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2006 Progress Report: An Historical Perspective on the Economic and Environmental Impacts of the Phosphate Industry on the Tampa Bay Region

EPA Grant Number: X832302C005
Subproject: this is subproject number 005 , established and managed by the Center Director under grant X832302
(EPA does not fund or establish subprojects; EPA awards and manages the overall grant for this center).
Center: Center for Science and Policy Applications for Coastal Environments (C–SPACE)
Center Director: D'Elia, Christopher F
Title: An Historical Perspective on the Economic and Environmental Impacts of the Phosphate Industry on the Tampa Bay Region
Investigators: Criss, Antoinette , Krest, Jim
Institution: University of South Florida
EPA Project Officer: Jones, Brandon
Project Period: September 1, 2005 through August 31, 2008
Project Period Covered by this Report: September 1, 2005 through August 31, 2006
RFA: Targeted Research Center (2004)
Research Category: Targeted Research , Hazardous Waste/Remediation

Description:

Objective:

Preliminary information suggests positive economic impacts on the state of Florida and the Tampa Bay region, although regional impacts are largely inferred from state data. However, because the phosphate industry is dependent upon a mined resource whose stocks are being diminished, the future of the industry is limited by the economic viability of continued extraction of this resource. Significant consolidation and vertical integration (with fertilizer producers) of the industry has taken place, suggesting that the industry is preparing itself for its decline. Dissolution of the Florida Phosphate Council, the lobbying group for the industry, is also consistent with the decline of the industry. While environmental concerns have been raised and addressed with respect to the industry, these do not seem to be instrumental in the decline of the industry.

Progress Summary:

Fieldwork addressing the environmental impact of waste discharge on Tampa Bay is still ongoing. This fieldwork has been concentrated in Bishops Harbor (where active discharge of phosphogypsum stack wastewater is being discharged), and in Cockroach Bay, which is being used as a control in this study due to its similar size and drainage. Water and sediment samples were collected over the summer, and further sampling is planned for Spring 2007. Preliminary results from the water samples show no difference in phosphate loading in the water column, most likely due to the short-residence time of water in the bays. Sediment samples are waiting to be processed for total phosphorus concentrations, which should provide more insight into storage of phosphorus in the bays.

Supplemental Keywords:

water, watersheds, groundwater, land, soil, marine, estuary, chemicals, toxics, PCB, heavy metals, ecosystem, restoration, terrestrial, aquatic, habitat, innovative technology, remediation, restoration, public policy, decision making, modeling, monitoring, analytical, remote sensing, Florida, FL, EPA Region 4, social science, Florida (FL), Phosphate rock mining (SIC 1475), water, orthophosphate, total phosphorus, Tampa Bay, Bishops Harbor, Cockroach Bay, sediment, pore water,
Relevant Websites:

http://www.stpt.usf.edu/cspace/cspace.asp exit EPA

Progress and Final Reports:
Original Abstract


Main Center Abstract and Reports:
X832302    Center for Science and Policy Applications for Coastal Environments (C–SPACE)

Subprojects under this Center: (EPA does not fund or establish subprojects; EPA awards and manages the overall grant for this center).
X832302C001 Past and Present Water Quality in Florida Coastal Waters
X832302C002 Cyanobacteria Proliferation and Eutrophication in Florida Lakes
X832302C003 Reactive Metal Particle Emulsions for Removal of PCBs
X832302C004 The Social and Environmental Dimensions of Xeriscaping: A Pathway for Ameliorating Coastal Environments
X832302C005 An Historical Perspective on the Economic and Environmental Impacts of the Phosphate Industry on the Tampa Bay Region
X832302C006 Interfacing SWAT and PHABSIM: A Potential GIS-based Water Resource Management Tool
X832302C007 Acquisition of Counters for Gamma-Emitting Radioisotopes
X832302C008 Guided Surface Vehicles
X832302C009 Science Journalism
X832302C010 Administration and Outreach

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The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.

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