FY21 Environmental Program Support for
Space Launch Delta 45
Applied Ecology, Inc. (AEI) provided environmental TMDL support services to the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for the Space Launch Delta 45 (SLD 45). The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) established Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) for total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) for large portions of the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) system in March. TMDLs were based on setting a water quality restoration goal that would allow seagrass regrowth to within 10% of the maximum historical seagrass depth limit. To meet the necessary TMDL goals, AEI performed four major tasks for this contract.
1. UPDATING THE COMPLIANCE MASTERPLANS FOR SLD45
AEI updated the existing Compliance Master Plans (CMPs) for all members of the SLD 45 (Patrick Space Force Base [PSFB], Cape Canaveral Space Force Station [CCSFS], and the Malabar Transmission Annex [MTA]). AEI identified best management practices (BMPs) and projects the SLD 45 could implement to meet Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) reductions mandated by the FDEP. AEI’s close involvement in the development of the TMDL Project Credit Evaluation for the SLD 45 and in-depth knowledge of the load allocations and modeling provided unique expertise to guide this effort. Additionally, AEI conducted meetings with stakeholders to evaluate project feasibility and implementation prior to finalizing the CMP. The CMPs included the evolution of the TMDL regulatory framework and local history, nutrient reduction pollution goals, TMDL model input assessment, identification and estimated reductions from previously implemented BMPs, as well as recommendations for potential new BMPs and next steps in the TMDL Program.
2. PROJECT CREDIT COORDINATION AND SUPPORT
AEI reviewed current, ongoing, and recently completed projects within the SLD 45 at CCSFS, PSFB, and MTA for potential TMDL credits, such as street sweepings and aquatic vegetation weights when debris is collected, and any other structural and non-structural projects. AEI participated in stakeholder meetings (FDEP, Brevard County, Partnering, or Save Our Indian River Lagoon Program) to ensure SLD 45 is represented during these meetings and kept updated on any programmatic changes that might have an impact on the TMDL compliance efforts.
3. ANNUAL REPORT SUBMISSION (STAR)
AEI assisted the SLD 45 with compiling and submitting the FDEP Statewide Annual Report (STAR) by coordinating with installation personnel to obtain information from relevant projects which currently qualify for TMDL credit. AEI’s team has been providing similar efforts for many other stakeholders within the same BMAP, as well as similarly situated BMAP areas. AEI compiled all projects/BMPs completed associated with TMDL program during the period of performance to incorporate in up to 2 STARs (CY2021/CY2022) for submission to the FDEP, including existing and planned projects identified in the PSFB, CCSFS, and MTA CMPs. This shall include creating draft and final versions of the STAR, gathering and submitting supporting documentation, and communicating with the FDEP BMAP Coordinator for CCSFS, PSFB, and MTA. STAR information submittals typically include project type, year of implementation, associated treated basin in GIS format, acreage, input nutrient loads, estimated removal efficiency, and an approximate cost for implementation and annual maintenance.
4. SHORELINE STABILIZATION SAMPLING
Beginning in July 2021, AEI began quarterly shoreline stabilization sampling at PSFB for two locations. Sampling was performed in accordance with the FDEP approved Shoreline Stabilization Protocols, with the objective of the sampling is to provide a scientifically valid dataset to support the request for nutrient removal credit associated with the shoreline stabilization project from FDEP. Protocols included the collection of soil core, sediment core, vegetation, and water quality samples, as well as an evaluation of the presence of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) along the monitored shoreline. The results were submitted for USSF/USACE approval prior to submission to the FDEP for review and potential application of TMDL credits.