramQuality Assurance Project PlanPrepared for:

United States Environmental Protection Agency

Atlanta, Georgia

Prepared by:

Kamie W. Carney, Project/QA ManagerFlorida Department of Health

Division of Environmental Health

Bureau of Water Programs

4052 Bald Cypress Way BIN #C-22Tallahassee, FL 32399-1742

7/12/2002 (Revised 2/12/03)

Approving Signatures:

Bart Bibler, Chief, Bureau of Water Programs ______________________________

Gary Bennett, QA Reviewer, EPA ______________________________Joel Hansel, Project Manager, EPA ______________________________


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Table of Contents

Section PageA Project Management

3 Distribution List 4

4 Project/Task Organization 55 Problem Definition/Background 6

6 Project/Task Description and Schedule 7

7 Quality Objectives and Criteria for Measurement Data 8

8 Special Training Requirements/Certification 129 Documentation and Records 12

B Measurement/Data Acquisition

1 Sampling Process Design (Experimental Design) 142 Sampling Methods Requirements 15

3 Sample Handling and Custody Requirements 164 Analytical Methods Requirements 16

5 Quality Control Requirements 16

6 Instrument/Equipment Testing, Inspection, and Maintenance 177 Instrument Calibration and Frequency 17

8 Inspection/Acceptance Requirements for Supplies 17

9 Data Acquisition Requirements 17

10 Data Management 17

C Assessment/Oversight

1 Assessment/Oversight 192 Reports to Management 19

D Data Validation and Usability1 Data Review, Validation, and Verification 19

2 Validation and Verification Methods 21

3 Reconciliation with Data Quality Objectives 21

References 22

Appendices

A Floridas Risk-Based Beach Evaluation and Classification Plan 23B Sampling Design and Monitoring Implementation Plan 29

C Florida Department of Healths Reports to EPA 39

D Decision Flow Chart 41E Overall Notification and Risk Communication Plan 42

F State of Florida Department of Health Ocean Sampling Report 53

Distribution List


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Joel Hansel, EPA

Bart Bibler, DOH (Project Supervisor)

Kamie W. Carney, DOH (Project/QA Manager)Peter Fadale, DOH (Data User)

Floridas Coastal County Health Department Environmental Health Directors:

(Field Activities)

Mike Guyne, Bay CHD

Cheryl Dunn, Brevard CHD Howard Rosen, Broward CHD

Robert Vincent, Charlotte CHD

Merton Rashley, Citrus CHD

Tom Walker, Collier CHD Samir Elmir, Dade CHD

Wesley Asbell, Dixie CHD

Aaron Hilliard, Duval CHD

Robert Merritt, Escambia CHD Anita Cholmondeley, Flagler CHD

Brent Mabrey, Franklin CHD David Fuze, Gulf CHD

Albert Gray, Hernando CHD

Jordan Lewis, Hillsborough CHD Mike Galanis, Indian River CHD

Gary Maier, Lee CHD

Donald May, Levy CHD

Ken Rech, Manatee CHD Bob Washam, Martin CHD

Bobbi Sleighter, Monroe CHD

Dolvin Forman, Nassau CHD Doug Sims, Okaloosa CHD

Frank Gargiulo, Palm Beach CHD

Bill Angulo, Pasco CHD Mike Flanery, Pinellas CHD

Mike Towle, St. Johns CHD

James Moses, St. Lucie CHD

Bill Sirmans, Santa Rosa CHD Homer Rice, Sarasota CHD

Jim Burkhart, Taylor CHD

Pete Thornton, Volusia CHD Brian Crawford, Wakulla CHD

Crystal Steele, Walton CHD

Project Organization


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Bart Bibler Florida Department of Health Decision maker

(Controls all decisions

of the project)

Kamie Carney Florida Department of Health QA/Project manager

(Oversees project andensures QA is

maintained)

Bart Bibler Florida Department of Health Project supervisor

(Assist in maintaining

QAPP and supervise

QA manager)

County staff Florida Department of Health QAPP

(Implementation and

data generators)

Kamie Carney/Peter Fadale Florida Department of Health Data users

(Use data to generate

reports for EPA anduse information

for policy studies)

PHASE 1: PLANNING

A- Project Management Elements

A5: Problem Definition/Background

Human activities and developmental growth in Florida have the potential to substantially

increase wastewater from treatment plants and septic tanks and alter the quality of storm

water runoff from the watershed into coastal waters. As a result, microbial contaminantsmay be a risk to the public in Floridas coastal waters.

Floridas gulf and ocean beaches are important components of the states successful

tourism industry. Of the 35 coastal counties in Florida, only 13 counties reported beach

water sampling in 1997. In addition, there was no statewide system for the standardizationof sampling methods, sampling frequencies, types of indicator organisms measured, or

laboratory methods in those counties conducting sampling. Consequently, Floridas

beaches had been classified as Bum Beaches by some public interest organizations. Thisclassification had the potential to adversely affect the recreational use of the beaches by

residents and tourists.

As a result of the negative media reports and to ensure the publics safety, beachsampling efforts were expanded by the Florida Department of Health (FL DOH) through a

pilot program, funded by the Department of Community Affairs Florida Coastal

Management Program and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

on July 1, 1998, and extended through June 30, 1999. Following the initial grant period,


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FL DOH was awarded another grant from the United States Environmental Protection

Agency (EPA) that began July 1, 1999 and extended through June 30, 2000. Following

these grant periods, state legislation was passed that appropriated funds for five years toestablish the Florida Healthy Beaches Program for marine water sampling. Through this

legislation, the definition of public bathing places contained in 514.011, Florida Statutes

(F.S.), was expanded to include ocean, gulf and bay waters. The addition gave thedepartment the authority to routinely sample these beaches to assure residents and tourists

that the water is safe for bathing in the coastal waters.

In July 2000, the Florida Healthy Beaches Program began collecting beach watersamples in 34 of the 35 coastal counties (Jefferson County does not have accessible

beaches), to analyze for two bacterial indicators, enterococcus and fecal coliform. The

county health department (CHD) staff members employed by FL DOH currently monitor

beachfront sites along their countys coastline once every two weeks at over 300 sites. Thesites were selected by the counties according to frequency of use, proximity to pollution

sources, and to include as much of Floridas coastline as possible. The CHDs selected a FL

DOH laboratory or a FL DOH certified private laboratory to conduct the EPA approved

laboratory analyses for enterococci (Method 1600: 24-hour Membrane Filter Test).This document is a plan to implement a federally standardized sampling, analysis,

and notification program. This project builds upon the existing Florida Healthy BeachesProgram, and will increase the sampling frequency and ensure consistency and

comparability of the data between coastal counties and other states through compliance

with the federal BEACH Program requirements.

A6: Project/Task Description and Schedule

Water monitoring sites have been reassessed according to the criteria outlined by

EPA. Each CHD received and considered these criteria as they implemented Floridas

Risk-based Beached Evaluation and Classification Plan (Appendix A, submitted to EPAin December 2001). As a result of this process, Work Product #2 contains Floridas list of

monitoring sites (Appendix B). These sites have been located and recorded with Global

Positioning Systems (GPS) units.CHDs have the necessary equipment and training to conduct monitoring. Two or

more employees at each CHD are capable of conducting sampling and entering the data

into the database in the event that one is unable to monitor for a certain time period(vacation, illness, etc.).

Each CHD will monitor their beach sites on a weekly basis. Water samples will be

submitted to FL DOH accredited laboratories and tested for the pathogen indicators

enterococci and fecal coliform. Results will be entered into the Florida Healthy BeachesProgram water quality database by CHD staff immediately following the report from their

laboratory. FL DOH will submit data to EPA on a quarterly basis via data loads to

STORET, as described in Florida Department of Healths Reports to EPA (Appendix C).

A7: Data Quality Objectives and Criteria for Measurement Data

Specifying Data Quality ObjectivesThe goal of this program is to offer rapid and accurate assessments of beach water

quality conditions through routine monitoring of coastal marine bathing waters and to

determine if levels of the indicator bacteria enterococci exceed the single sample maximum

and geometric mean water quality criteria established by the federal EPA in Ambient


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Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria-1986. An exceedance of this criterion will result in

issuance of an Advisory. FL DOH will also evaluate the coastal waters for the bacterial

indicator fecal coliform according to the single sample maximum standard established bythe Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FL DEP). An exceedance of this

criterion will result in issuance of a Warning. Monitoring coastal marine waters for these

bacterial indicators will help determine if beaches are suitable for recreational use byFlorida residents and tourists. The objectives of the water quality monitoring program

include:

1. Identifying and documenting the existing condition of Floridas beaches.2. Determining statewide compliance with water quality criteria for bacteria.

3. Identifying trends in bacteriological water quality.

Identify the Decision

The steps to the decision making process are identified in the attached flow chart

(Appendix D). The underlying goal will be to determine if levels of pathogen indicators

exceed the water quality criteria established by EPA or FL DEP. If levels exceed waterquality criteria, personnel will either resample and issue an advisory or warning upon

confirmation of poor results or immediately issue an advisory or warning. If resamplelevels are considered poor, the CHD will issue an advisory and notify FL DOH, local

government officials, and the public. If the geometric mean of the five most current sample

periods, including resampling data, exceeds EPAs criteria then an advisory will be issuedimmediately and will remain until future samples result in the geometric mean falling

below the EPA criteria. To maintain consistency with the single sample maximum

guidelines, when the geometric mean is exceeded, county health departments will have the

option of including one resample value before issuing the geometric mean advisory.Inputs to the Decision

Data collected for the beach monitoring program will include pathogen indicator

levels, temperatures, current flow and tidal stage, rainfall, and comments about the numberof bathers in the water, the animals affecting the water, and the number of boats in the

water. The criteria used to evaluate risk will be based on EPAs risk evaluation of 19

illnesses per 1000 swimmers as described in Ambient Water Quality Criteria-1986.Boundaries of the Study

The monitoring programs spatial and temporal boundaries were described in

Sampling Design and Monitoring Implementation Plan (Appendix B). Beaches were

prioritized according to recreational use, history of problems, proximity to point sourceoutfalls, impact of non-point source pollution, amount of tidal flushing, and accessibility to

the public.

Practical constraints to the program include events affecting the ability of CHDstaff to sample (inclement weather, weekends, holidays, limited staffing), events preventing

timely reports from laboratories (lab overloads, weekends, holidays), and limited funding.

Decision RuleAfter the collection of marine water samples from bathing beaches using the sample

collection protocols described in Section B1, each sample will be analyzed for enterococci

and fecal coliform counts. The results for enterococci will be reported as a single sample

maximum and a geometric mean, and fecal coliform will be reported as a single sample


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maximum. Enterococci will be classified according to the marine water quality scale

developed by EPA and fecal coliform will be compared to the adopted standards of FL

DEP (Chapter 62-302, Florida Administrative Code [F.A.C.]).In order to allow time for resampling before the next sample period, field personnel

will be required to collect the initial sample on Monday or Tuesday of the sample period

and then collect any re-samples upon receipt of poor results. The county healthdepartments shall either immediately conduct re-sampling of monitoring sites that exceed

the single sample maximum action limit or issue an advisory or warning with the initial

poor result. If the action limit is exceeded on a resample, it will be considered a potentialhealth risk to the bathing public and an advisory (enterococci) or warning (fecal coliform)

will be issued.

The sampling results obtained through the program will be inputted into the Florida

Healthy Beaches Programs database, which automatically uploads to the FL DOHsInternet Beach Water Quality website

(http://apps3.doh.state.fl.us/env/beach/webout/default.cfm). Any advisories or warnings

will be promptly forwarded by the CHDs to the appropriate media outlets (i.e. newspapers,

local television and radio stations, etc.), the State Health Office of FL DOH, and localgovernment officials, as discussed in the Overall Notification and Risk Communication

Plan (Appendix E). Advisories or warnings will be removed after sample results return tolevels below the action limit.

Enterococci Standards (Single Sample Maximum)

Good = 0-34 CFU/100 mL of marine water

Moderate = 35-103 CFU/100 mL of marine water

Poor = 104 or greater CFU/100 mL of marine water ***Action Limit***

The collection of weekly samples will also allow FL DOH to calculate a monthly

geometric mean for enterococci. The geometric mean will be based on the results of thefive most current sample periods. Since resampling data will be included in the

calculation, the geometric mean may be calculated with a variable number of samples but

will maintain the requirement of at least five samples in a 30-day period. The geometricmean action limit for enterococci is based on EPAs recommendations and will be 35

CFU/100 mL of marine water. An advisory will be issued upon confirmation of single

sample maximum and geometric mean exceedances.

Fecal Coliform Standard

The Healthy Beaches Program will not be collecting samples frequently enough to

calculate a geometric mean for fecal coliform, based on FL DEPs adopted standard that

requires that a geometric mean be calculated based on ten samples per month. The existingsingle sample maximum standard has been 800 CFU/100 mL, based on the current

sampling regime of once every two weeks. However, the FL DEPs adopted standard also

stipulates that no more than 10% of the samples may exceed 400 CFU/100 mL. Therefore,the single sample maximum value will be adjusted so that the standard will be:

Good = 0-199 CFU/100 mL of marine water

Moderate = 200-399 CFU/100 mL of marine water

Poor = 400 or greater CFU/100 mL of marine water ***Action Limit***

A warning will be issued when the fecal coliform results exceed the action limit, and are

confirmed with a resample.

Tolerable Limits on Decision Errors


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Quality objectives and criteria describe how a sample should be collected and

analyzed to ensure that the data are acceptable and usable. False positive and false

negative results will be avoided by following the prescribed EPA techniques for samplingand laboratory analysis.

Sampling design error occurs when the sampling design cannot capture the extent

of variability that exists in the environment and measurement error is associated with biasand imprecision in sampling methodology (sample handling, storage, preservation, and

identification). These errors will be avoided by collecting samples that best represent the

conditions of each region, and by using trained, professional CHD staff that adhere to theQAPP and the SOPs, and review data entry. Sampling design and SOPs are discussed in

Section B.

Specifying Measurement Performance Criteria

Performance criteria (Data Quality Indicators-DQIs) include measures of precision,accuracy, representativeness, completeness, and comparability. Precision and accuracy

should be covered in more detail in the QA manuals developed for laboratories certified by

FL DOH laboratories, as required by Chapter 64E-1.102, Florida Administrative Code

(F.A.C.). The FL DOH Environmental Laboratory Certification Program (ELCP) isregulated by EPAs National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP)

(www.epa.gov/ttn/nelac) and certifies laboratories to follow EPA guidelines (Chapter 64E-1, F.A.C.).

Representativeness, completeness, and comparability are objectives of particular

concern to field sampling staff. Representativeness is the degree to which data accuratelyand precisely represents the characteristics of a population. One method for ensuring

representativeness is to evaluate the sampling design to determine if the area of sample

collection is typical and representative of each area of concern. This project will ensure

representativeness by selecting sample locations of the coastal waters that the public usesfor recreation at that beach.

Completeness is the percentage of measurements that are considered valid and are

entered into the data management system. FL DOH has implemented a set of limits that donot allow a CHD to leave any fields on the data entry form blank. This system will help

avoid the accidental omission of data during the data entry process since all fields must be

completed before data can be submitted. CHDs will achieve a level of completeness ofover 95% of all data fields.

Data sets are considered comparable when there is confidence that they can be

considered equivalent in the measurement of a specific variable. Similar sampling based

on geographic and seasonal characteristics; the adequate training of field sampling andlaboratory personnel; and the use of standardized methods for sampling and analysis will

ensure comparability.

A8 Special Training Requirements

The training of new staff will emphasize:

the importance of following sampling SOPs;

the theory behind indicator organisms; QA/QC protocols;

how to complete the field record;

how to enter data into the database;

and the safety aspects of field sampling.


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Current CHD personnel may not require additional training to follow the prescribed

protocols. FL DOH will evaluate the adequacy of a specific CHDs training regime inperiodic audits.

A9 Documentation and Records

Appropriate documentation will be retained by CHDs and reviewed by FL DOH duringperiodic field evaluations/audits. Forms evaluated will include field records (such as the

example in Appendix F), documentation of public notification efforts, and results from

laboratories. Field records include the following information. Project name/ID and location

Sample dates, times, and locations

Sampling personnel

General weather conditions (sunny, cloudy, or rainy) Rainfall in last week, three days, and 24 hours

Field measurements (water and air temperatures)

Tidal conditions (ebb, flood, or slack; high, medium, or low)

Current direction and strength Sample identifications/organism to be tested

Notes or comments (document anything that could affect sample results;for example: difficulties or unusual circumstances; boats discharging,

sea birds overhead, etc.)

Only laboratories accredited by ELCP will be used for sample analysis. Laboratory

personnel records are discussed in the QA manuals developed for laboratories certified byFL DOH ELCP.

Data Reporting Package Format and Documentation Control

The format of all data reporting will be consistent with the requirements andprocedures for data validation and data assessment described in Sections B, C, and D. All

documents and records will be handled according to the SOP developed by the FL DOH

(Section B).Data Reporting Package Archiving and Retrieval

Data files, field records, and laboratory results will be retained for a minimum of three

years.

PHASE 2: IMPLEMENTATION

B- Measurement/Data Acquisition

B1 Sampling Process Design (Experimental Design)

The standard operating procedures (SOPs) for field sampling describe the methodby presenting the procedure in sequential steps and including specific facilities, equipment,

materials and methods, and QA/QC procedures.

The proper collection, preservation and storage of beach water samples is necessaryto reduce errors in analysis. The sample container will either be an empty, sterile Whirl-

Pak sampling bag or another container approved by the FL DOH state laboratory. The

collection bag will be at least 125 milliliters (mL) but no more than 1000 mL to allow for

adequate sampling and mixing. Field sampling personnel will not open the collection baguntil just prior to taking the sample in order to protect the bag from contamination.

Marine water samples are susceptible to rapid increases or death of microorganisms


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and hence will be held for the shortest time possible to minimize change. Steps for the

preservation and transit of collected water samples will be followed precisely, or the

sample will not be analyzed and another sample will be collected. Bacteriological samplesmust be iced or refrigerated at a temperature of 1-4 Celsius (C) and stored in insulated

containers to assure proper maintenance of storage temperature during transit to the

laboratory. Samples will be delivered only to the laboratories approved by FL DOH.Rationale for the Design

The protocol for sampling was derived from the procedures outlined in the EPAs

Microbiological Methods for Monitoring the Environment: Water and Wastes(EPA/600/8-78/017).

Design Assumptions

Samples will be collected weekly for all beaches selected for the monitoring and

notification program. In order to allow time for the resampling of poor results before thenext sampling period, field personnel will be required to collect the sample on Monday or

Tuesday of the sampling period and collect any re-samples later in the week. CHD staff

will document rainfall and tidal information to explain sample collection difficulties (for

example: the current was too strong to safely enter the water). If the sample cannot becollected according to the plan, due to holidays or inclement weather, then personnel will

collect the sample as soon as possible to ensure that any re-samples can be conductedbefore the next sampling period. If the situation does not allow for sampling in the

required time frame, CHDs must contact FL DOH within the sampling period in question.

Laboratories will be required to have the ability to handle weekly samples and to reportresults to the CHD in a timely manner.

Procedures for Locating and Selecting Environmental Samples

Counties have selected sampling sites, as described in the Sampling Design and

Monitoring Implementation Plan (Appendix B), based on the criteria outlined inFloridas Risk-Based Beach Evaluation and Classification Plan (Appendix A). Each site

has been located and recorded with GPS units.

B2 Sampling Methods Requirements

Step-by-Step Procedures for CHDs

Do NOT open the collection bag until just prior to taking the sample in order to

protect the bag from contamination. Carefully move, so as not to stir up sediment anddebris, to a location at approximately three feet of water depth.

1. Identify sampling site on the label and a field log sheet before collecting the

sample. [The tag or label should contain as a minimum: sample number, sample

location number, date and time taken. The tags must be filled out legibly inwaterproof ink.]

2. Tear on perforation: simply grasp the top edge and tear away from the bag.

3. Pull tabs to open: allows you to open the bag top wide without touching theedges.

4. Grasp the bag at the mouth using an 18-inch water scoop or sterile gloves.

5. With one hand plunge the bag mouth down into the water (to avoid introducingsurface scum.)

6. Position the mouth of the bag into the current away from the collectors body.

7. Collector should be approximately three feet out in the water source.

8. The sampling depth should be 30-46 centimeters (12-18 inches) below the water


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surface.

9. Tip the bag slightly upwards to allow air to exit and the bag to fill.

--COLLECTIONS DONE IN A CONTINUOUS SCOOPING MOTION--10. After removal of the bag from the water source, pour out a small portion of the

sample to allow an air space of 2.5-5.0 cm (1-2 in) above each sample.

11. Tightly seal the labeled bag.12. Complete a sample data (log) sheet provided as State of Florida Department of

Health Ocean Sampling Report (Appendix F).

Ensure sample bags are not totally immersed in water/melted ice during transit or storage.

Double and single grid racks for ice chests are available. Samples must be examined as

soon as possible after collection so that the holding time limit will not exceed six hours

between collection and initiation of sample analyses. Samples should only be delivered tothe laboratories approved by the Florida Department of Health.

B3 Sample Handling and Custody Requirements

Sample Custody Procedure

Chain of Custody (COC) procedures are to be followed whenever samples arecollected, transferred, stored, or analyzed. CHD staff will follow the sampling protocol

developed and will directly deliver samples to the laboratory for analysis. When thesamples are at the laboratory, CHD and laboratory staff will complete any COC records

required by each laboratory. Specific laboratory COCs are outlined in the required QA

manuals developed for FL DOH ELCP certified laboratories.

B4 Analytical Methods Requirements

CHD staff will use laboratories certified by ELCP, through NELAP, for enterococci

analysis with EPAs Method 1600: 24 hour Membrane Filter Test. This method will be

followed without deviation.

B5 Quality Control Requirements

QC Procedures

The professional CHD staff employed by FL DOH will monitor coastal beach waterquality. CHD supervisors will train and routinely monitor all field staff for compliance

with established protocols. Sample handling and custody requirements will be monitored

after each sample is collected and during the transfer of the samples to the laboratories.CHD supervisors will periodically verify the completeness of field sampling records prior

to data entry.

FL DOH will review each line of results entered into the database every two weeks.

Personnel will check for missing data and possible data entry errors. Limits have been seton the types of data that may be entered into the system. The system will not accept blank

fields and each variable has an upper limit to avoid the more common data entry errors.

FL DOH will conduct periodic audits of CHD records and field samplingtechniques to evaluate the training methods and documentation efforts of each CHD.

Field blanks will be supplied to laboratories for QC procedures upon request.

B6 Instrument Testing, Inspection, and Maintenance Requirements

All testing, inspection, and maintenance of laboratory equipment will be conducted as

prescribed by laboratory QA manuals.

B7 Instrument Calibration

All laboratory instrument calibration will be conducted as prescribed by laboratory


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QA manuals.

B8 Inspection/Acceptance Requirements for Supplies

Critical SuppliesThe necessary supplies for field sampling include sterile Whirl-Pak sampling bags

or other collection containers approved by the FL DOH state laboratory, insulated

containers for transporting samples, racks to stabilize samples during transport, sterilegloves or a water scoop, labels for samples, official FL DOH identification, ocean sample

reports, and sampling SOPs/checklists.

Inspection Requirements and ProceduresFL DOH state laboratories through ELCP will establish criteria for inspecting and

accepting laboratory supplies.

Tracking and Quality Verification of Supplies

The sterile Whirl-Pak sampling bags or other collection containers approved by the FLDOH state laboratory will only be accepted if the delivery container and individual

containers are sealed.

B9 Data Acquisition Requirements (Non-Direct Measurements)

Discussed in section A7.B10 Data ManagementData Recording

Once samples have been collected and analyzed, the results will be entered into the

Florida Healthy Beaches Program database. FL DOH will assess the data for

completeness and data entry errors. Any discrepancies will result in the notification ofCHD representatives. The nature of the data and the subsequent analyses will be consistent

to permit the comparison of data in one set to others. Both hard copies and electronic files

containing field and laboratory data will be stored forthree years.

Data ValidationData will be validated and verified based on an assessment of the following factors:

1. Completeness of the data;

2. Adherence to proper sample preservation, transport, or handling protocols;3. Proper use of sample collection procedures;

4. Proper use of quality control criteria;

5. Documentation of all data;6. Ability to reconstruct all field sampling procedures through documentation and

records of such procedures;

7. Ability to trace data in the final report to a specific sampling site, date, and time;

8. Status of the laboratorys certification through ELCP; and9. Appropriateness of the data as related to specific data quality objectives.

Laboratory verification plans should be outlined for each laboratory by ELCP

approved QA manuals. Validation confirms that particular requirements for a specifiedintended use have been fulfilled and systematically examines data to determine technical

usability with respect to the planned objectives. CHD supervisors are responsible for

reviewing field-sampling reports before personnel enter data into the system. FL DOH willreview the database entries and contact CHDs about any discrepancies.

Data Analysis

FL DOH will analyze the data to see if there are any correlations with other parameters,


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such as rainfall. If a correlation is statistically supported, FL DOH will evaluate the

feasibility of predictive modeling.

PHASE 3: ASSESSMENT

C- Assessment/Oversight

C1 Assessments and Response Actions

Assessment Activities and Project PlanningFL DOH will review data for discrepancies and missing information following each

sampling period. The status of the project will be evaluated through this surveillance of the

records and will ensure that the requirements of the QAPP are being fulfilled. Laboratoryassessment activities will be performed following the QAPP developed by ELCP certified

laboratories. These accredited labs have been evaluated and meet the standards and criteria

set by the state and the EPA.

Periodic audits of county health departments will be conducted to ensure that protocols areconsistent with the QAPP. These audits will consist of an on-site assessment of field

sampling procedures and a review of the documentation that record monitoring and

notification efforts.

Documentation of AssessmentsSurveillance of data quality will be conducted throughout the project. Each CHD

will be audited by FL DOH headquarters to ensure adherence to the QAPP. Any problemsencountered will be documented and stored with the countys data.

C2 Reports to Management

The frequency, content, and distribution of reports will be submitted as described inSection A9 of the QAPP and in Florida Department of Healths Reports to EPA

(Appendix C). The responsible organizationsare described in Section A4 of this QAPP.

D- Data Validation and Usability

D1 Data Review, Validation, and Verification Requirements

Sampling Design

The Sampling Design and Monitoring Implementation Plan (Appendix B) describes

sample site selection and the frequency of sampling.Sample Collection Procedures

If a CHD is unable to sample according to the protocol (Section B), then the samples will

not be analyzed and re-sampling will occur.Sample Handling

CHD supervisors will routinely check storage containers to ensure that samples are

transported and stored under conditions that will not adversely affect the quality of the

sample. COC requirements will be conducted as described in Section B3 and in ELCPlaboratory QA manuals. If samples are not handled properly, laboratories shall refuse the

sample and replacement samples will be collected promptly.

Analytical ProceduresSelected laboratories will be capable of analyzing samples weekly and have the

instrumentation, techniques, and qualified staff to perform the analyses. Laboratory SOPs

related to COC, instrumentation, and technique have been developed as part of their QAmanuals for their NELAP certification process. Laboratory personnel will follow EPA

Method 1600 for the detection of enterococci. The EPA video and manual entitled

Improved Enumeration Media forE. coli and Enterococci contains step-by-step

instructions for the method and contains photographs to aid in identification. Laboratory


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supervisors may request copies of the manual Improved Enumeration Methods for the

Recreational Water Quality Indicators: Enterococci andEscherichia coli (EPA-821-R-97-

004) (found at www.epa.gov/OST/beaches) or the videotape (EPA-922-V-99-01) from theEPAs National Service Center for Environmental Publications (www.epa.gov/ncepihom).

Quality Control

Sampling quality control will be carried out as discussed in Section B5. Laboratoryquality control activities will be conducted according to the laboratorys ELCP approved

QA manual.

CalibrationInstrument calibration activities will be performed following the ELCP certified

laboratorys QA manual.

Data Reduction and Processing

A loss of detail in data will be avoided by the review of data entry and by following theELCP certified laboratorys QA manual for data reduction and processing activities.

D2 Validation and Verification Methods

Validation and verification activities will be performed as described in Section B10 and byfollowing the ELCP approved QA manual.

D3 Reconciliation with DQOs

This program is designed to support intended use of results through the collection of water

quality data. FL DOH will analyze data for correlations between environmental factors and

water quality results to determine the feasibility of predictive models.

References

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1997a. Method 1600: Membrane Filter TestMethod for Enterococci in Water. EPA/821/R/97/004. Office of Water, Washington, DC.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1986. Ambient Water Quality Criteria forBacteria-1986. Office of Research and Development, Microbiology and Toxicology

Division and Office of Water Regulations and Standards, Criteria and Standards Division,

Washington, DC.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1978. Microbiological Methods for

Monitoring the Environment: Water and Wastes. EPA/600/8-78/017, Office of Research

and Development, Washington, DC.


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APPENDIX A

Work Product #1:

Floridas Risk-Based Beach Evaluation and Classification Plan

The goal of this process is to identify coastal recreation waters adjacent to beachesor similar points of access that are used by the public, assign each a priority rank (High,

Medium, or Low) based on consideration of its recreational use and proximity to sources of

human pathogens, and ultimately prepare a priority list for monitoring under the BeachesEnvironmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act.

The Florida Department of Health (FL DOH) will evaluate the lists from our

coastal county health departments (CHDs) and consider public input when deciding ourproposed priorities for inclusion into the United States Environmental Protection Agencys

(US EPA) implementation phase of the BEACH Program. This program will build upon

the existing Florida Healthy Beaches Program, ensure consistency in monitoring strategies,

and allow for the comparison of water quality data between coastal counties and otherstates.

Step 1: Identify Coastal Recreation Waters

The BEACH Act definition of coastal recreation waters is marine coastal waters(including coastal estuaries) designated under the Clean Water Act (CWA) section 303 (c)

by a state for use for swimming, bathing, surfing, or similar water contact activitiesdo

not include either inland waters or waters upstream of the mouth of a river or stream thathas an unimpaired natural connection with the open sea.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FL DEP) maintains a list of

coastal waters and classifies each according to use. Potential functions of coastal waters

include potable water supplies; shellfish propagation or harvesting; recreation; propagation


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and maintenance of a healthy, well-balanced population of fish and wildlife; agricultural

water supplies; and navigation, utility and industrial use. Areas that are designated for

recreation, and propagation and maintenance of a healthy, well-balanced population of fishand wildlife are considered Class III waters [62-302.400, Florida Administrative Code

(F.A.C.)]. The state of Florida does not currently have a system that distinguishes between

the types of recreational use; all recreational waters are considered primary contact. If FLDEP opts to allow further distinctions according to the type of recreation, then secondary,

intermittent, or seasonal contact uses may be added to the list.

Step 2: Identify Bathing Beaches

Each CHD will examine the lists of Class III waters, as well as Class II (shellfish

propagation or harvesting) where recreation may occur, to determine which recreational

waters are adjacent to beaches or similar points of access used by the public. Beach waters

are defined by 514.023 (3), Florida Statutes (F.S.) as waters along the coastal andintracoastal beaches and shores of the state, and includes salt water and brackish water.

Public bathing places are defined by 514.011, F.S. as a body of water, natural or modified

by humans, for swimming, diving, and recreational bathing, together with adjacent

shoreline or land area, buildings, equipment, and appurtenances pertaining thereto, used byconsent of the owner or owners and held out to the public by any person or public body,

irrespective of whether a fee is charged for the use thereof. The bathing water areas ofpublic bathing places include, but are not limited to, waters along the coastal and

intracoastal beaches and shores of the state.

CHDs will identify coastal recreation waters that are adjacent to beaches or similarpoints of access used by the public. These areas will be evaluated according to public

access and amount of use since not all coastal areas, such as marshlands, are accessible to

the public for recreational purposes. Florida is divided into watershed areas by Hydrologic

Unit Codes (HUCs), a nationwide cataloging system commonly used for delineatingwatersheds and their boundaries, that allow for watershed assessment and management.

The identified bathing beaches will include the HUCs.

Step 3: Determine Legal Authority for Administering Monitoring and Notification

Programs

The list of coastal recreation waters and their adjacent beaches will be evaluated to

determine jurisdictional boundaries and to establish if the beach is public or private.Private beaches will not be monitored as part of the BEACH Program.

FL DOH has the legal authority to operate sampling and monitoring programs,

conduct sanitary surveys, and issue advisories and warnings (Chapters 514, 381, and 386,

F.S.). FL DOH does not have the authority to require an operating permit for a coastalbeach, or to close a beach. Any advisories or warnings that are issued by FL DOH will be

reported to local government officials, who have home rule authority to decide whether to

close a public beach.CHD staff members are FL DOH state employees and they will be responsible for

implementing sampling in their respective counties. The coastal CHDs will be expected to

report advisories/warnings to FL DOH state headquarters, local elected officials, and thepublic in a timely manner. FL DOH will assume responsibility for the development of

protocols, such as the procedures and time frames for the bacteriological sampling of

coastal and intracoastal beaches; data analysis; technical support; quality assurance; and

reports to US EPA. FL DEP will be responsible for rule development, such as


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modification of the state water quality standards.

Step 4: Review Available Information

In order to establish priorities among the identified bathing beaches, each CHD willreview all available information. Potential sources of information include rainfall

estimates, the historical records of each beach, the types and sources of pollution threats at

a beach, existing bacteriological water quality monitoring data, the frequency and densityof use of the beach by residents and tourists, the importance of the beach to the local

economy, and public comments.

Rainfall EstimatesThe rainfall information sources for each CHD will be identified to try to accurately assess

rainfall and its potential effect on coastal water quality. Rainfall estimates and stormwater

management system information will be reviewed.

Historical InformationCHDs will review the historical records of each coastal beach for information

regarding the number of people that use the beach and possible sources of contamination

(such as onsite sewage systems and their failure rates). Resources for historical

information include state/local government agency files, literature and records in libraries,papers and journals at colleges and universities, beach management reports, public health

records, local nonprofit organizations, and community association reports.Government agency files useful for researching the history of a beach include the

Florida Healthy Beaches Program monitoring data from August 2000 to the present and

any previous bacteriological water quality data; the state water quality report (CWA s.305(b) Report) (found at http://www.dep.state.fl.us/water/305b/report.htm); and the State of

Floridas List of Impaired Waters (CWA s.303 (d) List). The 305 (b) report identifies

water bodies that are in full, partial, or non-attainment of their designated uses. The 303

(d) lists impaired waters that have not met water quality standards. Although there aremany other potential parameters that a water body can exceed to be included on this list,

CHDs will review the coastal waters that were listed due to the presence of excessive fecal

coliform. A list of Floridas impaired waters is available at:www.dep.state.fl.us/water/tmdl/docs/98_303(d).pdf.

Literature and records in libraries and papers and journals at colleges and

universities may have references to advisory reports and closings at a particular beachduring the bathing season due to the exceedances of water quality standards. Previous

advisories can provide insight into causes of beach closings such as a rain events, an

increased density of bathers, and stormwater or wastewater outfalls.

Beach management reports may be reviewed for information on the proximity ofsewer lines, stormwater outfalls, trash areas, and septic systems, and will help identify

potential sources of human pathogens at a beach.

Public records of swimmers reporting health effects from a particular beach,including epidemiological surveillance reports of the FL DOH, may provide information

about the historical risk of swimming at a particular beach.

Local nonprofit organizations, such as environmental groups and communityassociations, may monitor and report levels of pathogen indicators and identify potential

sources of pollution. Potential contacts include, but are not limited to, the Surfrider

Foundation (www.surfrider.org); the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)

(www.nrdc.org/); the Center for Marine Conservation (CMC) (www.cmc-


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ocean.org/cleanupbro/about.php3); the American Oceans Campaign (AOC)

(www.americanoceans.com/index.htm); and the Clean Beaches Council

(www.cleanbeaches.org).Water Quality Monitoring Data

Water quality monitoring reports may help CHDs identify water quality patterns.

Reviewing water quality reports may provide insight into current monitoring efforts, suchas the types of indicators analyzed, the current frequency of sampling at the beach, and the

number of exceedances of the standard that have been recorded at each sampling station

per month.Sanitary survey reports may be used by CHDs to evaluate sources of

contamination. Sanitary survey reports may contain information on rainfall and climate

observations (rain, terrain, and temperatures), water flow descriptions, and potential

sources of pollution in the watershed and at the beach. This report may provide usefulinformation about the location of onsite sewage systems and their failure rates. A report

from a sanitary survey may answer questions related to the historical water quality

conditions at a specific site. Topics covered by a sanitary survey may include annual

rainfall estimates, typical geographical conditions of the surrounding area, temperaturepatterns, tidal and current patterns, point and nonpoint sources of pollutions near the beach,

and the presence of animals on or near the beach.Frequency and Density of Use

The frequency of beach use will determine the extent of public exposure to

pathogens. The frequency of use at a specific beach can be quantified by measuring thelevel of use at a beach and identifying peak periods. CHDs will consider the size of the

beach open to bathers, the number of days in the bathing season, the percentage of visitors

who enter the water, peak and off-season bather densities, and the density of bathers from

susceptible populations (children, elderly, and the immunocompromised).Importance to Economy

Another factor to consider in the beach evaluation process is the importance of the

beach to the local economy. Sources of information about the effect of a beach on theeconomy may be available through Chamber of Commerce or tourist development reports.

Public Comment

FL DOH will be holding nine workshops that will be used as forums to obtainpublic comments on beach monitoring locations and strategies. These workshops will

provide the public with the opportunity to review the beach program. Prior to each

workshop there will be public advertisements describing the goals of the workshop and

inviting the public to attend. There will be a presentation discussing proposed monitoringstrategies and specific locations, and then the floor will be opened up for comment. The

process will provide insight into the publics opinions about local beaches, the importance

of the proposed beaches to the local economy, priorities for future monitoring efforts, whya beach is or is not used, local perceptions of water quality, and public satisfaction with

current monitoring efforts.

Step 5: Ranking Beaches

The risk-based beach evaluation and classification process will culminate in the

ranking of bathing beaches to be monitored under the BEACH program. The ranking will

consider all the factors discussed previously, with particular attention paid to:

1. The amount of rainfall in the area.


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2. The frequency of known and potential pollution sources and their

proximity to beach areas.

3. The density of bathers at the beach.

4. The occurrence of failing or malfunctioning septic systems.

5. Public comment about the locations and strategies for beachmonitoring.

Rankings will be proposed by each CHD after reviewing all the availableinformation. Florida has a broad geographic area with variations in beach use and water

quality depending on the characteristics of the region (for example: Northwest versus

Southwest Florida coasts). Each CHD is best qualified to determine the classification and

ranking of their local beaches. Priority rankings will be subdivided into High, Medium andLow. The FL DOH headquarters office will submit a proposed final list and ranking of

beaches for inclusion into the US EPAs implementation phase of the BEACH Program.

APPENDIX B

Work Product #2:Sampling Design and Monitoring Implementation Plan for the Federal BEACH Program

This sampling design and monitoring implementation plan has been developed to describe

the frequency and location of monitoring and assessment of Floridas coastal recreation

waters. County health departments (CHDs) addressed various factors, as described in ourRisk-based Beach Evaluation and Classification Plan (Work Product #1, provided in

December 2001), that included the periods of recreational use of the water; the nature and

extent of use during certain periods; the proximity of the waters to known point sourcesand non point sources of pollution; and any effect of storm events on the waters. Nine

public workshops were held throughout Florida to discuss the proposed monitoring

locations. Based on consideration of CHD requests, public input, a desire for samplingthroughout the state, and funding limitations, the attached list of beaches is the state of

Floridas BEACH program monitoring sites, grouped by county.

Sampling Design

When to Conduct Sampling

Although some counties in Northern Florida requested reduced sampling frequency during

winter months, the Florida Healthy Beaches Program will implement weekly sampling

throughout the state for the first year of the federal BEACH program implementation(8/1/2002 to 8/1/2003). Additional sampling may take place following a single sample

maximum water quality standard exceedance (greater than 104 enterococci CFU/100 mL or

400 fecal coliform CFU/100 mL), or after a pollution event.Where to Conduct Sampling

Floridas coastline tends to have long stretches of beach that are not easily delineated into

separate beaches. As a result, sample locations have been selected based on the frequency

and intensity of recreational use and the proximity to pollution sources, and to distribute


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sample locations throughout the state. The specific location of the sample site on each

beach has been selected based on where the public congregate and consideration of the

potential pollution sources in order to ensure that the site represents the entire beach. Eachsite will be recorded with global positioning systems (GPS) technology that is accurate to


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Harrison Street 3090202

Hallandale Beach Blvd 3090202

Sample Sites Number HUC

Charlotte County 8Englewood North 3100103

Englewood Beach 3100103

Englewood South 3100103

Palm Island North 3100103

Palm Island South 3100103

Boca Grande 3100201

Port Charlotte Beach West 3100101

Port Charlotte Beach East 3100101

Citrus County 1

Fort Island Gulf Beach 3100207

Collier County 14

Barefoot Beach State Preserve 3090204

Delnor-Wiggins State Recreation Area 3090204

Vanderbilt Beach 3090204

Pelican Bay Restaurant and Club 3090204

Clam Pass 3090204Horizon Way Beach (AKA ParkshoreBeach) 3090204

Doctor's Pass 3090204

Lowdermilk Park 3090204

Central Avenue 3090204Naples Pier 3090204

Hideaway Beach 3090204

Tigertail Beach 3090204

Residence Beach 3090204

South Marco Beach 3090204

Dade County 15

Golden Beach 3090202

Sunny Isles Beach-Pier Park 3090202

Oleta State Park 3090202

Haulover Beach 3090202

Surfside Beach-93rd Street 3090202

North Shore Ocean Terrace 3090202

53rd Street-Miami Beach 3090202

Collins Park-21st Street 3090202

South Beach Park 3090202

Virginia Beach 3090202

Hobie Beach 3090202

Crandon Park-Key Biscayne 3090202


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Key Biscayne Beach 3090202

Cape Florida Park 3090202

Matheson Hammock 3090202


Dixie County 1 3110102Shired Island

Duval County 10

North Little Talbot Island 3070205

South Little Talbot Island 3070205

Huguenot Park 3080103

Hanna Park 3080103

19th Street Access 3080103

15th Street Access 3080103

Atlantic Blvd. Access 3080103

Hopkins Street Access 3080103

Beach Blvd Access 3080103

30th Avenue Access 3080103

Escambia County 14

Perdido Key State Park 3140105

Johnson Beach 3140105

Big Lagoon State Park 3140105

Navy Point 3140105

Lakewood Park 3140105

Sander's Beach 3140105

Bayview Park 3140105

Bay Bluffs Park 3140105Langdon Beach 3140105

Pensacola (Casino) Beach 3140105

Quietwater Beach 3140105

County Park West 3140105

Santa Rosa Island 3140105

County Park East 3140105

Flagler County 6

Washington Oaks State Park 3080201

Varn Park 3080201

Picknickers (Beverly Beach) 3080201

North Flagler Pier 3080201

South Flagler Pier 3080201

Gamble Rogers State Park 3080201

Franklin County 5

St. George Island 11th Street West 3120003

St. George Island Franklin Street 3120003

St. George Island 11th Street East 3120003


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Carrabelle Beach 3120003

Alligator Point 3130014


Gulf County 6

Lookout Beach 3130014Beacon Hill Beach 3130014

St. Joe Beach 3130014

Highway 98 Beach 3130014

Dixie Belle Beach 3130014

Monument Beach 3130014

Hernando County 1

Pine Island 3100207

Hillsborough County 9

Ben T. Davis North 3100206

Ben T. Davis South 3100206

Cypress Point North 3100206

Cypress Point South 3100206

Picnic Island North 3100206

Picnic Island South 3100206

Davis Island 3100206

Simmons Park 3100206

Bahia Beach 3100206

Indian River County 6

Coconut Point Sebastian Inlet 3080203

Wabasso Beach Park 3080203Sexton Plaza 3080203

Humiston Beach 3080203

South Beach Park 3080203

Round Island Beach Park 3080203

Lee County 13Boca Grande Light House/SeagrapeBeach 3100103

South Seas Captiva 3100103

Turner Beach/Blind Pass Beach 3100103

Bowman's Beach 3100103

Tarpon Bay Road Beach 3090205

Sanibel Lighthouse Park Beach 3090205

Sanibel Causeway Beach 3090205

Cape Coral Yacht Club 3090205

Bowditch Point Beach 3090205

Lynn Hall Memorial Park 3090205

Lovers Key State Park 3090204

Little Hickory Beach Park 3090204


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Bonita Beach Park 3090204


Levy County 1

Cedar Key Beach 3110101

Manatee County 10

Bay Front Park North 3100201

Bay Front Park South 3100201

Manatee Public Beach North 3100201

Manatee Public Beach South 3100201

Bradenton Beach 3100201

Coquina Beach North 3100201

Coquina Beach South 3100201

Palma Sola North 3100201

Palma Sola South 3100201

Whitney Beach 3100201

Martin County 9

Jensen Public Beach 3090202

Jensen Beach Causeway 3090202

Bob Graham Beach 3090202

Stuart Beach 3090202

Stuart Causeway 3090202

Roosevelt Bridge 3090202

Bathtub Beach 3090202

Hobe Sound Wildlife Refuge 3090202

Hobe Sound Public Beach 3090202

Monroe County 17

Ft Zacahry Taylor 3090202

Simonton Beach 3090202

South Beach 3090202

Higgs Beach 3090202

Smathers Beach 3090202

Bahia Honda 1 3090202



Veteran's Beach 3090202

Sombrero Beach 3090202

Coco Plum Beach 3090202

Curry Hammock 3090202

Anne's Beach 3090202

Islamorada Public Library 3090202

Founder's Park Beach 3090202

Harry Harris Park 3090202

Cannon Beach JPSP 3090202


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Nassau County 11

Fort Clinch Beach 3070204

Ocean Street 3070204

Main Beach 3070204

Jasmine Street 3070204

Sadler Road 3070205

Simmons Road 3070204

Peter's Point 3070205

American Beach 3070205

AIP Beach Club 3070205

Piper Dunes 3070205

South End 3070205

Okaloosa County 12

Lisa Jackson 3140102Garniers 3140102

Marlers 3140102

Brackin Wayside 3140102

Poquito Park 3140102

Gulf Island National Seashore 3140102

East Pass 3140102

Lincoln Park 3140102

Henderson State Park Beach 3140102Rocky Bayou (Fred Gannon StatePark) 3140102

James Lee Park Beach 3140102

Camp Timpoochee 3140102

Palm Beach County 14

Jupiter Beach 3090202

Dubois 3090202

Carlin Park 3090202

Riviera Beach 3090202

Phil Foster 3090202

Peanut Island 3090202

Palm Beach 3090202

Lake Worth (AKA Kreusler) 3090202

Ocean Inlet 3090202Boynton Beach 3090202

Gulfstream 3090202

Delray Beach (AKA Sandoway Park) 3090202

Spanish River 3090202

South Inlet 3090202


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Pasco County 7Robert J. Strickland Park Beach 3100207

Energy and Marine Center 3100207

Brasher Park Beach 3100207

Oelsner Park Beach 3100207

Robert K. Rees Park Beach 3100207

Gulf Harbors Beach 3100207

Anclote River Park Beach 3100207

Pinellas County 14

Fred Howard Beach 3100207

Honeymoon Island Beach 3100207Sand Key 3100207

Belleair Shores-Intercoastal 3100207

Indian Rocks Beach 3100207

Indian Shores Beach 3100207

Madeira Beach 3100207

Treasure Island Beach 3100207

Pass-A-Grille Beach 3100206

Fort Desoto North Beach 3100206

North Shore Beach 3100206

Gandy Boulevard 3100206

Courtney Campbell Causeway 3100206

R.E. Olds Park 3100206

Santa Rosa County 7

Shoreline Park 3140105

Woodlawn Beach 3140105

Navarre Beach West 3140105

Homeport 3140105

Navarre Park 3140105

Navarre Beach 3140105

Juana's Beach 3140105


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Sarasota County 14Ringling Causeway 3100201

North Lido Beach 3100201

Lido Casino Beach 3100201

Siesta Key 3100201

Turtle Beach 3100201

Nokomis Beach 3100201

North Jetty 3100201

Venice Beach 3100201

Service Club Park 3100201

Venice Fishing Pier 3100201

Brohard Park 3100201

Caspersen Beach 3100201Manasota Beach 3100201

Blind Pass Beach 3100201

St. Johns County 8

Matanzas Inlet 3080201

Crescent Beach 3080201

St. Augustine Beach, Ocean Trace 3080201

St. Augustine Beach, A Street 3080201

Anastasia State Park 3080201

Vilano Beach 3080201

Mickler's Landing 3080201Solana Road 3080201

St. Lucie County 4

Pepper Park 3080203

Jetty Park Beach 3080203

F Douglass Memorial Park 3080203

Walton Rocks Beach 3080203

Taylor County 4

Hagen's Cove 3110102

Dekle Beach 3110102

Keaton Beach 3110102

Cedar Island 3110102


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Volusia County 15

Bicentennial Park, Ormond Beach 3080201Granada, Ormond Beach 3080201

Seabreeze, Daytona Beach 3080201

Main, Daytona Beach 3080201International Speedway, DaytonaBeach 3080201

Silver Beach, Daytona Beach 3080201

Hilton, Daytona Beach Shores 3080201

Dunlawton, Daytona Beach Shores 3080201

Toronita, Wilbur by the Sea 3080201

Oceanview Way, Ponce Inlet 3080201

North Jetty, Ponce Inlet 3080202

South Jetty, New Smryna Beach 3080202Inlet Condo, New Smryna Beach 3080202

Flagler Avenue, New Smryna Beach 3080202

27th Street, New Smryna Beach 3080202

Wakulla County 2

Mash Island 3120003

Shell Point Beach 3120001

Walton County 9

County Park 3140102

Choctaw Beach County Park (Class II) 3140102Dune Allen Beach Access 3140102

Blue Mountain Beach Access 3140102

Grayton Beach Access 3140101

Wheeler Point (Class II) 3140102

Holly Street Beach Access 3140101

Eastern Lake Beach Access 3140101

TDC Beach Access (relocation) 3140101

Total Number of Beaches = 305

APPENDIX C


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Work Product #3:

Florida Department of Healths Reports to EPA for the Federal BEACH Program

The goal of this product is to describe the mechanism for the Florida Department ofHealth (FL DOH) to collect relevant information and submit timely reports to the United

States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). FL DOH employs county health

department (CHD) staff to collect water samples to send to certified laboratories foranalysis of fecal coliform and enterococci; to re-sample when results exceed the single

sample maximum allowable density criteria; to enter results into the FL DOH database; to

issue a health advisory if the resample result also exceeds the single sample maximumallowable density or the steady state geometric mean indicator density; and to notify FL

DOH, local government officials, and the public when advisories are issued. FL DOH will

be responsible for uploading data into STORET, notifying EPA about advisories, and

submitting annual progress reports to EPA. FL DOH does not have the authority to close abeach. The CHD will notify local government officials, who may decide whether beach

closure is appropriate, using their home rule authority.

CHD Submittal of Results and Advisories to FL DOH

The CHDs will follow the existing procedures for data submittal used in the currentFlorida Healthy Beaches Program. Each CHD will enter water quality results and other

sampling data into the Beach Monitoring Database in Access using a Cold Fusioncomputer software application, which uploads immediately to the FL DOH website

(http://apps3.doh.state.fl.us/env/beach/webout/default.cfm). Bacterial indicator levels are

recorded by the CHD upon notification from their certified laboratory of the water qualityresults. The CHDs enter a numerical bacterial indicator value that is converted to a Good,

Moderate, or Poor rating based on the criteria developed by EPA. Other data from the

Ocean Sampling Report that are entered into the database include air temperature, water

temperature, rainfall estimates (1-day, 3-day, and 7-day totals), tidal conditions, and currentstrength. The information on the website includes sample results, resampling data for Poor

samples, and whether an advisory was issued. No Result (NR) is entered into a field

when sampling results are not available, whether it is due to an inability to sample orlaboratory error. CHDs enter the reason for NR in the comment field of the database. The

comment field also is used to describe any circumstances that could affect water quality

results (flocks of birds offshore, boats discharging, etc.).Laboratories report results by phone or fax to CHDs in a timely manner to avoid

delays in data entry and then mail the hard copy for CHD records. CHDs are responsible

for updating the database upon receipt of water quality results from the laboratory. CHDs

must notify FL DOH, local government officials, and the public about any advisorieswithin 24 hours of the confirmation of a failed resample. Local government officials and

FL DOH will be contacted, via telephone, email, or fax, prior to or immediately following

the issuance of an advisory. CHD supervisors will describe the occurrence, nature, andlocation/source of the pollutants involved, and the bacterial indicator results. Appropriate

measures for public notification will be discussed in Work Product 5.

FL DOH Submittal of Results and Advisories to EPA

FL DOH will upload data from the Beach Monitoring Database to STORET on a

quarterly basis. An annual technical report will be submitted to EPA after the beach season

(September) and will include the number of times criteria were exceeded; the number of

days beaches were under advisories; the number of beaches for which advisories were


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issued; and a compilation of sampling results entered into STORET. This report will be

comparable with EPAsNational Health Protection Survey of Beaches.

FL DOH will promptly report advisories to the designated EPA contacts via emailor telephone. The report will include any knowledge of the occurrence, nature, and

location/source of the pollutants involved, and the current levels of the bacterial indicators.

APPENDIX D

Decision Flow Chart

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100000c484c696e6f021000006d6e74725247422058595a2007ce000200090006003100006

16373704d5346540000000049454320735247420000000000000000000000000000f6d6000100000000d32d48502020000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000116370727400000150000000336465

7363000001840000006c77747074000001f000000014626b7074000002040000001472585

95a00000218000000146758595a0000022c000000146258595a0000024000000014646d6e640000025400000070646d6464000002c400000088767565640000034c0000008676696577

000003d4000000246c756d69000003f8000000146d6561730000040c0000002474656368000004300000000c725452430000043c0000080c675452430000043c0000080c625452430000

043c0000080c7465787400000000436f70797269676874202863292031393938204865776c

6574742d5061636b61726420436f6d70616e790000646573630000000000000012735247422049454336313936362d322e310000000000000000000000127352474220494543363139

36362d322e31000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

Are bacterial indicators No Document Stop


0c484c696e6f021000006d6e74725247422058595a2007ce00020009000600310000616373704d5

346540000000049454320735247420000000000000000000000000000f6d6000100000000d32d4850202000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

000000000000000000000001163707274000001500000003364657363000001840000006c77747

074000001f000000014626b707400000204000000147258595a00000218000000146758595a0000

022c000000146258595a0000024000000014646d6e640000025400000070646d6464000002c400

000088767565640000034c0000008676696577000003d4000000246c756d69000003f8000000146

d6561730000040c0000002474656368000004300000000c725452430000043c0000080c6754524

30000043c0000080c625452430000043c0000080c7465787400000000436f707972696768742028

63292031393938204865776c6574742d5061636b61726420436f6d70616e7900006465736300000

00000000012735247422049454336313936362d322e31000000000000000000000012735247422

049454336313936362d322e3100000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

0

ffd8ffe000104a4649460001020100c800c80000ffe20c584943435f50524f46494c4500010100000c484c696e6f021000006d6e74725247422058595a2007ce000200090006003100006

16373704d5346540000000049454320735247420000000000000000000000000000f6d6000100000000d32d48502020000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000116370727400000150000000336465

7363000001840000006c77747074000001f000000014626b707400000204000000147258595a00000218000000146758595a0000022c000000146258595a0000024000000014646d6e6

40000025400000070646d6464000002c400000088767565640000034c0000008676696577


31/62

000003d4000000246c756d69000003f8000000146d6561730000040c000000247465636800

0004300000000c725452430000043c0000080c675452430000043c0000080c625452430000

043c0000080c7465787400000000436f70797269676874202863292031393938204865776c6574742d5061636b61726420436f6d70616e7900006465736300000000000000127352474

22049454336313936362d322e310000000000000000000000127352474220494543363139

36362d322e31000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000ffd8ffe000104a4649460001020100c800c80000ffe20c584943435f50524f46494c4500010

100000c484c696e6f021000006d6e74725247422058595a2007ce000200090006003100006

16373704d5346540000000049454320735247420000000000000000000000000000f6d6000100000000d32d48502020000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000116370727400000150000000336465

7363000001840000006c77747074000001f000000014626b7074000002040000001472585

95a00000218000000146758595a0000022c000000146258595a0000024000000014646d6e640000025400000070646d6464000002c400000088767565640000034c0000008676696577

000003d4000000246c756d69000003f8000000146d6561730000040c000000247465636800

0004300000000c725452430000043c0000080c675452430000043c0000080c625452430000

043c0000080c7465787400000000436f70797269676874202863292031393938204865776c6574742d5061636b61726420436f6d70616e7900006465736300000000000000127352474

22049454336313936362d322e31000000000000000000000012735247422049454336313936362d322e31000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

present? findings


100000c484c696e6f021000006d6e74725247422058595a2007ce000200090006003100006

16373704d5346540000000049454320735247420000000000000000000000000000f6d600

0100000000d32d485020200000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000116370727400000150000000336465

7363000001840000006c77747074000001f000000014626b7074000002040000001472585

95a00000218000000146758595a0000022c000000146258595a0000024000000014646d6e640000025400000070646d6464000002c400000088767565640000034c0000008676696577

000003d4000000246c756d69000003f8000000146d6561730000040c000000247465636800

0004300000000c725452430000043c0000080c675452430000043c0000080c625452430000043c0000080c7465787400000000436f70797269676874202863292031393938204865776c

6574742d5061636b61726420436f6d70616e7900006465736300000000000000127352474

22049454336313936362d322e310000000000000000000000127352474220494543363139

36362d322e31000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000


16373704d5346540000000049454320735247420000000000000000000000000000f6d600

0100000000d32d485020200000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000116370727400000150000000336465

7363000001840000006c77747074000001f000000014626b7074000002040000001472585

95a00000218000000146758595a0000022c000000146258595a0000024000000014646d6e6

40000025400000070646d6464000002c400000088767565640000034c0000008676696577


32/62

000003d4000000246c756d69000003f8000000146d6561730000040c000000247465636800

0004300000000c725452430000043c0000080c675452430000043c0000080c625452430000

043c0000080c7465787400000000436f70797269676874202863292031393938204865776c6574742d5061636b61726420436f6d70616e7900006465736300000000000000127352474

22049454336313936362d322e310000000000000000000000127352474220494543363139

36362d322e31000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000Yes


16373704d5346540000000049454320735247420000000000000000000000000000f6d600

0100000000d32d48502020000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

00000000000000000000000000000000000000000001163707274000001500000003364657363000001840000006c77747074000001f000000014626b7074000002040000001472585

95a00000218000000146758595a0000022c000000146258595a0000024000000014646d6e6

40000025400000070646d6464000002c400000088767565640000034c0000008676696577

000003d4000000246c756d69000003f8000000146d6561730000040c0000002474656368000004300000000c725452430000043c0000080c675452430000043c0000080c625452430000

043c0000080c7465787400000000436f70797269676874202863292031393938204865776c6574742d5061636b61726420436f6d70616e7900006465736300000000000000127352474

22049454336313936362d322e310000000000000000000000127352474220494543363139

36362d322e31000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000


100000c484c696e6f021000006d6e74725247422058595a2007ce000200090006003100006

16373704d5346540000000049454320735247420000000000000000000000000000f6d6000100000000d32d48502020000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000116370727400000150000000336465

7363000001840000006c77747074000001f000000014626b707400000204000000147258595a00000218000000146758595a0000022c000000146258595a0000024000000014646d6e6

40000025400000070646d6464000002c400000088767565640000034c0000008676696577

000003d4000000246c756d69000003f8000000146d6561730000040c0000002474656368000004300000000c725452430000043c0000080c675452430000043c0000080c625452430000

043c0000080c7465787400000000436f70797269676874202863292031393938204865776c

6574742d5061636b61726420436f6d70616e7900006465736300000000000000127352474

22049454336313936362d322e31000000000000000000000012735247422049454336313936362d322e31000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000


16373704d5346540000000049454320735247420000000000000000000000000000f6d600

0100000000d32d485020200000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000116370727400000150000000336465

7363000001840000006c77747074000001f000000014626b7074000002040000001472585

95a00000218000000146758595a0000022c000000146258595a0000024000000014646d6e6

40000025400000070646d6464000002c400000088767565640000034c0000008676696577


33/62

000003d4000000246c756d69000003f8000000146d6561730000040c000000247465636800

0004300000000c725452430000043c0000080c675452430000043c0000080c625452430000

043c0000080c7465787400000000436f70797269676874202863292031393938204865776c6574742d5061636b61726420436f6d70616e7900006465736300000000000000127352474

22049454336313936362d322e310000000000000000000000127352474220494543363139

36362d322e31000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000Do bacterial indicators No Document Stop


100000c484c696e6f021000006d6e74725247422058595a2007ce00020009000600310000616373704d5346540000000049454320735247420000000000000000000000000000f6d600

0100000000d32d48502020000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000116370727400000150000000336465

7363000001840000006c77747074000001f000000014626b707400000204000000147258595a00000218000000146758595a0000022c000000146258595a0000024000000014646d6e6

40000025400000070646d6464000002c400000088767565640000034c0000008676696577

000003d4000000246c756d69000003f8000000146d6561730000040c000000247465636800

0004300000000c725452430000043c0000080c675452430000043c0000080c625452430000043c0000080c7465787400000000436f70797269676874202863292031393938204865776c

6574742d5061636b61726420436f6d70616e790000646573630000000000000012735247422049454336313936362d322e310000000000000000000000127352474220494543363139

36362d322e31000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000


16373704d5346540000000049454320735247420000000000000000000000000000f6d600

0100000000d32d48502020000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

00000000000000000000000000000000000000000001163707274000001500000003364657363000001840000006c77747074000001f000000014626b7074000002040000001472585

95a00000218000000146758595a0000022c000000146258595a0000024000000014646d6e6

40000025400000070646d6464000002c400000088767565640000034c0000008676696577000003d4000000246c756d69000003f8000000146d6561730000040c000000247465636800

0004300000000c725452430000043c0000080c675452430000043c0000080c625452430000

043c0000080c7465787400000000436f70797269676874202863292031393938204865776c6574742d5061636b61726420436f6d70616e7900006465736300000000000000127352474

22049454336313936362d322e310000000000000000000000127352474220494543363139

36362d322e31000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

exceed criteria? decision


100000c484c696e6f021000006d6e74725247422058595a2007ce000200090006003100006

16373704d5346540000000049454320735247420000000000000000000000000000f6d6000100000000d32d48502020000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000116370727400000150000000336465

7363000001840000006c77747074000001f000000014626b7074000002040000001472585

95a00000218000000146758595a0000022c000000146258595a0000024000000014646d6e6


34/62

40000025400000070646d6464000002c400000088767565640000034c0000008676696577

000003d4000000246c756d69000003f8000000146d6561730000040c000000247465636800

0004300000000c725452430000043c0000080c675452430000043c0000080c625452430000043c0000080c7465787400000000436f70797269676874202863292031393938204865776c

6574742d5061636b61726420436f6d70616e7900006465736300000000000000127352474

22049454336313936362d322e31000000000000000000000012735247422049454336313936362d322e31000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000


100000c484c696e6f021000006d6e74725247422058595a2007ce00020009000600310000616373704d5346540000000049454320735247420000000000000000000000000000f6d600

0100000000d32d48502020000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000116370727400000150000000336465

7363000001840000006c77747074000001f000000014626b707400000204000000147258595a00000218000000146758595a0000022c000000146258595a0000024000000014646d6e6

40000025400000070646d6464000002c400000088767565640000034c0000008676696577

000003d4000000246c756d69000003f8000000146d6561730000040c000000247465636800

0004300000000c725452430000043c0000080c675452430000043c0000080c625452430000043c0000080c7465787400000000436f70797269676874202863292031393938204865776c

6574742d5061636b61726420436f6d70616e790000646573630000000000000012735247422049454336313936362d322e310000000000000000000000127352474220494543363139

36362d322e31000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

Yesffd8ffe000104a4649460001020100c800c80000ffe20c584943435f50524f46494c4500010

100000c484c696e6f021000006d6e74725247422058595a2007ce000200090006003100006

16373704d5346540000000049454320735247420000000000000000000000000000f6d600

0100000000d32d485020200000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000116370727400000150000000336465

7363000001840000006c77747074000001f000000014626b7074000002040000001472585

95a00000218000000146758595a0000022c000000146258595a0000024000000014646d6e640000025400000070646d6464000002c400000088767565640000034c0000008676696577

000003d4000000246c756d69000003f8000000146d6561730000040c000000247465636800

0004300000000c725452430000043c0000080c675452430000043c0000080c625452430000043c0000080c7465787400000000436f70797269676874202863292031393938204865776c

6574742d5061636b61726420436f6d70616e7900006465736300000000000000127352474

22049454336313936362d322e310000000000000000000000127352474220494543363139

36362d322e31000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000


16373704d5346540000000049454320735247420000000000000000000000000000f6d600

0100000000d32d485020200000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000116370727400000150000000336465

7363000001840000006c77747074000001f000000014626b7074000002040000001472585

95a00000218000000146758595a0000022c000000146258595a0000024000000014646d6e6

40000025400000070646d6464000002c400000088767565640000034c0000008676696577


35/62

000003d4000000246c756d69000003f8000000146d6561730000040c000000247465636800

0004300000000c725452430000043c0000080c675452430000043c0000080c625452430000

043c0000080c7465787400000000436f70797269676874202863292031393938204865776c6574742d5061636b61726420436f6d70616e7900006465736300000000000000127352474

22049454336313936362d322e310000000000000000000000127352474220494543363139

36362d322e31000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000Resample; do bacterial

indicators still No Document Stop


16373704d5346540000000049454320735247420000000000000000000000000000f6d600

0100000000d32d48502020000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

00000000000000000000000000000000000000000001163707274000001500000003364657363000001840000006c77747074000001f000000014626b7074000002040000001472585

95a00000218000000146758595a0000022c000000146258595a0000024000000014646d6e6

40000025400000070646d6464000002c400000088767565640000034c0000008676696577

000003d4000000246c756d69000003f8000000146d6561730000040c0000002474656368000004300000000c725452430000043c0000080c675452430000043c0000080c625452430000

043c0000080c7465787400000000436f70797269676874202863292031393938204865776c6574742d5061636b61726420436f6d70616e7900006465736300000000000000127352474

22049454336313936362d322e310000000000000000000000127352474220494543363139

36362d322e31000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000ffd8ffe000104a4649460001020100c800c80000ffe20c584943435f50524f46494c4500010

100000c484c696e6f021000006d6e74725247422058595a2007ce000200090006003100006

16373704d5346540000000049454320735247420000000000000000000000000000f6d600

0100000000d32d485020200000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000116370727400000150000000336465

7363000001840000006c77747074000

Florida Healthy Beaches

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Transcript of Florida Healthy Beaches