For Immediate Release: Precautionary Air Quality Statement

November 30, 2007 

EPC Contact:

Alain Watson

(813) 363-8814

UPDATE 2 – Fire Continues to Burn

( Tampa, FL) - Tampa Fire Rescue expects the fire to burn through the night into Saturday.  As such, it will continue to produce the thick smoke which has been observed today.  Light winds are forecasted into tomorrow turning slightly from north northeast to more easterly.  This may cause the smoke to affect other neighborhoods until extinguished.

The elevated fine particulate readings recorded this morning in Apollo Beach have returned to normal levels.  Citizens may still notice a burnt odor in the air even though the air quality readings at this site have improved.

EPC will continue to monitor the situation and issue any further statements as necessary. 

Update 1         Smoke from Port of Tampa Fire Causing Elevated Air Pollution Levels   

(Tampa, FL) – The Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County (EPC) is notifying the public of the possibility of certain areas experiencing elevated levels of air pollution from a fire at a scrap metal recycling facility located at the Port of Tampa. Light north to north east winds are carrying a thick plume of smoke out over Tampa Bay and it currently appears to be affecting the south coast area of Hillsborough County. The EPC’s fine particulate monitor in Apollo Beach has been registering elevated pollution levels throughout the morning.

Tampa Fire Rescue at the scene of the fire report the fire will last several more hours.  With the winds forecasted to persist from the north to northeast, we do not expect the downwind area to change. We are hopeful that the fog will lift this afternoon, improving the dispersion of the smoke and improving the air quality.

If individuals have pre-existing respiratory aliments, or are particularly sensitive, they may want to take into account the smoke from this fire as they plan the rest of their activities. The levels recorded this morning by EPC’s monitor do not represent an unhealthy level of air pollution; however, it may be noticeable even to a healthy individual.

For Immediate Release

November 14, 2007

EPC Contacts:

Tony D’Aquila

(813) 627 - 2600 ext 1246

Richard Boler

(813) 627-2600 ext 1046

Elevated Levels of Ammonia Confirmed at Lower Alafia River

(Riverview, FL) – The Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County (EPC) continues its investigation regarding the environmental impacts from the November 12, 2007 anhydrous ammonia leak from Tampa Bay Pipeline. The release was located at U.S. Hwy 301 and the Alafia River and began approximately 6:00 p.m. on November 12 and was secured at approximately noon today. 

Preliminary lab results indicate the presence of ammonia at 3.0 mg/l or 30 times the normal average within the lower Alafia River downstream, west of U.S. 301. A normal average for that section of the Alafia River is usually less than 0.1 mg/l. At this time, environmental impacts from the ammonia are still being assessed. Elevated levels of ammonia may be harmful to aquatic life and can contribute to significant algae blooms.

The EPC plans to dispatch additional sampling crews to evaluate any potential long-term environmental impacts to water quality and aquatic life in the Alafia River.

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For Immediate Release

November 13, 2007

EPC Contacts:

Tony D’Aquila

(813) 627 - 2600 ext 1246 or (813) 777-8411

Sterlin Woodard

(813) 627-2600 ext 1250 or (813)777-6859  

HC Health Department Contact:

Cindy Morris

(813) 307-8000

EPC Conducting Environmental Assessment on Tampa Bay Pipeline Leak

(Riverview, FL) – The Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County (EPC) is conducting an investigation regarding the environmental impacts of an anhydrous ammonia leak on November 12, 2007 from Tampa Bay Pipeline. The release is located at U.S. Hwy 301 and the Alafia River and began approximately at 6:00 p.m. on November 12 and will continue until all the ammonia in the segment has been released. 

Although the EPC is not actively participating in the control of the release, the Agency acts as an environmental resource for Hillsborough County Fire Rescue regarding this incident. EPC staff is conducting an environmental assessment of the impact to air and surface water quality. EPC scientists are conducting water quality sampling at the mouth of the Alafia River and as well as from a location downstream from the leak. Initial assessment is anticipated to be completed by 4:00 p.m. this afternoon.

Additional sampling at the site will take place after the leak is secured and it is safe to enter the area. The EPC will dispatch additional sampling crews to determine additional water quality impacts and to assess potential long-term environmental impacts.

Information from the Hillsborough County Health Department:

Pay attention and stay alert to news coverage and follow the advice Hillsborough County Fire Rescue and remain out of the immediate area until it is safe. It is especially important to limit time spent outdoors in the immediate area for children and persons with existing medical conditions such as asthma.  Exposure to high levels of ammonia can cause irritation and serious burns on the skin and in the mouth, throat, lungs, and eyes.   If you feel you are experiencing adverse health affects, contact a physician for an evaluation or advice.

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For Immediate Release  July 31, 2007

EPC Staff to Host Wetlands Rule Workshops

Contact:  Barbara Motte
(813) 627 - 2600 ext. 1008

(Tampa, FL) – The staff of the Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County (EPC) will host two informal workshops to discuss the proposed amendments to the EPC's Wetlands Rule, Chapter 1-11 and the Mangrove Trimming and Preservation Rule, Chapter 1-14.

The workshops are scheduled for Friday, August 3, 2007 from 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Wednesday, August 8, 2007 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the Environmental Protection Commission offices located at 3629 Queen Palm Drive, Tampa.

On July 26, 2007, the EPC Board voted to move forward with parallel amendments to address potential changes to EPC’s Wetlands Management Division and associated rules. 

One amendment proposes to modify section 1-11.09 and adopt sections 1-11.10 and 1-11.11 which incorporate miscellaneous activities, exemptions and noticed exemptions into Chapter 1-11.  The second amendment provides for the repeal of Part I of Chapter 1-11 and the repeal of the existing Mangrove Rule, Chapter 1-14.

Both proposed rule amendments are available for review online at www.epchc.org.  Copies can be requested by calling (813) 627-2600 extension 1054.  Please submit written comments by Friday, August 10, 2007 via U.S. Mail to Andrew Zodrow, Esq., Environmental Protection Commission, 3629 Queen Palm Drive, Tampa, FL 33619, via e-mail at zodrowa@epchc.org or via facsimile at (813) 627-2602.

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For Immediate Release  - July 31, 2007

EPC Announces Wetlands Ombudsman

Contact:
Barbara Motte
813.627.2600 ext. 1008 

This important position will further enhance the agency’s commitment in providing excellent customer service to county residents and will serve as a resource for wetland-related inquiries. After learning of her appointment, Bryant stated, “I am excited about this opportunity and look forward to working more closely with the community and assisting our customers through what can be a complex process.”  

Bryant will be adding her new responsibilities as ombudsman under her current position as an engineer with the division. Her appointment was effective July 27, 2007.

Bryant has a B.S. degree in Engineering as well as a Master’s of Engineering degree, both from the University of Florida. Previously, she worked as an upper elementary math teacher and as an environmental scientist with Hillsborough County’s Public Works Department.

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