 |
|
          |
 |
|
|
|
|
For Immediate Release Mobile, AL., the Mobile Bay National Estuary Program (Mobile Bay NEP) and the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) have entered into a three year agreement to start a new water quality monitoring program. This program supports the actions of the Mobile Bay NEP's Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan water quality monitoring objectives. As a result, the new program will begin yearly sampling efforts in several sub-estuaries along Mobile Bay. Area scientists and technicians within the Mobile Bay NEP water quality issue workgroup met several times with representatives of ADEM to develop a more intensive effort in areas experiencing rapid growth as well as lacking data. Sub-estuaries are located where local rivers meet Mobile Bay. They are influenced by daily tides as well as fluctuations in salinity from the Gulf of Mexico. Local agencies, citizens, and researchers rely on quality information to make decisions. Initial efforts will include work in the Bon Secour, Bayou La Batre, and Dog River sub-estuaries. One sub-estuary a year will be sampled on a quarterly basis starting with the Bon Secour watershed. Long term plans include adding Fowl River and Fish River to the program. Monitoring will include a thorough investigation of water and sediment parameters. These include measurements on water chemistry, pathogens, and metals. Samples will be taken from the rivers leading into the sub-estuary as well. Once analysis is complete, information will be made available through the Mobile Bay NEP's website, www.mobilebaynep.com. Contacts: Mobile Bay NEP 251-431-6409
|
|
 |
|
|
This site best view at
800X600 with Netscape 6.0 or Explorer 5.5 or higher |
|