Frederick Bloetscher | Florida Atlantic University (original) (raw)

Papers by Frederick Bloetscher

Proceedings of the Water Environment Federation, 2005

The City of Hollywood currently maintains 290 miles of sewer collection system and a wastewater t... more The City of Hollywood currently maintains 290 miles of sewer collection system and a wastewater treatment plant rated at 48.75 million gallons per day. There had always been a long standing issue with hydrogen sulfide gas levels throughout the collection system and inside the treatment plant itself. Due to these high levels, degradation of the system due to corrosion was a major concern. Odor complaints were common practice throughout the city system. Most of the complaints, however, were generated from residents in close proximity to the wastewater treatment plant. Of utmost concern was the main trunk line entering the plant where levels of hydrogen sulfide were in excess of 1,000 parts per million. The manholes along the main artery to the plant had deteriorated to the point where major rehabilitation was necessary to avoid serious safety and environmental issues. Construction work had been delayed until a solution could be found to minimize this potential dangerous situation.

Journal of Hydrologic Engineering, Mar 1, 2009

Sustainability, Mar 31, 2016

In recent years, ongoing efforts by a multitude of universities, local governments, federal agenc... more In recent years, ongoing efforts by a multitude of universities, local governments, federal agencies, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have been focused on sea-level rise (SLR) adaptation in Florida. However, within these efforts, there has been very little attention given to the potential impacts of sea-level rise on human health. The intent of this project is to identify populations in Southeast Florida that are most vulnerable to sea-level rise from a topographic perspective, determine how vulnerable these population are from a socioeconomic perspective, identify potential health impacts, develop adaptation strategies designed to assist these communities, and produce an outreach effort that can be shared with other coastal communities. The location of socially-vulnerable and health-vulnerable populations are correlated, but at present they are not generally in the geographically-vulnerable areas. Projections indicate that they will become at risk in the future but the lack of data on emerging diseases makes public health assessments difficult. We propose a redefinition of "who is vulnerable?" to include health indicators and hard infrastructure solutions for flood and property protection. These tools can be used to help protect water resources from the impacts of climate change, which would, in turn, protect public health via drinking water supplies, and efforts to address social issues.

IntechOpen eBooks, Nov 23, 2022

There are many types of problems that include variables that are not well defined. Seeking answer... more There are many types of problems that include variables that are not well defined. Seeking answers to complex problems that involve many variables becomes mathematically challenging. Instead, many investigators use methods like principal component analysis to reduce the number of variables, or linear or logistic regression to rank the impact of the variables and eliminating those with the limited impact. However, eliminating variables can create a loss of integrity, especially for variables that might be associated with low likelihood but have high impact events. The use of hierarchical Bayesian methods resolves this issue by utilizing the benefits of information theory to help answer questions by incorporating a series of prior distributions for a number of variables used to solve an equation. The concept is to create distributions for the range and likelihood for each variable, and then create additional distributions to define the mean and shape values. At least three levels of analysis are required, but the hierarchical solution can include added levels beyond the initial variables (i.e., distributions related to the priors for the shape parameters). The results incorporate uncertainty, variability, and the ability to update the confidence in the values of the variables based on the receipt of new data.

Studies in social science research, Jan 26, 2022

While politicians in Washington, who have already authorized trillions of funds for businesses in... more While politicians in Washington, who have already authorized trillions of funds for businesses in the past 3 years, have been arguing over allocating funds for state and local governments, there have been a number of suggestions that stimulus packages potentially benefit certain states at the expense to others. The arguments primarily appear to come down to politics-"red," Republican-led states versus "blue," Democratically-led states. The insinuation is that that the "blue" states are more poorly run than the red states and that the better run "red" states should not be "bailing out" poorly run "blue" states. A linear regression model was developed that perfectly predicted both federal fund recipients and "red" or "blue" designations. Correlation and principal component analysis was run to determine the factors that were the best predictors. The truth appears to be as Governor Cuomo states, "blue" states are better run, better funded and are more productive than "red" states when measuring gross domestic product, income and net tax revenue per person. Educational funding was a major reason "blue" states were ahead of their "red" neighbors.

Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection, 2021

This paper was undertaken to compare eleven utilities where part or all of the utility was tested... more This paper was undertaken to compare eleven utilities where part or all of the utility was tested for infiltration and inflow with the intention of determining the value of data gathered from midnight investigations, comparing potential costs (in 2020 dollars), and understanding whether statistical methods can be used to predict potential problems on the system. Inflow and infiltration amounts can be identified on a utility system without significant effort. Inflow correction is robust and easy to implement (though often overlooked). After inflow is addressed, the results indicated that a midnight investigation could quickly identify portions of the sewer system in need of attention. Maps of leaky pipe sections can be identified, and commonalities in the system may become apparent. Statistical methods were used to identify high groundwater levels and lateral issues as critical issues on these systems. The methods can be utilized at other utilities to help guide them to addressing the critical issues first as opposed to focusing only on the traditional pipe lining solutions that often ignore the lateral and inflow issues that plague utility managers.

Journal of Environmental Protection, 2014

In established or stable communities, the replacement of existing infrastructure must be pursued ... more In established or stable communities, the replacement of existing infrastructure must be pursued where it is no longer economical to operate, deteriorated to a point where replacement is more cost effective than repairs, where the infrastructure no longer serves its intended purpose or no longer meets regulatory standards. Unfortunately available tools to help utilities determine when it is appropriate or cost effective to replace infrastructure are limited, and often site specific. However, it can be shown that utilities that do not make significant, ongoing contributions to the replacement (or reinvestment) in their infrastructure will incur substantial rate impacts to their customers in the future. These rate impacts are often deferred by current elected bodies in an attempt to protect their political careers. The result is the ongoing deferral of maintenance obligations that expose the utility to ever increasing risk of failure.

Current Urban Studies, 2016

Water has shaped nations for centuries. However as populations have expanded and economies grow, ... more Water has shaped nations for centuries. However as populations have expanded and economies grow, the demand for water has increased substantially. Large amounts of water are needed for agriculture, power and daily living. This water is often removed from the downstream hydrologic cycle exacerbating current water shortfalls. There are a variety of means to address water demands. However they are disproportionately placed on urban users as those users are the easiest to measure and regulate. Urban users are asked to curtail water use, convert to alternative sources and can be regulated on per capita water use. Per capital water use is often used to show where there is "wasted" water use, usually in the form of excessive irrigation. Most such communities are distinctly urban-large areas with large and diverse populations, which often include a large tourist contingent. However such a metric may penalize successful communities with diverse economic bases, thereby limiting the potential for these urban communities to grow their economies and forcing local officials into difficult decisions with respect to growth, development and job opportunities for their residents. The issue is particularly significant because urban use is only 12.6% of total water use in the United States.

Critical Transitions in Water and Environmental Resources Management, Jun 25, 2004

A recent AWWWA survey indicated that there are over 60 aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) project... more A recent AWWWA survey indicated that there are over 60 aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) projects nation-wide, albeit many of those are in the test phase and not currently operational. Most of the systems are in areas where freshwater is injected into aquifer zones of relatively fresh native water. The limitations for such systems are mostly related to geo-chemical concerns. However, where the freshwater is injected into brackish water, ASR technology is not as well understood as some believe. Questions about the effects of buoyancy on the migration of the water, how well the system will operate over large injection horizons and the effects of the aquifer formation are all issues of concern. The current groundwater modeling software base (MODFLOW) is not sufficient to model ASR systems in brackish environments. As a result the authors have used SEAWAT, a USGS density driven model to look at these effects on some specific ASR systems: Collier County and Ft. Lauderdale in south Florida. Modeling ASR systems successfully can provide a tool for engineers and policy -makers for answering more extensive questions on non-potable ASR systems that might use surface waters or wastewater effluent. These ASR systems will need to answer concerns about nutrients, pathogens and potentially more exotic public health concerns such as endocrine disruptors. Using current Congressional directives to US EPA, may pose serious concerns in the near future despite the current analytical techniques not being available to detect the pharmaceuticals and viruses. The results of the modeling will shed light on limitations identified by the authors over the past several years, and provide some guidance as to their solutions.

British Journal of Applied Science and Technology, Jan 10, 2015

In the future, south Florida will be flush with water due to sea level rise and increased storm i... more In the future, south Florida will be flush with water due to sea level rise and increased storm intensity, meaning there are three options to deal with this problem – retreat, offshore discharges or finding a use for the water. The first is not an option so the others must be evaluated. To do so, the first task needed to identify solutions to this problem is to define the severity of the problem through a vulnerability analysis so the appropriate decisions can be made. Aims: The objectives of this research were to develop an accurate methodology for predicting impacts of sea level rise and rainfall patterns at the local level by identifying how existing topographic, groundwater and tidal data sources can be utilized to identify infrastructure vulnerable to sea level rise and flooding. Original Research Article Bloetscher et al.; BJAST, 7(1): 84-96, 2015; Article no.BJAST.2015.127 85 Study Design: Based on a study of monitoring well water levels on Miami Beach, it was noted that during the year, groundwater levels fluctuate due to tidal levels and rainfall, with the Fall king tides creating the highest vulnerability to infrastructure and property. Once vulnerability is defined a toolbox of options can be developed to deal with local issues. Results: The research found that the tides create a much larger vulnerability than current sea level rise analyses suggest and that the king tides drive the level of service for the community, while altering the dynamics of future stormwater planning efforts. To mitigate the impacts of flooding will require new ideas for dealing with excess waters. A toolbox of options was developed. Conclusion: One item that arose was that there is potential to use stormwater adaptation strategies to create future water supplies.

Environmental Practice, Sep 1, 2011

Page 1. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW & CASE STUDY Evaluating the Significance of Certain Pharmace... more Page 1. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW & CASE STUDY Evaluating the Significance of Certain Pharmaceuticals and Emerging Pathogens in Raw Water Supplies Frederick Bloetscher, Jeanine D. Plummer Pharmaceuticals and ...

Florida’s Climate: Changes, Variations, & Impacts, 2017

This chapter looks at how the impacts of climate change affect different parts of Florida. With m... more This chapter looks at how the impacts of climate change affect different parts of Florida. With more than 1500 miles of coastline that contains numerus differences in character between the state's southern-most point in the Florida Keys to the northwest Florida Panhandle and northeast Florida in Jacksonville, it is easy to see why areas across the state are not all the same; temperature, rainfall rates, and even the potential for sea level rise can vary significantly depending on what part of the state one is in. For example, southeast Florida and the Tampa Bay area are already dealing with sea level rise issues, but there is much work to be done in order to assess the risks and help identify potential solutions. Efforts to adapt to rising seas will need to draw upon prior research and current work to develop tool box strategies that involve the hard and soft components. A background of impacts to water resources (less rainfall has been detected) will be discussed.

Environmental Toxicology and Risk Assessment: Modeling and Risk Assessment Sixth Volume

Recent years have shown a trend by regulatory agencies towards increased scrutiny of metals in ef... more Recent years have shown a trend by regulatory agencies towards increased scrutiny of metals in effluent discharges. As a result, stricter enforcement and lower water quality criteria for metals have become more commonplace. Additionally, EPA policy, adopted in May of 1995, promotes the use of dissolved metals to set and measure compliance with water quality standards and presents alternatives to metals permitting. Implementation of such criterion leaves no room for sampling and analysis error, thus putting a premium on obtaining accurate, low concentration trace metal data. At stake are potential noncompliance fines, unnecessary treatment plant modifications, hampering the industrial development of an area, loss of discharge permits, and exposure to increasingly common third-party lawsuits. The scientific and regulatory communities are now in general agreement that historical background receiving water metal concentrations are substantially overestimated (U.S. EPA 1992, Windom et al. 1991). It is therefore reasonable to assume that the same contamination has and is occurring with conventional sampling and analytical methods for effluents. Historically the total recoverable form of the metal was used for evaluation of environmental impact. Recently the EPA (U.S. EPA 1995, U.S. EPA 1994) has recommended the only way to obtain such accurate metal data at low concentrations is through the implementation of clean chemistry techniques. These techniques have been developed in the Oceanographic Community over the past twenty years out of the necessity to minimize contamination and analyze ambient trace metal concentrations which are very low (Bruland et al. 1979, Patterson and Settle 1976, Shiller and Boyle 1985 and 1987). Case studies involving a paper mill effluent copper study, an estuarine receiving water zinc study, and a Virginia municipal wastewater facility are examples of the application and importance of such techniques for the domestic and industrial community. Data are not only defensible to regulators, but provide a more accurate view of background and effluent concentrations. These results improve the integrity of the database and typically resolve the majority of concerns. However, if the metal concentrations are above levels of concern, various permitting alternatives such as the chemical translator approach, water effects ratios, recalculation of mixing zones, seasonally tiered permits or variances could be pursued. These alternatives focus on the toxic forms of the metals. This approach accommodates improved information and data to protect the environment, without diverting significant funds from other needs.

Journal of Environmental Protection, 2018

A public water and sewer utility is created to develop safe, reliable and financially self-suppor... more A public water and sewer utility is created to develop safe, reliable and financially self-supporting potable water and sanitary sewage systems which will meet the water and sewerage needs of the areas served by the utility; to ensure that existing and future utility facilities are constructed, operated and managed at the least possible cost to the users without outside subsidies; and to develop a system that is compatible with the area's future growth. To gain efficiencies in operation, these new facilities must be developed in accordance with the latest technical and professional standards to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens served now or in the future. Hence a utility must construct new pipelines, pump stations and other infrastructure, whether that infrastructure is for growth, to improve existing service, or to replace infrastructure that has reached the end of its useful, economic, and/or physical life. In established or stable communities, the replacement of existing infrastructure, where it is no longer economical to operate, is deteriorated to a point where replacement is more cost effective than repairs due to wear, neglect or environmental conditions, or where the infrastructure no longer serves its intended purpose or meets regulatory standards, must be pursued. As a result, many established utilities have capital plans that contain many such replacement projects. The question is how much investment should be made. The intent of this paper is to evaluate investment in infrastructure made by public water and sewer utility systems. What was found among the utilities in Florida that were evaluated was that more than half are underinvesting in their infrastructure. Some are not investing at all although more research is needed because it appears that many utilities make large investments periodically as opposed to using pay-as-you-go methods. Large scale investments like bond issues impact rates. Economies-of-scale remain for large utilities. Smaller utilities compete with larger ones to control rates. The data gathered indicates that utilities are underfunded, and under-invested. To reduce potential health risks, this needs to change.

Journal of Hazardous Materials, Mar 1, 2012

Because of widely varying practices in solid waste management, an all-inclusive solution to long-... more Because of widely varying practices in solid waste management, an all-inclusive solution to long-term management of landfill leachate is currently not available. There is a major technological need for sustainable, economical options for safe discharge of leachate to the environment. Two potential on-site pretreatment technologies, photochemical iron-mediated aeration (PIMA) and TiO(2) photocatalysis were compared for treatment of landfill leachate at laboratory scale. Results of bench scale testing of real landfill leachate with PIMA and TiO(2) photocatalysis showed up to 86% conversion of refractory COD to complete mineralization, up to 91% removal of lead, up to 71% removal of ammonia without pH adjustment, and up to 90% effective color removal with detention times between 4 and 6h, in field samples. The estimated contact times for 90% removal of COD, ammonia, lead, and color were found to be on the order of 10-200 h for PIMA and 3-37 h for TiO(2) photocatalysis. Testing with actual leachate samples showed 85% TiO(2) photocatalyst recovery efficiency with no loss in performance after multiple (n>4 uses). Pre-filtration was not found to be necessary for effective treatment using either process.

Proceedings of the Water Environment Federation, 2005

The City of Hollywood currently maintains 290 miles of sewer collection system and a wastewater t... more The City of Hollywood currently maintains 290 miles of sewer collection system and a wastewater treatment plant rated at 48.75 million gallons per day. There had always been a long standing issue with hydrogen sulfide gas levels throughout the collection system and inside the treatment plant itself. Due to these high levels, degradation of the system due to corrosion was a major concern. Odor complaints were common practice throughout the city system. Most of the complaints, however, were generated from residents in close proximity to the wastewater treatment plant. Of utmost concern was the main trunk line entering the plant where levels of hydrogen sulfide were in excess of 1,000 parts per million. The manholes along the main artery to the plant had deteriorated to the point where major rehabilitation was necessary to avoid serious safety and environmental issues. Construction work had been delayed until a solution could be found to minimize this potential dangerous situation.

Journal of Hydrologic Engineering, Mar 1, 2009

Sustainability, Mar 31, 2016

In recent years, ongoing efforts by a multitude of universities, local governments, federal agenc... more In recent years, ongoing efforts by a multitude of universities, local governments, federal agencies, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have been focused on sea-level rise (SLR) adaptation in Florida. However, within these efforts, there has been very little attention given to the potential impacts of sea-level rise on human health. The intent of this project is to identify populations in Southeast Florida that are most vulnerable to sea-level rise from a topographic perspective, determine how vulnerable these population are from a socioeconomic perspective, identify potential health impacts, develop adaptation strategies designed to assist these communities, and produce an outreach effort that can be shared with other coastal communities. The location of socially-vulnerable and health-vulnerable populations are correlated, but at present they are not generally in the geographically-vulnerable areas. Projections indicate that they will become at risk in the future but the lack of data on emerging diseases makes public health assessments difficult. We propose a redefinition of "who is vulnerable?" to include health indicators and hard infrastructure solutions for flood and property protection. These tools can be used to help protect water resources from the impacts of climate change, which would, in turn, protect public health via drinking water supplies, and efforts to address social issues.

IntechOpen eBooks, Nov 23, 2022

There are many types of problems that include variables that are not well defined. Seeking answer... more There are many types of problems that include variables that are not well defined. Seeking answers to complex problems that involve many variables becomes mathematically challenging. Instead, many investigators use methods like principal component analysis to reduce the number of variables, or linear or logistic regression to rank the impact of the variables and eliminating those with the limited impact. However, eliminating variables can create a loss of integrity, especially for variables that might be associated with low likelihood but have high impact events. The use of hierarchical Bayesian methods resolves this issue by utilizing the benefits of information theory to help answer questions by incorporating a series of prior distributions for a number of variables used to solve an equation. The concept is to create distributions for the range and likelihood for each variable, and then create additional distributions to define the mean and shape values. At least three levels of analysis are required, but the hierarchical solution can include added levels beyond the initial variables (i.e., distributions related to the priors for the shape parameters). The results incorporate uncertainty, variability, and the ability to update the confidence in the values of the variables based on the receipt of new data.

Studies in social science research, Jan 26, 2022

While politicians in Washington, who have already authorized trillions of funds for businesses in... more While politicians in Washington, who have already authorized trillions of funds for businesses in the past 3 years, have been arguing over allocating funds for state and local governments, there have been a number of suggestions that stimulus packages potentially benefit certain states at the expense to others. The arguments primarily appear to come down to politics-"red," Republican-led states versus "blue," Democratically-led states. The insinuation is that that the "blue" states are more poorly run than the red states and that the better run "red" states should not be "bailing out" poorly run "blue" states. A linear regression model was developed that perfectly predicted both federal fund recipients and "red" or "blue" designations. Correlation and principal component analysis was run to determine the factors that were the best predictors. The truth appears to be as Governor Cuomo states, "blue" states are better run, better funded and are more productive than "red" states when measuring gross domestic product, income and net tax revenue per person. Educational funding was a major reason "blue" states were ahead of their "red" neighbors.

Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection, 2021

This paper was undertaken to compare eleven utilities where part or all of the utility was tested... more This paper was undertaken to compare eleven utilities where part or all of the utility was tested for infiltration and inflow with the intention of determining the value of data gathered from midnight investigations, comparing potential costs (in 2020 dollars), and understanding whether statistical methods can be used to predict potential problems on the system. Inflow and infiltration amounts can be identified on a utility system without significant effort. Inflow correction is robust and easy to implement (though often overlooked). After inflow is addressed, the results indicated that a midnight investigation could quickly identify portions of the sewer system in need of attention. Maps of leaky pipe sections can be identified, and commonalities in the system may become apparent. Statistical methods were used to identify high groundwater levels and lateral issues as critical issues on these systems. The methods can be utilized at other utilities to help guide them to addressing the critical issues first as opposed to focusing only on the traditional pipe lining solutions that often ignore the lateral and inflow issues that plague utility managers.

Journal of Environmental Protection, 2014

In established or stable communities, the replacement of existing infrastructure must be pursued ... more In established or stable communities, the replacement of existing infrastructure must be pursued where it is no longer economical to operate, deteriorated to a point where replacement is more cost effective than repairs, where the infrastructure no longer serves its intended purpose or no longer meets regulatory standards. Unfortunately available tools to help utilities determine when it is appropriate or cost effective to replace infrastructure are limited, and often site specific. However, it can be shown that utilities that do not make significant, ongoing contributions to the replacement (or reinvestment) in their infrastructure will incur substantial rate impacts to their customers in the future. These rate impacts are often deferred by current elected bodies in an attempt to protect their political careers. The result is the ongoing deferral of maintenance obligations that expose the utility to ever increasing risk of failure.

Current Urban Studies, 2016

Water has shaped nations for centuries. However as populations have expanded and economies grow, ... more Water has shaped nations for centuries. However as populations have expanded and economies grow, the demand for water has increased substantially. Large amounts of water are needed for agriculture, power and daily living. This water is often removed from the downstream hydrologic cycle exacerbating current water shortfalls. There are a variety of means to address water demands. However they are disproportionately placed on urban users as those users are the easiest to measure and regulate. Urban users are asked to curtail water use, convert to alternative sources and can be regulated on per capita water use. Per capital water use is often used to show where there is "wasted" water use, usually in the form of excessive irrigation. Most such communities are distinctly urban-large areas with large and diverse populations, which often include a large tourist contingent. However such a metric may penalize successful communities with diverse economic bases, thereby limiting the potential for these urban communities to grow their economies and forcing local officials into difficult decisions with respect to growth, development and job opportunities for their residents. The issue is particularly significant because urban use is only 12.6% of total water use in the United States.

Critical Transitions in Water and Environmental Resources Management, Jun 25, 2004

A recent AWWWA survey indicated that there are over 60 aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) project... more A recent AWWWA survey indicated that there are over 60 aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) projects nation-wide, albeit many of those are in the test phase and not currently operational. Most of the systems are in areas where freshwater is injected into aquifer zones of relatively fresh native water. The limitations for such systems are mostly related to geo-chemical concerns. However, where the freshwater is injected into brackish water, ASR technology is not as well understood as some believe. Questions about the effects of buoyancy on the migration of the water, how well the system will operate over large injection horizons and the effects of the aquifer formation are all issues of concern. The current groundwater modeling software base (MODFLOW) is not sufficient to model ASR systems in brackish environments. As a result the authors have used SEAWAT, a USGS density driven model to look at these effects on some specific ASR systems: Collier County and Ft. Lauderdale in south Florida. Modeling ASR systems successfully can provide a tool for engineers and policy -makers for answering more extensive questions on non-potable ASR systems that might use surface waters or wastewater effluent. These ASR systems will need to answer concerns about nutrients, pathogens and potentially more exotic public health concerns such as endocrine disruptors. Using current Congressional directives to US EPA, may pose serious concerns in the near future despite the current analytical techniques not being available to detect the pharmaceuticals and viruses. The results of the modeling will shed light on limitations identified by the authors over the past several years, and provide some guidance as to their solutions.

British Journal of Applied Science and Technology, Jan 10, 2015

In the future, south Florida will be flush with water due to sea level rise and increased storm i... more In the future, south Florida will be flush with water due to sea level rise and increased storm intensity, meaning there are three options to deal with this problem – retreat, offshore discharges or finding a use for the water. The first is not an option so the others must be evaluated. To do so, the first task needed to identify solutions to this problem is to define the severity of the problem through a vulnerability analysis so the appropriate decisions can be made. Aims: The objectives of this research were to develop an accurate methodology for predicting impacts of sea level rise and rainfall patterns at the local level by identifying how existing topographic, groundwater and tidal data sources can be utilized to identify infrastructure vulnerable to sea level rise and flooding. Original Research Article Bloetscher et al.; BJAST, 7(1): 84-96, 2015; Article no.BJAST.2015.127 85 Study Design: Based on a study of monitoring well water levels on Miami Beach, it was noted that during the year, groundwater levels fluctuate due to tidal levels and rainfall, with the Fall king tides creating the highest vulnerability to infrastructure and property. Once vulnerability is defined a toolbox of options can be developed to deal with local issues. Results: The research found that the tides create a much larger vulnerability than current sea level rise analyses suggest and that the king tides drive the level of service for the community, while altering the dynamics of future stormwater planning efforts. To mitigate the impacts of flooding will require new ideas for dealing with excess waters. A toolbox of options was developed. Conclusion: One item that arose was that there is potential to use stormwater adaptation strategies to create future water supplies.

Environmental Practice, Sep 1, 2011

Page 1. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW & CASE STUDY Evaluating the Significance of Certain Pharmace... more Page 1. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW & CASE STUDY Evaluating the Significance of Certain Pharmaceuticals and Emerging Pathogens in Raw Water Supplies Frederick Bloetscher, Jeanine D. Plummer Pharmaceuticals and ...

Florida’s Climate: Changes, Variations, & Impacts, 2017

This chapter looks at how the impacts of climate change affect different parts of Florida. With m... more This chapter looks at how the impacts of climate change affect different parts of Florida. With more than 1500 miles of coastline that contains numerus differences in character between the state's southern-most point in the Florida Keys to the northwest Florida Panhandle and northeast Florida in Jacksonville, it is easy to see why areas across the state are not all the same; temperature, rainfall rates, and even the potential for sea level rise can vary significantly depending on what part of the state one is in. For example, southeast Florida and the Tampa Bay area are already dealing with sea level rise issues, but there is much work to be done in order to assess the risks and help identify potential solutions. Efforts to adapt to rising seas will need to draw upon prior research and current work to develop tool box strategies that involve the hard and soft components. A background of impacts to water resources (less rainfall has been detected) will be discussed.

Environmental Toxicology and Risk Assessment: Modeling and Risk Assessment Sixth Volume

Recent years have shown a trend by regulatory agencies towards increased scrutiny of metals in ef... more Recent years have shown a trend by regulatory agencies towards increased scrutiny of metals in effluent discharges. As a result, stricter enforcement and lower water quality criteria for metals have become more commonplace. Additionally, EPA policy, adopted in May of 1995, promotes the use of dissolved metals to set and measure compliance with water quality standards and presents alternatives to metals permitting. Implementation of such criterion leaves no room for sampling and analysis error, thus putting a premium on obtaining accurate, low concentration trace metal data. At stake are potential noncompliance fines, unnecessary treatment plant modifications, hampering the industrial development of an area, loss of discharge permits, and exposure to increasingly common third-party lawsuits. The scientific and regulatory communities are now in general agreement that historical background receiving water metal concentrations are substantially overestimated (U.S. EPA 1992, Windom et al. 1991). It is therefore reasonable to assume that the same contamination has and is occurring with conventional sampling and analytical methods for effluents. Historically the total recoverable form of the metal was used for evaluation of environmental impact. Recently the EPA (U.S. EPA 1995, U.S. EPA 1994) has recommended the only way to obtain such accurate metal data at low concentrations is through the implementation of clean chemistry techniques. These techniques have been developed in the Oceanographic Community over the past twenty years out of the necessity to minimize contamination and analyze ambient trace metal concentrations which are very low (Bruland et al. 1979, Patterson and Settle 1976, Shiller and Boyle 1985 and 1987). Case studies involving a paper mill effluent copper study, an estuarine receiving water zinc study, and a Virginia municipal wastewater facility are examples of the application and importance of such techniques for the domestic and industrial community. Data are not only defensible to regulators, but provide a more accurate view of background and effluent concentrations. These results improve the integrity of the database and typically resolve the majority of concerns. However, if the metal concentrations are above levels of concern, various permitting alternatives such as the chemical translator approach, water effects ratios, recalculation of mixing zones, seasonally tiered permits or variances could be pursued. These alternatives focus on the toxic forms of the metals. This approach accommodates improved information and data to protect the environment, without diverting significant funds from other needs.

Journal of Environmental Protection, 2018

A public water and sewer utility is created to develop safe, reliable and financially self-suppor... more A public water and sewer utility is created to develop safe, reliable and financially self-supporting potable water and sanitary sewage systems which will meet the water and sewerage needs of the areas served by the utility; to ensure that existing and future utility facilities are constructed, operated and managed at the least possible cost to the users without outside subsidies; and to develop a system that is compatible with the area's future growth. To gain efficiencies in operation, these new facilities must be developed in accordance with the latest technical and professional standards to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens served now or in the future. Hence a utility must construct new pipelines, pump stations and other infrastructure, whether that infrastructure is for growth, to improve existing service, or to replace infrastructure that has reached the end of its useful, economic, and/or physical life. In established or stable communities, the replacement of existing infrastructure, where it is no longer economical to operate, is deteriorated to a point where replacement is more cost effective than repairs due to wear, neglect or environmental conditions, or where the infrastructure no longer serves its intended purpose or meets regulatory standards, must be pursued. As a result, many established utilities have capital plans that contain many such replacement projects. The question is how much investment should be made. The intent of this paper is to evaluate investment in infrastructure made by public water and sewer utility systems. What was found among the utilities in Florida that were evaluated was that more than half are underinvesting in their infrastructure. Some are not investing at all although more research is needed because it appears that many utilities make large investments periodically as opposed to using pay-as-you-go methods. Large scale investments like bond issues impact rates. Economies-of-scale remain for large utilities. Smaller utilities compete with larger ones to control rates. The data gathered indicates that utilities are underfunded, and under-invested. To reduce potential health risks, this needs to change.

Journal of Hazardous Materials, Mar 1, 2012

Because of widely varying practices in solid waste management, an all-inclusive solution to long-... more Because of widely varying practices in solid waste management, an all-inclusive solution to long-term management of landfill leachate is currently not available. There is a major technological need for sustainable, economical options for safe discharge of leachate to the environment. Two potential on-site pretreatment technologies, photochemical iron-mediated aeration (PIMA) and TiO(2) photocatalysis were compared for treatment of landfill leachate at laboratory scale. Results of bench scale testing of real landfill leachate with PIMA and TiO(2) photocatalysis showed up to 86% conversion of refractory COD to complete mineralization, up to 91% removal of lead, up to 71% removal of ammonia without pH adjustment, and up to 90% effective color removal with detention times between 4 and 6h, in field samples. The estimated contact times for 90% removal of COD, ammonia, lead, and color were found to be on the order of 10-200 h for PIMA and 3-37 h for TiO(2) photocatalysis. Testing with actual leachate samples showed 85% TiO(2) photocatalyst recovery efficiency with no loss in performance after multiple (n>4 uses). Pre-filtration was not found to be necessary for effective treatment using either process.

International Journal of Engineering Technologies and Management Research, 2020

This project evaluated the use of titanium dioxide for leachate treatment and recovery of methods... more This project evaluated the use of titanium dioxide for leachate treatment and recovery of methods for TiO2, using a TiO2 recovery technology, which was high enough to be economical ($10-$15 per 1,000 gallons) to be adopted by wastewater treatment plants. When comparing recovery technologies, the three which were investigated further through experimentation were a centrifuge, sedimentation tank, and microfilter membrane. Upon experimentation and research, the TiO2 recovery efficiencies of these technologies were 99.5%, 92.5%, and 96.3%, respectively. When doing economic analysis on these technologies comparing TiO2 efficiencies and capital and operational costs, the centrifuge was the most preferred economic option. It was found that costs were in the economical range ($10-$15/1,000 gallons). TiO2: settling behavior, particle size and zeta potential, interactions with COD, and filter operations (particle characterization) were discovered for future research and future testing on this issue.