U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Water & Air Research, Inc. provided water quality monitoring services for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) as part of the Central Everglades Planning Project South (CEPP South). The project supports ongoing efforts to restore the Everglades by improving the movement and distribution of water throughout the ecosystem. Water & Air’s work focused on monitoring water quality and identifying potential contaminants in areas affected by planned restoration activities.
Water & Air collected surface water, sediment, and fish tissue samples from designated locations within a specified Water Conservation Area and the Biscayne Bay Coastal Wetlands project area. Field activities included routine water sampling, sediment collection, and fish tissue sampling to evaluate the presence of nutrients, mercury, and other potential contaminants. Sampling locations were accessed using airboats and four-wheel-drive vehicles to navigate the varied conditions of the project area.
The monitoring program included regular surface water sampling and additional sampling events to assess mercury and other contaminants in sediment and fish. Water & Air coordinated with specialized laboratories to analyze collected samples and evaluate water quality conditions. All sampling activities followed established procedures to help ensure samples were collected, handled, and analyzed consistently.
Water & Air also managed sample documentation, data quality reviews, and annual reporting for the project. Monitoring results were compiled into reports for the USACE, providing information on water quality conditions and potential changes associated with restoration activities. Through this work, Water & Air supported the ongoing evaluation of restoration efforts and contributed to the broader goal of improving the health and function of the Everglades ecosystem.